S&W 642 or 637?

[Torakan]

I'm thinking of getting something a little smaller than my 686 2.5" or 15 2" and lighter than my SP 101 for summer concealed carry. My favorite local dealer has several of the new Airwight 642 & 637 revolvers in stock for $429 + tax. I just cant decide on the regular SA/DA exposed hammer of the 637 versus the DAO concealed hammer of the 642. I was actually going to get the 642 but was put off by the very heavy trigger pull of the 3 642s I dry fired. The 2 637s he had seemed to have a lighter DA trigger pull and a decent SA pull. I usually carry IWB or coat pocket carry with my 15 and SP 101 and would like to do a combination of pant pocket and IWB carry with the Airweight. Any advice?

 

[S&W2244]

642. Don't have to worry about hammer snagging on pocket when pulling out gun. Dry fire with snap caps to lighten up trigger pull. It's your choice. Good luck.

 

[Dale53]

Neither would be a bad choice. My personal preference for daily carry is the 642. Double action is what I want for serious use. I don't want a light, single action pull going off by accident under the influence of adrenaline. Double action works fine with practice.

I don't lighten the trigger pull of my "duty" gun as I want it to go "BANG" every time I pull the trigger...

YMMV
Dale53

 

[SPDGG]

+1 Another Vote: 642

Maybe: 637 w/ "Bobbed" Hammer

If you want SA w/o mods: 638

 

[chp]

I prefer the exposed hammer models with a bobbed hammer. I think they're a little sleeker - but that's just a personal preference. It's very easy to bobb a hammer.

 

[kraigwy]

If you are talking pocket carry, the 642 is my choice. I carry one in my pocket constantly.

The trigger problem can be fixed by DRY FIRING THE HECK out of it.

You not only smooth out the trigger but you strengthen you trigger finger by dry firing.

To add to the topic, there are two words one needs to consider in the 642, Crimson Trace.

No 642 should be without laser sights, dry firing with laser sights will show you what you are doing wrong when you see that little red dot bouncing around. It really helps your snubby shooting.

 

[Lou_NC]

why not a 638?

I know they're considered a tad ugly (not to me, but others have said so) but why not consider a 638 instead? Best of both worlds IMHO - the shrouded hammer won't snag (no need for bobbing the hammer) and you have the instant choice of SA or DA depending on what situation you find yourself in.

I find the 638 the perfect pocket J-frame design.

Lou

 

[460v LAC du FLAMBEAU]

I have owned the 642 with factory-installed CT grips for 3 years. My favorite pocket gun. The 642/CT was dead on @ 25' right out of the shipping case.

Factory-installed grips have the "S&W" logo. "Add-on" CT grips have the "CT" logo.

 

[photoman]

I own all three style J frames but use the Centennials the most. A good trigger job is worth every penny spent.

 

[mlk18]

I have a 642 and 638, love 'em both. But after a couple years I realized that my 642 went everywhere I went and my 638 sat in the safe. So now my 638 goes everywhere my Dad goes.

 

[aterry33]

I don't see any reason for single action on this type of gun, except maybe if you're a LEO and you have immunity.

Plus, the hammer gets caught on your pocket. The 638 is cool but is has more bulk.

My vote is for the 642.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

For pocket carry, I'd have to go with the 642. Mine is a pre-IL, and pre-MIM, and I'm amazed at how much better the trigger pull is on it than on the newer J frames.

 

[ajr969]

Why not get both?

I usually keep a 442 in a Mika pocket holster and a 637 in an anke holster. The hammer spur on the 637 keeps it secure using the holster's thumbsnap while the 442 offers an easy, snag-free draw from the pocket. A speed strip containing 6 more rounds that can reload either weapon completes the setup.

 

[Robert B]

642

My vote is for the 642. I never realized just how hard it is to keep a thumb on the hammer during a draw from the pocket until I bought my centennial. You have to come up with a way to keep sweat off the thumbpiece though or the mim will rust.

 

[mwp4]

The 642 would get my vote for carry, as you mentioned. The trigger will get better in time with dry firing and shooting.

Mike

 

[JayDubya]

Eight years ago, I bought a 637 (with Crimson Trace's LG-305 grips). I have it strictly for HD/SD, so I practice at five and ten yards. I must have fired four thousand rounds (stopped counting) through it, almost none single action. The few times I tried it single action, I was not pleased. I am a better shot with it double action, so I don't use single action anymore. It would be easy to say, "Well, if you practiced single action more . . .," but why bother? In a real life situation, I'm going to use double action, so that is what I practice.

I wish I had gotten the 642 instead. That is what I recommend you get.

Cordially, Jack

 

[weyerbacher]

I have a standard 37 Airweight. I like it a lot. But I also have a no lock 642. The trigger is not as good as my 37, but there is no hammer to snag on anything. So it goes where I go. It will work when I need it to.