In search for new pocket gun.

[Maromero]

Hello everyone. New to the forum.

I'm searching for a new or used j-frame revolver. Unhappy with my cc pistol bout six months ago I started looking for a new compact .45 or .40 when I decided to use my Taurus 85 Titanium in the meantime. Alas, I figured out all I needed was my forgotten wheel gun. Now I want a new one. Not bashing Taurus for I like and trust my life and family to it, but, I would like a nice one.

I'm set on a j-frame of which I have no knowledge of. The revolver will be mostly for pocket carry and occasionally a fanny pack. As far as caliber is concerned, I'm open to suggestions. Never fired a scandium j-frame with .357 but I don't feel under gunned with a .38 Spl. The .327 Fed Mag is also an option but I have no experience with the round and have reservations of it's performance with a 2 to 2 and a half barrels.

Your opinions, experiences and knowledge is welcomed.

 

[photoman]

Model 642 (no lock) loaded with CorBon 110gr JHP and carried in a Mika round cut pocket holster.

 

[flop-shank]

Maromero, welcome to the forum.

I don't recommend carrying only one gun and especially when it's only a five shot. Just some food for thought and I practice what I preach.

My friend from Texas has given you good advice. The 642 and 442 are probably the most popular guns that S&W make. Since you already have a lightweight snubby, I would also look at the S&W 640. It has the same internal hammer as the two abovementioned guns, but has a stainless steel cylinder and frame. If full power .357s aren't your flavor, try the Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot .357. It will be controllable from a steel frame gun and hit nicely harder than a .38.

In .38 spl. I recommend people try the Speer SB +P. If it shoots to POA look no further. If it shoots high, try Corbon 110 gr. +P DPX. If Speer SB shoots low, try the Remington version of the FBI load (.38+P 158 gr. LSWCHP). Those are, IMO, the three best loads in that caliber and nice enough, they are three different weights. The load that Photoman mentions, the Corbon 110 gr. JHP is a hot number (very .357 magnumish) and I could carry it with confidence as well.

 

[Maromero]

Thanx for the replies. I was also looking at the model 60 flop shank. Can anyone explain the difference b/n the 340 and the 360?
Also. Any recomendations between .357 and the .327?

Keep them coming.

 

[BugEater]

Pocket Carry

For pocket carry, a J frame centennial or bodyquard. You might want to consider holster carry in which case I would look for a 60 or 36 in .38 spl. Or, get one for each occasion.

 

[Frailer]

Can anyone explain the difference b/n the 340 and the 360?

The 360 has an exposed hammer.

While I happen to think the Model 60 is the best thing since sliced bread, when it comes to pocket carry my vote goes to the 642/442.

 

[flop-shank]

Thanx for the replies. I was also looking at the model 60 flop shank.

The 60 is a good gun and a gold standard. It was the first stainless steel revolver, IIRC. Think of the 640 as a model 60, but with an internal hammer. That means no hammer to snag and one less place for dirt to get into the gun. If I had a model 60, I would simply bob the hammer and then carry the thing (that's what I did when I found my 360 PD used). I have no use for a thumb cock-type hammer on a pocket pistol. Learn to shoot well DA and single action fire will reveal itself as unnecessary. Keep in mind that there are many experienced shooters here who don't agree. Just one man's opinion.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Any J frame made since around the time that JFK was in the Whitehouse will work in a pinch, literally any of them - .32 SW Longs, .38 SW not specials, old beaten down flat latch 36s... Even the steel frame guns aren't too heavy to pocket.

The two that I've retained for most practical use are recently made 637 and 638 alloy frame revolvers. Both started life with the lock, I opted out of that storage feature, but you do what you want. The hammer on the 637 is bobbed but the single action notch is retained. On the 638 and its shrouded hammer kin, it helps if you're familiar enough with the innards to remove the side plate to clean out any crud that might accumulate against the hammer.

I have other older J frames, and have other ones both old and new. The two mentioned above are alloy frame guns with stainless cylinders. I regard them as disposable items and have no personal attachment to either.

