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#1 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: October 11, 2006
Posts: 14
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Thinking about a small revolver
I have been thinking about getting a small revolver. I went to B&S Guns in Garland tonight and had a GREAT discussion with the salesman Reese. He showed me the black S&W 442, the grey S&W 642, and the dark grey S&W 340. They were priced at $399, $419, and $699 for the 340. The 442 and 642 are 38 special and 38 special + P, while the 340 is 38 special, 38 special +P, and also 357 magnum. The 340 had night sights.
I do not know which is the better buy. The prices seem a little high, but am okay with paying a little more since I would have a place to ask questions and such. What do you guys think? Joe |
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#2 |
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Junior member
Join Date: April 25, 2007
Posts: 254
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I got a 637 fpr $398, tax additional.
I think a hammer makes a revolver looks good. |
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#3 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: July 9, 2004
Posts: 4,865
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Well, I owned one of the 340s. Two, actually. Fantastic concept, ultra-light and capable of fining he almighty 357 Mag.
Only problem was, my hand/wrist is not capable of withstanding too many rounds of the almighty 357 Mag in a 12.8 oz revolver. So I carried it with 38+p, and eventually realized that I could own a 442/642 and shoot 38+p from it and save $200-250. Bottom line is, if you can try before you buy it will help the decision process. I have a 37 (similar to the 442) and live in the DFW area. If you want to meet at Bass Pro and try it, pm me...I'm there just about every weekend
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#4 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: November 28, 2004
Location: Silicon Valley, Ca
Posts: 7,017
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With the 340, you're paying for the titanium cylinder and scandium frame and the light 12 ounce weight.
The 642 and 442 have steel cylinders and aluminum alloy frames. With the 442/642 running around 15 ounces. You have to decide if the 3 ounce difference is worth the difference. Another gun in this group is the 649 Bodyguard Airweight. This has a shrouded hammer instead of the concealed hammer of the 442/642 series. Pricing should be similar to the 442. For what it's worth, I wouldn't want to fire .357 Magnums out of a 12 ounce gun. Recoil will be worse than a 4" .44 Magnum!
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BillCA in CA (Unfortunately) |
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#5 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: February 11, 2007
Location: "State of Discombobulation"
Posts: 1,333
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See if he will sell you the 642 for $400 OTD.
It's a great little gun. I carry the 442 as a BUG and would carry the 642, except I only paid $200 for my LNIB 442. Biker |
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#6 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: June 19, 2005
Posts: 838
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I have a black 442 and really like it. Paid $369.00 for it. Really comes it handy for those quick trips to the store. Fits in a jacket pocket very well. Also got a pocket holster for those baggy shorts in the summer.
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#7 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: April 11, 2006
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 3,403
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I've got a Smith M60 that I got many years ago for something like $200. The stainless j-frame is as light as I'm willing to go, and at 19oz, I don't think it's too heavy. The little bit of added heft makes it much more controlable, and easier on my hand.
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#8 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 24, 2004
Posts: 3,888
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A lot of people rave about the featherweight .357 magnum revolvers until they try to fire a cylinder full of magnum ammo. They are little beasts and will punish you. See if you can try one first and you will probably save some money by buying one of the .38 spl models.
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#9 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 14, 2007
Location: East TN
Posts: 495
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The more you pocket carry the more weight becomes a factor. 3 ounces going from a 642/442 to say a 340 or lighter can represent a 20% decrease in weight. Will you ever put .357 through the gun, perhaps, perhaps not. Most likely .38 spl +P. It is not so much the caliber then as the reduced carry weight.
You can always get a KelTec .32 at 7 oz. Or just be done with it get a Rorhbaugh 9mm at 15 oz 7 rounds for $1000. Or a Seecamp .380 at 11 oz. and around $500. http://seecamp.com/SizeWeight.pdf Here is a nice comparison on pocket or back up guns (bugs). http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf Can't beat the 642/442 Centennial Series at around a pound loaded. Get a Robert Mika round cut pocket holster for around $20 a few boxes of Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P for short barrel guns and head to the range and get that shot placement under control. Maybe a laser grip like a Crimson Trace 405 or 305. $229. Best price. http://www.crimsontrace.com/ http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/ Come visit the "642 Club" over on the High Road. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658 ![]() Here is an example of a nicely dressed 442. ![]() Good luck and enjoy the quest. |
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#10 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: July 26, 2006
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 6,992
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Don't over look the "little magnum"... My 431 PD hold 6 shots of 32 H&R magnum, the power level is similar to 38 Special, with an extra cartridge... the gun is very light, yet is quite pleasant to shoot, with lower noise & recoil than similar guns...
