Revolver 101 Questions - need help

[walkin' trails]

All modern S&W revolvers have "drop" safeties - actually called hammer block or transfer bars. The bar drops out of the way only when you press the trigger or manually cock the hammer. The S&W J-frames with concealed hammers, i.e. the 442 or 642 are good bets and don't cost an arm and a leg. S&W makes the lighter scandium and titanium framed guns, but while tough, the recoil is more pronounced as the weight drops (not that a standard aluminum framed 442 is all that pleasant to shoot). If you stumble across an original 640 (steel frame in .38 Special) grab it, as it is a better shooter. I'm not a fan of the laser, but Crimson Trace laser grips seem to offer a pretty secure, comfortable grip. Laser or not, train with the gun. Dry fire in a safe environment teaches you familiarity with a revolver's trigger. Practice loading with speedloaders, strips, and individual rounds. With proper training, a revolver is every bit a fighting handgun. And the little J's are a lot more accurate than many want to admit.

 

[Pistolero_loco]

Thank you all

Lots of good information!

 

[Fly'nBuff]

I'm pro Crimson Trace for my M&P 340. In fact, I have a set on a couple of other handguns. I wouldn't stand a chance of getting a descent sight picture if my glasses were to be knocked off during a scuffle. Just another tool in the toolbox should the need arise.

 

[Practical]

The lighter 38 special revolvers have noticeable recoil compared to a pistol. I have used Airweight S&W and they are great for carry.

I prefer to shoot the S&W model 60 in 357/38special OR a SP101 in 357/38 special.

I would recommend looking at each of these as they are GREAT shooters. A little harder to carry...

the S&W 442 or 642 is my suggestion for pocket carry, but they are harder to master in terms of recoil. I bought some light loads to practice with.

 

[md80captain]

All modern S&W revolvers have "drop" safeties - actually called hammer block or transfer bars. The bar drops out of the way only when you press the trigger or manually cock the hammer.

Just did a trigger job on my new 640 and it had no hammer block, nor the channel in the side plate for it to ride in. There is the bump on the rebound slide that prevents the hammer from moving until the trigger is pulled however.

 

[MikeyB]

You could also look into the 438/638. Basically the same gun as the 442/642 but has a shrouded hammer so you have the choice of sa/da. I carry this one a lot!

Did you do your own polishing? Looks really good.

I'm thinking about polishing the cylinder on my 360.