Which one would you buy and why?

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elkhunt

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I am looking to get my adult daughter a revolver, I have come across two unique choices here locally. First, a pre lock 642 with a 3" barrel. It's the one made in the early 90's, in great shape, with Uncle Mikes. I could pick it up for just under $400 from a LGS.

The second is a 642 power port 2.25", black, trijicon big dot front site, spotless with box. These were a limited run in 2007 so it has the lock. A private party purchase for $400.

The first option, has longer term value expectation being a pre lock and for some the 3" is attractive. Holsters are harder to find. The second is easier to shoot with that front site and recoil reduction, lots of debate on the muzzle blast issue in CQ situations.

My daughter is single, has been trained, has a permit, and it will most likely be a long term "hold", not trading stock.

I'd be interested in your choice? Especially if you happen to own one or the other (not a requirement to comment). Thanks
 
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I didn't know they made the M642 with a 3"barrel. Sounds interesting. I would not be interested in a ported gun, at least not for carry. I've heard the muzzle blast is nasty, and the flame can be harmful if you hold it too close. Personally, I'd prefer the good old un-ported 2" barrel, but given the choices you offer, I'd get the 3" one.
Jim
 
I would go with the 2 1/4" Power port. If you pass on it, let me know who is selling it.

The internet urban legend about muzzle blast from ported barrels is way exargerated.

I have fired ported barrels from coat pockets trying to catch things on fire. I have shot full
magnum from retention position, no big deal.

Visible flash is also a non-issue if you are shooting any of the premium defense loadings
from the big manufacturers. All of them use flash suppressant in their loads
 
I would also go with the 2 1/4inch Power Port. Going by what you said I would throw resale value out the window. Sounds like your getting the gun to be a CCW. There will be more items out there for it then the 3inch. The Power port will also give her more options as far as carrying goes.

As far as muzzle flash goes I think that really will be a non issue. Most the premium SD ammo is low flash. I have used Hornaday's, Federal, and Buffalo Bore Premium SD ammo's and all of them have had minimal flash.

I think thought she will most likely be thrilled to get either one.
 
Given an otherwise fairly even choice between a lock and no lock, I'll always take the no lock.

Too, a extra barrel length is preferred for sight radius and improved ballistics -- both real considerations in J-frame snubbies given their steeper learning curve in terms of shooting well, and inherent limitations in achieving necessary velocities for good bullet expansion in defensive use.

Put both guns through all the proper revolver checkouts to make sure they're up to spec. If all's in order -- I'd choose the 3" 642.
 
I'd go for the no-lock. You can buy a new no-lock 642 with the proper 2 inch barrel for less than $400 with lifetime warranty.
 
I suggest 642 no lock 3 inch barrel, since the barrel is longer the sight radius is better.

Since holsters are a challenge has she considered one of those purses that have a pocket for the gun? That might be an option to consider.
 
I agree with George, the 642 is no a shooter. Loaded with SD ammo it is unpleasant to shoot. It's not the recoil, I shoot .44's, it's the sting/vibration. The 642 is a great gun for carry, not shooting. I have a 640 and actually enjoy shooting it. That would be my choice. How proficient are you going to be with a gun you rarely shoot and despise shooting? Even with handloads, it's still not fun.

If you must, between the two given choices I'd go with the power port, the 642 is a pocket gun and that's not really feasible with a 3 inch barrel.

JMO
 
StatesRightist said:
I agree with George, the 642 is no a shooter. Loaded with SD ammo it is unpleasant to shoot. It's not the recoil, I shoot .44's, it's the sting/vibration. The 642 is a great gun for carry, not shooting. I have a 640 and actually enjoy shooting it. That would be my choice. How proficient are you going to be with a gun you rarely shoot and despise shooting? Even with handloads, it's still not fun.

If you must, between the two given choices I'd go with the power port, the 642 is a pocket gun and that's not really feasible with a 3 inch barrel.

JMO
Click to expand...
Valid points all, but to offer a different take: I love shooting the 642 with anything from light target loads to +P defensive rounds. For my hand, it's the grips -- the current rubber fish scales from S&W make shooting the Airweights easy.

Wouldn't write the gun off just yet because she might have the same experience; certainly she should try firing both or similar guns before buying.

Agreed a 3" barrel doesn't lend itself as well to pocket carry as a 1-7/8", though it is doable. But the J-frames don't have to be pocket carried -- plenty of outstanding rigs for the belt or inside the waist band, or a purse.
 
She has fired a 2" 642 without concern. She, like the rest of us, is not real excited about a long session with +p loads, but standard .38 is not a problem, and she has enough experience with +p to contend with the recoil. Your feedback has been interesting and fairly evenly divided. Thanks and keep it up.
 
My vote is the 642 with the shorter barrel and the trijicon front sight. It'll work better in the dark. 3" is harder to conceal. Forgot which one had the 'port' - but it doesn't matter, you don't need it but it doesn't hurt if you have it.

If she doesn't like the kick, put factory target wadcutters in it. They'll work just fine.

$400 is probably a fair price for either. Oh, and the lock wouldn't matter either way to me. If she gets the one with the lock, be sure she has the key on her ring - though she may never use it.
 
M3Stuart said:
Oh, and the lock wouldn't matter either way to me. If she gets the one with the lock, be sure she has the key on her ring - though she may never use it.
Click to expand...
Are you suggesting that she should keep the gun locked while carrying, and have the key at the ready? Or that the key should be on hand in case the lock actuates unexpectedly? Or just so she always knows where the key is?
 
