I bought the wrong gun, now what?

[Shootingfish]

Now that hubby and I are both retired, we want to travel and decided self defense is important at this point. We both got our CCL and extensively researched the "best gun" for CCL. After watching videos, going to gun shows and gun shops we both decided (separately) that the gun for us was the S&W 642. We both have CT stocks/grips. However, I can't stand shooting the gun. It kicks the **** out of my hand and I'm so apprehensive about the kick after about 3 shots, I'm hitting outside the target. I end up shooting my 686 4" 7 rnd the rest of our range time. Hubby loves his 642. We realize we have a ways to go before EDC, but I feel like I'm back at square one. The 686 is too big/heavy for my EDC and is our nightstand gun. I'm thinking about a 686 3". Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[CaliTrav]

Are you only interested in revolvers or you open to striker fire guns as well for CCL?

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[M29since14]

Have you considered a small .22 auto, like the little Ruger LCPII? I know many think poorly of the idea of a small .22. Generally I agree, but if it is what you can easily and confidently handle, I think you might be well served.

A J-frame .32 caliber revolver might be another option, though they are more difficult to find.

 

[CaliTrav]

If she shoots a 686 fine I would think she could handle a 9mm just fine in say a Glock 26 or S&W shield. Good options for conceal carry. There are smaller single stack Glocks but you will have to pay the off roster premium.

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[THE PILGRIM]

If you want to keep the 642, try some different larger Grips.
Obviously larger Revolvers are an option.
22 Autos certainly an option.
I have Ruger LCP II, fun Gun to shoot.
Have had a few failures to Fire.
Bottom line is - Try Before You Buy!

 

[lawandorder]

Steel, always steel.

 

[CaliTrav]

If you want to keep the 642, try some different larger Grips.
Obviously larger Revolvers are an option.
22 Autos certainly an option.
I have Ruger LCP II, fun Gun to shoot.
Have had a few failures to Fire.
Bottom line is - Try Before You Buy!

Good point, I have a 640-1 that punishes you when shooting 357's with the small grips on. But with the bigger hogue grips I can shoot 357's with no pain at all.

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[Duckfood]

If you want to stick with the J-Frame, try to find an all steel model... I believe that the 649 has been discontinued, but, you can find one used... Also, the model 640 has been on my "Wants" list for quite some time...

Also, consider jumping up to a K-Frame... The Model 10 is possibly the ultimate all-around firearm...

 

[CaliTrav]

If you want to stick with the J-Frame, try to find an all steel model... I believe that the 649 has been discontinued, but, you can find one used... Also, the model 640 has been on my "Wants" list for quite some time...

Also, consider jumping up to a K-Frame... The Model 10 is possibly the ultimate all-around firearm...

The 640-1 is a fun gun and easy to shoot with 38's. When shooting 357's it throws a mean fire ball and fire rings. [emoji16]

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[smithra_66]

Now that hubby and I are both retired, we want to travel and decided self defense is important at this point. We both got our CCL and extensively researched the "best gun" for CCL. After watching videos, going to gun shows and gun shops we both decided (separately) that the gun for us was the S&W 642. We both have CT stocks/grips. However, I can't stand shooting the gun. It kicks the **** out of my hand and I'm so apprehensive about the kick after about 3 shots, I'm hitting outside the target. I end up shooting my 686 4" 7 rnd the rest of our range time. Hubby loves his 642. We realize we have a ways to go before EDC, but I feel like I'm back at square one. The 686 is too big/heavy for my EDC and is our nightstand gun. I'm thinking about a 686 3". Any thoughts/suggestions?

Tiny guns definitely recoil more. The same goes for the tiny plastic auto pistols too.

Have you considered using lighter ammo? In my opinion you should build your routine around a gun that you shoot best. A 4" 686 doesn't fit on your night stand?

Why are you convinced that you need such a tiny gun?

 

[murphydog]

You didn't mention what style of CT grips you have, but the most expensive version (the CT-405) are very well cushioned. Those or another larger set of rubber grips, and starting out with the lightest loads possible and working your way up the power scale, may help.

If not, there are plenty of easier to shoot guns between a 2" model 642 and a 3" 686 (still a really big gun and hard to carry). Good luck in your decision.

 

[cfplinker]

Have you tried 148 grain wadcutters or 158 grain semi-wadcutters (non +P) in it yet?

 

[AJ]

Good point, I have a 640-1 that punishes you when shooting 357's with the small grips on. But with the bigger hogue grips I can shoot 357's with no pain at all.

