S&W 442 or Glock 26?

[fxstchewy]

Looking to use for concealed carry, which do YOU suggest and why? Thank's

[kostner]

Do yourself a favor and read the book"The Snubby Revolver" by Ed Lovette. Its a good read and covers many areas that won"t get discussed on line. Myself I like five for sure. I do own a G-36 too.

[ndh87]

I have a S&W 442. When i first took it to the range i was highly impressed with the accuracy out of the stubby little pistol. I often carry my 442 as a back up gun on my ankle, its light enough you dont notice it at all.

[ByAnyMeans]

Really no one can tell you what is best for you but this is why I chose a Glock26 over anything else.

1) A Glock 26 carries the same for me as a revolver so it seemed logical to choose the gun that carried more ammunition if they both weighed the same and were unnoticable on me. This does'nt mean they will carry the same for you.

2) I prefer the Glock 26 trigger over a revolvers. I find it more accurate and easier to get good follow-up shots with and if concerned of a "lack of safety" you can install a 8lb trigger although I prefer mine standard.

3) Many people have different opinions of dependability. I have never had an issue with a malfunction on my GLock nor any other I have seen although it happens. It also happens with revolvers although less frequently. Also consider a malfunction with a semi is almost always fixed with a tap+rack to get in the fight where as a revolver will usually needs gunsmithing to get back into service.

4) Money is always a concern and a Glock 26 allows me to use a ten round magazine for c.c. and insert a 15 round G19 magazine when on the nightstand or cover garments will hide it. I view this as much more bang for the buck and it keeps me on the "one gun -really knows how to use it" line of thought. Instead of 100 rounds through your CCW weapon and another 100 through your home defense psitol you can put 200 through your one gun and be twice as familiar with it's point of aim, point of impact, trigger feel, sight alignment and so on.


Again this why my line of though in making my choice, it may differ from yours so check for yourself.

[Junebug56]

I carry a 642 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster...I prefer this over IWB carry, which would be the only way I'd consider carrying the G26. In the colder months, the revolver snuggles inside my coat pocket, w/o the Nemesis.

[glockman19]

I have both. I regularly carry my 442 & 642. I carry the Glcok 26 more durrung winter months when heavier clothing is worn.

The Glock resides in either a Desaints Nemesis pocket holster of a Galco or Uncle Mikes IWB holster.

IMHO the S&W is easier to conceal and weigh's less.

[capttom]

For normal carry, I go with the snubbie, in my case, a 642 Airweight with a couple/three speedloaders back-up. It usually rides in a Desantis Nemesis. That being said, if I go on a trip out of town, I'll carry my G26 in my hip pocket. The 26 holds 12 rounds with a Pierce adapter magazine and I have 2 ten rounders on tap. My logic for this is, if I'm staying at a motel, I've got more firepower with the Glock. It saves me from taking along a dedicated nightstand pistol. (My third choice is a Smith 908 and it sometimes substitutes for the Glock in a Fobus holster.)

[Ethereal]

Could always throw the j-frame into a coat pocket in cold weather, where it could be used as opposed to the G26.

[Ringer]

which do YOU suggest and why?
I suggest a G26, but that is based on MY preferences. I really do like revolvers and own a couple. I just don't shoot them as well as I do autoloading pistols. I guess I never mastered the long heavy trigger pull.

As far as what's best for you, have you shot them both? That should help.

[GEM]

Glock 26 for your belt, 442 or 642 for your pocket.

[flyby]

Both are Great So..Get Both! :) ..Odds are high you'd never regret having either.

I'd opt for the stainless 642..but thats just preference

[jad0110]

For pocket carry, IMHO the 642 has the clear edge. The Glock 26 is a brick, and though some can pocket carry it, most will find it too big unless you have uber-ginormous pockets.

For belt carry (IWB/OWB), honestly they are apples and oranges, so I can't really help you there. Case in point: ByAnyMeans prefers a Glock trigger to a revolver DA trigger. I am the other way around. So if you are able to try before you buy, that would be the best advice any of us could give.

