Help me think thru my next purchase

[corgiS&W]

I have a M66 & M67 in 4" (both no dash) and a 642 for cc. I'm thinking about getting a stainless snubbie for cc, but am having difficulty deciding which would be the best way to go. Perhaps some of you have gone through this thinking process already and can give some suggestions.

I have thought about an M64 or an M65. I like the idea of having a choice between 38s and 357s, but have only seen M64 snubbies available locally. Recently I thought that perhaps I should consider an L frame 686 or even an N frame 627, so I don't limit myself to K frames. What parameters should I be considering in making the choice? TIA

 

[dcxplant]

I've just been around the wringer trying to answer the same question.

I've decided a hammerless all stainless J frame in .38 for me when I find one I like at the price I like.

On the Ammo pages a fellow did a great .38 special chronographed ammo test of handloads and various factory loads in 2", 4", 8" barreled SW revolvers. The data for the 2" snubbie in .38 special with hot loads was very eye opening, I feel confident in carrying this package. (Right now I'm carrying my dad's stainless Mod 60 (with hammer).

 

[feralmerril]

For concealed carry I would stay away from a N frame. You dont need to pack a heavy tank around. On another thread today I explained my thoughts for carrying a model 36 3" as opposed to a 66-3 and a python snub.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/198553-3-model-36-what-do-you-think.html

 

[M1Lover]

Carry Piece

If you're considering the 642, you might as well get a 640 and have the .357 capability. Practice with 38's then load it up with .357 158 JHP's for carry. Serious pocket-rocket.... H.

 

[photoman]

While I don't care a thing for .357 Magnum J frames, I think M1Lover has a good point. You might want to consider the Magnum 640. There are some "medium" .357 loads out there that are light enough to handle well in a 640 and give you a bit more fps.

 

[corgiS&W]

If you're considering the 642, you might as well get a 640 and have the .357 capability. Practice with 38's then load it up with .357 158 JHP's for carry. Serious pocket-rocket.... H.

I already have the 642 but was thinking that I would like a stainless steel alternative CCW. I guess the M60 should also be included in the possibilities, but...

 

[.357magger]

Three lil numbers if J stainless is your choice.

And they are...drum roll please...6. 4. 9.

I'm not a fan of .357's in J's, just, for me, too much punishment in practice and you SHOULD practice with what you carry. A solid Gold Dot in either +p or not, or other loadings too is pretty much all you'll need at phonebooth distance if you do your part. Can be fired from a pocket if needed, or bag, or whatever but still has an "exposed" hammer if you will to allow a precise SA shot if needed.

Just got me (or rather my wife, who stole it) a sweet lil 649 no dash for the queenly sum of $260 plus tax.

On the other foot from Merrill, I think if you're really serious about your CCW gear, go bigger than a J. You can carry a K just as easy, or an L, or an N for that matter with proper holster selection. Lots more gun in the fight and LOTS more options as to distance, loads, ability to shoot full power practice rounds, etc. Personally, I don't care much for "it's so light I hardly know it's there". I WANT to know it's there, and I tend to shoot much better with somewhat larger weapons. Just my .02 on that one.

Just a thought. Happy Blasting.

 

[Stainz]

You said 627, too... how about the ultimate .38/.357M snubbie, the 2 5/8" PC627 UDR, aka the 'Blood Work' revolver? Pricey - $1,049 MSRP - but it's a PC Shop goodie - great trigger. They come with Eagle boot grips - which I didn't care for - below is mine with Ahrends retro targets in cocobolo:

I liked it so much, I bought a second one as a HD revolver (Doesn't everybody use that excuse?). Never mind what I sold to buy that second one. I also had Lobo Leather make me a nice holster for it (That belt was too small!). Below, one is in the holster, the other, beside it. Both sport the PC Shop N frame grips (~$52 from S&W Accessories) - great fit/feel.

Not a CCW - I have a 642 for that application. Easily, this is my all-time-favorite S&W!

Stainz

 

[ColbyBruce]

Have you considered a semi-auto for CC? As you can see from this photo, a J frame is not much smaller than a #3913.

 

[illgtncarb]

Help...

I think it comes down to how recoil sensitive you are if you are certain you want .357 ability. My 360 is a dream to carry and since I am not particularly recoil sensitive I don't mind the .357 loads, but the exposed hammer spur makes pocket carry difficult. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe S&W stopped making K frame .357s so your stuck on the used market if you go that way. Of course, the best revolver I ever owned was probably my used M66 4 inch I owned a long time ago; finding one of those in 2 inch would probably be ideal for you since you own a 4 incher already. Finally, the 686 is fantastic and has enough weight to tame the .357, but is a little heavy for all day carry IMO. Fine for a quick trip to the qwiki mart, though. Notice all the above are exposed hammer which I find works fine for me for IWB carry, but if you are thinking pocket carry go with CH. I would recommend the 640 in that case.


________________________________
eschew obfuscation

 

[MSgtThor]

As someone who has carried concealed (work requirement) for 25+ years, I can tell you that weight will be an issue. I have carried everything from J's to N's and after a few hours you will notice a heavier gun. Although I am a wheel gun man at heart for concealed work, especialy if you might have to use it, you cannot beat an auto for ease of carry and weight. If you want to carry daily and want a revolver, then a J or smaller K would be your best bet.

 

[williamlayton]

Even a Sig P220 is an easier piece to carry and conceal than a revolver--of any size, from my experience.
Blessings

 

[gr7070]

I have a 642 for cc. I'm thinking about getting a stainless snubbie for cc

You've got what may be the premier J-frame for CCW. I'm guessing you'd still carry this most often???

I'd get something quite different then. Go for the 627.