For those with large pockets, or who don't mind the weight, I continue to believe that the Glock 26 or 27 is a better choice than any J frame.

I'm not a believer in .357 ballistics out of snubbies being worth the increased recoil, particularly in a light gun. (Though I do have .357 Sig autos with hotter loads.)

If a J frame for some reason was too big, I'd get an old lemon squeezer with the finish worn from around a century ago, load it with Winchester .38 SW (not special) ammo and have the barrel bobbed nice and short. You can adapt a pair of J frame grips to fit it. Get one made pre 1899 and you can have it shipped to your door in most states since it'll be a non gun as far as the Feds are concerned.

 

[Wayne02]

I have a 340PD w/ct laser grips, 642 w/ct laser grips, and 649 (stainless body guard).

I purchased the 340 many years ago in local private sale for what I later learned was a very good price. Didn't know at the time if I would shoot .357 or .38 but knew I at least had the option to shoot either caliber.

The 340 gets carried the most as it's the lightest and I carry .38+P and practice with both +p or just .38.

I'm a little less than enamored with the finish on the 642 as it shows wear very easily and I just prefer black guns.

I really like the 649 but it is too heavy for pocket carry in my opinion.

If I were to do it all over again I would go out and buy a 442, equip it with laser grips, and shoot whatever .38 I was most comfortable with and call it good.

 

[Brian41]

I pocket carry either a Model 37 or 36 with bobbed hammers as I also have no use for SA on a pocket gun. DA can be learned easy enough at self defense ranges.
I've also carried my Model 49 at times but it's a real nice old one and I don't want the wear on it. I mainly stick with the first two as they have wear and are simply tools now that work for me.

 

[Kanewpadle]

My 642 is primarily a second gun carried in right front pocket with Corbon DPX. They are hard to beat for pocket carry.

 

[Larry from Bend]

This is my favorite. It's a 38-2 Airweight. I carry it in my pocket. I still enjoy the option of single action firing. Not all situations call for immediate response and some require more accuracy than double action may provide.

.

 

[Walker45]

So what is everyones opinion on the M&P342 in 38sp? Its a limited run from S&W, I dont have much to offer other than that.

Pic attached

 

[bennettfam]

Hammerless limits your holster options if you want retention, but since you stated pocket or fanny pack then any Centennial or Bodyguard should work great. Beware the older guns that may not be rated for +P.

 

[BrianE]

Concerning the M&P 340... I have one w/ CT 405s and I just got back from the range. Im not too recoil sensitive, but this revolver is almost annoying to shoot in either 38+p or .357. Im at the point right now where Im looking into getting rid of it and going w/ an M&P 9c.

If I were to go with another pocket gun, I think Id take the couple extra ounces and get the 642 or even the extra heft in the 640.

 

[Sprefix]

CC wheelgun............

I have a great carry gun that I hardly ever carry anymore as my activities have changed. I may consider selling it. It is an M&P 360 in .357 Mag. and has 2 holsters, speed-strips, and some beautiful grips to go with the originals. I'll post a pic or two and you can check it out.....15 oz. LOADED!!!! Sprefix

 

[flop-shank]

Not all situations call for immediate response and some require more accuracy than double action may provide.

One can shoot just as accurately DA as single action.

 

[Rob1109]

Model 642 (no lock) loaded with CorBon 110gr JHP and carried in a Mika round cut pocket holster.

On another forum a retired gunsmith maintains that a "light-for-caliber" slug (i.e. <125Gr.) can result in "flamecutting" of the top strap. I have no personal knowledge/experience, but, I stick to 158Gr. or 135 Short Barrel Gold Dots for my 642.
P.S. I have the gunsmith's book and he is pretty good!

 

[681ismyfavorite]

my favorite pocker gun that i actually can put in a pocket and not print or beat my leg up is one of 642-1s (non locked of course) loaded with street prooven Remington 158gr. LHP+p.

 

[Maromero]

I'm torn between the 642 and the 641, both in Pro series guise. Thanks everyone for your replies.