Recommend a J-Frame?

j-frame

Another vote for the 642/442 no-lock. Light weight,snag free, easy to carry.
 
J Frame

I "like" my 640's best, but truth be told, I end up carrying the (no-lock) 442 more. Had a 642, but the finish on the aluminum failed, so out it went. If I had to pick just one, I'd keep the 640 (no dash), because stainless wears so well over the long haul.
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I "like" my 640's best, but truth be told, I end up carrying the (no-lock) 442 more. Had a 642, but the finish on the aluminum failed, so out it went. If I had to pick just one, I'd keep the 640 (no dash), because stainless wears so well over the long haul.
My thing about carry guns is that they ought to be black (blue) rather than stainless. Black just hides better and glares less. Thus I chose the 442 rather than the 642. If the finish fails it goes back to S&W.
 
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Thanks for the advice!

Thanks everyone--your help is much appreciated.
 
J-frame

I am a 640 fan myself, but the best approach is to rent, or borow, a number of models, shoot them, and decide for yourself what fits you best. There are significant differences between the various models, and the ergonomics are quite variable. However, there is no such thing as a "bad" J-frame.
 
When I needed a gun fora CCW class, I grabbed the 642. It taught
me how to shoot DA. Recoil is a little stout, but not enough to make
you "cry uncle". I've shot about everything though it, with no
problems. Mine could use a gold bead front sight, though. TACC1
 
When I needed a gun fora CCW class, I grabbed the 642. It taught
me how to shoot DA. Recoil is a little stout, but not enough to make
you "cry uncle". I've shot about everything though it, with no
problems. Mine could use a gold bead front sight, though. TACC1
 
When I needed a gun fora CCW class, I grabbed the 642. It taught
me how to shoot DA. Recoil is a little stout, but not enough to make
you "cry uncle". I've shot about everything though it, with no
problems. Mine could use a gold bead front sight, though. TACC1

I agree with everything you just said, the 642 was my first Revolver, and my first handgun in general and I am in love with it. Admitidly I did not do my research like maybe I should have on the different available models of J frames. Luckily I ended up with the 642 without the lock. I can honestly say for it's size it is very accurate. It shoots better groups than my service pistol which is a Baretta M9. It kicks a good bit but I put 100 rounds down range in about 30 minutes with no issues. Every squeeze of the trigger produced a accurate shot. I had about 6" groupings at 13 yards. I'd call that sufficient. The aluminum finish peeling is something I have not heard of yet and if it happens on mine it will go back to S&W for a new finish. Maybe they can change the color?
 
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............The aluminum finish peeling is something I have not heard of yet and if it happens on mine it will go back to S&W for a new finish. Maybe they can change the color?
I have only heard of it too but I've also been told by an number of my buddies that S&W service is exemplary and, although I have the 442, I'm not worried about the finish "failing" either. I think Smith makes it right whatever the problem.
 
When I needed a gun fora CCW class, I grabbed the 642. It taught
me how to shoot DA. Recoil is a little stout, but not enough to make
you "cry uncle". I've shot about everything though it, with no
problems. Mine could use a gold bead front sight, though. TACC1

I have only heard of it too but I've also been told by an number of my buddies that S&W service is exemplary and, although I have the 442, I'm not worried about the finish "failing" either. I think Smith makes it right whatever the problem.

Either they fix it on their own (they have good service apparently) or I have to drop a little coin. Either way it can be fixed if need be and since my 642 is not even carried at the moment it will last a while.
 

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