Help me chose my BUG/ Deep concealment gun

[Keyser Soze]

Long story short I work UC as a detective with my agency. About 6 years ago the eliminated the option of carrying wheel guns for any use. I used to carry my S&W 940 strapped to my vest then as a backup gun. Since it was a 9mm it was compatible with the ammo I had in my glock mags at the time. It was my understanding as well that 9mm gives better ballistics out of the short tube than the .38spl.
For the last 6 years I carry a goverment model 1911 and a Micro compact as my back up/ deeper concealment piece. I am not as concerned with ammo compatiblity as it will be my last ditch piece. A few weeks ago my unit got authorized to carry wheel guns again for secondary/DC use. They issued all of my team model 60's from the armory. I don't care for the exposed hammer and am more likeley to stick with my 940 with the shrouded hammer.

I am considering buying a 442/642 for the reduced weight though. If they made it in 9mm I wouldn't be asking this question.
I am limited to department issue ammo. the current issue for 9mm is the Speer 147gr Gold Dot not plus P. For the .38's it's the new Speer 135gr GD +P loading.

Is one round offering greater performance? If it is negligible I will stick with my 940. Of course Smith could decide to come out with a 9mm airweight and my prayers would be answered.

Thanks for your help in advance.

KS

 

[SpikeEVO]

I'd get a S&W 340, that way I could carry the .38 GDs when on duty - as required, and when off duty I'd at least have the option of switching to .357mag 125jhp GDs or golden sabres instead.

A Keltec P11 is alot of 9m firepower in a small package too, a Kahr PM9 is even smaller but has a restricted ammo capacity too...

 

[bubbygator]

I used to carry a 640, so I know the 940 weight/feel. It's just a little heavy. I now have a 442 that is light enough that I don't notice it after awhile. But I also have a preference for the 9mm over the .38Spl.

Since you already have the 940, I would just go ahead & carry it for awhile & see how it feels under your current circumstances. There are a lot of 642's (and some 442's) out there to switch to if your current experience so dictates. And a lot of people who would like to buy your 940.

I agree that you don't really want a 60 over a 940/642 for a BUG - - there's that open hammer just hanging out there waiting to catch on something.