Model 60 or 642 for home defense?

[fullthrottle]

Hey everybody,

Please note that I have searched this forum and similar ones for information regarding my questions.

I'm an inexperienced handgun shooter looking for a "nightstand gun" for home defense. In doing research, I've decided that a new, high quality revolver capable of double action and in .38 caliber would probably fit my needs.

Originally I was looking at the 642 and liked it due to the double action-only, internal hammer, and price. But a gunsmith told me that the Model 60 is a superior gun as it produces less recoil (heavier) and is chambered for the .357. He said it would "be easier to shoot well with the Model 60." (Any truth to that?)

I'm now stuck between the two. The 642 is considerably less expensive but may be more difficult to shoot small groups than the Model 60.

Any advice or information would be appreciated. At this time, I have little to no interest in concealed carry. I will be at the range every week for at least the next few months practicing with whichever revolver I purchase.

Thanks!

 

[luis]

The M60 is better for several reasons including weight. The metal frame allows you to fire many more rounds for practice and practice is the only way to protect your family. Mag ammo can be used when out in the woods.

 

[JayDubya]

If your main goal is home defense, then the benefits of the 442/642 are of no use to you. They were designed as SELF defense weapons, concealed carry weapons, which come with their own set of characteristics: small size and light weight in particular. On the negative side, they kick like a mule -- even with range loads. They are not fun to shoot. I know; I have a 637 (the visible hammer version of the 642) which, after shooting several thousand rounds with it, I do not shoot it anymore. Got tired of creating and popping blisters on the web of my hand. My 686+ is much more fun, and is a formidable home defense weapon. I recommend you get the all-steel Model 60, and shoot .38 sp +p with it for home defense.

Cordially, Jack

 

[sw44spl]

I agree with what they said about the weight of the model 60 and the fact that it is SS.It will be something you can carry also.

 

[sdg380]

It is my understanding that the principal virtue of an alloy-framed firearm is that it is easier to carry. Since this is of no concern for HD, I would concur that a heavier model would be preferable to a M642 or the like--a steel-framed gun would be easier to shoot (less felt recoil), and would likely prove more durable (assuming many rounds of use.) But I think "easier to shoot" should carry the day for this application.

 

[Person]

Out of those two specific choices I would opt for the Model 60 for home defense simply because of the extra weight.

 

[fullthrottle]

If your main goal is home defense, then the benefits of the 442/642 are of no use to you. They were designed as SELF defense weapons, concealed carry weapons, which come with their own set of characteristics: small size and light weight in particular. On the negative side, they kick like a mule -- even with range loads. They are not fun to shoot. I know; I have a 637 (the visible hammer version of the 642) which, after shooting several thousand rounds with it, I do not shoot it anymore. Got tired of creating and popping blisters on the web of my hand. My 686+ is much more fun, and is a formidable home defense weapon. I recommend you get the all-steel Model 60, and shoot .38 sp +p with it for home defense.

Cordially, Jack

Every reply has been helpful, but this one especially so.

Thanks very much. It looks like the 60 is the model for me. Any other information you guys are willing to share about the 60 would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mack]

Neither. If I were looking for a home defense .38 that I was not going to carry I would go for a K frame with a 4" barrel. To be more specific I would get one of the used model 64's from someone like J&G or a local gun store:

Revolver

This is the one I would get because I like the round butt.

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...ndition-s-w/cPath/16_211_431/products_id/3104

This will give you a 6 shot revolver that is easier to shoot. If not experienced I would have it checked out by a local gunsmith, put a grip on it I like and shoot it enough to become comfortable with it all for less than the price of a Mdl 60. YMMV.

 

[off road]

Of those two, the model 60 with 3" barrel would be the best if you don't intend to carry it. Also take a good look at the Ruger SP101.

There are certainly lots of very good choices out there in medium frame/higher capacity guns. If you want to shoot often at the range, those might be a better choice. Ruger GP100, Smith 686, etc.

 

[murphydog]

Agree, a police turn-in model 10 or 64 with a 4" heavy barrel would be the ideal first home defense gun. A 2" J frame (steel or alloy) is really a gun for experts or really determined and consistent practice, in my opinion.

 

[fullthrottle]

I appreciate the suggestions to look at other models. However, I am adamant about purchasing a new revolver, not used.

Thanks

 

[mattallamerican]

350$ for a 642 with no lock id look twice for that price

 

[fullthrottle]

Yes, the 642's retail price is what drew to me that model initially.

