S&W 640 vs S&W 442/642
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surveyor47
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For plain old ordinary daily life in the big city, the 642/442 works fine. They just seem to disappear in your pants pocket and dont require any particular attention in order to keep them concealed. These are not target guns and I would not expect them to stand up to +P38 Specials for very long,no matter what they say they are rated for. They seem to do OK with standard 38 Specials for Quarterly practice.
In my opinion, the 640 should be regarded in the same light at a S&W 19/66, a 38 Special capable of firing 357 Magnum in emergency. The 640 should do fine with +P38 Specials, but I would severely limit the number of magnum rounds. I have been through this issue with a S&W19 and dont care to repeat it.
The 640 will take greater effort to conceal, since it is more of a holster gun than a pocket gun. It should be very capable of handling regular practice with 38 Specials.
In my opinion, the 640 should be regarded in the same light at a S&W 19/66, a 38 Special capable of firing 357 Magnum in emergency. The 640 should do fine with +P38 Specials, but I would severely limit the number of magnum rounds. I have been through this issue with a S&W19 and dont care to repeat it.
The 640 will take greater effort to conceal, since it is more of a holster gun than a pocket gun. It should be very capable of handling regular practice with 38 Specials.
handgunner356
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I would say that you wouldn't likely wear a 642/442 out with plusPs' with normal use. Recoil is noticeably more with the same loads, close to shooting the mags out of the heavier 640. If the gun is harder to carry you might find yourself not having it when you need it. When you do need it you won't notice the recoil. I'd go with the lighter gun, practice with 38s', some with your carry loads, and be happy.
WFR
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Are we talking 640 or 640-1?
I carry the 640 (.38 Spl) and prefer it to the lighter frames because the extra heft of the steel frame makes it a more controllable package.
It rides in a Kramer pocket holster.
The 640-1 (.357) is too big for pocket carry unless you have some mighty big pockets!
Just my 2 cents!
WFR
I carry the 640 (.38 Spl) and prefer it to the lighter frames because the extra heft of the steel frame makes it a more controllable package.
It rides in a Kramer pocket holster.
The 640-1 (.357) is too big for pocket carry unless you have some mighty big pockets!
Just my 2 cents!
WFR
I have a 642 and a model 60. the 642 shoots better than I expected-the crimson trace grips pad the web of your hand and it is not unpleasant for me or my wife to shoot. We generally run light loads for practice and a few +ps for the feel. The great part of the laser grips is you can practice dry firing and see what is going on. Really helped me shooting.
Never shot a 640.
Never shot a 640.
C.S.63
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The 640 is a little heavier and is sweet with
.38spl's,I carried for years the 640 on the hip in a desantis holster or on the ankle. It was dumb of me to trade that bugger off it was the early 90's run 640 rated 38 +P+ the 442 just melts away I currently have the 442 and is not bad with standard loads great for in coat pocket carry or IWB. remember to try and put a
couple hundered rounds down range before you
carry. federal 125gr JHP nyclads are a nice carry round. Hope this was not to wordy
Carl
442 below in DeSantis holster (holster aprox 14 years old)
.38spl's,I carried for years the 640 on the hip in a desantis holster or on the ankle. It was dumb of me to trade that bugger off it was the early 90's run 640 rated 38 +P+ the 442 just melts away I currently have the 442 and is not bad with standard loads great for in coat pocket carry or IWB. remember to try and put a
couple hundered rounds down range before you
carry. federal 125gr JHP nyclads are a nice carry round. Hope this was not to wordy
Carl
442 below in DeSantis holster (holster aprox 14 years old)
Gearhead Jim
Member
For me, the 640 is not suitable for most pants pocket carry on a regular basis because of its weight, which causes discomfort and visible sagging. And if I need to wear a holster, then I can comfortably conceal a slightly bigger but MUCH more effective gun like a S&W 66 or Glock 19.
OTOH, I've been carrying airweights in my pocket for 30 years and don't plan to ever stop.
OTOH, I've been carrying airweights in my pocket for 30 years and don't plan to ever stop.
walkin' trails
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The airweights are more pleasant to carry, while the steel frames are more pleasant to shoot. If you're going to pocket-carry, the airweight is the way to go. The steel frames are still easy to carry, however, but are probably not as comfortable in a trouser or jacket pocket.
Roger Norris
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I carry a Commander or a .44 Mountain Gun on a regular basis. I don't mind altering my wardrobe to conceal a full sized handgun. BUT my 642 is ALWAYS in my pocket. I actually have to remind myself that it's there sometimes. The recoil doesn't bother me, but I go easy on the +P's just to be safe.
I have a 640-1 and a 442. Obviously, the 442 is much lighter and is easier to forget that you are wearing it. Both are good; the .357 is hotter, much more recoil but who cares? If I were in a more dangerous area, perhaps I'd carry the 640-1 more than the 442. Or maybe both. Right now, I always have the 442 On both guns, I use a Barami HipGrip for IWB carry. Very cheap, very inconspicuous, very efficient. I've used them for 30 yrs at least. I seldom use a real holster for any IWB carry, although I own them.
Sonny
Sonny
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