637 vs 642

[sawlog]

hello, I was a rural king today and they had a 637 and a 642.
the only difference I seen was the 637 had a exposed hammer and 642 was enclosed.
is that the only difference?
thanks

 

[Old cop]

That's pretty much the only difference. Many prefer the 642 for concealment b/c there is nothing to snag when the gun is presented to the target. Others like the idea of a hammer for a single action shot if needed. I pocket carry and find the concealed hammer models (642/442) best for my purposes.

 

[JAREDSHS]

that's it in a nutshell. oh and the 637 has a hammer block where as the 642 doesn't.

 

[snubbyfan]

That's pretty much the only difference. Many prefer the 642 for concealment b/c there is nothing to snag when the gun is presented to the target. Others like the idea of a hammer for a single action shot if needed. I pocket carry and find the concealed hammer models (642/442) best for my purposes.

What he said.
I carry a 442 all day everyday either in my pocket or on my belt.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn snubbyfan

Natoya make out OK at the vet?

 

[snubbyfan]

Natoya make out OK at the vet?

He was miserable for a couple of days but he's back to his old self now.

 

[mbliss57]

I have to say the best of both worlds is the 638. I have several 42s, 37s, 38s 637, 638s, 36s and 40s...and 49s and 649s ...I like the variety of being able to change my mind.
Plus I am a J frame addict.
The 36=37, 49=38, 40=42. The 36, 49, 40 are steel frame instead of airweights. The 6 means its a SS gun instead of blued or nickel.
Then the ...4xx series are black..and I believe they are all airweights. I am not sure of the coating material but I am sure someone will enlighten us
Then their are the 3xx series Scandium Titanium series ultra lights. Like 11 oz light. I owned a 342PD in .357 for about 2 weeks. After 2 cylinders in .357 mag I sold it in order to keep the nerves in my hand from dying. They make it in the M&P as well and it's rated for .38spl +P. That is more manageable but still a handful on such a light platform.
My favorite J frame that I do not pocket carry is the 649-3 in 357 mag. All steel with a SW combat grips. Very easy to control in a powerful package.
My favorite pocket carry is my 638.

 

[sawlog]

thank you
how tall is the 642?
the website tells the weight and length but not the height.
is it going to be close to my shield?
I have a model 60 pro for ccw that I love and I am looking for something a little smaller

 

[b_san]

A couple of other options as well, you could look at the 637 Wyatt Deep Cover which gives you a bobbed no snag hammer and a trigger job along with a crappy belt grip (I only put mine back on because I've been using it as a toss in the belt when I run a quick errand gun)...

View attachment 152327

Or there's the 442/642 Pro which comes cut for moon clips...

View attachment 152328

Or for an oddball, there's the 360j which is basically the M&P 360 in .38 special only...

View attachment 152329

 

[Helderberg]

Here is another configuration of the 642. This is a TALO PC version that has the best trigger I have ever tried on an Airweight. The wood grips are beautiful, but I swapped them out for a set of Bantam Pacy's as these old hands like a little cushion. I have a 638 and have had a 637 and a 442 but for carry and concealment in any kind of weather and humidity the 642 is my mainstay.
Frank.