J-frame questions

[mmunsch]

Hello All,

I'm new to the forum and pretty new to S&W revolvers so sorry if this becomes sort of a repeat of older threads. I own a 686-6 4" right now that I carry and am looking for a J-frame for pocket carry or BUG. I'm looking for opinions from owners on models like the 640, 60, 642, 442 and possibly even the 340s if I could find a steal. I'm looking to find out from 640 and 60 owners if these are too big to pocket carry. I'd like to stick with .357 just because I'd rather not have to worry about 2 different types of ammo to carry daily. However, I wouldn't pass up a good deal on a .38+P gun if it presents itself. Therefore I'm looking for some estimates on reasonable used values for all guns mentioned, I'm going to do some pawnshop and local gun store hunting to try to find a deal, being young can't afford to pay too much. Any input is welcomed and appreciated.

 

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome. Of the models mentioned, you will probably find the 60, 442 and 642 at the $350 range (used), the 640 a little higher. You didn't mention if you carry your 686 and a ton of other gear on a belt. A steel-framed J plus ammo adds to your burden significantly, and any small .357 will be expensive and loud. I would opt for an alloy J frame like a 38/638 or a 642; an older model 37 would be even less expensive. These will handle +P just fine. Good luck in your search.

 

[SAFireman]

Smith J frames

Howdy,

I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the stainless J frames. I am especially fond of my 640's, they handle the 357 rounds well and are suitable for pocket carry. The 640 can be had used for around $500 here in San Antonio. I have the no-lock versions and they have a really smooth trigger pull. If you want ultra light pocket carry with 357 punch, then I would recommend the 340. While the 340 is great in the front pocket, it is quite a hand full at the range, I regularly shoot 38 specials for practice and 5-10 of the magnum loads, as it can be quite harsh. If you don't mind 38 special +p and need to save some cash, there are many 442's and 642's floating around used for anywhere from $350-$450...bear in mind, that a new 442 no-lock model can be had for about $450 new at most dealers - the one's with the laser grips are about $200 higher.

Good luck in your search. If you are close to me, I would not mind you test driving some of mine to see what they are all about.

 

[Lomax Anderson]

I find the stainless j frames a little much for pocket carry...but my 642 does better ...I do want a 60 ...

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I think the Model 642 or 442 Airweight make the best pocket carry revolvers next to finding a 342Ti or similar Airlite..
You can find a few deals sometimes on these if you keep your eyes peeled & are ready to pounce when one comes available..
I saw a MINT 642 No Dash, Just like mine, a few weeks ago for $400 & IMO someone got a great carry piece..
Good Luck Finding one that suits your needs, BTW if you buy the heavier 640 or 60 you won't pocket carry it as much as you would a Airweight or Airlite.. The Airweight can be carried in a lightweight pair of shorts just as easily as a pair of dockers or jeans..
The right pair of antisnag boot grips is also a must have otherwise it'll be too large to carry comfortably..
Nowdays I only pocket carry my 642, I have a 940 & a Glock 19 but they never leave the house except to go to the range..
Gary/Hk

 

[Wee Hooker]

Note not all mod 60's are 357. Only the newer J mag framed 60's. Additionally, the hammer spur makes pocket carry a PITA. Either plan on bobbing the hammer or getting another style. Personally I think the aloy framed 38's w concealed /shrouded hammer is the better choice.

 

[ladder13]

I'm with the 442/642 crowd. Load em' with Speer Gold Dot +P's and you're good to go.

 

[Robert B]

I really like my 442 and Speer 38+P's

I recommend the 442. It is light enough to pocket carry, and not having an exposed hammer makes it really easy to draw from the pants pocket. When I shoot 357's from my scandium J frame, it's quite brutal on the hand. When I shoot 38+P's from my 442, it's just plain fun to shoot. I prefer the 442 over the 642 just because I like the black finish. I shoot Speer 135 grain 38+P short barrel rounds. They do well in gel tests and on the street. Hope this helps.

 

[pogo2]

Aluminum fan

I have three J frames - two have all steel parts and one has an aluminum frame (the 642 on the right). I think that only the aluminum frame model, weighing about 15 ounces empty, is light enough for pocket carry. The all steel J frames weigh about 20 ounces and cause my pockets to sag a bit. They are better suited for some type of belt carry. The internal hammer of the 642 is also well suited to pocket carry.

