Need Advice on New Carry gun

[Ronny]

I have a Model 642 with Crimson Trace Laser Grips, which I have used as my main EDC in a Mika pocket holster for a couple of years. I can carry it all day in complete comfort, but find it not fun to shoot because of the recoil and as a resilt don't practice with it at the range as often as I believe I should.

So,my question is what other model would you all advise that would be more fun to shoot, but yet light and small enough to carry, at least in an IWB holster?

I had an older 4 inch.357 Taurus thst was a joy to shoot with .38 ammo, but much too big and heavy for carry, which I recently gave to my son-in-law for home defense.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Ronny]

I have a Model 642 with Crimson Trace Laser Grips, which I have used as my main EDC in a Mika pocket holster for a couple of years. I can carry it all day in complete comfort, but find it not fun to shoot because of the recoil and as a resilt don't practice with it at the range as often as I believe I should.

So,my question is what other model would you all advise that would be more fun to shoot, but yet light and small enough to carry, at least in an IWB holster?

I had an older 4 inch.357 Taurus thst was a joy to shoot with .38 ammo, but much too big and heavy for carry, which I recently gave to my son-in-law for home defense.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Six Dollar Dave]

You might consider one of the all steel J-frames. I carry a M36 in a pocket holster daily. The extra weight doesn't bother me, and does help absorb some of the recoil.

 

[Iggy]

You might want to look at the Mdl 60's and 640.
Same size but stainless and a little heavier and more pleasant to shoot.

My wife carries a 642 with CT grips and .38 special wadcutters.

I carry a 640-1 with .357's OWB or a 36 with 38+P's in Mika.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

The 642 is very light, and not the easiest gun in the world to make comfortable. In my hand, Magna grips without a Tyler work well. An older square butt 37, with Magnas and WITH a Tyler, is very slightly larger, but more comfortable.

There are probably some other grips out there, possibly birdshead Badgers, that extend below the grip frame and perhaps have finger grooves, that may fit your hand and work well for you on your RB 642. I also know one person who likes the 642 with Magnas and WITH a Tyler, although that doesn't work for me because it causes my middle finger to get rapped on the knuckle by the trigger guard.

 

[photoman]

What ammo are you using? Sounds like the 642/pocket holster combo is working for you. I would recommend staying with that but stepping down a level on the ammo. Standard pressure Winchester 110gr Silvertip or Federal Gold Match 148gr wadcutters are two options to try. Either would get the job done for self defense.

The next step up gunwise I would try would be a 3" steel J frame.

 

[Bugs100]

Why not just buy some light target rounds to practice with.

I use 148gr double ended wad cutters loaded real light. You should be able to find some target rounds at a gun shop.

 

[Dale53]

Bugs100 has already mentioned my solution. I also have a 642 as a daily carry gun. I have the long Crimson Trace grips and carry in a Mika pocket holster.

I use my standard target wadcutters for general practice, then finish the practice session with a cylinder full or two of "carry load" equivalent.

I cast my own bullets and use cast bullet reloads for practice. I carry factory loads for "serious" use. I like the Lee RF 158 gr for full power and quick reload practice as they drop right in the cylinder with their tapered noses and shoot to point of aim. Another Plus is the Lee comes in a six cavity mould and I can cast LOTS at one sitting.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[courtyard]

I recently upgraded my CT grips to the rubber overmold, from the earlier plastic ones on my 642. The difference in firing is much better, in my opinion. It is also carried in a Mika pocket holster without a problem. I found the 640 a bit too heavy for the pocket, good luck.

 

[riptrack44]

Personal preference only, but I recently got rid of my 642. I intended it for personal carry too. It came with the Crimson Trace grips which I thought was wierd because the vast majority of the times you'll need that gun will require firing a shot within 10 feet. Lots of data backs that up. I also like an exposed hammer. Smith also makes quite an array of exotic metal .357 snubbies which are priced in the stratosphere. Personally, now I carry an Airlite exposed hammer Smith snubbie but I would also suggest a Model 36. Ammo is another entire arguement. Some will tell you to carry nothing lighter than a .357 while others will swear by the .38+P. Again, personally, I like the regular old .38 special. At close range, which is what the snubbie was designed for, a regular .38 will do the job. The police used it for years and years. It all boils down to what you like and are comfortable with. Most people don't need a lot of range time to be able to place a shot(s) in the upper torso within 10 feet. Again, all my blather is my personal opinion.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

I routinely carry K and N frame all-steel revolvers both IWB and OWB. With a proper belt and holster they are no bother.

 

[epj]

My 642 benefited greatly from a change to Pachmyar grips. No laser sight, but much easier to control and more comfortable with hot loads.

 

[Dale53]

epj;
You are right on point. The most comfortable grip I have used on the snubbie is the Pachmayr "J" frame "Compac". However, since most of the perceived threat comes after dark, I chose the Crimson Trace #305's

Dale53

 

[Smithist]

Try a model 60,38 special. Really shootable with most +P ammunition, but it's still light enough for IWB or pocket carry.

 

[feralmerril]

If you like that gun because of weight etc, I would get a similar shooter that is heavier but same configuration and same grips, practice with that, and carry your gun. Actualy what Bugs 100 said makes the MOST sense.

 

[Ronny]

Thanks to all who responded. I will first try some lighter rounds, like wadcutters, for practice. If my range rents the Model 36 or 60, I will give them a try and see what seems to be the best solution.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by Ronny:
I have a Model 642 with Crimson Trace Laser Grips, which I have used as my main EDC in a Mika pocket holster for a couple of years. I can carry it all day in complete comfort, but find it not fun to shoot because of the recoil and as a resilt don't practice with it at the range as often as I believe I should.

So,my question is what other model would you all advise that would be more fun to shoot, but yet light and small enough to carry, at least in an IWB holster?

I had an older 4 inch.357 Taurus thst was a joy to shoot with .38 ammo, but much too big and heavy for carry, which I recently gave to my son-in-law for home defense.

Thanks for your help.

Get a 1911 .45 Commander (if you don't know, that is a lightweight frame, full size magazine and no less than a 4 1/4 inch barrel - and for God's sake, NO FULL LENGTH RECOIL SPRING GUIDE).

The S&W brand is fine and so is the Colt, but stay away from anyone who has redesigned it with barrels shorter than 4 1/4 inch and who put in the full length guide rod.

The Commander is easy to carry, very thin and fun to shoot. In fact, the recoil of the .45 ACP in the Commander or Government Model is virtually non-existent, if you know how to place your hands.

Friends don't let friends carry TaurusJunk (unless of course you do not value your life).

On the other hand, if you think the likelihood of needing it to save your life is so low you do not mind carrying a Taurus, then your need is so low, you should not carry at all.

I would rather have a really old used S&W than ANY brand new Taurus.