J Frame to Replace LCR

[KertP]

640 vs 642 vs LCR

I've got one of each of the three snubbies that you list. The 642 is my summer pocket carry gun, equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 compact laser grip, carried in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I carry it with Cor-Bon Powr-Ball standard pressure ammo because (1) it shoots to point of aim with that ammo; and (2) I've done testing on the combo on pork shoulders and the results are impressive. This combination is actually relatively easy to control when shooting, too, though I've never tried it over 15 yards, but at that distance I can consistently get head shots.

The 640 is equipped with Crimson Trace LG-350G laser grips. With those grips, it's not bad to shoot with Hornady Critical Duty .357 or Federal 158 gr Hydra-Shok .357 ammo. It shoots the Hydra-Shok to point of aim and follow-up shots are not difficult. That is a combo I have shot at 25 yards, and it is very accurate.

The LCR, as you found out, it a handful with the stock grips on the gun. As others have pointed out, there are a bunch of alternatives, including the longer Hogue Tamer grips, and the Crimson Trace LG-415G. I really like the ability to reload the 9mm using moon clips. This one carries in a Nemesis pocket holster, though not as easily as my 642. I've multiple IWB and OWB holsters for this one, too, as I use it to teach with.

I guess what I would say is that any of the three is an excellent choice, and with the right grips, all of the three are certainly range-worthy guns. My wife even likes the 642, and she doesn't get to the range as often as she would like to.

Have fun, and stay safe. And thanks for your service day in and day out to keep the criminal elements away from the good people.

 

[joe44va]

438 and 649 are my suggestions

 

[mj2008]

I have a 640, .38 and a 340. The 640 was my off duty. with compact grips you can easily drop it in your pocket. Has some weight but that helps with +P's. If your looking for grips to get you through qualification, Pachmayr compac grips are really good. You get a full grip and they make shooting the 640 easy. If your looking for lighter weight I highly recommend the 340 M&P. The S&W Centenials are all great for backups, off dutys, or personal protection.

 

[SASFixer]

Go with the S&W 640. The LCR has the poorest designed trigger I have ever used. The trigger hooks around the finger too far and pounds the bottom edge of my finger to extreme pain by the 30th round of practice. The S&W J-frame trigger straightens out for the last quarter of an inch, never had the problem with a Smith. I have large hands with slender fingers. I'm not the only member of the Ruger forum with the problem. I have talked with the Ruger folks twice at the SHOT Show, both times they as much as told me I am full of Sh--, their trigger shape is wonderful.

 

[JH1951]

I second the suggestion for a 649. Mine started life as a BUG and is now my every day CC. .38 Spl. is just fine in a 2". The SA/DA option is really sweet as well. Larger stocks on a J frame will serve you well.

 

[L-2]

My backup guns are:
Glock 43
S&W 640 Pro
S&W 642
I used to carry a G26 or G27 but these are usually just too big.

For work, I must carry a G17Gen4 which I've no problems carrying.
I do shoot my 1911s quite a bit and would also be content if I had to carry a personally-owned 1911.

I don't shoot much at 25 yards. If I had to with my backup gun, I'd be choosing either my G43 or the 640 Pro as I'm more accurate with those than the 642. My 640 Pro and 642 have been fine & reliable for several thousand rounds. I did have a 442 which had an internal pin break (unknown which one) and S&W replaced the gun. I sold the 442 and it helped fund my 640 Pro, which was ~twice the price. On my 640 Pro I use the larger Pachmayr SJ-C Compac grips which cover the backstrap.

If I could qualify with the 642 at 25 yards, I'd rather carry that one. On duty, I'm usually carrying either on my ankle or in a body-armor vest holster.

 

[dubshooter]

The 1911 is going to be department boght, issued and smithed. We had some of the Sigs with issues, but got it ironed out. Hoping to transition in a couple months.

There's a good chance the 640 will only carry +p as I work a lot at night and don't like the idea of the larger flash and larger recoil for small improvements. I'm quite comfortable with .38 ballistics. The 640 has my eye for the extra weight for controllability and also for durability. I wouldn't pass up a good deal on an older .38 special model.