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I will second the use of Hogue grips. Just a bit larger, but much more comfortable to shoot. I carried a 342Ti with Hogue grips until arthritis in my hands made the recoil unbearable. That said if I had, had to use the 342Ti in self defense, I probably would not have noticed the recoil.

 

[Buzzzer]

My wife has a model 60 in 3". Light to carry, "can" be loaded with .357 rounds although she MUCH prefers the 38 SPL loads (which she uses). It is pretty fun to shoot, I must admit, and doesn't, at least for her, punish her hands...

 

[.38SuperMan]

I have arthritis in my hands and wrists and can't tolerate much recoil. A couple years ago I bought a 442 and just couldn't stand it. I was in pain for a couple days after shooting it.

I'm not sure why I even bought the 442 because I have a 640 no dash 38 special only. It's heavy enough and with good rubber grips I can manage it with standard loads. No pain and fun to shoot. Even better, I bought a new Colt King Cobra 3" that I only shoot 38's in and a 2" Colt Cobra. Both have rubber grips, hold 6 shots and are only slightly larger than the 642, 442 or 640. They're really enjoyable to shoot and beautifully made guns too. The Cobra and King Cobra are reincarnations and modernized detective specials.

I sort of got into snub nose revolvers and added a couple of model 10 2" revolvers also. They're the larger K frames but still smaller than your 686 and steel with enough weight to dampen recoil but still be small enough to conceal. Recoil is very manageable.

Just a few thoughts and hope you find a solution.

 

[CaliTrav]

Same 640-1 as pictured above but with the hogue grips. It's nice that it covers the back strap. These grips stay in it now as I mainly use it for 357's. A little hand cannon, removed the 640 from my CCW and replaced it with the lighter 442.

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[StakeOut]

I carry a Ruger SR22 with stingers and a spare 2nd 10rd mag.

Marksmanship is a key confidence builder and trumps gun and bullet choices.

 

[Marshal Tom]

642 wrong choice

Sorry to hear that you were either ill advised or made the wrong decision on your own, I see this a lot. I teach and provide weapon selection advice for beginning shooters for HD and CCW. I never advise a J frame for beginner/inexperienced shooters and especially the light weights like the 642. They are hard to control, have a short sight radius, considerable recoil and a limited number of rounds. If you are set on a revolver, a K frame in a model 10, 12 or 15 would be a much better choice or a Colt D frame, one of the Ruger LCR's or Kimber K6. If you are opened to a Semi Auto I often suggest a Shield, Shield EZ in both 9mm and .380 if manipulating the slide is an issue, Springfield Hellcat or the Sig 365 and XL model with the slightly longer barrel and sight radius. The Glock single stack .380 or .9mm 42 and 43 are also good choices. There are many other good choices from CZ and others.
If possible, go to range where you can handle and rent guns so you can actually shoot them prior to purchase.
I also advise against any of the micro pistols in .22, .25, .32acp. These are small pocket pistols with often hard to manipulate controls, poor triggers and sights. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and we could talk on the phone.

 

[stanmerrell]

It takes time

It takes time to figure out whats the best gun for a person to carry and shoot. My mom used to carry this old model 10. She carried it in her waistband sometimes.
https://ibb.co/Qvk95bW
My wife likes this Ruger LCRX in 38 special.
https://ibb.co/1TGXK9B
Consider getting a 22 revolver and practicing a couple times a month. Get a holster and carry at home for a while to get the feel of it. If you like the 686 you just need a good way to carry it. I think it's a good choice. Good on you for being armed.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Nothing wrong with a 642. Try a set of 20.00 ergo grips [Dillon sells them] and hornady critical defense .38 ammo in the pink box. The grips look weird but they do work. I tried various boot grips, wood and rubber and then a set of these. They totally change the way the gun feels by changing the grip's angle and how your wrist is bent. These have stayed on my edc lightweight scandium revolver.

 

[mckenney99]

If the light weight of the 642 is the issue, then look at a couple of the small framed steel revolvers like the S&W M60, M649 or M640, the Ruger SP101 or the Kimber K6s. While slightly heavier to carry, they should be much more comfortable to shoot when matched up with good grips and some of the lighter weight bullet low recoil ammo.

 

[rosewood]

The 640-1 is a fun gun and easy to shoot with 38's. When shooting 357's it throws a mean fire ball and fire rings. [emoji16]

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Never seen a fire ring before. That is too cool.

