Which of these J frames would you prefer to carry

[kng]

Which of these J frames would you prefer to concealled carry? I plan to carry in a Lobo IWB appendix holster.

I assuming performance is the same, since they are the same caliber and barrell length. None of the guns have the internal lock (yes, I realize the 642 has the "L" label). I guess this leaves the criteria to:

1) weight
2) concealability (color?)
3) long term value
4) safety (DAO versus DA/SA)
5) long term wear on the finish
6) DOM (38 and 49 are early 90s, 442 and 642 are 2010)
7) ?

thanks!
-Kyle

 

[Rugskipper]

I picked the 442-1 because there was not a 642-1 choice. I prefer it slightly because of the durability of stainless in a sweaty pocket. The no-lock centennials have in my opinion, the perfect balance of reliability, conceal ability, weight, size, and power.

 

[depicts]

I prefer a black pocket gun. It's easier to keep people from getting little peaks at the grip looking down in to your pocket while standing in a line for instance.

I like the bodyguard very much, but when I need a Self defense gun, I don't think I'm going to be cocking any hammers, and I don't want a hammer where dust and dirt can collect, so I prefer the centennial, in black, lockless!

 

[cowboy117]

442-1 with Speer GD's made for small wheelguns.Black is hard to spot,the Centennial won't collect lint,DAO is good.+P's are great for carry.I carry a 37-2 with the Speer's.

 

[luangtom]

The 442-1. Basic black, basic hide-away.

My carry-baby is either my M&P340 or 340PD, stoked with Speer GDHP 135-gr (SB) in .38-spl +P ammo.

 

[Butchbird]

I carry a 442 no dash I bought when they first came out -- Love it and trust it with my life

 

[tjtoolbox]

I carry S&W Model 37 Airweight loaded with 38 Special+P. Easier to carry than my S&W Model 3953 SemiAuto Pistol.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

In a holster, I'd take the Bodyguard, because there's a hammer I can press forward while holstering. A bobbed 37 would be even better. An original Centennial with the grip safety working isn't too bad, and even the newer Centennials are OK (or better than a Bodyguard) for pocket carry, but for holstering, there should be a way to avoid the Glock syndrome. I have a 642, but the only holster I put it into is a Renegade ankle holster. I do that with the holster off my ankle and my index finger behind the trigger. If I ever have to draw that thing, afterwards it will go into my pocket until I can reholster the way I described.

For holstering, you need a hammer to press forward.

 

[XTrooper]

Safely holstering a weapon (including a Glock) is not a terribly difficult task to accomplish and anyone who is reasonably careful can do so without injuring themselves.

Someone who does manage to shoot themselves while holstering their weapon reveals a fault in themselves and not the weapon. This is confirmed by the fact that countless individuals over many years have managed to holster their hammerless sidearms innumerable times without incident. The few knuckleheads who did injury themselves would likely be dangerous handling any type of firearm.

Regarding the choices given, I'd probably choose the 442, but would be satisfied with any of them.

 

[C Islander]

I've got a 442 no dash. Great carry gun in either a pocket holster or on the belt.

 

[Murdock]

No problem with reholstering

for holstering, there should be a way to avoid the Glock syndrome.

There is: take your time and watch what you're doing. On the range there is never any hurry, and after a gunfight your are only going to put the gun away when there is no more danger.

Also, the Glock trigger pull is much shorter and lighter than a DA revolver pull, like 4-5 pounds in the Glock compared to a DA pull of 9-12. But do what you are comfortable with; you don't have to satisfy anybody but yourself.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I don't disagree with either XTrooper or Murdock, but if I have a choice of gun, I'll still take a gun with a hammer for holstering. It's easier to be careful with one of those.

 

[Cashdog]

Another vote for the 442. It's what I usually carry. Don't have one of Ray's holsters for it yet, but that's probably next on the list to order from him.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

49-2 for me. I've carried a 49 no-dash for quite a while and I don't mind the weight of an all-steel gun.

 

[jeffrey]

I voted for the model 49-2 because it's all steel. I carry a model 640 no-dash, the best of all possible worlds: steel (easy to shoot) and hammerless (snag-free). I used to carry my Dad's old 49 no-dash, but I don't see the need for a single action shot in a non-LEO self-defense situation.

 

[bennettfam]

I picked the 442-1 because there was not a 642-1 choice. I prefer it slightly because of the durability of stainless in a sweaty pocket. The no-lock centennials have in my opinion, the perfect balance of reliability, conceal ability, weight, size, and power.

Yep. But I do like the traditional grips on the 49.

 

[kng]

XTrooper, Murdock, and all,

So what is the proper way to holster a DAO revolver? Unfortunately, this is not something that I considered.

thanks,
-Kyle

 

[DC7]

442

I prefer Airweight Centennials, and I like a black finish on my carry guns, so I voted for the 442. The one I carry is a no-dash version from 1993:

 

[XTrooper]

XTrooper, Murdock, and all,

So what is the proper way to holster a DAO revolver? Unfortunately, this is not something that I considered.

thanks,
-Kyle

If you've been doing it without shooting holes in yourself, you're doing it the proper way.

Keep in mind that the average double-action revolver has a 10-15 lb trigger pull. Consequently, it would take real effort and a total lack of care to harm yourself while holstering your DA wheelgun. With due diligence, no sidearm is difficult to safely holster, but even a sloppy shooter would be hard-pressed to shoot themselves with a revolver.

 

[kng]

For those that picked the 642 over the 442, what was the reasoning?

thanks,
-Kyle