[1BLINDREF]

It seams like no matter which gun forum I'm on, just about everybody has and carrys, at one time or another, a S&W 442 or 642.
They must be one of the most popular CCW's out today.

I'm just curious as to how many here carry one.

[Trebor]

Nope, I prefer a K frame for carry.

I just haven't mastered shooting a J frame yet.

I did pick up a nice M 49 Bodyguard recently and plan to do some work with that soon. It's all steel, so it's the opposite of the current trend toward ultra light snubbies. I like the heavier guns as they are easier to shoot. Shooting those Scadium and Titanium guns is downright painful!

[BHPshooter]

Never owned one, but my next gun is probably going to be a Smith 638, which is the shrouded hammer version.

Wes

[Rmart30]

up untill a few months ago I didnt......jumped on one of the no locks to come out.
Its quickly become a favorite. It is harder to control than a all steel gun but I cant carry a all steel gun in a light IWB holster while wearing elastic waisted shorts either like I can the 642. :)

Only thing I changed on it was the grips. The rubber liked to snag on my clothing and ride up, put on a nice wood set of boot grips and ive been happy ever since.

[Majic]

Never have and most likely never will. I think the Taurus has a better trigger and Colt offers one more round will adding very little size.

[MMCSRET]

I was unfamiliar with the models, had to look them up. No. I will never own one. I like my colts and rossi and taurus.

[M2 Carbine]

I answered NO.
I do have six pre lock steel J Frames though.

[461]

I had a 442 years ago and sold it for some reason. I just got a 432 though and it's a keeper.

[The Lone Haranguer]

I don't have one. A Kahr PM9 fills this role for me.

I am not, however, opposed to having one of these revolvers, since its more rounded contours are a little easier to draw from tighter pockets. But it is pretty far down on my "'wannaget' list." ;)

[Gator]

I just bought one...and sold my PM9. :)

[riceboy72]

Got a 642 and it's kind of the staple in my gun diet. I won't get rid of it, despite it's limited role and function. Sure, it's no beauty queen, powerhouse, or precision target pistol, but it's reliable and can still stand up for itself despite it's awkward size.

Simple and versatile to a degree, it's got a cult following and rightfully so in my opinion.

[Josh Aston]

It's pretty high up on my to get list.

[911Boss]

Nope, but I DO have a 340 :D

[Geronimo45]

I don't own one. The 638 (I think) is what I'm considering for the distant feature. The Bodyguard model. Not quite sure why I like it.

[chieftain]

Is there anyone who doesn't own a S&W 442/642?

No.

Just like a 30-30 Winchester or Marlin, everyone should have at least one.

I have both my 642 and 638. And they ain't got no lock's either. I have been carrying the model 38, 649, 638 or 642 as a BUG to my Revolvers since the early 70's, and for the most of the last twenty years BUG to my pistols.

I stick with the Airweights because 1) I can still safely shoot lead bullets in it, and 2) it is easier to shoot, 3) I don't need the 357mag in a Airweight or lighter weapon. I have shot the J Frame with +P very well for just under 40 years, don't screw with success.

Go figure.

Fred

[71Commander]

Nope.

However, I do own a 342PD.:neener:

[rollback88]

No and have no desire to spend S&W money on a job done just as well with Rossi.

--jcd

[GVMan]

I love mine. It is just so easy to slip it into my front pocket.

[d906670]

nope carry a 640 why change

[wnycollector]

I opted for a 638 over the 642 when I was shopping for airweight .38's.

[deadhawg]

I don't own a 642, but my wife does. I have shot it quite a bit, nice gun.

I do own an old S&W chief's special .38 that was my mother's bedside gun. I rarely shoot it, I keep it for sentimental reasons. One of these days I will have to look up the serial numbers to see when it was made. I know she had it in the early 60's at least, maybe in the 50's.

I enjoy shooting my revolvers, but I prefer carrying pistols rather than wheel guns.

