attn MarkAlt
Hey Mark, if you could buy a 3rd Wyatt, would you? I would!
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Hey Mark, if you could buy a 3rd Wyatt, would you? I would!
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Looking to get a J-frame which one to get?
- Thread starter brunk
- Start date
MarkAlt
Member
I've thought about buying 2 more, but other guns keep getting in the way
Just my opinion, but I think the little Gunsmoke gives you a huge j-frame bang for the buck. In my area, the price is only $60-$80 more than a stock 442/642.
Interestingly enough, Mark, there is a 642PC and a 637PC, with no external difference other than the PC logo. I've handled both and can feel little difference (there should be) in DA from the regular versions. This is NOT true with the Wyatts.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
dogboy99
Member
Have the 638 Airwieght shrouded hammer which can still be handcocked. Easy to carry in pocket with a galco pocket holster or no holster at all. 5 rnds standard pressure 158gr SWC for that short barrel. I owned this gun for 22 yrs. Best pocket gun IMO.
MarkAlt
Member
Absolutely right! I had my LGS save a 642 PC for me (think it's a Talo run?)
Went to pick it up and was completely underwhelmed. The action was a little better than my stock 642, but nothing like the Gunsmokes. The Gunsmoke polished trigger also felt so much better. Just my opinion.
dogboy99
Member
exdetsgt, the Apex Duty Carry kit for J frames is a hammer spring, rebound slide spring, firing pin and firing pin spring. I used it all with my 642 and polished the left and bottom sides of the rebound slide. The trigger is a dream now. The Model 60 has a hammer mounted firing pin so I didn't use the Apex FP and spring. Same treatment on the rest of the gun though and it shoots better than mine. All stainless is sweet and I carried it around for a week honestly not noticing the weight increase. Single action is far too light for an inexperienced person and I wanted to bob the hammer but she said no. I did extort a blood oath that she would never fire it single action so I will hold her to it.
Attachments
Last edited:
DanWales
Member
J Frame
I've carried my 642 a lot in a Crossbreed holster. Carries very nicely and +P wasn't too bad to shoot. For practice why beat your gun up, I would shoot some medium 148 DELSWC sweet to practice with.
Then about a year ago I got a 640. I immediately went to work on it and have a nice smooth trigger. I bought it to shoot .357 and that's what I shoot in it. I reload a nice low end .357 to practice with and not beat me and the gun up. Each time I have some practice with it though I shoot a few stout cylinders of .357's to stay in touch what a stout round feels like. The 640 fits in the Crossbreed nicely and I sure don't think I'm under gunned if you want to use that expression, I didn't feel like that with the 642 either. I had chance to get a new 640 at a very nice price but I had to wait quite a while for it.
Dan
I've carried my 642 a lot in a Crossbreed holster. Carries very nicely and +P wasn't too bad to shoot. For practice why beat your gun up, I would shoot some medium 148 DELSWC sweet to practice with.
Then about a year ago I got a 640. I immediately went to work on it and have a nice smooth trigger. I bought it to shoot .357 and that's what I shoot in it. I reload a nice low end .357 to practice with and not beat me and the gun up. Each time I have some practice with it though I shoot a few stout cylinders of .357's to stay in touch what a stout round feels like. The 640 fits in the Crossbreed nicely and I sure don't think I'm under gunned if you want to use that expression, I didn't feel like that with the 642 either. I had chance to get a new 640 at a very nice price but I had to wait quite a while for it.
Dan
exdetsgt
Member
I carried a 640 no dash as a backup gun for many years. Then I joined this forum and discovered Performance Center J frames. (My wife hates this place)
I like the 640-1 because of the .357 option. The PC guns have nice actions, better sights (except the RSR version on top), and the porting really helps when shooting magnums. Throw a set of Pachmayr Compacs on it to cover that backstrap, drop it in a pocket holster and forget about it until you need it.
I like the 640-1 because of the .357 option. The PC guns have nice actions, better sights (except the RSR version on top), and the porting really helps when shooting magnums. Throw a set of Pachmayr Compacs on it to cover that backstrap, drop it in a pocket holster and forget about it until you need it.
wildenout
Member
I have a 60 that is my EDC, my next j-frame purchase is either going to be a 638 or a 637 to have something lighter and more compact. I am in LOVE with my 60 though!!!
Edmo
US Veteran
To the OP, you have a great carry gun in the GLOCK 27. I've owned a Gen4 G27 since they came out and it makes the carry rotation more often than not.
Now to your thoughts of a light J frame for pocket carry. I too have made that leap. For me a pocket carry gun needs to be light, easy to draw, and reliable. to meet these requirements I picked the 642-1.
The 642 model is light (just under a pound), snag-free with it's internal hammer, and has been almost 100% reliable for me. With a rating for 38 Special +P it has enough punch.
The drawbacks of the 642 are few, but it has some. First, light guns can be snappy and the 642 with +P ammo is snappy. Snubbies in general are a challenge to shoot accurately and require practice to gain proficiency. This is due in part to the heavy double action trigger and the short sight radius. Lastly, you only have 5 shots so you will need to be proficient enough to make them all count.
Below are the two 642-1s I've owned. The top one is still in the rotation and is a good shooter. The bottom one is now gone to that J frame place in the sky and is why my experience with the 642 hasn't been 100%. The trigger pivot pin broke and S&W replaced the gun under warranty.
Revolver failures are rare, but they can happen. However, for a small, light, and reliable gun for pocket carry you will be hard pressed to beat a 642.
OBTW, as you have likely experienced my G27 is still 100% reliable after many, many rounds down range.
Edmo
