Your Most Carried S&W

[ispcapt]

YA side note: I don't quite fully understand these holsters that expose the trigger. Would you mind explaining to me the reason or utility of this? I would think it would be wise to cover the trigger.....

There was a time when most holsters were made with exposed triggers. Then someone got the idea that if they covered the trigger that people wouldn't be putting their finger on the trigger during the draw. It was a 'solution' for lack of proper training.
What was induced tho with a covered trigger is more ND when holstering. Those who don't train properly and keep their finger on the trigger when holstering can cause a ND. Additionally if something does get wedged on the trigger while holstering, like the tabs and adjustment gizmos on the bottoms of some jackets, then those can cause a ND. When holstering with a finger on the trigger the finger pushes against the part of the holster and can cause a ND. The tabs and adjustment gizmos getting on the trigger and causing a ND has been well documented. With an open trigger that doesn't happen.
So if you're poorly trained, or like most people have no training, you can take your pick for when the ND can happen. You can have the ND on the draw with an open trigger or a ND on holstering with a covered trigger.

 

[cjtraining]

model 438 or model 649

 

[sheepdawg]

1.0 Shield 9mm. with a +1 Magguts spring in the magazine, 9+1. There's a 1974 Colt Cobra that gets equal billing though.

 

[Dwaine]

3" model 66

 

[Bumpus13]

My most carried S&W is a S&W Shield in 9mm. Ugly gun. Not near as attractive as my S&W revolvers.

S&W M&P Shield in 9mm.

Now if I were to carry a S&W revolver, it'd be my Chief's Special.

S&W Model 36 "Chief's Special" in 38 Special

Thanks for looking at my most carried S&W's.

God bless,
Birdgun

Not much difference from Marana, AZ to Wheeling, WV

I will add that when I'm hunting (black bear & mountain lion reside near me) I step up in caliber. My 6" 629-3 goes in the crossdraw rig.

Before I owned my 629-3, it was my 686-6+ that got the call for hunting back up loaded with 7 rounds of 180gr. hard cast Buffalo Bore.

 

[Bowyer]

642

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[DennisE]

My most carried EDC is my S&W 69 2.75" barrel loaded with 5 Fiocchi 200 gr 44 special SJHP bullets.

 

[BigBill]

Do you give all your handguns a swim in the pool by bolstering them the go for a walk?

 

[IAhunter]

My most carried revolver as a 2 1/2" 66-5 loaded with 145 grain Silvertips.

 

[Mehutch]

My S&W 357 magnum 686-4 2.5 inch barrel 7 shooter (Pre-lock) is my most carried, loaded with 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel Hollow Point rounds. I feel safe and ready.





….OR....

 

[m4user]

Model 642-2 Pro Series with the Power Port every day as either a back up gun on duty or concealed carry off duty.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

D. Brown said...

Hi Cocked & Locked,

That photo sure appears to show a J Magnum Frame, and the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition, states the 642-1 was a 1996 re-introduction on the J Magnum Frame. Is it possible you were mislead somewhere along the line?

Nice gun, either way.
__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA# 3279



Could be Dave. Yes it does appear to have the J magnum frame. The gun is not marked anywhere for "+P ammo" or "+P rated". Same for the Box end label and the paperwork inside. I called S&W years ago and inquired about this. The answering phone person asked for the serial number. After that his reply was, " Your gun is not +P rated. It is too old for +P ammo."

I usually carry it with +P LSWC ammo.

 

[D Brown]

D. Brown said...

Hi Cocked & Locked,

That photo sure appears to show a J Magnum Frame, and the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition, states the 642-1 was a 1996 re-introduction on the J Magnum Frame. Is it possible you were mislead somewhere along the line?

Nice gun, either way.
__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA# 3279



Could be Dave. Yes it does appear to have the J magnum frame. The gun is not marked anywhere for "+P ammo" or "+P rated". Same for the Box end label and the paperwork inside. I called S&W years ago and inquired about this. The answering phone person asked for the serial number. After that his reply was, " Your gun is not +P rated. It is too old for +P ammo."

I usually carry it with +P LSWC ammo.

Hi Cocked & Locked,

My 638-2 presented similar (misleading) information when I purchased it new in 1997. It shipped from the factory on May 22, 1997, but according to the Instruction Manual in its box, was not rated for Plus P ammunition. However, it is most definitely built on the J Magnum Frame, and the conclusion of several fellow forum members is that S&W was just using up their supply of (outdated) instruction manuals when they shipped my gun.

Also, my gun, like yours, is not marked as being suitable for Plus P. Of course, the markings weren't the critical element in this case.

As you can see in the photo below, my 638-2 is most definitely a J Magnum Frame gun, the integral Cylinder Stop Boss being the identifying feature in this case.

Model 638-2.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Good info...thanks!

 

[snowman.45]

My understanding is that all numbered models in .38 Special have been plus P rated since the numbering system was introduced. Unless, of course, that only applies to steel frames?

 

[D Brown]

My understanding is that all numbered models in .38 Special have been plus P rated since the numbering system was introduced. Unless, of course, that only applies to steel frames?

I believe that may be true of K Frames, but doesn't apply to J Frames. At least, that's my understanding.