Ron

[coney_hatch]

No, but I do own a S&W Model 29... :)

[ldp4570]

Have a 640 No Dash ,works just fine, no need to change.

[smee781]

649 for me.:)

[mjrodney]

And another 638 here.

[GunTech]

Had a 342. I like my Colt dick special.

[capttom]

A 642 Airweight. Before I bought it, I would've prefered a steel version, but the lighter gun is starting to grow on me. I also have a 36. it's getting less and less toting time. If I can find one that won't bust my budget, I'll get a steel Bodyguard. If I can't swing that, a 3" 36 would be nice. But then so would a Colt Viper (4" version of the wonderful Cobra).

[mavracer]

had a 442 sold it when I got my m&p 340

[hornsmoker]

Don't have one. Don't want one. Too light and IMO, only good for pocket or ankle carry. I prefer a larger steel revolver with more capacity...such as the Taurus 617. If they came out with a six or seven shot .327 mag and > 16oz, I might take a second look.

[OregonJohnny]

I find pocket carry the most convenient, comfortable, frequent and reliable method of carry for me. The S&W 642 is the perfect option for me, as it's small, lightweight frame, rounded, snag-free lines, and positive grip surface make it very easy for me to put in and pull out of my front pants pocket quickly and easily. And as far as reliability, I'd trust a revolver long before a tiny plastic semi-auto.

[OOOXOOO]

I traded a Kahr PM9 for a 442. Even had enough money to to buy ammo and gas to the range. I haven't looked back yet.

[Old Dog]

Have a 637. Have a mint 37. Lookin' hard at the new run of bobbed-hammer 37s (w/firing pin on the hammer & NO LOCK).

If I picked up another S&W snubby, it'd be a Bodyguard over the Centennial. Just like the SA option.

[machinisttx]

I don't care much for J frames and only own one, a 3" M31-1 that my wife laid claim to.

[Floppy_D]

I just don't have one yet.

[nero45acp]

432PD here.



nero

[Muddflap]

Had one, did not enjoy shooting it. Sold it and got a PM9. It doesn't come out of the pocket as easy as the 642, but I carry it IWB most of the time anyway.

[orionengnr]

I had five j-frames at one time... one steel, one alloy, and three(!) Scandium.

Bought a PM9 about three years ago, and pretty soon, all those j-frames went bye-bye :)

I'm probably $1500 ahead now, and much happier. My PM9 is smaller, far more accurate (in my hands anyway) and perfectly reliable. Shoots anything from mild FMJ to hot Ranger 127+p+ carry loads.

I keep thinking I want a pre-lock 342, but then I remember that I had a 340 and sold it (it was no fun even with 38 Spl+p).

[gidaeon]

Never owned a revolver... let alone such an esteemed popular model(s)! So if anyone has too many to clean I guess you know what to do :p

[AK103K]

I have a couple of 642's, and a couple of other J frames. I've had a bunch of J frames over the years, lock and no lock versions. Never had any trouble with the lock versions, and never understood all the crying. I did have a couple of new, no lock 940's that neither made past the first 200 rounds, and when they quit working, I had to take them apart to get the remaining loaded rounds out, so they all can be a problem when they want to be.

The J frames are OK, and I shoot them on a regular basis, with hot reloads mostly, to stay on top of them, but I have a bunch of other things I feel better with. There are more than a few good autos out there these days that are about the same size as them, and you get better performance, a longer barrel, higher capacity, and faster, easier to carry reloads, and they are usually easier to shoot well with to boot. About the only thing the Airweights have going for them is their weight.

My SIG P239 in 357SIG gives me 7-8 rounds of 357MAg performance in a gun about the size as a 2" J frame (it is heavier). It has another 1.5" of barrel length and is easier to shoot than the Airweights, or even the heavier 60's using .38's. My P245 in .45acp offers the same thing.

[BOOM-BOOM]

What makes you think everyone does have a sw 442/642

[CajunBass]

I not only don't have one, I don't even know what they are. Smith & Wesson snub's I guess?

I've never looked at a Smith that had more than two didgits in the model number.

