629shooter
Member
How old is your 642?
Looking to get a J-frame which one to get?
- Thread starter brunk
- Start date
How old is your 642?
ALL of the above posters gave excellent advice, so I won't throw another log on their fire. However, nobody mentioned the 638, also an aluminum frame snub but with the frame extended over the trigger to form a shroud for the hammer. Many folks don't like it and stay awake nights making up excuses for what they believe is wrong with it. Ignore them.
Obviously, they do not find themselves in a casino parking garage at night as I often do. The 638 is my go-to gun at these times when I am carrying large amounts of cash. There are steel-frame versions of these guns available on the used gun shelves. A good buy can often be found there. Two VERY wise posters above suggested the stainless steel 640 and 649 models in .38. These are heavier versions of the 642 and 638.
You cannot go wrong with any of the other folks' suggestions. I might add that the .357 Magnum J-models can recoil heavily. .38s can be used in them, altho I can't imagine why. Buy a .357 snub for the magnum punch; leave the .38s for the excellent .38 guns like the 638, 642, 442, 637.
MANY posters have written in to describe problems they have had recently with S&W quality control. Before buying, you may want to have someone with you who can give the gun a go-over to see if anything obviously wrong can be seen.
Oh, and after you have your J-frame, meaningful practice, both live- and dry-fire, will help you develop proficiency.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Obviously, they do not find themselves in a casino parking garage at night as I often do. The 638 is my go-to gun at these times when I am carrying large amounts of cash. There are steel-frame versions of these guns available on the used gun shelves. A good buy can often be found there. Two VERY wise posters above suggested the stainless steel 640 and 649 models in .38. These are heavier versions of the 642 and 638.
You cannot go wrong with any of the other folks' suggestions. I might add that the .357 Magnum J-models can recoil heavily. .38s can be used in them, altho I can't imagine why. Buy a .357 snub for the magnum punch; leave the .38s for the excellent .38 guns like the 638, 642, 442, 637.
MANY posters have written in to describe problems they have had recently with S&W quality control. Before buying, you may want to have someone with you who can give the gun a go-over to see if anything obviously wrong can be seen.
Oh, and after you have your J-frame, meaningful practice, both live- and dry-fire, will help you develop proficiency.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
629shooter
Member
That is a nice 649...... But, I gotta ask why just the one round of .357?
I can understand using/loading all 38 Special or vise-verse But, the one round has me curious.
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66snub
Member
In my opinion, any J frame loaded for at least 38spl would be fine, its the grip size and shape that matter most. I like something that fills as much of my hand as possible. Those little suckers kick hard, and a good, chunky grip will help mitigate the shock when firing.
Is that a forged trigger?
Rick_A
Member
If it will be a pocket or ankle carry a 638, 642, or 442 would serve best.
For waistband carry a model 60, 640, or 649 would be good.
For waistband carry a model 60, 640, or 649 would be good.
Packgoat
Member
I have a M&P 340 no lock and a 340 SC. Both are loaded with Federal 130 gr Hydashocks. They carry well in the pocket, on the ankle, or IWB.
loeman
Member
Consider the Md 649. I've pocket carried one for years (20). Yes, it is a bit heavy but with some practice it can be exceptionally accurate and it packs a big punch when loaded with .357s. And the stainless steel finish is still beautiful after all this time and travel. The OEM Uncle Mike's stocks that came with mine are great too!
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Matt Hooper
Member
+1 for a 649 (but not for pocket carry). Loaded with .38s and it's a mild fun gun to shoot. I'm a big fan of getting a lot of range time in with whatever I carry and for a J-Frame, this is a pleasure. My most pocket carry is a 432 though loaded with H&R magnums. Tough to find but great guns.
Here's my 649.
Here's my 649.
raylan007
Member
Try a online site by the name of D and L Hunting if you don't have a lot of local availability. The last couple of weeks they have had many of the options mentioned, 442, 642, and many other CC revolvers, some with no lock options NIB for $369 plus $35 shipping. These are lower prices than you will typically find on GB without the hassle. It may be to late as they were being featured on a cyber week long deal but always worth checking out regardless.
Another vote for 442. As someone mentioned, it can have a snappy recoil. The only change I made to mine was a Hogue grip to allow for my pinky finger for better control. The Airweight is a very comfortable carry gun. Lock / no lock is an option. I would also suggest +p on witch ever model you choose.
The last round is .357. If I can't get the job done with the first four, I'm sure the .357 will get it done. A bit quirky but chances are I'll never see past the first round never mind the last, and there's always that one off encounter with a bear. Again chances are that'll never happen either.
Yes I believe this is the forged trigger. It's a 649-3
Good to know. Been looking for forged .357 649s and couldn't find a one, to the point I began to think there weren't any. Thank you.
That's my self defense thought, too, but I got a 638, so I can shoot SA at the range if I desire. I do put more emphasis on DA practice.
Shorty 45 MK2
Member
I'm very big DAO for SD shooting but can see having SA if you had a active mass murder at a mall or need to make a precision shot at longer distance...
Sebring Pop
Member
I own, shoot and carry a 37 and 60 no 357. I always like the option of SA & DA. The 357 has way too much snap for a small revolver. A +P has more than enough. Best of luck on whatever you decide.
Pop
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