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In life you either make dust or eat dust... |
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#11 | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: October 26, 2005
Location: Houston area
Posts: 1,823
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Quote:
Springmom
__________________
I will not be a victim home on the web: www.panagia-icons.net (my webpage) www.nousfromspring.blogspot.com (Orthodoxy) "I couldn't hear you. Stop firing the gun while you're talking!" Frank Drebin, The Naked Gun |
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#12 |
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Member
Join Date: February 26, 2007
Location: NC
Posts: 41
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When I got my CCW permit, I handled nearly everything out there in the small auto/revolver line-up. I opted to spend the extra $$ and got a 340 strictly because of the weight factor. I pocket carry 90 % of the time in casual/dress slacks, and the 340 has been a perfect fit for my CCW needs. I agree that the recoil from that little bugger is somethin' fierce, but regular .38 loads for range practice aren't bad at all. The +p's are a handful, and as far as shooting full house .357's.........put it this way, I bought a box of #20 federal "reduced recoil" self defense loads the day I got the gun, and I still have #19 in the box!
As far as having a hammer on a revolver, I agree. It does look much better, but for a dedicated pocket gun, hammers are a definite drawback. This puppy is all 'bout business; looks rank a far second. Magnum wheel man- I REALLY like that 431PD...I wasn't aware they were available. I gotta get out more..... |
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#13 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: July 26, 2006
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 6,992
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Mike... they also make/ made ( I think the 32 H&R is or was discontinued ) a hammerless model as well...
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In life you either make dust or eat dust... |
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#14 | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: October 26, 2005
Location: Houston area
Posts: 1,823
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Quote:
I have never caught that hammer on anything either. It isn't big enough to catch on much! I imagine a larger revolver, with a larger hammer, might be different, but mine has never caught at all on a pocket or whatever. Springmom
__________________
I will not be a victim home on the web: www.panagia-icons.net (my webpage) www.nousfromspring.blogspot.com (Orthodoxy) "I couldn't hear you. Stop firing the gun while you're talking!" Frank Drebin, The Naked Gun |
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#15 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: November 21, 2006
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 566
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Joe,
I own two Airweights both in .38 one with, one hammerless. The hammerless version is a PERFECT pocket gun. With little practice you can obtain a quick snag free draw. I often carry this weapon as a late spring to early fall carry weapon. IMHO, if your intention is to carry this weapon, you should consider a LNIB or gently used piece. I normally don't condone purchasing a used weapon for personal defense, but most of these are not heavy shooters. They certainly are not target guns and they are not the most pleasant guns to fire. Therefore, you can often find them with limited usage. If your intention is to put this gun in and out of your pocket regularly, it will show finish wear in short order. As far as the hammered version looking more macho, yes it does. Try getting that macho gun out of your pocket in a hurry though. |
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#16 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: March 1, 2006
Location: DFW,TX
Posts: 406
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JRG; before you buy from B&S drive up to The Bullet Trap in Plano on Ave. K and Parker, They usually have a good selection of new and used guns and they have the indoor range that you can try before you buy. I've bought and sold several guns from them and they will treat you right. My latest purchase was a Ruger GP100 for $275 OTD. Before that I got a S&W M66-2 for $299+tax. They still have some of the M66's, they were a buyback from Raytheon's security force, they went to Glocks.
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I Have A 45 And A Shovel. Don't Mess With Texas! DFW,TX. |
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#17 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: December 29, 2005
Posts: 157
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The S&W 638 Bodyguard is the best choice for me in a small J frame. Having the partially shrouded hammer decreases the possibility of it snagging when drawn from the pocket, while still allowing the hammer to be cocked manually. While not a .357, which would be a little recoil heavy in such a small/light revolver, .38 +p is still pretty effective.