[VHinch]

I don't, but I have a 637 (hammered version of the 642) that I carry on my ankle.

[rfurtkamp]

I have big hands, the guns are just flat out too small to reliably use under stress.

When I have to work at trigger finger placement into the guard....there's a problem.

[Noxx]

I've never looked at a Smith that had more than two didgits in the model number.

Sir in that case you're missing out on one of the best wheelguns ever made, the 686.

Anywho, as said before, love my 642. Drops in a pocket, easy to carry, easy to get at, and pretty easy to shoot accurately, all things considered.

[rico700]

I own a 642 that never leaves my vehicle but I have a 19 that almost never leaves my side (a guy has to shower).

I would prefer the K frame if I had to choose one over the other- but I dont!

Its all good!

[doc2rn]

Had one didnt like it after the lock engaged on its own durring a practice round then out the door it went. The model 10-4 I bought with the proceeds is a keeper though.

[10-Ring]

Have had a mod 60 for years & picked up a 442 just this year. The j frames makes for the perfect carry gun :D

[MICHAEL T]

I only buy older J frames the 2 number kind with real blueing and no lock I have a model 49 Bodyguard if I wish to carry a J frame.

[Elvishead]

I'm to cocky for a 642. Give me a 638 every time.

[fastbolt]

Not everybody likes revolvers, nor is there any requirement that they do. ;)

I grew up on revolvers, mostly single actions. Then single action pistols. Didn't get interested in double action revolvers until I was an adult. Didn't get really interested in them until I entered LE and was issued a revolver as a service weapon.

As I became interested in shorter barreled revolvers I remained with steel models (Ruger Security & Speed-Sixes and S&W J-frames).

It wasn't until I'd been a firearms instructor for a number of years that I became interested in aluminum framed 5-shot revolvers. My first Airweight was a 642-1. I kicked myself for not having tried one sooner. It quickly became one of my favorite off-duty weapons.

Fast forward to the present and I find I own a few 5-shot revolvers ... an older 649 Bodyguard .38 Spl, a pair of 642-1's, a 37-2 DAO, a M&P 340 Centennial and a Ruger SP-101 DAO 2 1/4" ... and one or another of the J-frames are my commonly chosen off-duty weapons. Might add another one or two to my collection. I anticipate one or another of them will continue to be my daily choice upon retirement, too.

Doesn't mean they're for everybody, though.

Doesn't mean I'll get rid of any of my full-size, compact or subcompact pistols, either. ;)

[freakshow10mm]

Nope. Not a S&W fan. Will probably never own a 442/642. Only S&W I'm thinking about is the 610.

[chupacabrah]

i've got a mdl 36 :neener:

[Marshall]

Model 60 .357 here.

[chriske]

Also only a 640. Also works just fine . Also needs no improvement.

[jackstinson]

My S&W is a 6946. It works great.

[1/7GRUNT]

I have a 442, its alot of fun to fire at the range. Very accurate at short ranges which is where it excels.

[jjohnson]

Mutually exclusive selections on polls.....argh.......

No, I never had one. When I "carry small," it's a Colt Agent in .38 with high performance, low flash 125-grain hollow points. :what: When I "carry larger" it's a Taurus 441, .44 Special, again with high performance hollow points (I think 185 grains or so, but I'd have to check).

I've never owned a 442/642, and now since I'm boycotting S&W as long as they put a Hillary Hole :barf: in everything, I still have LOTS of other options that fill the bill quite nicely. :D

[hexidismal]

Never Had One AND Carry Different Revolver.

Same here. I am a big S&W wheelgun fan, and I do own several L/K frames and J frames, but no 642/442. Depending on the situation/clothing/etc. I do sometimes carry either a Model 66 2 1/2" or a Model 60 Ladysmith in .357. ( Yes I sometimes carry a ladysmith, and it's no insult to my manhood that it says ladysmith on it :) ) I very much doubt I'll ever own a 642/442 variant seeing as I can't stand DAO guns.