 

[SAFireman]

Smith & Wesson produces several guns in the same configuration as the 642, but in different calibers.

Before giving up I would do the following:
-Shoot with 148 grain wadcutters
-Try some larger, more padded grips
-Ask a professional to watch you shoot and see if maybe your grip style/position is part of the problem

If those fail you can try a lighter recoiling caliber. Smith & Wesson makes several other Lightweight Centennials:
-Model 43c - in 22 Long Rifle - 8 shots of Self Defense 22 LR
-Model 351c - in 22 Magnum - 7 shots of Self Defense 22 Mag (I own and carry this one).
-There are several that were produced in 32 caliber of various flavors (Mag, H&R mag, ect).

While some may say that the 22 & 22 Mag aren't enough for Self Defense, they are unwilling to stand in front of me and absorb even one round from either. There are several companies producing Self Defense rounds in 22LR and 22Mag.

Good luck in your search.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Small lite guns recoil more than bigger heavier guns......

Your 642 is a great gun to carry a lot and shoot a little.
Try practicing/carrying with light 148gr wadcutters..... shot placement is king and it will make a .35" hole!

Two options:
Get a steel J-frame revolver.... same size but a bit heavier ... 60,640
Get a 2 inch K-frame .... bit bigger and heavier; 6 shots..... my wife's gun!

 

[rd97]

I put the Pachmayr Diamond Pros on my little j-frames. They really absorb the recoil better than any grips I have used. Hornady also I think makes a low recoil carry load for the 38 special that might help.

 

[Shootingfish]

Are you only interested in revolvers or you open to striker fire guns as well for CCL?

Not familiar with the term "striker fire guns." I think revolvers are more reliable and one less thing to worry about.

If you want to keep the 642, try some different larger Grips. I have Ruger LCP II, fun Gun to shoot. Bottom line is - Try Before You Buy!

I have the extended CT grips on the 642. I thought the longer grip would help, but so far hasn't. DIL as Ruger LCP, I just don't think that gun is for me. I wish I could try before I buy. I held a lot of guns, but no way to fire any of them. Most rental guns are Semi auto.

If you want to stick with the J-Frame, try to find an all steel model... I believe that the 649 has been discontinued, but, you can find one used... Also, the model 640 has been on my "Wants" list for quite some time...

Also, consider jumping up to a K-Frame... The Model 10 is possibly the ultimate all-around firearm...

Will check those out.

Have you considered using lighter ammo? In my opinion you should build your routine around a gun that you shoot best. A 4" 686 doesn't fit on your night stand?

Why are you convinced that you need such a tiny gun?

I didn't consider different ammo, just bought what they have at the range., which is 38 spl Lead 158 GR SWC

The 4" 686 is kept on the nightstand.

I'm no longer convinced I need a tiny gun. When I talk to ppl I hear "my wife carries a so and so. " Most of those so and sos are j-frame, or Ruger LCP. So I took my cue from there.

You didn't mention what style of CT grips you have, but the most expensive version (the CT-405) are very well cushioned. Those or another larger set of rubber grips, and starting out with the lightest loads possible and working your way up the power scale, may help.

My Grips are CT LG-305. $330 They are rubber and have the extended grip


Thanks for all of the help and knowledge sharing. Before I go spend another $800+ on a gun I'll try working my way up with some of these ideas. The optimum would be to try the gun first but not many ppl I know even care for revolvers, let alone own one. Thanks again!

 

[rd97]

The CT grips don't seem to handle recoil very well.

 

[Nevada Ed]

At 21 oz and steel........... my M49 J frame has a lot less recoil than a 642.

Have you tried Hornady's 90 gr poly tip SD ammo out for recoil, yet ?

Last chance is the standard 148 WC or standard target 158 Lwc design
before you try a one pc Rubber Houge grip to cut the sting & recoil down
that is caused by the metal backstrap on your revolver.

Revolvers are nice but a pistol might solve your problem, also.

Good luck.

 

[Shootingfish]

/QUOTE]

Would you mind sharing the name of the holster? Hubby has a bday coming up.

 

[mikerjf]

A steel 357 J frame is 3 ounces heavier than the steel 38 J frame (and 8? ounces heavier than your 642).

With the extra weight and using rubber grips and reduced recoil ammo, I would think you'd be fine... and it's still basically the gun you liked.

So, a 357 640, some Hogues, and a box of non-+P FBI loads could be in your future.