New to revolvers... Best for pocket carry?

[10mmillie]

The +P rating means it will stand up to that much pressure. You can shoot all the non +P you want as well as +P. The 642 is a good choice for carry and I've carried them but I prefer a 640. I like all steel and pocket carry it everday in a uncle mike's pocket holster with Eagle Secret Service grips on it.

 

[Austerity]

Wow. Thank you all. Tons of awesome info in this thread. I think the 642 sounds like a revolver that fits what I am looking for. I need a pistol that I can conceal well at work, since we aren't "technically" supposed to carry at work. I don't know if it differs by state, but where I live carrying there wouldn't be a legal issue, just a risk of discipline from the boss. With the area around my station getting increasingly worse, I look at it like my life is more important than my job. If I get the 642, which is rated for 38 special +p, can I shoot standard 38 special ammo, or does it have to be rated +p?

Your right. Your life is MUCH more valuable than your companies viewpoints on concealed carry. Sorry, had to voice my opinion.

Carry away, defend yourself. It's not illegal here, but I do it as well.

 

[rodfatherjr]

newby reading old stuff

Wow! tons of good comments and info. Agreed on 1. life is more important than job! 2. "carry away" Hey! it's called "concealed carry" for a reason! Carry always, never tell! 3. I carry the 442 with Bianchi speed strip in opposite pocket and a pocket holster. I personally went for the darker color of the 442 for concealablity in low light. Maybe that's overkill (intended!) but I like it.
4.The lock situation is problematical if you consider actual cases of malfunction and legal ramifications IF you ever find yourself against an attorney defending why you "knew more than S&W" about the weapon you used to defend your life. I have not defeated mine but am still considering it. 5. I have the CT laser and love it! The open sites for me are strictly "point and shoot", which is OK too. 6. Can't comment on the lighter versions but the weight is definately NOT an issue with the 442 nor 642 imho! Love my "5 for sure" pocket gun! Vote in November!!

 

[Bikemobile]

Wow. Thank you all. Tons of awesome info in this thread. I think the 642 sounds like a revolver that fits what I am looking for. I need a pistol that I can conceal well at work, since we aren't "technically" supposed to carry at work. I don't know if it differs by state, but where I live carrying there wouldn't be a legal issue, just a risk of discipline from the boss. With the area around my station getting increasingly worse, I look at it like my life is more important than my job. If I get the 642, which is rated for 38 special +p, can I shoot standard 38 special ammo, or does it have to be rated +p?

If i were in your shoes i would look at the new shield or a 638/438.

I carry a 442 on my ankle on duty. It is my "get off me gun." As stated, any targets more than 7 yards away frustrate me. It is a heavy double action trigger that is effective at close range.

In your situation it is one hell of a noisemaker. That might be enough of a deterrant on its own. I carry speer dot +p's for SD. I just got a shield so i can feel confident in my ability to drop a scumbag at 20 yards instead of 7.

I like the 442/438 because the black handle conceals better. The 438 has a "shrouded" hammer that you can pull back to get single action if you need it. That single action trigger will increase your 10-15-20 yard shot confidence dramatically. I have the 442 (no hammer exposed) because i routinely tromp through 1-2 feet of snow, mud, grass etc and on my ankle it is exposed to all of that nastiness.

If i could trade mine across i would have gotten a 638 and i would cover the hammer path with elec tape. Easily defeated with a DA trigger pull or with my thumb if the need for SA arises.

 

[sierra255]

nickthedude,
I'm not going to recommend a certain weapon to buy, but rather say this to you. The minimum caliber you should buy is 38sp/9mm. Do not go below this standard as there are just too many horror stories of survival by the suspect. Remember, "a dead man cannot testify against you in court". My friends on this forum have made many good recommendations, so purchase something comfortable for your hand, and hit the range many times over........Best of Luck

_______________
Rodger-retired LEO

 

[310Pilot]