[Dienekes]

For safe in-chamber carry the G26 needs a holster; and it isn't all that small. If you're going that route get a G19 and be done with it. My experience with them is limited, but my daughter's is a little cranky with reloads. OTOH the G19 is reliable with anything reasonable. I can manage the G26 but don't much care for it.

I have used a 442 as a daily driver for about 10 yrs+ now. Very boring. It carries anywhere, can be fired under any conditions, is pocket-safe, and accurate.

I figure five +P+ surprises are enough to start with. If I envision an abundance of BGs the 4" .357 gets the nod. Until I can get to a long gun...:rolleyes:

[Scott Free]

I had a Glock for a long while. I liked it for all the reason others like them. I just don't like holster carry, so I started carrying a Keltec P11 in a pocket. As much as I like the Keltec, the grip just doesn't quite fit me. I'm selling it and will be picking up a 642 on Monday. Apples and Oranges between Glock and a small revolver. One is WAY easier to shoot well with a much greater capacity. The other is much easier to actually have with you when you need it. But then, you already know that. :)

[biblefreak]

My vote goes for the Glock. I had a buddy loan me his 442 for a couple of weeks and while it was great for pocket carry I just felt alot better having 11 in the gun with 10 more in a spare. The 442 weighs ALOT less, but their footprints are very comparable and Glock clearly has the advantage on capacity.

If going IWB, Glock is the way to go, if you are looking to pocket carry, the 442 is a good bet.

Justin

[Just Jim]

I don't trust the magazine springs in Glocks so I carry a 442 most of the time if I am going to carry a small gun.
jim

[Deanimator]

Does the 442 have a lock?

If so, the Glock. I would NEVER trust my life to ANY S&W with the lock.

If not, either one that's comfortable for you.

Personally, I don't really care for Glocks smaller than 19/23 size. My 19 is just fine for CCW.

[Ala Dan]

'Bout all I can add, is the fact that the snubby S&W 642 will be a "whole
hell of a lot lighter" in weight than a Glock 26; and not near as bulky.~! :uhoh:

FWIW, a S&W 442/642 weighs in at only 15 ozs~! :cool: I own both,
a 442 and a 642; however, I do not own any Glocks~! :eek:

[wheel]

Except for the fact that the snubby is lighter, it loses on almost all other counts.

- The .38 round is much inferior to the 9mm, even in +P.
- The 442 only weighs 15oz, so light that recoil much worse than the G26
- The 442 only carries 5 rounds, compared to 11 for the G26

For those who suggest using a .357 snubby, I've never shot one, but I read that the recoil is brutal and the performance in such a short barrel is no better than the 9mm. Again, the G26 wins.

Now, if you want to consider the M&P 9mm compact, that's a better choice. But at this point in time, I would still vote for the G26, because it's more mature, has far more aftermarket support, and is easier to work on.

[Scott Free]

It's not just that the snubby is lighter. It is also MUCH less bulky. I can't imagine a Glock in a pocket (although I know some people do carry one this way.)

[gbran]

Kahr PM9 easiest to carry, Jframe next easiest. G26 bulkiest of the 3, but holds 10+1.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/gbran/100_0145.jpg

[fxstchewy]

Thanks for all the suggestion's.........probably go with the 442 as I already have a 642 and it goes into the pocket just fine. just wondering how they compare.

[DWARREN123]

Depends on if you like revolvers or semi auto handguns. Both will do the job.

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for all the suggestion's.........probably go with the 442 as I already have a 642 and it goes into the pocket just fine. just wondering how they compare.
Both the M442 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=14760&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15704) and M642 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=14793&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15704) are exactly the same revolvers except for the finish. There will be no difference between the 2 when you fire them other than the slight differences you find between 2 of the same model revolver.

[creativetownsman]

That's easy. Do you want to pocket carry, or not? If you want to pocket carry, 642/442 is clear winner.

If IWB or whatever, G26, higher capacity, 9mm preferred over .38+P, cheaper ammo.

[esq_stu]

I have a 642 and a G26. The G26 stays home more than the 642. The reason is that much of the time I need a pocket gun. The G26 does not fit or is too hard to draw from any pocket I have. The 642 is a pocket gun. So unless I'm going to be able to wear a belt holster with my attire, the G26 stays home.

