Advice on Newer S&W Snubbies

[Robinett_11B]

Another big +1 on the newer production no-lock Centennials. I'm not a big fan of "new" S&W's, but this little 442-2 is a constant companion. I've put 1,000+ rounds through it in the last 8 months and it's never skipped a beat. Can't say enough good about the Centennial design. My 442-2 and no-dash 640 are my favorite CCW pieces by far

The only complaint I have is that I prefer the older style cylinder release. I use my support hand to reload and the older style release works a little better when using my support-hand thumb to push it. It's not a big deal, though.

I feel ya about the new style vs. old style thumb latch. It's more of an aesthetic thing to me than anything else, but if you haven't already done it; then you could always swap out the newer style MIM latch for an older style forged latch. That's what I did recently and I think my 442 looks much nicer now

 

[Gasman1972]

We have a new 638 w/ lock and a used 642 w/lock. While we don't have many rounds through them yet, they are very nice.

I love Ruger revolvers but I don't have any anymore...hint hint

 

[texasj]

642 with no lock and a CT grip. No complaints.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I feel ya about the new style vs. old style thumb latch. It's more of an aesthetic thing to me than anything else, but if you haven't already done it; then you could always swap out the newer style MIM latch for an older style forged latch. That's what I did recently and I think my 442 looks much nicer now

Replacing the latch is definitely on my to-do list.

BTW, are those Nyclad FBI loads in your picture? I haven't seen those in a long time.

 

[NA225]

The 642 is a fine weapon. I have been carrying a M&P 340 for a little while and love the XS front night sight. It is light and being .357 will shoot .38s (just in case the speed strip I have is one I had loaded for my 640).

 

[Robinett_11B]

Replacing the latch is definitely on my to-do list.

BTW, are those Nyclad FBI loads in your picture? I haven't seen those in a long time.

Yes, sir...they are indeed 158gr +P SWCHP Nyclads. Found 'em in a hole-in-the-wall gun shop here in WA. Just had the one box of 50 there on the shelf. I fired 6 rounds, to ensure they'd ignite...seem to be on the up&up.

 

[deadin]

I just bought a new 642 and am quite happy with it. I figured that the recoil might be a little painful so I picked up a set of Houge Boot grips at the same time. I decided to give the factory grips a try first because they conceal much easier. Started with some 148gr. full wad cutters with no problems. Switched to the standard 158gr. LRN, still manageable. Finally gave it a try with some 125gr +P HP's.
Looks like I can take the Houge's back as the only thing disconcerting was the muzzle flash with the +P.
The one drawback I find with the factory grips is that a regular 5 round speed loader won't work with them.
I have a couple of "speed strips" that I will have to practice with for reloads.

(I also realized that this was the first brand new S&W I have bought in over 20 to 25 years. And, yes, no IL.)

 

[Knightrider03m]

the new ones are fine peter...i far prefer them to a ruger

x2



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[Greenbeanie67]

My favorite J Frame turns out to be the 649, or the older 49.
I also have a 638 that I carry as I jog or walk around the neighborhood. My two 649's are the 357 mag series, but I carry
the Speer Gold Dot 135 g HP in all of my J Frames.

 

[dinooch]

I have a 442 and 340sc with IL's have never failed me and are the most carried guns in my collection. I just carry a key on me along with a speed strip or 2 just in case. You can never be too careful. I also have a box of 158+P Nyclads and 125 gr "Chief's Special" Nyclads I Even have a box of 158gr S&W headstamped Nyclad 158+P solids. I prefer to carry 135gr+P gold dots in the 442 and either 125gr Remington Medium velocity .357 or 125gr Golden Sabres in the 340sc they are also a "mid load"

 

[gasaman]

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[97thSignalman]

I had an LCR for a short while. I found it uncomfortable to shoot and after 250 rounds it locked up on me. The firing pin wouldn't retract, the cylinder would not rotate and it was almost impossible to open. I sent it back to Ruger who fixed it at NC and when I got it back I sold it. I tended to shoot almost a foot low at ten yards.

In all fairness, it was my first (and maybe my last) snubbie. Maybe I am just not a snubbie guy. I have never tried any J-frames so I don't know if I would like them any better than did the LCR.

I would tell anyone who is considering an LCR (or a J-frame for that matter) to try before you buy.

 

[peterd]

Newer S&W Snubbies

Thanks a lot to all who replied - I believe I'll go the Centennial route. The Model 36 I currently have has started to "egg out" the firing pin hole and I'll probably send it back to Smith for repair and retire it when it comes back - I've heard lots of stuff from all kinds of sources, but I'd stack the knowledge base from this group as superior to them all. Thanks again!!

 

[Maximumbob54]

While I will be buying a 642 eventually, is there truly no love left for the SP-101???

 

[pennhead]

While I will be buying a 642 eventually, is there truly no love left for the SP-101???

I'd love to have an SP-101 out in the truck. Built like a tank.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I love my 637 but the SP-101 can fire ammo where only an L or N frame should tread. They have the compact feel of a K frame, over built, and easy to pack with weight vs. max firepower. This is my opinion speaking here but it takes finding a PC 681 to be on better ground but it gives up compact for that extra firepower. A 642/442 is about the smallest you can go for reliable compact firepower. But add just a little more and you can have a tank in your pocket. Now let S&W make a six shot 681 with slimmed contour on the barrel and they might have a good fighter against the SP-101. But until then...