 

[cleans up]

I'm a big fan of lightweight, especially for pocket carry. Light is right. The lcr 9mm is about 17oz, the 640 23oz, the 642 closer to 15. I'd take the lighter gun every time. In a 2" or 1 7/8" barrel I don't think there is a worthwhile difference b/w 38 and 357. Both will do what you need done. Get a J frame. If the 640 is calling your name here's a link to some on sale. I've looked over and over, but I wou'dnt carry it cuz I'm a weight snob...and I've got my my 38 carry gun. Still one of these https://www.recoilgunworks.com/smith-wesson-snub-nose-very-good-condition-p-29673.html might be just the ticket for "training", yeah that's how I'll justify it . Could be what your looking for (no affiliation).

 

[cleans up]

For what it's worth I think you'll find the j frame more than capable for 25yard shots. You'll need to spend some time with it but they'll do fine if you do your part. And unless your going to put thousands of rounds through it I doubt you'll see any difference in durability between the lightweights and the 640

 

[haywood]

I tried to like the LCR. I shot and carried it for Three years. In the end it was the trigger reset that I didn't like. If I didn't concentrate on resetting I would double stroke. I went back to the J-Frame. The trigger works better for me. A 36 AIWB with Pachmyer Compacts, handles range shooting. A 442 in the pocket with standard Uncle Mike's Grips is good for 50 to 100 standard rounds at the range. This has been my carry set up for a couple of years now. Once in a while I'll drag out the SP101 or a 617 Taurus but the J's get carried most.

 

[raggededge]

I personally find these guns with 2" +- barrels very difficult to shoot accurately plus only having 5 shots is a real problem. I have one of these a very rare S&W 042 which was only made for one year. I as several others have mentioned carry the Glock 43 in 9mm I have the extended magazine with 8 shots so the 8+1 is almost twice the firepower. Also have the CT laser. Easy carry in front pocket of dress pants and extra magazine is handy. Years ago I had to reload a revolver under stress and it wasn't a pretty sight. But go with what you are comfortable with but would advise shooting one before you buy....

 

[Mister X]

Either one is a good choice. If the weight of the 640 isn't an issue, it is probably the superior weapon.

I think the enclosed hammer J-frame makes a great deal of sense as a back-up for LEO's.

Police work involves a lot of close-contact conflicts, disarms attempts are an extremely common occurrence and the hammerless snub revolver really shines in these scenarios.

I also imagine the back-up gun is more likely to be needed in precarious ECQ situations rather than simply providing additional firepower.

One example where this concept would apply...

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=23c7ovuSd2U[/ame]

 

[dubshooter]

Yeah, I think I would rather use the 640 as a club than the 642 in the example above....

 

[foggbird]

Before jumping into any of the suggestions, you might look at the new Charter Pitbull in .45 ACP. I have no experience with it, but it does offer the use of the same cartridge as your duty gun in a BUG.

 

[dubshooter]

Picked up a 640 yesterday. Hope to get it to the range to qualify next week. Have a lobo holster that will be shopping very soon as well

 

[Invictus357]

Keep the LCR.

I sold mine.

Drove me nuts not having one.

Bought another one

Want a 640 to carry?

Get the 640 Pro

Product: Model 640

Imagine that with Service Grips and Tyler-Ts

 

[pittpa]

The extra weight of the 640 will soak up some recoil. I was going to ask if you tried less powerful 9mm rounds in the LCR


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[dubshooter]

With the 640, I can use "department approved" ammo.

With the LCR being in 9mm, I had to use department issued. Which was the 147gr Federal HST.

 

[4Given]

Picked up a 640 yesterday. Hope to get it to the range to qualify next week. Have a lobo holster that will be shopping very soon as well

If you find out that the new 640 grips are too small, these grips on my 640 (no dash 38) hit the 'sweet-spot' for my hand and grip.

Note: These came as original equipment on my model 60-10.

 

[dubshooter]

Those grips came on mine as well. These boot grips fit into my pocket just fine and they are what feels like a J frame to me. I do like the original grips, but these boots will serve a good purpose. I will be taking it out for it's first range day Wednesday or Thursday and hopefully get at least one qualification shoot in.