Although you'll hear plenty of argument, IMHO a 3" barrel J is not as easy to carry & conceal as a 2" (at least for me). Might not matter if it's gonna be purse-carried. I'm not too big on the idea of a ported barrel either. If it was me, I'd buy her a plain old standard 2" no-lock 442/642. Or better yet, buy her an older Chief Spl of some sort-- a bobbed-hammer will preclude snagging issues yet still allow single-action shooting if desired.
I own three model 36's & a model 60, all pinned-barrel models, & I really like them-- so much, in fact, that I'm selling my 442-2 to buy another vintage model 36.
 
hotrod150 said:
...IMHO a 3" barrel J is not as easy to carry & conceal as a 2" (at least for me).
Click to expand...

Same here. For me, a 3-inch J-frame is a belt gun. I think your daughter would end up getting more use from a standard 2-inch gun. The ported gun wouldn't worry me, but overall, I would prefer a standard, black 442.

I gave my daughter a 2-inch nickeled 442, simply because I happened to have it. She is not fond of the recoil, but is not terrified of wadcutters, either. Once in a while she will drag it out and run a box through it. She is a .22 rimfire shooter at heart and just "tolerates" her Dad's foolishness about bigger guns.
 
I usually try to stick to the OP's parameters in these types of threads, but if we're opening the aperture a bit, my best advice is a 442 Moon Clip or 640 Pro.

Neither has the lock.

Both are cut for moon clips, which are the best thing since sliced bread for a small frame, concealed carry defense revolver.

442 MC is lightweight and inexpensive.

640 Pro is all steel if a little more heft is preferred, and has three dot night sights if the old school ones don't work for you.

Buy new and you get the lifetime S&W warranty.
 
I would vote for no lock. Porting helps with recoil but not that much.

Just my two cents.

Jay
 
Neither!

They both come with negatives and oddities; neither of which provides either monetary value or utilitarian value and those things do provide negatives.

Why buy either when one can get a new, no-lock with a better bbl length for concealment and without the goofy port? All for quite a bit cheaper!

Short bbl, no port, no-lock, less money, etc.

It just makes no sense whatsoever to stick with the two options presented.
 
I own neither, so I can't say. Generally, I'd prefer the no-lock model.

But more importantly, what is HER preference? Has she held or shot either? Or similar? Does she have a concealment plan in minds?

Elk, I applaud you for what you want to do here. Might be useful to bring your daughter into the evaluation process. Just my two cents.

Best to all of you for a wonderful Thanksgiving!
 
buy her the one YOU like, then if she doesnt like it ,you can assume ownership. take her shopping for the one she wants, creating a lasting memory with your daughter ,and you get a new piece without upsetting the wife...crafty eh? yeah im good like that. lol
 
I don't like either.
A 3" snubby is not a snubby.
Now for example if it were a 3" Model 60, .357 Mag with adjustable sights, it would still be a J-Frame, but in a whole different context or configuration that made a difference as to purpose.

And I don't like newer guns in general, and I definitely don't like guns with locks. Or ports for that matter.

You know your daughter, but I know plenty of women who have no problem with 13 OZ .38 Specials. Train like you fight is only as good as common sense allows. I see nothing wrong with practicing with low power target loads if she is on the edge of recoil management.

To illustrate my point, I don't like shooting a bunch of .357 Mags through a N-Frame, yet will carry a Model 27 with Double Tapp's hottest, and I think responsibly so.

As a rule I think small light guns should be just that.

I'd look for an older 642 or 442, or make the jump to a 4" K-Frame.
I'd also consider an M&P "no lock" 340 going the other direction.

It depends on how she is going to use it.
I keep a 10 OZ 43C .22 in my pocket all the time. Like in my sweat pants at night when lounging about the house, or as a 2nd gun when out and about.

As it is I see your choices are neither fish nor fowl.
I really don't mean to rain on your parade. Just my personal observations from carrying, and shooting, a lot of guns over the years.

For what it's worth I've put away no lock 442's for both my daughters.

Emory

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Honest Men Fear Neither The Light Nor The Dark
 
Last edited:
elkhunt said:
This has been a fun and helpful thread. Thanks for your input. I will let you know what we decide.
Click to expand...
Oh it ain't that easy buddy -- we'll still be here in this thread going back and forth long after you've made your decision and moved on. ;)
 
I have a suggestion, but you're not going to like it.
Buy both. Let her decide the one she likes.
You can get you money back selling her reject in the Forum Classifieds.
The major flaw in this is that it may take her several years to make her choice.
 
I'd opt for the 2" gun for ease of concealment. I have a ported 2" 442 and the flash/recoil is a non-issue, don't let it deter you.
 
Buying a handgun for a woman usually doesn't work well. Whatever pistol you get her, she's not going to like. Snubbies have a snappy recoil that a lot of people don't like (men and women). I bought my wife a snubby and she couldn't shoot it very well. If you must get her one of those two pistols, I would stay away from any ported snubby and get her the 3". I carry a 3" revolver myself but my wife prefers her Walther P-22. Go figure.
 
A 3" J-frame is a wonderful revolver to shoot. I would recommend it to anyone. I CC my 3" M36 no problem.

As far as holsters, Lobo Gunleather has done right by me twice now. Prices in line with the off-the-shelf Big Box retailer only made much mo better. Delivery in 4-5 weeks and special requests (LH K Frame IWB - LH M&P 45C Avenger) are not an issue.
 
Airweights just suck to shoot. Based on my experience with both my girls I'm with the guys recommending steel.
 
Buy the 3" Model 642 and sell it to a collector. Take the profit and buy a 2" Model 642, install some Uncle Mike's combat grips, load it with Hornady 110gr standard pressure Critical Defense and call it a day.
 
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