[hhersh]

I guess I'm old-fashioned. I will never get rid of my S&W mod 60 Chief Special....( with out a "Hilliary hole" )

[M203Sniper]

Me. but I plan on buying the misses a ladysmith soon.

http://www.riverviewsales.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/SW163808.jpg

[bpsig]

Nope never had one. I use a 696 instead or a ppk, 225, detonics mk7

[Creade]

I dont own one, but I guess that means I better go find one to fit in with the crowd!

[highlander 5]

No interest. I have a 1911,PP and a 4" 357 mag for carry.

[rcellis]

My Taurus 650 fills that niche for me. Nothing against the S&W - might buy the Heller model.

[JohnBT]

I have a 442-1 and it came with an excellent trigger. It's easy to shoot accurately with standard ammo or wadcutters.

OTOH, now that I have a Rohrbaugh it doesn't get carry much.

You know, all of my guns have excellent triggers. I don't buy the ones that have rotten pulls and every mass manufacturer makes them.

John

[WoofersInc]

Have the 642 with the Crimson Trace grips.

[Phil DeGraves]

Not those but I do have 2 M36s and a M60.

[Norm357]

I always carry a 442. Always.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Norm357/strapped.jpg

[420Stainless]

Don't have one yet. Maybe someday I'll run across a good used one and add it to my growing collection of .38s.

[possum]

nope dont have one of those or any wheel gun for that matter.

[Old John]

I looked at one today. It's awful small compared to the SP101, that is my day to day CCW.
Much lighter too. I looked at the Airweights.........
I liked the 638 better.
I may go back & get one.
We'll think about it.

[ilmonster]

I don't only becaue the wonderful state of Wisconsin is one of the two or three states that still does not have CCW. Otherwise, it's a neat little piece.

[1911 guy]

Never owned one. I've only got one revolver, it came from my Granddad and hasn't been carried in twenty years. Hardly goes to the range anymore.

[Lucky Strike]

Actually just bought one of the new no lock 642-1's two days ago exclusively for pocket carry when i can't IWB carry my XDsc.

Now it's just going to take some good time to get proficient with it at 15yd

[springmom]

I sometimes carry a m37 (no lock) and own a 66-3 that's too bulky for carry. But I usually carry a semiauto as I get more rounds and I shoot them better, on the whole.

Springmom

[fastbolt]

I sometimes carry a m37 (no lock) and own a 66-3 that's too bulky for carry. But I usually carry a semiauto as I get more rounds and I shoot them better, on the whole.

Springmom

More than a little sense in those comments. ;)

FWIW, I'm somewhat surprised that as many folks have answered that they own one of the J-frame Airweights as the poll reflects.

They're harder to shoot as well as larger models or some semiauto pistols. I'm no exception. I just work at it harder than many folks I know and observe. That and the fact that I've spent many years shooting DA revolvers.

I wouldn't carry any of my J-frames as off-duty weapons if I couldn't qualify with them as well as I do on the standard service pistol qualification courses of fire. I won't willingly sacrifice practical accuracy and controllability to the point where I can't use training & practice to make it work for me.

[1BLINDREF]

OK - At the time of this post, over 350 people have hit the poll (thank you :) )

Almost 25% of those 350+ have a 442 or 642 at this time.

I think that is a significant percentage considering that it only one specific model of gun when there are SO many different choices for a CCW, even models that are very similar (DAO/shrouded hammer, bobbed hammer, j-frame size wheel guns).

That has me thinking ( :eek: ) if there is another model gun that is as widely owned (percentage wise) as a 442/642 S&W.
Maybe a 10/22 or an 870??

There have been some pretty interesting comments along the way - some people just plain hate them, some people can't shoot them well (or don't want to put the time into learning to shoot them well), some people can't handle the recoil, some people say the recoil is not bad, some people love them and think they are the best CCWs out right now, and some people wouldn't buy a S&W if they were the only game in town.

