Are there any S&W revolvers smaller than the model 640 (J frame)?

[slinkiusmaximus]

I recently bought a Model 640 Pro Series, and while I love it, even the 2-finger grip sticks out of some of my pockets a bit while conceal carrying in a pocket holster (whereas, for example, my Sig P238 did not). I highly prefer pocket carry because it's one carry system I can employ in almost any situation, regardless of clothing.

Are there any S&W revolvers (.38 special minimum) that are smaller (I can't find official height information on the S&W website for revolvers, which I'd think is the most relevant dimension for my issue)? I prefer all stainless steel, but I'd settle for other materials if necessary. I'd also prefer to stick with S&W revolvers, but I'd consider other reputable brands as well.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[mgriffin]

Instead of buying another small revolver (which isn't a bad thing) maybe try some loose fit jeans with bigger pockets. I pocket carry a 442 and a 640 and my gun never sticks out of my pocket. Levi 505s or loose fit Lee's does the trick for me. Just saying....

 

[Ed333]

The 640 uses the J Magnum frame, introduced with the model 60, slightly larger than the old J frames. Also, your 640 probably has rubber grips, which may be bigger overall than the round butt magna grips. If you were to find an old model 40 or 49 with magna grips, you might find them more to your liking. They would be blue or nickel plated, no stainless steel. 38 special only.

 

[colt_saa]

Are there any S&W revolvers smaller than the model 640 (J frame)?

Yes, but they are no longer in production and were never made of stainless steel

However if 38 Special is your minimum cartridge than most of theme would not qualify

I pocket carry almost anything in the 5.11 Covert Khakis. That includes the N-frame Night guards, Detonics Combat Master, SIG P224 and HK P2000SK

The Dockers also have very deep/large front pockets, especially the Dockers Golf slacks

If changing your slacks is out of the question, you might consider wearing shirts that are not tucked in. Then the pocket will be covered.

If none of those are options that you can live with, you might want to consider another firearm style/caliber

The Boberg 9MM now being marketed by Bond Arms as the BullPup gives you a 3.35" barreled 9MM semi-auto that will solve your problem.

The two downsides to the Boberg is the price, along with the fact that due to the bullpup design you must test your carry ammunition with it

Thanks to the Boberg design, I can even carry a 4" barreled 45ACP with great comfort

 

[SC_Mike]

Deeper pockets never hurt...

Make sure also you use a good quality holster that doesn't let it sit too high in the pocket. I have one pair of shorts that I feel lets the pistol butt stick up a bit and could be visible but never out.

My 640 no dash and reload.

 

[one eye joe]

I recently bought a Model 640 Pro Series, and while I love it, even the 2-finger grip sticks out of some of my pockets a bit while conceal carrying in a pocket holster (whereas, for example, my Sig P238 did not). I highly prefer pocket carry because it's one carry system I can employ in almost any situation, regardless of clothing.

Are there any S&W revolvers (.38 special minimum) that are smaller (I can't find official height information on the S&W website for revolvers, which I'd think is the most relevant dimension for my issue)? I prefer all stainless steel, but I'd settle for other materials if necessary. I'd also prefer to stick with S&W revolvers, but I'd consider other reputable brands as well.

Thanks in advance for any help!

THOSE OF US WHO CARRY USUALLY DRESS FOR THE WEAPON, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND......

A VERY SIMPLE, AND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE, SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM WOULD BE TO HAVE A TAILOR EXTEND THE DEPTH OF YOUR CARRY POCKETS, INSIDE YOUR PANTS.....

 

[Wee Hooker]

IMHO, you'd be splitting hairs with any other S&W revolver (in 38). Yes the frame got slightly bigger with the "J magnum" but the grips are interchangeable /same basic size. IF smaller grips or a proper pocket holster don't work for you, then it might be time to go to a S&W BG380. IMHO, it's one of the best pocket carry options out there. (This coming from a revolver guy , BTW). It's lighter (by half),thinner (by half) and will give you an extra couple of rounds. The BG380's DA trigger is very similar to the 640 and well suited to pocket carry too.

 

[slinkiusmaximus]

Good info here!

I'm fairly new to revolvers and didn't know about the new J frames being slightly bigger.

Perhaps I do just need to find some pants/shorts brands that have deeper pockets, as I admit the pockets on the shorts I wear are often a bit shallow.

Trying a different holster is a good suggestion too, as the (admittedly inexpensive) pocket holster I currently have may be allowing the gun to rock back in the pocket, exposing the bottom of the grip.