I have carried J frames, both as primary and back-up guns, for many years. I have a Model 60 (original 60, .38 Spl) which is a great gun, but purchased a no-lock 442 a few months ago. The 60 used to reside in my pocket; however, it has been replaced in that position by the 442. The 442 is much lighter (aluminum frame, steel cylinder), and it is a "hammerless" design, which eliminates the potential for the hammer to snag on your clothing while drawing (definitely happens with the 60 when taking it out of the pocket). In fact, it is so light, it doesn't even feel like it is in my pocket! I recommend either a 442 or 642 (aluminum frame or stainless steel frame, respectively), with the 642 being heavier. Use .38 Spl hollow points, and practice, practice, practice - these little lightweight snubbies can be challenging to shoot accurately, especially since they are double action only. My 442 has been treated to a professional action job, which really smoothed it up and helped a lot with trigger control and accuracy. Oh yes, ALWAYS use a good quality pocket holster, it keeps the weapon in place, facilitates the draw, and breaks up the outline of the gun, aiding significantly in concealment. Also, don't carry anything else in that pocket (keys, change, knives, etc.), as it will, inevitably, interfere with your draw. I highly recommend the right front pocket for carry (if you are right handed), keep your speed loaders or speed strips (a lot more concealable, a bit slower on reloads) in your other front pocket. Again, practice, practice, practice, and practice some more! Don't get discouraged early on, these light, short barreled guns take a lot of practice to master, but it is worthwhile. Best wishes.

 

[watergun1929]

Carry Piece

I carry a S&W 638 in a pocket holster. I like the option of the single action with concealed hammer. It is much more accurate if you need to take an aimed shot.

 

[M3Stuart]

My most common carry is the 36 Chief's special in a WRB pocket holster.

I carry these shown; a 60-9 in a Galco tuc-n-go, a 66 2.5" IWB, and the Bobcat in .22 LR - loaded with stingers. I also have a Chief's special (that I can't seem to find a pic of for some reason).

IWB holsters need to have a shirt over them. I got the Bobcat for hot weather shorts & t-shirt weather - it works fine in the Uncle Mike's pocket holster shown. It fits in ANY pocket. The 36 works fine in the front pocket most of the time.

Of course all those listed above by others would work well too! I'm planning on getting a 642 e-VENTUALLY...

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Another 642 fan here. This 642-1 has been riding in my pocket or on my belt or ankle since I bought it new in 1997.

Its a keeper

 

[cornfed83]

I'm not sure if it has been mentioned here yet or not, but if we are talking about a backup gun to a larger 9mm the choice is obvious to me. The S&W 940! Same as the 640 only in 9mm so if you are in a fight and your main gun goes down you still have plenty of ammo. I tend to carry only my 940 but if I'm on the road or going somewhere that I think could be nasty I carry it in conjunction with my HK p7. I know many of you are thinking right now that it is a price exclusive piece but I found mine about 2 years ago for $475 at a LGS.

I have never been in a shootout as a civilian but I have seen a M16 converted to bolt action courtesy of an Iraqi insurgent. I have personally had to use M16 magazines in a SAW during an extended fire fight. There are very distinct advantages to having 2 guns that use 1 round.

My biggest piece of advice however is no matter what gun or guns you decide to go with PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! If you are going to carry a gun you should be intimately familiar with it!

 

[JoeGun]

Thanks guys. So the only difference between the 642 and 442 is the finish? This gun would be a backup to my M&P9c, Glock 23, or Glock 27, and it would also be ideal to throw in my pocket while I'm working (I cashier at a gas station).

Nick,

As far as I know,, both frames are aluminum alloy. The 642 Barrel/Cylinder are Stainless Steel. The 442 barrel/Cylinder are Carbon Steel. According to the specs they both weigh 15oz.

I got the 642 because of the SS Parts,, but IMO,, the 442 conceals better because of the darker color. It's a tradeoff and I would think that's why many of us have both.

With a pair of jean's either will drop in the pocket out of sight easily,, or at least in my jeans they do.

After useing the tipton snap caps,, the trigger on mine is acceptable "For Me", without needing to make a spring change or action smoother.

Joe

 

[Frank46]

If I had the money right now there would be two "J" frames doing CCW duty right now. He might be expecting one revolver but not two.Frank

 

[elm_creek_smith]

How big are your pockets?

ECS

 

[Lobster Picnic]

For cashiering at a gas station in a rough neighborhood, I'd go with a 642 in one pocket and a 442 in the other.