[Eyesac]

Like others have said, the capacity and the power of 9mm (just seems funny to say) over the .38 makes me choose the 26. I carry a 27.

[Weedmonk]

I carried a S&W 642 for a couple of years and then "moved up" to the even lighter 340PD after buying into the hype about the .357 ultralites. There's no question that the Airweights and Airlites are easier to pocket carry. My issue with the light J-frames is the difficulty in actually using the weapon in a real life-threatening situation. Most of the favorable comments about the 642/442/340 guns pertains to "ease of carry". On balance, it has been fairly well established in the shooting community that considerable skill is required to effectively use a little snubbie. In my experience, the average person seems to be more concerned with comfort than the accuracy of the little S&Ws. The justification for carring a J-frame snubby over a more effective firearms seems to sound like "...they are intended for point-blank belly shooting". You also hear the popular internet gun forum line that it is better to have a little .38 in your pocket than a ________ at home in the gun safe. Personally, I want to be able to use my concealed carry handgun in defensive situations that might require hitting something that's further away than point-blank distances. After shooting a G26, I got rid of the 340PD. The G26 is quite accurate for a short, stubby handgun and packs 11 rounds. A back-up G19 magazine holds 15 more rounds. That's a lot of 9mm. Although I've occasionly carried the G26 in a Galco pocket holster, it usually rides in a low-ride IWB holster in the appendix location. Although the G26 is not nearly as comfortable to carry as a 642/442/340 - I don't select my concealed carry firearm based mainly on how comfortable it is to carry.

[Scott Free]

"I don't select my concealed carry firearm based mainly on how comfortable it is to carry."

But you do Weedmonk. At least to some extent. You could probably conceal a shotgun if you were willing to dress around it. Some guys actually carry three handguns. For me, and most, and probably you, three guns would be inconvenient and uncomfortable. If I were a diamond courier, my definition of uncomfortable might change. I'm not a diamond courier, though, and I'm not a cop. I live in a pretty much crime-free rural area. It's highly unlikely I will ever need any gun for self defense (as it is for most of us.) A 642 in a pocket is enough. A little P32 is probably enough. We all make choices about what is comfortable enough vs. are realistic threat levels. There's nothing wrong with a big .45 if that's what you need. For me, carrying a 642 goes unnoticed and will suffice for most any encounter I am not even likely to ever have.

[Scott Free]

"I don't select my concealed carry firearm based mainly on how comfortable it is to carry."

But you do Weedmonk. At least to some extent. You could probably conceal a shotgun if you were willing to dress around it. Some guys actually carry three handguns. For me, and most, and probably you, three guns would be inconvenient and uncomfortable. If I were a diamond courier, my definition of uncomfortable might change. I'm not a diamond courier, though, and I'm not a cop. I live in a pretty much crime-free rural area. It's highly unlikely I will ever need any gun for self defense (as it is for most of us.) A 642 in a pocket is enough. A little P32 is probably enough. We all make choices about what is comfortable enough vs. our realistic threat levels. There's nothing wrong with a big .45 if that's what you need. For me, carrying a 642 goes unnoticed and will suffice for most any encounter I am not even likely to ever have.

[Scott Free]

"I don't select my concealed carry firearm based mainly on how comfortable it is to carry."

But you do Weedmonk. At least to some extent. You could probably conceal a shotgun if you were willing to dress around it. Some guys actually carry three handguns. For me, and most, and probably you, three guns would be inconvenient and uncomfortable. If I were a diamond courier, my definition of uncomfortable might change. I'm not a diamond courier, though, and I'm not a cop. I live in a pretty much crime-free rural area. It's highly unlikely I will ever need any gun for self defense (as it is for most of us.) A 642 in a pocket is enough. A little P32 is probably enough. We all make choices about what is comfortable enough vs. our realistic threat levels. There's nothing wrong with a big .45 if that's what you need. For me, carrying a 642 goes unnoticed and will suffice for most any encounter I am not even likely to ever have.

