what would you recommend for a snubbie

[Double-O-Dave]

The consensus of opinion seems to be for the revolver, and I can't fault that as my primary is generally a 432 PD (.32H&R Magnum), though I also have a 642 that I am breaking in. My New York reload in my off-side pocket is a Seecamp in .32ACP. I've grown so comfortable/confident with the 432 that if I come across another one, or a 632, I might be tempted to just start carrying a pair of them as my EDCs - it sure would make ammo logistics a bit easier.

Regards,

Dave

 

[ChadW]

Any S&W Airweight. I love my 642. I traded my Ruger LCR in for a 642 about 2 months ago. I read reviews about the Ruger and bought it new. Wasn't a fan.

The 642 is a bit more concealable for me. I didn't like the more rounded slightly higher back of the Ruger. I'm also not a fan of the extensive fluting on the LCRs cylinder. JMO

 

[tom turner]

Hi,

Any PRE-LOCK aluminum-framed ("Airweight") J-frame will do. It is light enough to be a great pocket gun, yet just heavy enough to be fun to shoot . . . and shoot well.

Humpback, hammerless, or exposed hammer . . . I don't care as long as it is a Smith!

Avoid the "it's just as good as a Smith but cheaper" sales pitch of the sellers of that South American brand and invest in a fine, vintage Smith. You'll discover that it's resale price will climb faster than anything else you could get and it will be an excellent investment in many, many ways!!!

BTW, mine's a 1971 Model 37 . . . purchased from a member here in the classifieds a year or so ago. He bought it from a widow and the Airweight was her second husband's nightstand gun. She outlived three husbands!

I don't think the gun had even had a box of ammo through it . . . THEN. It is a wonderful concealed carry revolver! I'd have been just as happy with a Bodyguard or Centennial, but this nice "Chief's Special came along!




T.

 

[Minnesota Fats]

I just picked up an Airweight 642 a couple of months ago and I LOVE it. I have been a semi auto person, but after buying, firing, and carrying a 642, I will leave my semi auto in my nightstand. The 642 is everything I am looking for in a personal protection weapon. I am always amazed at how accurate it is when I target practice.

 

[Crazy K38]

it sounds like you guys love the 642, as well as the model 60, both seem like great guns how much can I expect to pay for one

 

[Evil One]

Here is my pocket snubby.
Taurus model 445 .44 special.
LOVE it.

Jim

 

[S&W-Keeper]

It is hard to beat a model 60.

 

[GatorFarmer]

it sounds like you guys love the 642, as well as the model 60, both seem like great guns how much can I expect to pay for one

425-450 if you look around a bit should net a 442 or 642.

Model 60 prices vary depending on whether you're getting an older one in .38 special or a new magnum version and which variant you want in terms of barrel length, sights, etc. They generally stell for a premium over the carbon steel Model 36.

 

[USAF385]

Don't worry too much about if it has the lock or not.

People say don't get the IL because it will lock up.

In that case, don't get Glocks because you'll get kabooms.

My father has carried a 642 with lock for years. The finish looks awful. All sorts of dings and whatnot. It's definitely been carried and used. We've put thousands of +p rounds through it over the years along with countless standard pressure .38s. No problem. Same for one of my uncles and a buddy of mine.

 

[flop-shank]

Our own forum member Erich had one of his guns, which had an IL, lock up when it got bumped off a counter top. If you get an IL gun, disable the useless thing. It is one more thing to go wrong and the failures are real.

 

[NRA UR2]

637

637 w/crimson trace and Mag-Na Ported in a Smart-carry rig...also one on your ankle in an Ace rig

 

[Smitty500Mag]

If you don't buy something very light in weight you might end up like a lot of people not carrying it after a while. But if you want something very light you'll have to pay for it. The 340PD is as light as you can get in the snubbie and unless the prices have come down in the past few years since I bought mine you're looking at something in the $700 buck range. Might look at www.gunbroker.com for a used one.

Smitty

 

[BOB THE PALINDROME]

I like my S&W 340PD. Gives you the option of .38 or .357. Very light and easily concealable.

 

[ChadW]

I too have an IL 642. I've had it for quite a while now.... maybe 1500 standard .38s shot through it along with probably 250 +P. I've carried it everyday for the past few years now.

I seriously think that the IL may be an issue, but rare. Mine once fell from my holster while I was on a ladder and hit the pavement 12 feet below. Nothing happened. I think half the stories you hear are re-told and made to be someones own story out of dislike for the IL.

By all means though, if it bothers you, get one of the newer ones without or disable the IL.

 

[Crazy K38]

I saw some airlights on GB but man are those pricey! I really like the 642, and I think I may go with one if I can find one

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

The AirLite & AirWeight snubbies 342/642 etc are the best of the breed when it comes to Concealed Carry, I realy don't think that in a Hundred years they'll have anything better for carry than a J Frame Snub..
My favorite carry gun besides my 342Ti which I just sold like an idiot is my 642 No Dash, It's 100% forged parts & has an anodized frame & just is realy nice..
When I go with a hip holster or shoulder holster I sometimes go with either of my two Stainless Steel 940s..
Gary/Hk
Pair of 940s & Early 642

My Alltime Favorite Carry Guns, S&W Centennials

 

[Capt Steve]

I went with a 649. I like the option of SA - DA but no hammer to snag. It is a little heavier that some but when shooting 357's it is easier to handle, 38's are even smoother. A good holster and belt takes care of the extra weight just fine.

 

[USAF385]

I saw some airlights on GB but man are those pricey! I really like the 642, and I think I may go with one if I can find one

Yeah they seem to be a hot ticket these days. I've seen used ones going for $650 around my neck of the woods! I've mentioned already I carry a 642 and love it. But if you don't do much DA revolver shooting, you may be surprised by the trigger at first. Even if you do, the 642 has a pretty heavy trigger. After some practice though you get used to it.

 

[Crazy K38]

how is the trigger compared to my 15-2 in DA?

 

[USAF385]

I don't have the specs to give you a definite answer on that. When I first bought my 681, the last handgun I had used was the M9. The DA trigger on my 681 felt heavy. Now I'm used to it and it's nowhere near as heavy as I once thought.

I can't compare it to the 15-2, but compared to my other revolvers, it's rather heavy.