Please continue to hit the poll and add your comments :)

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[berettaprofessor]

No 442/642; like many others, I opted for a 638 :)

I love polls...no matter how they're done, the wording messes them up. I voted "no" here although a 638 is almost a 642.:evil:

[BlkHawk73]

Not ashamed one bit to say I don't Don't own any S&W's actually. Don't see myself owning one either. Just don't get excited over them like many do. Visually they do nothing for me and the few 've held, didn't feel comfirtable in the hand.

[deputy tom]

I truely believe that the 642 is one of the best pocket revolvers ever made.I've had all manners of J-frames and the 642 is my favorite.YMMV.tom.:cool:

[ezypikns]

I simply can't tolerate the recoil of a J frame with boot grips. It's just me. They're fine weapons for most. I do have a Model 36 with oversize Pachmayr grips that's one of my favorites, but not for a CCW. And an old Model 10 that has the sweetest double action trigger ever. So it's not revolvers, It's just those little boot grips.

[1BLINDREF]

I love polls...no matter how they're done, the wording messes them up. I voted "no" here although a 638 is almost a 642.

I purposely worded it that way because I was curious as to how many people owned the 442/642 model itself, not other S&W J-frames.

Thats why I put this: "I carry a different model wheel gun" option in the poll :)

Again, my reasoning behind this poll was no matter which gun forum I'm on - even AR15.com, there are always posts about people having and carrying a 442/642.

[SDGlock23]

I got a 642. I carry it in my front right pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis. Loads are Speer 135gr +P short barrel GD's. I only carry it when i cannot carry one of my Glocks on me.

[sm]

I did, but I don't, so I can't.

[Otony]

I have owned a S&W 40, a S&W 640, and now muddle through with a S&W 432.

Close, but no Macanudo. :p

[BlindJustice]

My J-frame is a Model 60-15 3" Bbl. .357 Mag. with
adjustable rear sight, plain ramp front. I like the full length
ejector rod. I limit it to .38 Special +P. Fun to shoot.

Randall

[JCMAG]

Loving the 442. When not in a place that prohibits firearms, I always have my 442 in my pocket. It's so comfortable to pocket carry that there isn't a compelling reason to take it out. Except when the pants come off. Then there is a danger of running it through the washer. Not interested in finding out what happens then.

[TonyB]

is there anyone who doesn't own a 642?....
yes......commies.:uhoh:

[searcher451]

Have to confess not only to not owning one but also to having absolutely no interest whatsoever in owning one, now or in the immediate future. I do have a long list of want-to-own guns, however ... none of them S&Ws.

[Autolycus]

I don't have one. However I do see one in the future, when the funds are there.

[fastbolt]

One of the younger guys recently discovered the 642 after listening to a couple of us talk about them and watching us train with various J-frames. He came across a great deal on a lightly used 642-2 and picked it up. He's been practicing with it. Carries it as an approved backup weapon. Likes it and shoots it reasonably well.

Shortly after that he influenced another guy to try his 642-2. That fellow's 642-2 is on order. ;)

[Archer1945]

When I carry a small gun it is my PPK, otherwise I carry my 4' XD45C and sometimes my XD9SC. The wheel gun I will be carrying, when the holster comes in, will either be a S&W 25 Mountain Gun or 625 Mountain Gun in 45LC.

[orionengnr]

While I'm a big fan of S&W revolvers, I'm somewhat less a fan of j-frames. I simply shoot an equivalent sized semi auto pistol better.

Now, when we get to K/L/N frames, I'm in :) and am working to find a workable carry method.

[Stevie-Ray]

Don't own, nor have I ever owned a S&W product.

[Kind of Blued]

It seems I may be one of the few that has a 642/442 AND a Kahr PM9. It seems people trade one for the other. What's wrong with having two BUGs? :p

[sasquatch]

I own both a 342Ti and a 342PD. Both are extremely lightweight, and not that difficult to shoot. Can't imagine being without one or the other.

