I bought the wrong gun, now what?

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

Test drive a 3" 60-10.

 

[AVG]

The wife and I have been shooting together going back to 1980 shooting
revolvers. We moved to Florida "the land of the free" in 1990 and getting carry permits and that is when the trouble stated finding the right gun to carry. She could not fit here 686 3" in her bag so we went on buying spree to find the right gun for her to carry. After going thru ten different gun for many years. She got Sig P238 380acp which she has carried for the last ten years. A accurate gun easy on the hands. She also has a Kimber K6S 3" 38spl. which has a great trigger but is SS.

 

[Randomgunguy]

Try these Pachmayr grips.. I added them to my 642. Yes they are hard plastic, but the extra finger groove released with squeezing the grip does help with the recoil and accuracy. I love my 642. I just wish it was a 6 round. I actually qualify better for off duty carry than with my 4013tsw semi auto.

Planning on cerakoting my 642 in gun blue and gold plating the trigger this year. Hopefully it turns out nice...

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Pachmayr-GuardianGrip-Revolver-Spring-Loaded-Extender/dp/B07BB18R9P[/ame]

 

[Birdhunter6]

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.

Great advice. My EDC is a 640 with the Ergo grip. Steel frame, no gap behind the trigger guard to give recoil a head start. I shoot .38 +P but the Critical Defense .38 loads are designed to offer both lower recoil and good energy transfer in soft tissue.

 

[jonh1373]

steel

Steel, always steel.

I agree. I had three alloy J frames and they are all history. I replaced them with three steel frame J frames. Back to enjoying the small revolver. A J frame with +P ammo is a goode defensive weapon without excessive recoil.

Almost forgot, get some Hogue rubber grips they really tame the recoil.

 

[NavySCPO]

Probably already mentioned, but you might consider the 327 Federal Magnum. Roughly 80-90% the power of the 357, and about half the recoil. Hard to find ammo, but a very effective round. Another plus is you can practice with 32 ammo in the same revolver. The Ruger SP101 and LCR both are available in the 327, and if memory serves both are also available in DA only. S&W produced it I think for only one year, so those are crazy expensive revolvers.

 

[Shootingfish]

Shooting fish, my daughter carrys a 642 in a belly band. She also changed grips. She's 5'2" 130lbs. Doesn't work with a dress. In that case she shifts to a carry purse or sling bag holster. The lady of the house here does the same, except she carrys a Shield Plus.
Belly band might work for you also.

I bought a belly band. That works best for me. I like being able to shift gun around without having to deal with where it fits on my clothes. Plus, it just feels secure.

I'll look for a sling bag holster too. Thanks

 

[Shootingfish]

Shooting Fish, tons of great advice above. As to carry methods, consider alternate holsters, my wife was comfortable with the flash bang holster which snaps to the center of her bra. They make several inside the waste band holsters with the "Utiliclip" which snaps securely to fabric only..no belt required. Concealed Carry Holsters for Women Also, the folks at Phlster make the Enigma which is a waste belt designed to be worn under clothing and allow the gun to be positioned in multiple ways...think light nylon shorts for running cycling, etc. Enigma | PHLSTER Kydex Holsters and Medical Accessories

Thanks for this. I have looked in local stores and gun shops but just haven't found anything. I think part of my problem is too many variables at once — ammo, gun, holster, grips... I'll get it though, I'm pretty relentless. Especially with all the help I'm getting in this forum.

 

[AJ]

My wife is petite and is recoil shy. I bought a 43c just for cheap practice. We took it out the first time, and she told me she loved it she did not like my 442 . She was able to shoot a 2 inch group with it. So I found some I believe federal punch. I would rather her have 8 22's, that she can shoot. I bought he sig 238 hd and she did not like it. I know many will the 22 is to weak, but she can put 8 holes in a 2 inch group rapidly. She also was not a fan of 380 bodyguards

Try the 351C, a friend gave me one when I was having trouble with my 342 Ti. It is .22 Mag, but only seven shots not eight.

 

[Shootingfish]

Guns are learning experiences. You will own several before you find what works for you. ONCE YOU DO don't let anyone talk you out of it no matter what their experience level is.

Or, seriously, think about getting used to carrying your 686. It's a good gun. Good enough to give it a long try.

