S&W J frame vs. Glock 42

[Markmontana]

First, I want to say I love J frame Smiths. I’ve got a no dash M60, a no dash M37, a M442 PC, and I just picked up the new M640 PC Black. I’m looking for a M649 and that will be my next purchase. But, I also have a Glock 42 in .380 which I like. When it comes time to select one of these for CC I’m conflicted. As far as effectiveness of .38 special and .380acp I personally think it’s a toss up with appropriate loads. I like the feel of both guns in my hand and, to be honest, I shoot the G42 slightly better. Also, I find it easier to conceal the flat Glock than the Smiths. The Smith hold 5 rounds and with my flat plate magazine the Glock is 7+1. With all that said, the Smiths get equal time in my summer carry rotation. But, sometimes wonder if I’m
“undergunned”. I tend to opt for the Smiths in suburban low threat environments and opt for Glock when I go into the city.

What do you guys think of this?

 

[mgriffin]

I'm from the Fenton area. My EDC around the area is my S&W 442. If I go into St. Louis I bump it up to my P365XL. I rarely go to St. Louis city.

 

[WardenRoss]

Variety is the spice of life.

 

[38 Specialist]

the small increase from 5 rounds of .38 to 8 rounds of 380 aren't enough to make me switch from the revolver. Even though it's shooting from a reliable Glock, I have had a lot of trouble with 380 reliably cycling pistols (others may have other experience).

Going to Glock 26 or SIG P365 would be, to me, reasonable. Those 9mm guns are very reliable and give you even more capacity.

 

[dusty3030]

I wouldn’t sweat it. Practice with everything, carry with good quality ammo that you know works in your gun. You have great options in your arsenal of carry pieces so you don’t have a bad choice in the bunch.

 

[Dump1567]

Carry whatever you shoot well and are comfortable with. Personally, I reserve J frames & .380's to back-up rolls. And the last thing I want to do in a gun fight is reload. But these are my choices that I live by, and I can't tell anyone what's right for them.

 

[Fastbolt]

What can you use to make the fastest 1-3 hits, accurately, controllably and under difficult conditions? 1 and 2-handed? Strong and off-handed? Regardless of light conditions? Which one is the most easily grasped, securely (not having to shift your fingers between shots), when your hand is scrabbling for the grip to draw and present? Whether dry or damp?

If it's your life at stake, or that of a loved one, does either offer any advantage to you?

 

[HOGSTR]

My situation is similar. Typically the 42 gets carried appendix style in a slim kydex, when it's hot or I'm otherwise in shorts. It's easier to carry the J frame in long pants, or even better in a jacket pocket. Sometimes I carry both in the winter. A J frame in a jacket pocket doesn't necessarily have to be drawn in order to fire...surprise, surprise to the offender.

 

[DuckBeav]

Very interesting topic as I have both G42 and J frames from Smith/Taurus. While I like and shoot both well, I moved to a Sig P938 with the factory Hogue grip. Let me tell you, for such a small 9mm, it is extremely accurate and very manageable to shoot consistently! I've contemplated letting a couple of the J frames or the G42 go to purchase a second 938.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

I have a 442 and 42. Because of five decades of carrying Air Weights i feel more comfortable with a J frame. Less chance of an accident.

I've never been at peace with a striker fired weapon. However I trust the G42 to fire the ammo I carry and I'm competent with it.

But still, when it comes down to safety and reliability I think the J frame wins. I may replace the 442 for a 340 PD. In old age weight comes into play too.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I like my 60 in 357mag with 180gr talons my dog walking gun, grocery getter.

Big city gun is Kimber TLE 10mm with a few spare mags. Gave the only Glock I ever owned to my son.

 

[65-2x2]

Variety is the spice of life.

I am exactly the opposite. I have been carrying the same gun in the same (or same replacement) holster for 30 years. I have tried to stray, but I keep coming back.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Only you know what’s best in your current environment and the way you dress.

Do to the crazy environment I live in, I sold off my J frames and 380 mouse guns.

I pocket carry a Glock 43 during warm weather and a Glock 48 in cooler weather. Always an extra mag.

In my opinion, I have gained a more effective caliber and lost nothing in return.

 

[URIT]

I'd have to pass on the Glock 42, and opt for a J-frame Lipsey's S&W Model 632 UC in 32H&R Mag.

 

[Valmet]

While I can’t consider the .38 Spl a “powerhouse,” I’d choose one over a .380 every day of the week. I owned one of the first Glock 42s off the line back in early 2014. Nice little gun but I got rid of all of my .380s.

 

[rockquarry]

If you are skilled enough to shoot a .38 snubnose J-frame well, you can easily master most any handgun. J-frames are my favorite if I was going to carry a handgun, but after fifty+ years, I'm still trying to become really proficient with one at 25 yards.

 

[Timothy2700]

I am exactly the opposite. I have been carrying the same gun in the same (or same replacement) holster for 30 years. I have tried to stray, but I keep coming back.

Thanks. But as the late Paul Harvey would say…..here is the rest of the story.
Tell us about your gun and holster. Sounds like a long-term relationship some could learn something from

 

[Brian Parrish]

First, I want to say I love J frame Smiths. I’ve got a no dash M60, a no dash M37, a M442 PC, and I just picked up the new M640 PC Black. I’m looking for a M649 and that will be my next purchase. But, I also have a Glock 42 in .380 which I like. When it comes time to select one of these for CC I’m conflicted. As far as effectiveness of .38 special and .380acp I personally think it’s a toss up with appropriate loads. I like the feel of both guns in my hand and, to be honest, I shoot the G42 slightly better. Also, I find it easier to conceal the flat Glock than the Smiths. The Smith hold 5 rounds and with my flat plate magazine the Glock is 7+1. With all that said, the Smiths get equal time in my summer carry rotation. But, sometimes wonder if I’m
“undergunned”. I tend to opt for the Smiths in suburban low threat environments and opt for Glock when I go into the city.

What do you guys think of this?

I think most of this persuasion will employ the carry rotation practice.
I have a Bodyguard Airweight Model 38, which conceals and shoots very well, although I never tried to practice with it at 25 yards like Rock Quarry does, whoa.
I also have a Glock 42 which I really like.
Add to that a Colt Mustang 1st Gen from 1986 still in beautiful condition.
I like 'em all. No way to decide.
Let me know what you finally decide, but I like your urban/suburban idea. Makes sense to me.
Kind and Best to You!
BrianD

 

[Matt_X]

I've carried both (although a model 42 rather than a 640) and both have advantages and disadvantages. If you have a holster for the G42 that works for you, then go ahead and carry it. One disadvantage I find with the G42 is the mag release can be inadvertantly depressed just enough the mag is not seated. The others are all well known and I dont think I need to type here.

As far as city vs. suburb, I don't think it makes much difference. There could be multiple attackers anywhere. One could argue in the city - depending on where you are - you could be in very crowded space with no room. Then revolver has the advantage. It all comes down to the scenarios you think are possible and more probable weighed against the risk inhernt with each type of carry.

 

[YouveHadYour6]

I'm a great fan of the .380 for certain applications but this is one of the first times I've encountered someone calling the standard .380 a 'toss up' next to the .38 Special - without even going into the extremes the .38 Special can be pushed to with little effort and total safety in a plus-P rated revolver.

This is an apples to oranges comparison - a .380 is for one thing, a .38 Special another, and their overlap is for my view - at least given what I load/carry - very slight at best. The older argument of a 9mm Luger being an approx equal of the .38 Special I feel much more comfortable with after decades spent with both. A .380 is...simply a different class of cartridge.