First revolver, 637 or 442? Help me out here...

[smitty704]

For my first revolver I want something smaller, and affordable. I already got my M&P 45c. So definately a Smith, what do y'all think?

 

[TSQUARED]

For my first revolver I want something smaller, and affordable. I already got my M&P 45c. So definately a Smith, what do y'all think?

If you intend to carry it then you should go for the 442 which is hammerless and has nothing to snag on a pocket or clothing. I carry a S&W 642.

 

[photoman]

I prefer the Centennial (442) over the 637. The enclosed hammer makes for a better pocket gun and perfecting your double action shooting is what you want for self defense.

Either one will be a good choice for a close range self defense gun. Be sure to find a good grip that works for you (I prefer the Uncle Mike's Combat grip) and dry fire the gun a lot with both hands (to smooth the action and strengthen your hands).

 

[lemeni]

The 442-1 Pro is a current production no lock model. It's SKU # 178041 and is available for well under $400 NIB.
Great little gun.

 

[smitty704]

Great advise, the internal hammer sounds like the best idea because I do intend on carrying it. Thanks alot guys!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I had a 637 and it served me well. It is in for repair right now, but it will end up being replaced one way or another for a 442. My only worry with the 442 is retention in a holster. I have seen a few models where the cylinder has a spring hold it in place in the holster and a few other methods of retention, but they all look a little shady.

 

[BobR1]

For ccw I would go 442/642 or with a Bodyguard 638. I have a 638, but would have no issues at all with a 442/642 either. At one time I thought the ability to cock the hammer was of some benefit. The 638 was snag free and could be cocked, so I went with it. I almost never cock it anymore. My brother has a 637, and he almost never cocks his either.

HOLSTERS
Needing a hammer for retention was mentioned.
I have a Lobo Model 1 Pancake on order for my 638 with no thumb break, as we speak. I am having it detail boned so I expect no retention issues at all.
If worried about retention, I would check with a custom maker like Ray, and see if he can do a thumb break on a Centenial or 638. I am betting a custom maker can make it your way.
Nothing like good leather to go with a nice handgun.

The airweight Smiths pocket carry just fine also. Mine lives in a coat, jacket or vest pocket in cooler weather. I decided to add my 638 to my Summer carry list, so I did a little research, and picked a holster for it. In the Summer I go to belt carry and a loose shirt.

Bob

 

[2238945]

I got one of the 360Js that was a contract overrun. Looking back at it, I should have just bought a 642/442. My main use for it is pocket carry and wish I had gotten the enclosed hammer instead.

So def get the 642/442 and grab a Apex J Frame kit, I got one and it took my pull from 13lbs to 8.5 DA. I wish the trigger return was a little stronger, but its a great drop-in.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I got one of the 360Js that was a contract overrun. Looking back at it, I should have just bought a 642/442. My main use for it is pocket carry and wish I had gotten the enclosed hammer instead.

So def get the 642/442 and grab a Apex J Frame kit, I got one and it took my pull from 13lbs to 8.5 DA. I wish the trigger return was a little stronger, but its a great drop-in.

I'm glad to finally hear someone else say that. My trigger return just isn't what I thought it would be either.

 

[txredmule]

First revolver, don't get a j-frame. Try a k or l-frame. Three or four inch barrel. A j-frame is too small and light to learn how to use a double action revolver.

 

[tguil]

Minority opinion: If you want a small "first" revolver, I suggest a steel "J" frame with an exposed hammer (Model 36 or Model 60). If it doesn't have good rubber grips, buy a set. Practice shooting both single action and double action. I have Model 36 that I have had for over 20years. Every time I think that I want to buy air-weight hammerless "J" frame, I ask myself why. I can't think of a good reason so I still don't have one. The steel "J" frames with a hammer are very versatile guns.

 

[smitty704]

Thanks for all the input, I will def be getting an internal hammer. I think I should have mentioned that I am very familiar with shooting revolvers, I have shot my fathers since I was little, I just dont want a ruger. Just needed some Smith input because I know my Dads going to say get an sp 101! Again thanks for your honesty

 

[Broadside]

Every time I think that I want to buy air-weight hammerless "J" frame, I ask myself why. I can't think of a good reason so I still don't have one.

I can think of one very good reason, pocket carry.

For pocket carry, the all steel J-frames are heavy. For the very few times I can actually carry a firearm, it is almost always my Model 640 no dash. When I do, I'm wearing blue jeans and an 1 1/2" belt. Anything else will sag too much and be noticable.

 

[tguil]

I can think of one very good reason, pocket carry.

For pocket carry, the all steel J-frames are heavy. For the very few times I can actually carry a firearm, it is almost always my Model 640 no dash. When I do, I'm wearing blue jeans and an 1 1/2" belt. Anything else will sag too much and be noticable.

I appreciate your comment. I think the same thing every once in a while. Although I have a CCW, I rarely carry and more rarely pocket carry. But there are those times and local dealer has a couple of "no lock" 442's going for $349 plus tax. Maybe I had better do something about that.

To the OP: Fathers Day is next weekend and you are not going to take your dad's advice about an SP101...........

 

[JayDubya]

Since I bought my 637 nine years ago, I have sent several thousand rounds downrange with it. If I had known then what I know now I would have gotten a 642 instead. Almost all those thousands of rounds were fired double action, because it is a defense weapon that almost certainly would be used at close range. The few shots I have made single action were worse than what I usually get double action. So from my point of view the hammer on my 637 simply creates pocket-carry problems.

Be warned: either of the two j-frames you mentioned (637 and 442) are going to jar your fillings loose -- they kick like a mule, even with standard pressure range loads. The fellow above who suggested getting an all-steel revolver knows what he is talking about.

Cordially, Jack

 

[rz625-8]

If you want a double action only revolver in steel,try the M640 in .38/357 because,you can shoot either round in that.

 

[smitty704]

To tguil, no I will not be taking his advice on the sp101. It will deff be the 642 or the 442. Now I just have to wait until I get my bonus at the end of July.... damn... Haha

 

[jframe]

I own a 638 no lock, AND 642-1 just like it. I think I generally prefer the 642, even though the Bodyguard has a certain charm in it's appearance. I prefer the simplicity of the double action, and may even trade the Bodyguard for a steel frame 640. I had a 640-1 once, and I miss it.