Advice choosing a small-carry revolver

[Sean Dempsey]

Its between the SW 340 ($850~) vs. the 642 ($450~)

Close to the same gun, size and shape. I wanted the scandium initially, but when I saw the price jump, I questioned my choice. I like the style and feel of both guns.

The .357 is going to be a lighter gun, and a more powerful round. But the .38 is gonna save me over 400 bucks probably, and with +p JHP's, I don't think I'm going to be wanting for a more powerful pocket gun. If I feel I need a .357, I already have the Model 28 Highway Patrolman 6", and that'll fit under my car seat just fine

I have my XD9 subcompact which I am happy carrying IWB, this gun is more for the quick carry in a jacket or pocket, or like on a bike ride or some such. It's really a backup gun that I want to be low profile. And as much as I like the scandium weight, its a 3oz difference...

So what say all of you more experienced shooters? is 400 bucks worth being able to shoot a .357 and carry 3 less ounces?


Specs:

642:

Model: 642
Caliber: .38
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Integral Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Centennial Style
Finish: Matte
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Material: Alloy/Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 15 oz.



Model: 340
Caliber: .357MAG/.38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Black Blade Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Centennial Style
Finish: Matte
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Material: Scandium Alloy/Titanium/Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 12 oz.

 

[biere]

If you can travel to a gun range that rents stuff I recomend it.

I rented a 642 and ran a box of basic 38 special ammo through it.

Towards the end I had a bit of a flinch I was fighting.

I really really really figured I would just buy the 357 mag version. I am glad I rented the 642.

My 642 is a backup gun for what I carry iwb.

I know I can work up to +p 38 special loads in it, but it is not going to happen immediately.

My opinion on anything I carry is I shoot it a lot and carry it a lot. When I go to the range I shoot what I carry for the most part.

The 642 with 38 special loads I figure I can handle shooting a couple hundred rounds through once I get used to it. Like I said, I am going to have to work up to +p loads.

With an even lighter gun I don't even know what it would take for me to get to where I could handle +p loads for an extended shooting session.

I will not carry something a lot and shoot it a little. I will not buy a heavier version for range use and carry the lighter version. I will not load rounds more powerful than what I am comfortable shooting at the range.

And me being me, I would rather own two 642 revovlers so I have one in the safe in case one has to go to the gun smith.

If you have not read the 642 thread then please do so. It was recently at the top so it is easy to find.

If someone can handle the 357 mag version well, then I am glad it is available. I just know that as of today and tomorrow and next month it is wasted money for me.

 

[treeprof]

I flirted with the titanium .38 J frames when they first came out. I never was satisfied with my performance, and I found them just plain uncomfortable to shoot. I sold the titanium, and settled on a 642. 50+ round practice sessions are no problem, and I can shoot 158 gr +P's thru mine w/out discomfort. For me, the extra few ounces in the 642 are worth it for what I gain in shootability. I have no desire to buy or shoot the lite weight .357's.

 

[Bob79]

Get the Airweight, you can get a 642 off of Gunbroker.com new in the box for $350 (or less) + shipping & transfer fees.

Any .357 round in an Airlite J-frame is BRUTAL. Remington .38+P LSWCHP 158grain is a great round, so is Speer's Short Barrel Gold Dot .38 +P in 135 grain.

Also, consider this, they advertise the Airweight snub as 15 ozs, and the Airlite as 12 ozs. BUT, the Airlite comes with the Hogue Bantam grip, and the Airweight with a heavier Uncle Mike's grip. If you put a Hogue Bantam on the Airweight, you shave off one full ounce of weight, bringing you to only 14ozs. Now its just 14ozs vs. 12ozs.

Plus the titanium is kind of pain to take care of, you have to be careful and not put too harsh of cleaining agents on it. Plus its more difficult to remove the deposits on a titanium cylinder.

Get the AIRWEIGHT, you won't regret, I've been down the airlite road, and come back around to my senses, other people here have already said the same thing, and I bet there will more.

 

[DouglasW]

I'll third [edit: fourth] the recommendation on the 642. While snubby shopping, I handled one of those 12oz scandium S&Ws, and quickly decided I'd rather have the additional 1/4 pound in the 642. The airlite actually felt too light...

