I bought a 1975 Royal Blue Colt Python with a 6" barrel and an original Dirty Holster from Buchmier. I always wanted a ventilated rib gun.
... drool ... envy ...
My last purchase for 2009 was also my first S&W purchase: a 642 snubbie with the CT grips. I'm keeping it in a Galco Ankle Glove mostly, and sometimes on my hip in a Bianchi 100 IWB.
I desperately needed an "always, no questions, completely invisible" carry piece. I've toyed over the years with various .380 mouse guns and a couple of 9mm subcompacts. But the 642 has been whispering in my ears late at night for several months, so I "allowed" Santa Claus to bring me one ... after all, I've been a good boy this year, right?
I liked Ruger's LCR too, but while the LCR may "be as good as" the 642, it certainly is not better. I figured I'd go with the old-time pro instead of the new rookie.
Mate the 642 with the Ankle Glove and no one knows I'm carrying. I respect the .38 +P round as well as the 642's reputation for reliability. The little red laser in a dark room at 3:00 am is a plus too. As a SHTF/CQC gun I also like the instruction manual: "Pull trigger. Bang."
The trigger is heavy but smooth for out-of-box. The nice thing is that as the trigger smooths out my finger will get stronger and more controlled, a win-win.
I doubt this will be the last S&W I will own.