The reason I don't go with a smaller subcompact semi-auto is that I've had reliability issues with them (Sig P238 and Kimber Micro .380 ACP are the 2 I've shot the most) that I don't have with full size semi-autos (like my Glock or most of the many other full size semis I've fired). No doubt it could have been "user error" in terms of grip/handling the gun, but I did try many different ways of holding the gun, and I just could never get 100 rounds through them without a few malfunctions. Even if I did find a way of gripping the subcompact semis in such a way as to eliminate the reliability problems, at the end of the day, I don't want to have to worry about using perfect grip if I'm in a self defence situation. I just want to be able to (safely) grab the gun, point it, and hear it go bang, and so far my new J frame has met that expectation with flying colors. I appreciate the semi-auto suggestions though, and I'm glad those of you suggesting them have had success with them.

 

[SquarePizza]

I know what it is like to have a fixed wardrobe (work uniform) that drastically limits the size and location of your EDC.

Thankfully, I can just barely make my 649 with the 2 1/4 barrel work. If it ddidn't I would go this route in a heart beat.

Taurus 380 Mini Ultra-Lite .380 ACP Snub Nose Revolver Review

These are built on a shorter frame, so they are actually smaller than the S&W J frame. Then I might even snag a glock 42 to back it up =)

Link to taurus:
Taurus M380

Pic of Jframe and Taurus 380:

 

[dr. mordo]

Here's a pic showing the difference betwen the Magnum vs "Special" J frame:

M637 vs M36 no dash

And here's a pic showing the difference between a M30 no dash (not an I frame) and the M36 no dash:

So, there's almost 1/2" difference between the M30 and the M637.

That said, the holster makes a difference, too. The pocket holsters I have are all stitched on the bottom, which seems to add almost 1/2" amount to their in-pocket height. I have a local holster guy, and I'm seriously considering having him make a pocket holster with the seams on the sides, not on the bottom. However, I'm also wondering of the increased width of the leather isn't pushing the gun up a bit, so I'm also considering making a pocket holster with some heavy cloth.

Another possibility is get a no dash or pre-M32 (in .38 S&W), which will be the same size or maybe smaller than my M30 and load it with Buffalo Bore which should be very close to most modern .38 SPL ballistics.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

On a less technical note, I have no problem pocket holster carrying my S&W Model 340 PD Airlite in any of my pockets. I am 6'2" with a 34-36" waist depending on what dinner was. I really like this revolver for carry.

 

[H Richard]

Wrangler jeans, "relaxed fit". I carry my (38 only) 640 without problems. I made my own holsters from thin upholstery leather, smooth side in rough side out. It adds literally nothing to the dimensions of the revolver.

 

[murphydog]

If you are referring to new S & W revolvers shorter than a J frame in .38 Special or larger, the answer is there are none. The polymer Bodyguard .38 appears taller.

The very first Chiefs Specials (1950-'53) had a 1/8" shorter grip frame but are more collector's items, and I suspect the size won't make a significant difference for you. Agree with looking at the smallest possible stocks or larger pockets.

 

[michpatriot]

340pd

The 340pd is shorter, not much but shorter and much easier to pocket carry at 11.4 oz. I pocket carry one every day, all day. For pocket carry there is no rival to a scandium framed j.

 

[Czechvar]

Check out Duluth Trading Company shorts and pants, as well as the extra long shirts...That 640 Pro is worth it. I wear them all the time, and my 640 hides very well. I even have the Hogue large rubber grip on mine...

 

[Mister X]

The 642 is much more pocket friendly than the 640 IMO.

 

[KalamazooKid]

The 340pd is shorter, not much but shorter and much easier to pocket carry at 11.4 oz. I pocket carry one every day, all day. For pocket carry there is no rival to a scandium framed j.

This. Every day.

 

[kthom]

I can pocket carry my M-640 or M-642 with the extended Crimson Trace lasergrip installed in the front pocket(s) of my Duluth Firehose Flex cargo shorts or the same product with long pants. I cannot carry either one in the pockets of my regular Wrangler Jeans. Pockets are too short and too small in the jeans. I'm not a big fan of the "relaxed fit" jeans, so I carry on my belt when wearing those. The Duluth products are expensive, but they wear like iron. I have yet to wear out anything I've bought from them, so make certain what you get fits properly and is something you want to wear for a very long time! And my advice is to get the FLEX firehose material. It is lighter and it is a bit stretchy with a very comfortable waistband. The regular firehose material is much heavier and I don't think nearly as comfortable.

 

[mikesal34744]

THOSE OF US WHO CARRY USUALLY DRESS FOR THE WEAPON, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND......



A VERY SIMPLE, AND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE, SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM WOULD BE TO HAVE A TAILOR EXTEND THE DEPTH OF YOUR CARRY POCKETS, INSIDE YOUR PANTS.....

Not me. I carry around my dress and sometimes carry around my weapon. LCP for the pocket, j frame for sports shorts, p365/Shield for everyday fitted t shirts, but when I go to the mall or movies or church I always dress to make sure I can carry a double stack 12-15 rounds with a spare magazine.


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[rubiranch]

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What a cute little gun.