[lesjones]

"Glock 26 for your belt, 442 or 642 for your pocket."

Yep. Pretty much.

Decide how you're going to carry the gun. For pocket carry or ankle carry the 642/442 is king. Once you move to belt carry the Glock 26 starts making more sense because of the 10 round magazine capacity, and you might even go to the Glock 19 with its 15 round capacity.

Due to my lifestyle and the way I dress I mostly pocket carry, so my main carry gun is a 642 with a professional trigger job, Crimson Trace Lasergrips, Mika pocket holster, and Remington 158 grain LSWCHP. It's a helluva setup.

[psp7304]

My 442 is my favorite go to gun. It is the gun I carry the most during the warm months. I put it in a Desantis Nemesis holster and slip it into the front pocket of my shorts.

While working, I carry my 442 in an ankle holster. I am issued a Glock 37 so I bought a Glock 39 to carry as a backup. The Glock 39 has the same size frame as a Glock 26/27 with a heavier slide. The Glock 39 was too heavy for ankle carry in my opinion so I went back to the 442.

[david_the_greek]

uh ok just have to chime in on my amazement with the 442. When I first shot mine, I thought I made a kind of big mistake in choosing it over the Keltec. I liked the revolver and it hid really well, I just didn't shoot it well. Well I shot some wad cutters out of it this weekend and wow! This thing is a lot more accurate than I could have imagined. Need to practice with the low power stuff a few more times but it definitely helped my revolver shooting technique! (the only rounds I'd shot out of it before were high powered reloads and self defense ammunition).

[Haywood]

I have both Guns. I cary both guns at the same time. I ware Carpenter Pants and the G26 fits the front pocket. 642 is on week side front or back.

[fxstchewy]

Well I bought a 442 about a month or so ago and bought a G26 last week :) so i can chose whichever on suits my carrying need. the G26 shoots alot better than i thought it would, i had heard that they are hard to hold on to but i had no problems. Chewy

[Lonestar.45]

I had a 340pd for a while (a short while) and sold it. I could not hit the broad side of a barn with it. I don't know if it was the trigger, or just me. The snubbies are super nice for carry though. The 442 always appealed to me.

I looked into the G26 (which made sense because I have a G19). I went with a Kahr PM9 and have never regretted it. It's smaller than the G26 and more capacity than the snub, and I shoot it well.

My advice would be to get whichever one you shoot best and learn to carry it.

[oneounceload]

Think of it this way - how many straight, square to rectangular shapes does the human body have...(semi pistol), versus rounded curves...(revolver)

Which SHOULD be easier to meld to your body??..;)

[Moccw]

Go with the 442, in my OPINION it is alot more comfortable..

[Girodin]

For those who suggest using a .357 snubby, I've never shot one, but I read that the recoil is brutal and the performance in such a short barrel is no better than the 9mm.

I do not think that the recoil is brutal by any stretch and not even bad if one is using factory ammo. Now I have loaded up .357 that makes even my sp101 a brute but factory ammo through the light smiths is no problem and i am not a recoil junkie by any means.

I have been considering a G26 for a while but I am not a fan of its width. I prefer the slimness of a Khar. I may yet get that G26 for various reasons though.

[brin747]

I pocket carry a 642 almost every day in a basic Uncle Mikes pocket holster. It disappears into my pocket and I hardly know it's there. I don't mind the recoil at all, even with +P defensive loads and my last trip to the range I ran 50 rounds through it from 5-10 yards and all were in center mass.

[DawgFvr]

I used to pocket carry my 642 in a Mika pocket holster frequently...and still do on occassion.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/Glock/G26SW642.jpg

The G26 in an IWB MTAC holster, however, is very comfortable and the 10 + 1 9mm + P rounds it holds is the deal breaker...that and aside from the fact that I am far more accurate with the little auto.

I now go for the G26 every time.

[wrxguyusa]

I got the Glock (19) first, becuase it's more versatile.

You can grab a 642 later for pocket carry, it's very handy, but I do feel compromised in my protection because it is much harder to me to shoot well.

[wayno]

I have both and shoot the G26 best but at times the 442 get the go!