I know I will get some grief for this, but I like my 642

[Mr. Vito]

Liking my 642 won't get me grief in and of itself, but carrying that little gun with only 5 rounds as my concealed carry will likely get me a number of comments about how inadequate 5 rounds on a snubbie is for self defense. But it is just so easy to pocket carry, and simple to just grab it when ready to leave the house and feel that I have some means to defend myself in the very unlikely event that I am attacked.

I've been carrying legally for over a decade, and maybe a bit longer before it was actually legal, and I have yet to draw a gun to resolve a dangerous situation let alone fire it. I know it could happen tomorrow, but the closest I have come to needing a gun has been the two occasions when I felt compelled to have my hand in my pocket ready to draw the gun. Both cases involved being the subject (unwarranted) of other's road rage. So while carrying my Glock 17, or my Ruger sr40c would probably have me better able to handle more scenarios, I probably will still just grab the 642 more than any other firearm for the foreseeable future.

 

[TheTinMan]

No grief - I’ve gone through several pistols as my inside-the-waistband option, but a concealed hammer J-frame has advantages. When it’s hot, it disappears in baggy shorts. When I used to travel a lot for business, my 642 came along most of the time because it was so easy to stick in an outside pocket of my briefcase/computer bag when I went into a client meeting. (Yes I’m that old). Sometimes pocket carry is the only practical method, and a 642 is nearly perfect. I have carried a small pistol in my pocket but it’s harder to hide, harder to draw, and I worry about pocket lint in the mechanism.

I use an M&P 340 for the same purposes now because I can see the sights.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Mouse gun fan here. Many years ago I removed caliber and capacity from my lexicon.

Enjoy your 642.

 

[Frailer]

You’ll certainly catch no grief from me. I’m a fully committed and utterly unrepentant revolver-in-the-pocket guy.

 

[TJm15.38]

My 638-3 will always be one of my best carry guns, even with the lock. Revolvers are simple, reliable and, with the various J-frames, ultimately concealable. How can you go wrong with five sure shots?

 

[Bald1]

My edc is often a 2” model 36 in my pocket. Loaded with Federal 158 FBI loads. Just 5 no reloads. I feel perfectly safe and protected. And at the end of the day that’s what matters.

 

[oink]

No grief here. It's your choice. You don't sound like you're asking for opinions. I support you right to decide for yourself.

 

[haywood]

Can’t beat a J frame in your pocket. I always have one of my 2 inch J frames in my pocket. Most of the time I also have a high cap nine in my waistband. But, for cutting grass or just laying around the house that J frame in the pocket is just fine.

 

[pharmer]

Nothing wrong with a little .38. Preferences are different. Joe

 

[Grimjaws]

I also like revolvers

I carry a 442 no lock in my pocket. I can shoot this little j frame better than I can shoot semi autos - I have been shooting revolvers for over 35 years so I have confidence in the platform.

last range trip I shot a 5904 and a Glock 19 at steel and barely got any to hit yet my 19-3 and even my 442 where all clanking steel.

My dream is to take the Thunder Ranch Defensive revolver class one day.

 

[Goldstar225]

No grief from me. While I prefer a Shield plus as my EDC, my 642 remains on the roster. The greatest probability is that we will die from old age or disease without ever firing a shot.

 

[Old cop]

You’ll get no grief from me. An issued Colt Detective Special (about the same size as a S&W J Frame) saved my life in a 1974 gunfight w/armed robbery suspects, and I had to reload once before it was over. I carried a J Frame off duty for years and continue to do so since my ‘97 retirement.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I don’t dislike mine.
Good choice for concealed carry.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

My dream is to take the Thunder Ranch Defensive revolver class one day.

I highly recommend the class. It takes the revolver to a higher level.

 

[MetalMan]

While I have several 36ND and 60ND, I found my “sweet spot” with the 640-1 Pro. A bit heavy for pocket carry but disappears IWB and OWB. All day, every day!

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... about how inadequate 5 rounds on a snubbie is for self defense.

Actually from a Training POV. It is not the tool but the Operator that counts.

The "Fight or Flight" Response kicks in and lots of people are not willing to put bullets in a bad guy/gal either young or old. As a cop I have seen it all.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

OWB is my EDC choice. IWB and AIWB is good if it works for you.

 

[murphydog]

No criticism here. You are following the first rule of gunfighting.

 

[ken158]

Here’s the deal as I see it… If you have ever been “on the job” you feel inclined to carry off duty and some agencies insist… When you are retired you still carry but with a different mindset. A 642 is surely ample in such a situation. I will likely step on some toes here but the non LEO experienced people that carry high cap guns, extra mags, lights, red dots and all that stuff just to take a trip to the store with absolutely no arrest authority make me wonder when and where they are going that makes them feel that unsafe, etc. Not putting yourself in a dangerous situation is far more important for your well being and liability.

 

[snubbyfan]

My 442 is my edc in a belt holster.