Owning/trying several guns could really shoot holes in the the wallet. I've rented a few and ruled them out. Even non-revolvers. I guess I'm a romantic about the revolver - I want to look like Dale Evans and shoot like Annie Oakley. The 686 would be great if the assailant was more than 20 feet away. Close in, I wouldn't stand a chance.

 

[marct375]

Models 640 and 649 are steel j frames that have enclosed or shrouded hammers that won't catch on clothing or purse.

 

[dpast32]

I guess I too will chip in here. Be advised that are still numerous S&W Models available for your consideration. Firsty, if you are willing to move up only 1" in barrel length, you will soon learn what many others have discovered over the years, an 3" barreled Revolver is much, much more controllable, & therefore accurate than its 2" counterpart. ( Also providing an upgrade in power, somewhat. ) As I'm not aware of your overall financial position, I can't determine if you need to keep within a specific price bracket ? There are some perhaps older, now discontinued S&W Models available, but they will of course run for somewhat higher prices. ( As in S&W's Alloy type K/L Frames, perhaps even the older Model 12's, in 2" - 4", although lightweight, their Frame size lends to better control, especially so when 'proper' Grips are fitted, along with 'proper ammunition choices'. ) And, just to throw this out there, IMHO, the Ruger LCR-X 3" Barrel, .38 Special+P Alloy Framed 5 rd Revolver offers an exceptional useful weapon to someone who wishes an easy to carry, reasonably accurate, reasonably controllable 'daily carry' Revolver.

AND in the Automatic Pistol arena, your overall choices are seemingly unlimited, although there are certain caveats one should always remember. Just briefly, stay 9x19mm, not .380 ACP. I won't immediately go into the Auto's, not unless / until I'm sure you are also considering them. If so, I will gladly provide you my particular likes, dislikes, & overall opinion, along with of course my personal choices. For what it's worth, one of my very, very frequently carried 'constant companions' is, & has been since circa 1995 or so is my KAHR, Model PM-9, in 9x19. That, along with my other, 'constant companion', my S&W M-642, 2" .38 Special+P remain my trusted choices for as long as I can remember. And yes, I do have numerous other choices, albeit for specific, very infrequently occurring circumstances should any such circumstances arise. But, for everyday local errands, business, & or similar 'routines' they both serve admirably well, & will continue to do so. ( Unless of course I happene to break down & purchase one of those River 3", LCR-X Models, as currently, S&W doesn't appear to produce anything similar ? Well, O/P, I hope my brief overview helps you out at least a little. Good Luck !!

Best, Dom P. / 'dpast32'

 

[Beemerguy53]

Steel, always steel.

This ^ right here...

The OP's post points up something I've been saying forever about these lightweight revolvers: If you don't enjoy shooting it, or if it's painful to shoot, you'll never become proficient with it.

 

[skwchock]

GOOD COMMENTS. I agree with most of them. Most important, carry something that you feel comfortable with. It is better to have something on you that you "like" and would shoot. A good "carry" is better than a "great" gun at home.

 

[jimmyj]

1. Hogue soft rubber combat grips
2. Factory 148 grain wadcutters
3. Install Wolf mainspring and trigger return spring.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Shootingfish , I don't think you bought the wrong gun , you just need to learn how to shoot it . You have received some good advice and a lot of , well " spend money for this , spend money for that " ? Before you spend more money , trying this and trying that . Let's try this , at NO cost !
I bet that you are holding it , arms straight out in front of you like 2 stiff boards , trying to hold it steady , right ?
Relax , relax you arms , allow a slight bend in your elbows and grasp the pistol firmly , hands tight only . Allow the recoil to come back through your arms and whole body . It should make a world of difference in your comfort . Don't try to absorb all the recoil with just your hands , let your whole body work for you . You can practice this at home , getting used to the technique . Stop thinking about the shot , only think about the target . Good luck , just my .02cts worth . Regards Paul

 

[Marshal Tom]

Shootingfish, There are several Youtube folks, ladies ( She equips herself) for one, who specialize in women's carry methods/dress etc. As several of us have said, I prefer on body carry methods for a number of reasons. Also see if there is a ( Girl and a Gun) group in your area and consider joining it. It is a ladies only national group who work specifically with women shooters in areas of self defense/home defense, carry methods, shooting techniques and the like. They do seminars,classes and range sessions as well as meeting in small groups to watch video's provided by the organization. Our local group is very active and growing rapidly.

