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View Poll Results: Which snubbie | |||
S&W 642 | 51 | 45.95% | |
S&W 442 | 27 | 24.32% | |
Bodyguard .38 | 18 | 16.22% | |
Ruger LCR .38 | 20 | 18.02% | |
Taurus 85 UL | 5 | 4.50% | |
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 111. You may not vote on this poll |
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May 10, 2011, 02:45 PM | #1 |
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Which j-frame .38 Special?
Ok, guys which j-frame .38 Special (I'm also referring to "hammerless" revolvers from Ruger and other manufacturers) would you consider for pocket carry? I normally only deal with autos, but the idea of having a snubbie to throw in my pocket, along with a speedloader or two, really appeals to me for some reason. The revolver I want in the worst possible way is a S&W model 642 Centennial Airweight. I think that model in particular would make an excellent carry weapon, especially if I add the CT lasergrips. I put lasers on all my defensive guns, with the larger ones using combination laser/tactical lights for home defense purposes. What do you guys think?
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May 10, 2011, 02:50 PM | #2 |
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I can't tell you which is the best one,,,
I think your initial thought of a 642 Airweight model is sound for a pocket gun.
My carry gun for several years has been a standard model 36,,, Over the years it's gotten heavier and heavier. In fact I'm switching to a polymer mouse gun because of the weight. Aarond
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May 10, 2011, 06:43 PM | #3 |
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642 and 442 without laser grips is what I chose. I reload very light .38 special rounds for practice so that I can get a lot of trigger time with these guns. I've also performed action smoothing and lightening on both of them. The reason I go to so much trouble for these Centennials is that they are the only revolvers that actually carry well in my pockets.
I've owned J-frame CTC grips in the past, and they were a great practice tool for trigger control. I've since sold them because the 642 and 442 with stock grips point just fine for me without them. I've also owned an LCR in .38. I put 1,800 trouble-free rounds through it before selling it. It was a great-shooting gun. But it did not carry well in my pants pockets because the stocks were too big. For that matter, the (finger-grooved Hogue) stocks didn't allow me to grip the revolver the way I was inclined to, either. I never owned the Taurus, but I've seen inside the side plate, and no thanks. I think the 642/442 is a better design. Plus, with those comfy Taurus stocks that cover the backstrap, it's in the "no pocket carry" territory also occupied by the Ruger LCR. I know nothing about the new Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. |
May 10, 2011, 07:20 PM | #4 | |
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I have a 442 and a LCR. My 442 has crimsons and the LCR has XS bigdot. They are both great. The 442 and 642 are the same gun different finish. Being a car guy the 442 got the nod especially after I saw this special edition pictured with my LCR.
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May 10, 2011, 10:06 PM | #5 |
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I would use the 642, but without the laser.
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May 10, 2011, 10:12 PM | #6 |
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I have a 442 with CT grips. The laser was initially useful for dry fire drills as I broke in the trigger, but I find I don't use it much for shooting. In fact, I have some wood Altamonts on order; I shoot more accurately and quickly with the plain old sights (augmented with some bright yellow nail polish on the lower part of the ramp, for a black over yellow front sight).
Haven't decided whether to sell or store the CT gip. |
May 11, 2011, 03:55 AM | #7 |
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The LCR has a wonderful trigger.
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May 11, 2011, 06:48 AM | #8 |
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I used to have an LCR, and the weird thing is I thought its trigger felt better than J frame triggers I had dry fired.
Sold the LCR to a friend, because I could shoot it sort of well, but not really well. Ended up with the 442 as a result of a trade, a year or so later. I can shoot it quite well. Trigger doesn't feel quite as smooth as the LCR trigger did, but the 442 groups tighter for me, and I can shoot the 442 faster. The thing I did not like about the LCR trigger had nothing to do with its action. Something about its shape, curve, width... Not sure what it was, but it would blister and/or cut my trigger finger over the course of a box or two of .38. |
May 11, 2011, 07:23 AM | #9 |
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I really like the Smith 637. You may not like the exposed hammer for pocket carry though.