 

[JTurn317]

642-1 is my most carried around town. When traveling I typically carry a Shield in 9 mm but am leaning more and more to my J frames

 

[snowman.45]

I believe that may be true of K Frames, but doesn't apply to J Frames. At least, that's my understanding.

Ok, thanks. That makes sense.

 

[pasound]

My fave is my 637-2, with factory S&W Crimson Trace grips, in a Nevada Gun Leather J2. I'm tall and skinny, and this rig won't print under any light jacket or even a sweater, and I can pull right, or left handed (if necessary). Usually with ARX Polycase , but sometimes with 158gr lead SWCHP handloads. No +P, even though this one's rated ok.

 

[NCBeagle]

My most carried is probably a 442 that I've had for 14 or so years.

 

[Revolver Man]

My 66-8

It's with me almost all the time.

 

[loknload]

My most carried Smith is my Md#36...

 

[eTripper]

Once in awhile, the 9mm Ruger sees duty for CCW. Depending on situation, and season.

 

[rubiranch]

You make a fair point, Dave.

I have a March '97 J-magnum-frame 642-1 Lady Smith that, like Cocked & Locked's Centennial, isn't marked "+P." I've always wondered.

Here's my 642-1 38 Special +P.
I have no idea of the date it was made.
DCM9742

 

[ABPOS]

There was a time when most holsters were made with exposed triggers. Then someone got the idea that if they covered the trigger that people wouldn't be putting their finger on the trigger during the draw. It was a 'solution' for lack of proper training.
What was induced tho with a covered trigger is more ND when holstering. Those who don't train properly and keep their finger on the trigger when holstering can cause a ND. Additionally if something does get wedged on the trigger while holstering, like the tabs and adjustment gizmos on the bottoms of some jackets, then those can cause a ND. When holstering with a finger on the trigger the finger pushes against the part of the holster and can cause a ND. The tabs and adjustment gizmos getting on the trigger and causing a ND has been well documented. With an open trigger that doesn't happen.
So if you're poorly trained, or like most people have no training, you can take your pick for when the ND can happen. You can have the ND on the draw with an open trigger or a ND on holstering with a covered trigger.

I would think you could have an ND with your finger on the trigger of an open holster too. You finger usually overhangs the trigger if you're using the first joint or deeper and the inside of the holster could push on your trigger finger. Maybe less likely though. I think if you have your finger on the trigger when holstering with any holster, you could run into trouble.

I like what Clint Smith says, I'm on the sights I'm on the trigger. I'm off the sights I'm off the trigger.

Anyways.... I was thinking the exposed trigger holsters would be much more susceptible to having **** get hung up on the trigger when going about your business. Especially if you're in the woods with branches and stuff.

 

[ABPOS]

How does one tell the difference between a magnum frame and non magun frame on a J frame? I forget. Now I wanna know if my 442 is on a magnum frame.....

 

[ispcapt]

I would think you could have an ND with your finger on the trigger of an open holster too. You finger usually overhangs the trigger if you're using the first joint or deeper and the inside of the holster could push on your trigger finger. Maybe less likely though. I think if you have your finger on the trigger when holstering with any holster, you could run into trouble.
I like what Clint Smith says, I'm on the sights I'm on the trigger. I'm off the sights I'm off the trigger.
Anyways.... I was thinking the exposed trigger holsters would be much more susceptible to having **** get hung up on the trigger when going about your business. Especially if you're in the woods with branches and stuff.

Simple. Keep your finger off the trigger. If you're not trained enough to keep your finger off the trigger then when you holster the holster pushes against your finger which pushes against the trigger. With an open trigger if something gets stuck in front of the trigger there's no holster to push against.
We got along with open triggers for decades. There was the occasional ND but not near like what we saw after the covered trigger became the fad. The covered trigger was an attempt to keep people from putting their finger on the trigger while drawing. It was to compensate for poor training/practice. Can't blame the person for putting his finger on the trigger. It's the holster's fault. Blaming the person might hurt their self esteem and subject them to ridicule. It's not proper to blame the person because they're poorly trained or have no training. Blame the object. "See what you made me do?"

 

[snowman.45]

Simple. Keep your finger off the trigger. If you're not trained enough to keep your finger off the trigger then when you holster the holster pushes against your finger which pushes against the trigger. With an open trigger if something gets stuck in front of the trigger there's no holster to push against.
We got along with open triggers for decades. There was the occasional ND but not near like what we saw after the covered trigger became the fad. The covered trigger was an attempt to keep people from putting their finger on the trigger while drawing. It was to compensate for poor training/practice. Can't blame the person for putting his finger on the trigger. It's the holster's fault. Blaming the person might hurt their self esteem and subject them to ridicule. It's not proper to blame the person because they're poorly trained or have no training. Blame the object. "See what you made me do?"

A true testimonial for the mindset of many in the younger generations today. There are few, if any potential problems that can't be overcome with proper and regular training. Many of these folks suffer from the same desire to blame mindless, inanimate objects for lack of training and taking personal responsibility for one's actions.

 

[BigMuddy]

My 4" M25-5

Dan

 

[wx7b]

642 - most recent variation. 19-4 2 inch is handy around the house at all times.