The 642, stoked with 135gr +P, has become my 'always' gun. Small enough to throw in a front pocket, light enough to carry without discomfort 24/7.

By the way, I think this is the thread to which biere was referrring: 642 club

 

[Marshall]

I welcome recoil. But, a 357 Mag out of 12 ounce J Frame? Let me just shut my wrist in a car door.

The 642.

 

[orionengnr]

You can buy a barely used 340 or 360 for $500--I have bought three of them.

I just sold one a 340 a week ago for $500.

Buy the 340/360, shoot 38+p if you prefer, or practice with 38+p and carry 357. That is the great flexibility of the 340/360.

Or, you can pay $350 for a 642 and not have the flexibility.

In a carry weapon, there is no such thing as too light. There is only "I cannot handle this caliber in this firearm". Big difference, and...

Your choice.

 

[fiVe]

The 642, stoked with 135gr +P, has become my 'always' gun. Small enough to throw in a front pocket, light enough to carry without discomfort 24/7.

Same here. IMO, the 642 with a Mika round-cut pocket holster is the perfect carry configuration.

This little snubbie is quite the beast when using +P ammo. The blast is fearsome.

If you choose the 642, you won't be disappointed. Come on over to the 642 Club and visit a spell.

R/fiVe

 

[JoeHatley]

+1 for the 642



BTW: You may want to shop around a bit. Shouldn't be too hard to find a new 642 in the $350 range, maybe less.

Joe

 

[22-rimfire]

When I was making the same decision, I decided on the 442/642. If I were going to carry where I expected trouble, first I wouldn't go, but if I did, I'd carry a 357. Self defense situations are pretty rare. Hence, I got the 442. No regrets.

 

[MCgunner]

It's REALLY hard to beat the excellent Taurus M85UL for under 300 bucks. 15 onces, but does have a hammer spur.

I like the 638 airweight Smiths, you can fire 'em single action if the need arises and it does for me since I use revolvers as outdoor carry. The 642 is a good pocket revolver for cheap, but the trigger is a bit gritty and stiff out of the box, especially compared to my Taurus. That thing is so slick, makes DA shooting a breeze. Hammerless is really better if you carry in a pocket, though.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

I do want the hammerless since this is a pocket gun, sort of a backup gun in a CCW emergency.

I am going to check some of the gun stores around town and see what kind of price I can get. The one place I usually go has the 642 for around $370, but I wouldn't mind used either.

Thanks

 

[MikeJ]

I would love to know the percentage of people that have one of these scandium .357's and how many actually carry AND practice with .357 ammo. IMO, the 642/442 simply can't be beat.

 

[Essex County]

This one's a no brainer. I'm convinced .357 Snubs are sold to folks with little or no experience with lightweight revolvers. Heck, I feed my 21/2 inch 66 with .38+P's............Essex

 

[Magnum Wheel Man]

I just bought a 431 PD in 32 H&R Magnum... ( for mid $300.00 )

... I can't tell you how pleasant it is to shoot, not excessively noisy, & 4" - 5" groups at 25' all day...

BTW... the defense loaded 32 H&R ammo "aproaches" the 38 Special in velocity & energy, & the gun holds 6 rounds, instead of the "normal" 5 rounds of the J Frame...

my new little magnum... I'm lov'in it...

 

[GEM]

I have the 432 and 642 - both are easy pocket carry guns. Both easy to shoot. I carry the 642 with the 125 gr Nyclads of which I bought a slew way back when.

 

[MCgunner]

I do want the hammerless since this is a pocket gun, sort of a backup gun in a CCW emergency.

I am going to check some of the gun stores around town and see what kind of price I can get. The one place I usually go has the 642 for around $370, but I wouldn't mind used either.

Might give the 638 airweight a look, too. 642s go for about $305 at a local shop here, not a bad price for a quality gun. I thought about it, but I have to have a hammer for what I do use a revolver for. The 638 is shrouded, but you can cock and fire it single action which is the best of both worlds. If I replaced the Taurus for pocket use, I'd go 638, myself.

However, for self defense pocket carry, I like subcompact autos. I'm pretty well set in that department.

 

[skeezix]

642 + another gun

"is 400 bucks worth being able to shoot a .357 and carry 3 less ounces?"

Nope, not for my money! I'd buy a 642 and spend the other $400 on an additional gun.