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NRA Life Member GOA Life Member Certified NRA Pistol, Rifle, Personal Protection in The Home Instructor |
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#18 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 13, 2007
Location: Alabama
Posts: 739
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My first .38 was bought 9/03 to supplant my 296 in CCW service. I went a bit overboard... bought a closeout new 2" 10-11 from the TX-based sellor of such goodies - $280 NEW! Great value, taught me what a great snubby, +P rated, could really do. Unfortunately, at 30 oz - it was a holster gun - OWB. I didn't finally get a .38 snubby I could CC until I recently found an ANIB 642-2 at $285 in a gun store - literally looked new. THAT goes everywhere - with Rem R38S12 +P 158gr LHPSWC's.
The 296 got it's OEM boots back on - it and the new guy, the 642, each got Mikas' pocket holsters. Oddly, the combo of 296/holster fits better in my pockets than the gun alone. The 642 goes everywhere - the 296 rides in bigger pockets. That 2" 10? It's my wife's house gun... with Hogue wood grips modified for her desires. Now, you want a plinker? Buy a plinker! You NEED a CCW? Get one you can carry secretly, present properly and rapidly when needed, and shoot well. I think, at least for me, that means no 12 oz .357M's loaded with hot ammo. Better to spend that 340's moola on a new 442 or 642 - your choice as to looks - AND a decent used 4" 10 or 67 (or 66) for plinking. Stainz |
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#19 |
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Junior Member
Join Date: October 11, 2006
Posts: 14
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I think I will be seriously looking for a 642 in the next week or so. Check out my post in the other forum about today's shooting across the street. I want something I can slip in a pocket no matter what I am wearing. Seems the 642 will fit that description well and it won't cost an arm and a leg.
Joe |
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#20 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: July 22, 2005
Location: Tyler, TX
Posts: 657
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Academy Sports
JRG,
You should have an Academy Sports within a fairly short drive. I just bought a 642 from the Academy in Lufkin and their price is $379. That's about the best price I have found on them. Gander Mountain in Tyler wanted $450!!! My local dealer wanted $400. WWW.budsgunshop.com has them for $350, but when you add shipping ($25) plus transfer fees ($25 or so) it's basically the same price as the Academy gun OTD, and with a local buy you get to take it home immediately instead of waiting on shipping. I just bought my 642 yesterday so I have not had the chance to try it out yet. But, it fits perfectly in my jeans pocket and will make for a good summer carry weapon. I ordered a Mikas pocket holster and can't wait for it to come in. I carried the gun around today in my front pocket and almost forgot it was there. It can also fit in a back pocket. I really am happy with the purchase so far. I can't wait to shoot it! Todd |
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#21 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: June 2, 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 375
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I like the 642 for pocket carry
![]() and the Ruger Sp101 for everyday carry
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#22 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: November 27, 2006
Location: ponca city ok
Posts: 746
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I have a 2" Smith & Wesson 317 airlite in 22LR is a good compact light little revolver, i know it being 22 isn't much but i got a great deal on it at 325.00, every place i have seen them are right about 500.00, holds 8 rounds, loaded with stingers or yellow jackets it is bout as good as it gets for a 22
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CVA Kodiak Magnum .50 cal Marlin 981T 22LR Bolt Action Remington 770 Bolt Action 270 Thompson Center Encore 243 |
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#23 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: March 9, 2007
Posts: 198
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That is a great deal wolverine. If I saw one for that price I'd snap it up. I've had my eye out for one for some time now. It would be a great little gun to go camping with too, at only 11 ounces or so.
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#24 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: April 15, 2007
Posts: 1,855
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I just got a S&W 638 Airweight Bodyguard and I love it. Same basic gun as the 642 except that you get the ability to cock the hammer and shoot SA. I think that you can't go wrong with either the 642 or the 638, although I chose to go with the 638 just cause I ended up liking it more.
Shooting these airweights with +P ammo can be a tad uncomfortable but practicable. But I'll tell you, after shooting an airweight for the first time with even regular 38 special ammo I became instantly convinced that I wanted to stay as far from a 340PD/scandium as possible, and I was seriously thinking of getting a 340PD before this. Do yourself a favor and shoot the airweight with reg ammo and with +P before you go splurge on a scandium version. |
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#25 |
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Member in memoriam
Join Date: August 14, 1999
Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu
Posts: 6,117
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I "pocket carried" my S&W model 642 to the doctors office, just yesterday~!
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