[bonza]

I bought a (silver) 442 Airweight about 12 years ago. I too prefer pocket carry when I can, which is most of the time, & the 442 is ideal for that. I practice with equivalent strength reloads, but I bought a box of Winchester 110gn Silvertips (non +P) when I got the revolver & just use them when I carry, but only have ten rounds left. Haven't seen them around lately, are they still available? What non +P rounds do you guys recommend?

[plw45]

I don't...yet.

[KiltedClaymore]

nope, never had one. looking at the poll results, it seems your hypothesis was incorrect! :D :neener:

[Ethereal]

Finally picked one up awhile ago, a 642. Couldn't last I guess, it finally sucked me. The only reason I'm selling mine is because I'm replacing it with a 940! To me though the best it has going for it is also it's one drawback-the size. I have large hands though, but for disappearing inside a pocket--they're the best.

[Landlocked Pirate]

I told my wife I was buying one for her, but she didn't understand and she thought it REALLY WAS for her, so now I still don't have one.

[GaryP]

I do not own either of them and have no plans to! :what:

My Ruger SP101 works for me and weight is not an issue.


:evil:

[Loosedhorse]

because I own two 342s. So how do I answer your poll--I kinda got the feeling that 342s might count in the "yes" category?

[welldoya]

"That has me thinking ( ) if there is another model gun that is as widely owned (percentage wise) as a 442/642 S&W.
Maybe a 10/22 or an 870?? "


I've got a 642 with CT grips and love it. Actually I had a 642-2 but sold it and bought one of the new no-locks that just came out.
While I believe that the 642 is one of the, if not the, most popular pocket pistols around, I can't help but believe that a higher % of people probably own a Ruger MK series .22 pistol. Seems like everybody has one. And probably most folks have a 10/22.

[Rokman]

That would be a 642 for me.

[SoCalShooter]

Technically its my moms atleast according to the paperwork :)

[Sun195]

I had a 642 but sold it. I wanted a gun that I could could stick in my back pocket and go out for a walk with. These are just a little too big for back pocket carry (at least, in my pockets). Plus, I already have a 60 3", so if I can't do pocket carry, I might as well carry the 60.

My replacement was a P3AT - works perfect for a go-anywhere gun.

One other thing: my 642 had a slightly canted barrel. The front sight didn't line up perfectly with the rear sight. Didn't affect accuracy (for me) that much, but I never liked that "feature", so it gave me more reason to sell.

Edited: well, I found a no-lock 642 today and decided to give it another try. So, I'm back with the 642 crowd for now. The P3AT will have to guard the safe.

[mgregg85]

I don't have one and I would rather have the bodyguard model if I ever do get one.

[Legionnaire]

Nope. SP101 and a Kahr PM9 fill the niche.

[AK103K]

...I would rather have the bodyguard model...
Just curious, for those who prefer the Bodyguard's over the hammerless models, why?

[S&Wfan]

Nope, but I own and carry either a nickle-plated Model 36, or a blued Airweight Model 37 daily.

The J frames are all very nice, and although I compete with Smith wheelguns in double action, there are good reasons to also have the option to go single action . . . including for well-placed shots behind cover in some self-defense scenarios.

HOWEVER . . . I'd have no problem with a Centennial or Bodyguard type configuration either, its just that my particular ones happened to have hammers when I was looking for nice, earlier J frames.

All the J frames are fine guns . . . though I'd never own one with the internal lock that's proven to sometimes lock up the guns of many folks on occasion. My guns HAVE to work when suddenly needed.

T.

[Drgong]

Model 15 or Model 36 for me.

[1BLINDREF]

Almost 500 people responded with just under 25% owning a 442 / 642.

I think that's a big number with all of the other options out there.

[MCgunner]

My taurus 85 has a much better out of the box trigger and a better lock design. ;)

Just curious, for those who prefer the Bodyguard's over the hammerless models, why?

Isn't that obvious? You can COCK and fire a Bodyguard single action, ya know. Okay, so you're the worlds best DA shooter. How about the BG has your wife at 20 yards and you need to place a shot on his head which is right next to her ear. Mostly, I like SA for shooting rabbits. Yes, I've done that with a snubbie, which is rather easy to carry and what I usually have with me in the field if not a belt gun.