No offense to anyone but I think the LCR is the ugliest revolver on the face of the earth. |
May 11, 2011, 07:42 AM | #10 |
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I want a hammer
S&W 637. Just picked one up. Outstanding Nice SA trigger. DA wasn't too bad either. Shot to POA. AFS
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May 11, 2011, 07:51 AM | #11 |
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I see no advantage to a hammer on a snub; on a hunting revolver, where shots are made by choice vs necessity, and a rested position is likely, then SA mode makes more sense.
For a defensive confrontation, good DA skills are much more useful. With practice, DA can be very accurate, and fast. |
May 11, 2011, 08:18 AM | #12 |
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I went 642. However you may want to get a trigger job down the line. If you are unwilling to do that, the LCR may be the better choice for you. I personally like the looks and provenn track record of the 642 but I will not deny that the LCR has the better trigger and slight edge in weight. What it does not have is as many holster and grip options as the 642.
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May 11, 2011, 08:24 AM | #13 |
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Not sure a trigger job is necessary. Edit: The 442 was fired at these targets without the laser; I'm actually planning to remove the CT, and add an Altamont wood with a small rest for my little finger. I have highlighted the lower part of the front sight ramp with a bright, glittery yellow nail polish, so it's black over bright yellow. Easy to pick out against black and buff targets.
442, 50rds, 5yds 442, 3 5rd strings, 7yds By comparison, here's an old shot with the LCR I used to have: I just never could shoot the LCR quite as well, much as I really wanted to - it was a nice little revolver, but we didn't hit it off. Back to the trigger job, though: Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire. And practice at the range. I suspect that, since these little guns can have mildly unpleasant to very unpleasant recoil, most folks don't practice enough. How often have you read on TFL, "These guns are meant to be carried a lot, and shot a little"? Problem with that philosophy is that these guns require more effort to master. Anybody who says they aren't intended to be shot, probably can't shoot them very well. Last, on the issue of "Hammer or no hammer?" This isn't a snub, per se, it's a 3" Model 13, but it has a bobbed hammer; I shoot it DA only, and this reduced silhouette was shot at 25 yards: I suspect many of the people who feel a hammer and SA mode are necessary for medium-long shots, really just need more DA practice. Last edited by MLeake; May 11, 2011 at 08:30 AM. |
May 11, 2011, 08:34 AM | #14 |
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I have a 638 Body Guard in a 2". Great little gun. Over the years I have owned a 49, and a couple 649's, and an SP101 9mm. All were to heavy for pocket carry. The 638 is no problem to pocket carry at all. My dealer got in a 3" Model 637. I have been lusting over it the last couple weeks. I would have to bobb the hammer on it, which is no big deal either.
I would have no problem owning a 442 or 642. The 638 is great, and a 637 would also be no problem at all with a bobbed hammer. A bobbed hammer 637 would probably have the smallest profile of the 3 styles listed. I would paint the upper 50% of the front sight with some GREEN Sight Brite sight paint. You will be amazed how much better you can see the front sight in day light. I put mine on in 4 applications over a couple days. Seems to be very durable. The match last Saturday was the first BUG Match with the sight paint added. I shot the 638 the best that I ever have. The targets were easier to pick up fast with the bright front sight. I have added CT Laser Grips to my 638. They would be handy in low light. I normally keep mine turned off. My Safariland Comp I speedloaders clear the CT grips just for information. I shoot my 638 in our Clubs Defensive Pistol Matches in the BUG Division. The laser is a distraction in match shooting. My practice load for my 638 a minimum listed dose of Clays under a 125 grain round nose lead bullet. This is a very manageable load in an air weight. My 638 factory trigger is not bad at all. It is my only S&W that I have not had the trigger pull improved on. No experiance with Ruger or Taurus air weights so far. Bob Last edited by Viper225; May 11, 2011 at 08:46 AM. |
May 11, 2011, 08:41 AM | #15 |
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Viper225, I've been very lucky with my S&W revolvers.