 

[mmunsch]

Thanks for all the response so far. As with the 686 I only carry it and a speed strip reload for it right now on a belt and I don't find it cumbersome at all.

I wish I was closer to San Antonio but school starts back up and I'm heading back to College Station. Thanks for the price information.

I was worried about the weight of the stainless guns, but I do carry a ton of stuff in my pockets so I might be able to stand it, I'm young and dumb. I'll finally be back to a place with some gun stores tomorrow so hopefully I can talk a gun store owner into letting me handle a few and possibly slipping one into my pocket to actually feel the weight.

With the model 60 yes, I would get the hammer bobbed but I wasn't sure on how much that would cost, might be more than what it's worth.

With the 642/442 Aluminum alloy what is the care for those? Similar to stainless, easier, or harder? I'm looking for something to be able to withstand some abuse and to go boom anytime I pull the trigger.

 

[SAFireman]

Try Champion in CS

Try Champion Firearms in College Station. They have an indoor range and may allow you to try out a used gun that you are considering buying.

Gig'Em.

 

[P&R Fan]

Centennials

I strongly recommend the Centennials, I.E. the steel 640 or aluminum framed 442 or 642 .38s. The scandium 340 series is a super light revolver, but pretty expensive. I paid $740 for one in December. I'd go with the 642. It's cheaper and won't be a problem to maintain. You'd be surprised to know how many long time serious gun carriers have at least one Centennial.

 

[James_Joshua]

I love my 442. The finish is wonderful, and holds up better that my parkerized 1911. Great gun that is accurate, if you practice, and will go bang every time.

20 shots offhand at 25 feet-

Isn't the frame aluminum, but the barrel and cylinder stainless steel?

 

[otis24]

I love my 640 stainless. I consider it a little heavy for pocket carry, but it could be done in a "have to" situation.

 

[mmunsch]

I am planning on going to Champion Firearms tomorrow to handle a few of the centennials if they've got them. I've kind of narrowed it down to either the 640, 442 or 642. It's now getting to handle them and finding a good price.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

My personal rule for pocket carry is under 16 oz it is a pocket gun(in the appropriate holster), over that it is a belt gun. Exceptions for winter coat pockets, vests, BDU pockets and web gear hung weapons. My favorite BUG is a 940-mainly because of my addiction to the Browning HP-one can reload the 940 from a BHP(or most other 9mm) magazine. For a .38 special, hands down a 442, does not relfect, and can be carried just about anywhere, I use the off hand pocket with a good pocket holster, of course I train shooting with either hand. Got so that I am better with my off hand with the 442 than I am with the strong hand. The 37-2 is nice also.

 

[Super Trucker]

If you are set on staying with the .357Mag, the easiest way to say it is that a 640 will shoot much better than a 340 because of the weight, the 640 will absorb most of the recoil. The other side is that since it is a back up/pocket gun, the 340 will carry much better than a 640 because of the weight.

If you are recoil sensitive stick with the heavy guns. If you can handle the recoil get the 340 and don't look back.

 

[mmunsch]

Well I finally got to handle both the Airweights 642/442 and the 640. There was a noticeable difference in weight between the two, and in price. Champion Firearms finally has redeemed themselves a little bit, was a little put off with them the last time I went when I was asking for concealment grips for my 686-6 4" and the salesperson laughed at the possibility of concealing it, little did he know I was carrying it at the moment. They're wanting $437 for the the 642/442 without CT lasergrips and $644 with the CTs. Seems like a good deal, but it's the older models still with the IL, wonder if I can talk them into ordering me one without the lock. Also, those with these do y'all have the regular boot grips or CTs on them? I'm probably going to stick with the 642/442 now just because the LIGHT weight and the price, don't want to break the bank

 

[5Wire]

.38 plus P's will fit either gun. If they're both .357s, almost no thought process required. I have two .357s, a model 38 and a 642. The 642 gets carried all the time.

 

[tekoy]

I carry a 642 in a Uncle Mikes sidekick front pocket holster,looks like your carrying a cell phone. Also carries well in my Tague OWB holster.
Good luck.