 

[oink]

My wife seems to like the Glock 43 she stole from me. They now have the 43X (I think) that you can get a metal magazine for that ups the round count to up to 10 or so. It's purse gun size and weight. She can pull the slide and she has difficulty with slide pull on many guns.

 

[m4user]

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?

I personally think you made a good choice so before you rush look to another pistol or revolver, try a set of Pachmayr "Compact" grips on your 642. I'll bet you can find some on Ebay for short money. One of the best traits of a revolver is being able to change the stocks (or grips) to suit your hand size. Back in the day when police departments carried revolvers, I saw scores go up 10 to 20 points just by changing to grips that fit the shooter better especially when shooting S&W J frames.

 

[Echo40]

Slap some rubber boot grips on it and/or load Standard Pressure .38 Special, that ought to reduce the recoil down to tolerable levels.

 

[SteedGun]

I have trained a number of females in my life to shoot. Here are the guns they ended up keeping for carry.

Sig Sauer P938 9mm
Sig Sauer P238 380
Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm
STI Elektra 9mm
Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm
Dan Wesson Guardian 9mm

To date none of my females picked revolvers. I have plenty for them to shoot but I think the magazine capacity and magazine change tends to favor the pistol vs. the revolver for my group. Also, some of these like the Smith & Wesson Shield are very slim when compared to a revolver.

 

[JPound]

Ammo?

Are you practicing with the ammo you intend to carry? If so, get some quality time with a lighter load. Getting comfortable with your carry gun needs repetition and if it hurts that's going to suffer. Once you feel confident shooting the firearm, you won't notice the recoil when you begin to carry and, God forbid, you need to use it for self defense. Adrenalin will tale over. IMHO.

 

[LCC]

1. Hogue soft rubber combat grips
2. Factory 148 grain wadcutters
3. Install Wolf mainspring and trigger return spring.

X2.

My wife never liked the 642, even after installing Hogue grips and the Wollf spring kit. Whereas I thought it tamed it well, cannot think of a more difficult handgun to shoot well.

After trying out various handguns, wife settled on a 3" all steel Taurus .38 with rubber grips. Easy recoil and highly accurate with 148 wadcutters.

Suggest a trip back to the gun shop you bought the 642 at and trade it in on credit, then handle a couple of .22 revolvers, see if you can handle the stiffer springs they use...if you can aim and squeeze the trigger without too much effort, buy one, and pick up some CCI Stinger ammo.

If the trigger action is just too much, handle some 3" all steel .38's, make sure it has a Hogue grip on it, and go home with one and a couple of box's of 148 gr wadcutters.

 

[Taj]

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?

Shootingfish,

You are just shooting the wrong ammo. My last job was doing wound ballistic workshops for a major ammo maker. I was also a firearms examiner in my former life and have seen more than a few folks that have been properly "rehabilitated". One of the things I found pretty remarkable is how well a 148 grain hollow base wadcutter, penetrates out of a 2" J frame revolver. I have seen at least one guy put on a slab by that round and know of several more. We seem to get reliable penetration of about 16" in 10% ballistic gelatin out of the short barreled revolvers. This more than adequate and I can't think of a single bad guy that would want to get shot with one. What's really great is the lack of recoil. It's very manageable in the snubbies and doesn't hurt you hand. My wife carries a 642 as well, and I have zero qualms about her carrying it full of factory wadcutters.

 

[Nevada Ed]

BB57

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the effort you put in this response. Your explanation well written and understood by me. Here's a monkey wrench. Guys all wear pants, guys all wear belts, guys all have pockets. Women don't. In gun language I'm a j-frame. So my carry is likely in a shoulder strap handbag. So I got caught up in the "hammer catching on something' in my bag which was a big influence in the 642 decision.

Now that I've learned about different ammo, where do you find this ammo? Online? LGS? Gun show? I'll try the Hogue grips and ammo and see if that helps. At 21 yards I'm pretty accurate with the 686 in a shooting stance. But it's more than I can handle one handed unless I'm lucky enough just to waive it in the assailants face.