Only two new ones are a .44 Mountain Gun, which came with a decent trigger, and the 442, which was very nearly new (taken in trade from a guy who bought it but didn't like it) and has a surprisingly shootable trigger. (Of course, I dry-fired the heck out of it, using the laser as an aid for holding it steady during the squeeze.) My other N frame was bought used; don't know if it was worked on, or just shot a lot, but its DA pull is amazing. I have 4 K frames; one is a Model 18 that was my parent's 2nd anniversary present to themselves, given to me later when I hit 15 or so. The others are a 3" 13, bought used but LNIB/unfired from a collector - yet it had a great trigger off the bat; and 2 65's, both previously shot, both with very nice triggers. I'm sure there are some bad S&W triggers out there; I know I was less than impressed with a couple J's at various gun shops over the years. But of the ones I've owned, all have been extremely shootable. |
May 11, 2011, 09:25 AM | #16 |
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MLeake
The newer Airweight S&W's seem to have better triggers than I remember in my OLDER steel J frames. I agree I would dry fire and shoot the J Frame a lot to start off with before considering doing a trigger job to it. A set of snap caps would be a good investment for a new owner. Nice looking targets. The 3" 13 should be a very good carry piece also. I have a nice 65-2 in 3" spotted in my area. I am planning to check it out further tomorrow. Practicing with a BUG is the key to shooting one accurately. Also shooting reduced practice loads. In our Club Defensive Pistol Match we shoot the BUG Division on the same Course of Fire as the full size guns. Our match is all in 12 round stages. Either 6, and a reload on the clock. OR 6 and repeat the stage again for the second 6. With a 5 round J Frame you just shoot 5 rounds, and a reload. OR 5 and 5. NO penalty for 5 rounds instead of 6. Works fine. Maximum range is around 15 yards most of the time. My 638 shoot very accurately in the BUG Match. My 638 got beat Saturday in the BUG match by an Army shooter with a Glock compact 45, by around 5 points. I can live with that. BUT I plan on beating him next month. Bob |
May 11, 2011, 11:48 AM | #17 |
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I voted 642 and that is a good choice. I however really like the original bodyguard series better. The models 38 and 638 airweights or the models 49 and 649 steel frames. Gives the snag free draw of the centennials and retains the option of SA fire.
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May 14, 2011, 10:19 AM | #18 |
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None of the above ... I occasionally carry a 637 airweight; I prefer a gun with a hammer and I've never had it snag on anything when drawing from a pocket ...
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May 14, 2011, 10:44 AM | #19 |
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The Body Guard...because I prefer having the option of SA.
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May 14, 2011, 01:06 PM | #20 |
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How come nobody ever mentions the good ol' Taurus 905C 9mm DA only. Have I got the only one?
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May 14, 2011, 01:50 PM | #21 |
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I would suggest the SW Model 638. The shrouded hammer has two advantage over any of the "hammerless" models. First, it gives you the option to cock and fire in single action. All these revolvers are designed for close up shooting but the ability to hit at 15 to 20 yards cannot be discounted. It's a lot easier to do this with a single action. Second, the shroud actually helps break up the outline of the gun in a pocket holster.
You can also optionally switch grips and get the small grips which makes pocket carry easier (also with the 442/642). I have a SW Bodyguard, other J-frames, and Colt D-frames. The one I most pick up for pocket carry is a Model 38 Airweight, predecessor to the 638. |
May 14, 2011, 02:12 PM | #22 |
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Couldn't vote but I will comment. I think the later, pre-lock J frames are some of the best .38 snubs ever built. I don't do locks but that's just me. If I intended to shoot many .357's or carry it in the boonies for protection against varmints two or more legs, I'd get a 2 1/4' SP-101 in .357 Mag.
Like many here, I prefer an usable hammer on a snubnose. I can shoot them DA but for fine shooting, SA is decidedly better for most.
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May 14, 2011, 02:28 PM | #23 |
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It's hard to top the 642 as a light weight hammerless .38 special. As a pocket carry gun, it's questionable in my experience. I own a 637 and pocket carry, regardless of pants type just doesn't work for me.
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May 14, 2011, 03:10 PM | #24 |
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"The Body Guard...because I prefer having the option of SA. " [Skadoosh]
Ditto. The option of having SA for that rare long shot (if necessary) is better than having no option. And the SA snubbie is very capable with 50 yard plus hits. I carry the S&W M438 Bodyguard which does not snag (because of the humpback frame), and is 15 ounces, light enough for IWB, ankle or pocket. Krezyhorse, pocket carry is fine, I wear loose fitting jeans with 438 Bodyguard in front pocket, pants are one size larger, 36 instead of 34, with a good belt of course.
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May 15, 2011, 05:00 AM | #25 | |
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ccw , lasers , pocket carry , revolvers , snubbie |
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