My DAO is a Kel Tec P11 in 9x19. Works better than revolvers for me for CCW in a pocket.

[AK103K]

Okay, so you're the worlds best DA shooter.
Actually, I do shoot tighter groups in DA than I do in SA. My slow fire single shot DA groups are almost always smaller than my SA groups fired at any distance. I think the reason for this is, you have to concentrate on the front sight as your stroking the trigger and the gun "usually" goes off without your anticipating it, you get a true clean break.

These are all single shots fired DA from a concealed holster with a SIG P229 at about 10 yards. Didnt hit the old lady once. ;)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7d700b3127ccec27f07dcd87500000010O00CYuWbdo5bsQe3nwk/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

I see the Bodyguard as a SA shooters "blankie" in a DA world. The're still afraid of that DA trigger and cant let go. :)

[fastbolt]

Just curious, for those who prefer the Bodyguard's over the hammerless models, why?

It's not that I prefer the Bodyguard to the Centennial style models. It's that I still like the traditional double action design's capability upon occasion. Within the reasonable defensive training courses-of-fire (1-10+ yds) I'm comfortable and confident with the DAO J-frames. However, I can make more accurate SA shots out at 25-35+ yards than I can often make with the DA trigger stroke. Probably not too surprising. Granted, that's more in the realm of range enjoyment/target usage, but I occasionally enjoy engaging in shooting at longer distances to maintain the edge, so to speak, when it comes to using my basic revolver shooting skills, even with the small wheelguns.

Since the significant majority of the revolver shooting skills I used to use for my service revolver involved DA shooting with a standard size revolver (M66 & 686), aside from the earlier 50 yd/60 M slow-fire, I'm very comfortable with the little DAO J-frames for general off-duty usage.

I grew up shooting Ruger SA revolvers, though, and can certainly appreciate the inherent advantages of SA triggers for some target, 'precision shot' use. ;)

I can see having the capability to enjoy the SA trigger stroke for 'plinking' (where lawful and practiced safely, of course) and general leisure/range shooting.

When I reach for one of my J-frames for typical off-duty usage it's either a 642-1 or a M&P 340 Centennial. Sometimes it might be the older, heavier 649 Bodyguard .38 Spl, but more often than not it's one of the Centennial models.

That's why I originally bought my 642-1 in the first place, because it was noticeably lighter than my stainless Bodyguard and SP-101 DAO. ;)
That's why I bought a 37-2 DAO, the M&P 340 Centennial and the recently added 'spare' 642-1. Lighter than the steel models. (Bearing in mind they are a 'compromise', having both advantages and disadvantages. No free lunch.)

I wouldn't mind picking up a pre-ILS 638 Bodyguard to add to my working collection someday.

I see the Bodyguard as a SA shooters "blankie" in a DA world. They're still afraid of that DA trigger and cant let go. ;)

[SAG0282]

I have the improved J-frame (638). :neener:

[hemiram]

Nope, don't have one, don't really want one. The only S&W's I want to eventually get is another 28, a 29/629, and a 686.

No locks please.

[DZL HOG]

No, not yet.

I am about to purchase an older no dash 642 soon.

[wjh2657]

I carry 642,640 and a Taurus 85 ULBH. (Only one at a time though!) Size , weight and reliability all led me to these three. I practice a lot and feel comfortable at SD range <10 yards with the snubbie. I have worked as an armorer and have the Videos and Books on all of them. They are maintained, lubed and inspected regularly. I do EDC and I need a gun I can actually carry everyday no matter how I am dressed. J Frames rock!

[Ben Shepherd]

Shot 'em a time or two. Like 'em.

But my safe's filled with rugers.

[jcord]

I tried a friends out and decided to stick with my Model 49 and 38 Bodyguard.

[jc650]

I was close to owning one, I decided on the 340 MP instead because of the night sites and slightly less weight.