Thanks again for you response. Where in NC? Son lives in Mooresville.

At 21 yards you are not in danger unless being fired at !!

At 20 feet, we have a problem !!

Bag carry is ok...............
if you know and practice how to get to your gun in time to STOP
the bad guy, before he reaches you.

Raising your skirt to get to a revolver is sexy but...........

Good luck.

 

[Breaker]

It sounds like you are a experienced and confident revolver shooter with the 686, so I would think the platform and caliber are not the issue, but the 14.4 ounce weight of the 642 and greater felt recoil make it difficult to shoot well. I would recommend one of 2 other (all stainless steel) J frame revolvers that I own and have experience with as options to consider. The model 640 pro series that has excellent high visibility night sights and weighs 22 oz., or the model 60 3 inch that adds a hammer and adjustable sights at 24 oz. IMHO either would be a good choice. Personally I carry the 640 Pro Series.

Although they are both capable of shooting .357 magnum, I carry them with 38+P ammunition and I find they are concealable, controllable and much more pleasant to shoot than the 642, which I have owned as well.

 

[dsf]

At the risk of going "off brand" my Ruger SP101 is a heck of a lot easier to shoot with 110 or 125 JHP than the 158s, even in 357 Magnum. Pachmayr rubber compact grips help a lot. And the Kahr PM9 while striker fired requires a long DA pull to bring the FP spring from "at rest" to going bang.

 

[AJ]

Try all the handguns that you can until you find what feels good in your hand and shoots well for you. The practice with it both at the range and in the presentation of the weapon.

 

[Execpro]

Had a 642 (with CT laser) as a CCW and got rid of it for the same reason you mentioned and because it only had a 5 round capacity. I had only carried pistols to that point and didn't try it out as a rental gun before purchase.
I found that steel guns that weigh 24oz or more with a grip that covers the back strap and had a 6 round capacity were easy to carry/conceal with less
felt recoil and met my needs much better.
The new Colt 38 that came out a couple of years ago was a joy to shoot. They are a bit pricy at around $700 but with the front night site and 6 shot capacity it was well worth the money.
Have owned 7 Smith revolvers over the years, so I like S&W, but they don't make a 24oz-6round revolver. I also had a Taurus 856.
I am not recoil sensitive per say but I would challenge just about anyone to shoot 30 rounds of +P ammo in a 642 and tell me they had a good time.
Just Sayen.
You shouldn't have any problems selling the 642 but any replacement gun could be hard to find at this time.
The suggestion of a rubber grip that covers the back strap and shooting non +P ammo is what I (like mentioned above) would suggest first. It is far more cost affective that buying a new gun.

If you are really recoil sensitive and want a revolver, you could consider a Taurus 942 - 8 shot 22 magnum 3" bbl revolver with Speer Gold Dot defense ammo. It meets the FBI penetration requirements and bullet travels at over 1200 fps and bullet expands to a 30 caliber. It has almost the same power as a standard 38 and cost $350 plus tax at my LGS.

My current CCW guns (I carry AIWB) are a S&W 9mmEZ and a S&W M&P 380 Bodyguard (( a revolver in a pistol body ( with double strike capability)). The ammo I carry in the 380 is Precision One 90gr with XTP bullet. Both with Talon grips in Vedder kydex holsters. First 2 pics are the 380 and the third is the 9mm.
Left target is with 380. Right target with 9mmEZ. Both offhand and rapid fire. Best of luck to you

 

[Msmith301]

I also have the 686 7 round. Only I bought it in the 3" barrel for concealed carry. The revolver is to uncomfortable to carry IWB so I only carry it OWB. I went with the 3" instead of the 4" because I was afraid the longer barrel would show past whatever I was wearing. Don't wear many tuck in shirts these days. Not because of concealed carry but because of age and girth.
However I do have to agree that the gun is a noticeable weight when carrying it concealed.
Because both guns are similar, both being revolvers in the same basic configuration I would consider practicing long term with the 686 and at the end fire off a few rounds with the 642. Remember that if you were ever to need a CCW for use it wouldn't be a long drawn out engagement. You would only be firing off a few rounds at best. As long as both guns are so similar practice shooting with what yo enjoy, don't abuse yourself at the range. As long as you're not trying to CCW the 686 your 642 will feel normal to you.