J-Frame Recommendations/Comments

[budgeteer]

I'm in the market for a J-Frame to use as a BUG and for those times when my usual CCW will not work. I found a 442 without the lock and was headed that way, but I also found the "new" Classic Model 40 and Model 42. While the 442 is more inexpensive and would fit my needs, the 40 and 42 look "nicer."

Weight differences related to carry aren't an issue, but I do like the all-steel Model 40 for +P ammo. I realize that I can buy a lot of practice ammo for the price difference between the 442 and 40/42, but I think the latter is simply a more attractive weapon. I know, I know...looks don't get the job done, but what the heck?

All things being equal, any specific thoughts or recommendations? Should I go for the 442 and spend the difference on ammo and/or leather? Or go for the 40 (or 42) for looks?

Thanks very much.

 

[ken158]

Kinda up to you - your screen name indicates the 442 Either will be as functional and do the same job. I carry a 642 with CT grips and could not be happier. Anything airweight will get carried more than steel frame in the summer months.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

442 with ammo and leather.

The weight is very very important, at least to me. Good leather and ammo are a necessity for me also. There is no reason to spend more for a "nicer" piece when it will be used as a utilitarian tool.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Guns are like every thing else, you want them to look nice. There is clothes cars boats houses all kind of things. You want them to look nice but you could get buy with less. Just get the M40. IMO Don

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

If your gonna carry it & use it for self protection get the 442-1/642-1..
If your gonna buy it to look at & take to the range get the 40-1/42-1..

I like the lemon squeezer Centennials don't get me wrong but when they came out with the 640 without the grip safety it was a great improvement IMO on the grip surface..
For carry the Airweight/Airlite are a "Must Have" as their so easy to pocket carry..

Good Luck in your quest budgeteer

 

[NFrameFred]

Life is short and unless you are really in a marginal place financially, the relatively small extra amount paid to get what you really want is worth it.

Many times I've said to myself, "wish I had spent a little more and got the one I wanted", but cannot remember thinking "I wasted my money and should have bought the cheaper one that I really didn't like".

 

[Amend2]

In its role as a BUG, weight would seem to be more important than looks. I recommend going with the 442 for that reason alone, with cost being a supporting factor.

 

[photoman]

I prefer the 442 for carry.

 

[PeterCartwright]

I have a 642 with the dreaded hole. Gotta say, the little gun shoots like a champ. Beauty is as beauty does. This trigger is fine "box stock" and it is very nicely regulated.

PC

 

[PMRet]

Get an older 640 no dash in .38 Special. To me carrying that little bit of extra weight (5 oz?) is worth the trade off for better control when shooting.

 

[P&R Fan]

I would go for the 442 or the 642. You don't say where you're from, but if it's going to be carried a lot in hot weather a nicely blued gun is not the best choice. These small revolvers often get carried next to our sweaty hides, and that can lead to rust.
Just my opinion after 25 years of carry.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

For me and most of the guys in my department, a steel gun needs a belt holster; and then you might as well carry something bigger/better. So my steel J-frames are range guns, the Airlites/Airweights get carried.

The PD series have a black finish but are rustproof underneath.

 

[jframefreak]

Get an older 640 no dash in .38 Special. To me carrying that little bit of extra weight (5 oz?) is worth the trade off for better control when shooting.

Good advice there.

 

[snubbiebob]

Get the one you really like. If looks are a big influence, so be it. Any and all of your choices are great j frames. Bottom line, personal taste.

 

[cjcutter1]

442/642 is what I suggest. But get what you want then decide.

 

[jbouwens]

What, No love for a model 638. They might look like a hunchback but they are light, tough, single or double action, and oh yea-------light.

 

[Matt C.]

642

Had a chance to ring out my newly acquired airweight last weekend and am very pleased with it.

 

[cjtraining]

I have carried a bodyguard for forty-three years as a BUG/OD and now as a CCW. I have a 442, 642 and 640, all are fine guns, however, the bodyguard will always be my only BUG/OD/CCW. Some forum members think the are ugly, I would diagree, a bodyguard is a thing of beauty and grace and should be cherished as a fine wine or beautiful woman. One must also keep in mind that it's bite is very deadly.

 

[chp]

For me and most of the guys in my department, a steel gun needs a belt holster; and then you might as well carry something bigger/better. So my steel J-frames are range guns, the Airlites/Airweights get carried.

+1. Well said.

 

[los]

A little friendly persuasion...