But, as was said, it probably doesn't fit my need. The 60 and the 686 two of you recommended both have heftier price tags, but if they are indeed much less challenging to shoot well (and shoot often) than a J frame, then I may just have to shut up and cough up the money.

Thanks

 

[6pack]

I have other guns secured but quickly assesable for home protection.

I will say this, however, the gun in your possesion beats the one in another room when you need it.

My respect for the 442 has been steadily growing since buying one last summer.

A good pocket holster and you are in business.

This taken on my cellphone minutes ago while I have the grill firing up nicely.

Seems like overkill to bring a gun to a BBQ, right?


Guess again.

Strange things have been occuring next door. My elderly neighbor has been in very, very poor health and some rogue associates of his daughter have been coming by when she makes here weekly visits (cash runs). They are a sorry looking lot, too. No doubt hooked on meth or etc. I've had to run one of them off when he walked into my garage under the ruse of wanting to "borrow" some yard tools.


Sad times for the old fella.


Anyway, If you plan on carry at all, then I advise getting the 442/642. That 15oz gun is nothing and contrary to "internet" reports, it does not shoot harshly at all. I thouroughly enjoy shooting mine.

Evenings will often find me walking the dogs. It slips into even gym shorts with zero problems...as long as I cinch up the drawstring waist a bit...it'll ride fine for 2 mile walks.

I'm glad they offered this one without the lock. I certainly wish that trend would expand to the rest of the line.


Good luck.

 

[M3Stuart]

IMHO, you cannot go wrong with any of the guns listed so far. They all have pluses and minuses which can be debated. Personally, I went through a snubbie phase but then decided I preferred 4" and 6" .38/.357s and 9mm semi-autos. Of course I also have .22LR SAs and .22 revolvers in various barrel lengths.

If nobody else has said it yet; find a gun that you think is really cool, for whatever reason, and that you'll go shoot a lot and get good with. Then, over time, other guns will catch your interest, you will try them out and develop your own set of likes and dislikes. You'll buy/sell/trade until you end up with what you like best - at that time....which of course will change...and then you'll buy some other gun...(repeat as necessary).

Shown in pic: S&W 6" 686-1 (no lock), Rossi (97104) 4" .357, Taurus 94SS4 4" .22LR

 

[Sportsterguy]

I'd go with a 4" 686 over either of the two revolvers you are asking about.
A snub requires training to hit the target and have heavy trigger pulls compared to a L frame 686. The larger revolver is much more accurate and will last you a lifetime making it worth the extra money. Plus it gives you one extra round that may come in handy. Even shooting .357's are a breeze with them and a much more potent round for self defense. If the recoil and muzzle blast are a bother buy some .38 Special +P's and you are still well armed.

THE BEST home defense weapon is a 12 gauge pump shotgun loaded with OO buckshot. Use the handgun to get to your shotgun. When someone hears the racking of a round they will leave rapidly or are just plain crazy or hopped up on drugs. If so they will be harder to take down with hits from a handgun. WAY more accurate than a handgun and very lethal. Don't go with the "OO buck penetrates too much" theory. A missed shot from a .38 or .357 handgun will penetrate even further and your chances of missing with the snub are way higher.

JMHO

 

[fullthrottle]

So it's like dating?

 

[smokey04]

I would suggest that a "J" frame revolver in any form is an experts gun.I have a 3" Mod. 60 in .357 and I love it but I am not a novice. If you want a house defense piece,I would recommend a "K" or "L" frame piece with a 4" barrel. Specifically,a Mod. 19, 66, or better yet,a 686. These guns have more weight["heft"], are easier to control and allow every ammo selection from target .38s to "full house" .357s. If you are not a reloader their versatility is unsurpassed. If you choose to carry,on ocassion,the "K" &"L" framed guns have filled that bill for years. Just my opinion, Nick

 

[RonS]

I've been shooting revolvers and other handguns since I was 8 years old, my 8th birthday present was time with my dad and a box of .38 Special reloads so I have no real recoil problems. But. . .I would not choose an alloy frame snubnose for a home defense gun.

If the Model 60 fits your hands I would buy the 3" barrel version for a nightstand gun, but if your hands are average size or larger I would also look at the Model 10, 64 or 67. In any case, check out alternative grips by S&W, Hogue or Pachmayr.

 

[airman]

I vote with Jaydubya. The 642 became painful, the 60 shoots like a dream. I am most accurate with it and it doesn't beat up my hands.