Picking a new DAO snubbie in .38 Special

[george29]

I voted 642 but I carry a 640. I had a 642 but recoil was brutal, also, I like the option of 357. Last but definitely not least, the 640/642 doesn't allow for snags from inside the pocket draw nor does it let "pocket gunk" inside the mechanism. Is also heavy enough to use as a hammer on someone's head when the rounds are depleted

 

[Zerodefect]

My uses are a little different, so i chose the S&W Model 36 Chiefs Classic.


All steel so it soaks up recoil a hair better. Hammer so I can reach out further with a SA pull. Real nice SA trigger. I prefer IWB carry, which is why i gave up on DAO models. It only ends up in a pocket holster when inside a heavy motorcycle jacket.

I'm not so concerned about the lock or new parts. Anything larger, and I'd rather just carry a Glock 23.

 

[SFsc616171]

reAO snubby

If you can afford a Smith & Wesson 442/642, then you would get my blessings.

If you can ONLY afford a Taurus 850, don't feel bad. I own one, and use it for my carry piece.

NOW!!! Having said that, a caveat:

When using a snubby, how easy is it to reload with the factory grips?
ARE there 'aftermarket' grips available?

For the S&W, oh yeah! That would mean that you could use DADE loaders, HKS loaders, SAFARI loaders, Jet loaders, 5 Star loaders, and lastly speed strips, because UNLIKE the Taurus, the Clinton lock is on the sideplate. The TAURUS Clinton lock is just above where the factory grip stops on the recoil shoulder. The grips are a little meaty, and can hang up a 'loader', so you use speed strips.

 

[CajunBass]

I carried a S&W Model 12-2, Airweight for years. Great gun.

A few weeks ago my wife saw a 642-2 she liked, so we got it for her. I tried it and liked it too. Smaller and lighter than the Model 12, and I would be able to retire my Model 12 to safe queen status.

So I got a 442-1. Both were purchased in like new condition, used. Price was quite reasonable. The 642 has a lock. Not a big deal to either of us.

We looked at the LCR when she bought the 642. It was "ok" but in the end it was...plastic...sorry, that's off the table.

I used to have a Taurus 85 with a factory bobbed hammer that was pretty good too, but I was trying to convince myself I wanted a semi and traded it off.

 

[TreeDoc]

I've had few and have ended up with the no lock 642. If the OP is looking for a range/target/fun gun, the 642 isn't any of those things. Combat accurate and quick to the fight, ease of carry are what the 642 excels at. Wouldn't worry about reloads, unless you practice a bunch. Wouldn't worry about springs or trigger pull either, dependability is paramount, in a defensive role I doubt you notice if your trigger is smooth or light enough, only that as you depress the trigger you get the desired result. BANG!

 

[Gun Master]

.38 "Snubbie" in DAO ?

Did you notice that some of the "Poll Choices" were not "DAO" ?

I like "options", not "limitations".

 

[RealGun]

You could help us out by naming the "not DAO" guns in the poll.

 

[Gun Master]

DAO ?

You could help us out by naming the "not DAO" guns in the poll.

Yes, I could, but.......you need to do your own homework .

 

[cluttonfred]

Did you notice that some of the "Poll Choices" were not "DAO" ?

I like "options", not "limitations".

As far as I know, all the poll choices were of guns that exist in DAO models, either enclosed or bobbed hammer, even if not all the models of each gun are DAO. If not, then that was a mistake on my part.

 

[Gun Master]

OK, some of the others are optional (DA &/or SA), but the S&W Bodyguard has always been SA and DA. That's why I carry a S&W Model 638 (AirWeight).

 

[cluttonfred]

Sorry, but I was talking about the new S&W Bodyguard .38, a polymer-DAO revolver with integral laser sight, not the old-school shrouded-hammer Model 638 and similar J-frame varations, also called Bodyguard. Nothing against your 638, it's just that I was only talking about DAO in the original post.

 

[RealGun]

Yes, I could, but.......you need to do your own homework .

You might want to rethink that reply, since your point turned out to be a relatively obscure technicality, and you were essentially wrong in the context of the poll.

 

[Gun Master]

DAO Addendum

Sorry, but I was talking about the new S&W Bodyguard .38, a polymer-DAO revolver with integral laser sight, not the old-school shrouded-hammer Model 638 and similar J-frame varations, also called Bodyguard. Nothing against your 638, it's just that I was only talking about DAO in the original post.

Thank you for saying it nicely, "..old-school..".
You are correct in that all models can be had in DAO, mentioned in your poll.
I was referring to "some" models, such as SP101 and BodyGuard, which are not strictly DAO.
Please excuse my omission.
Good thread !

 

[Gun Master]

Correction or Clarification

You might want to rethink that reply, since your point turned out to be a relatively obscure technicality, and you were essentially wrong in the context of the poll.

Heh, heh, heh......Maybe Pap-paw (namely me) could have done his homework?
Please see my above posting. All a matter of semantics.
You are right in your own way.

 

[Gun Master]

Chief's Special is Special, But Not DAO

My uses are a little different, so i chose the S&W Model 36 Chiefs Classic.


All steel so it soaks up recoil a hair better. Hammer so I can reach out further with a SA pull. Real nice SA trigger. I prefer IWB carry, which is why i gave up on DAO models. It only ends up in a pocket holster when inside a heavy motorcycle jacket.

I'm not so concerned about the lock or new parts. Anything larger, and I'd rather just carry a Glock 23.

That's what I like, the original Chief's Special, exactly like one I own.
Today they call it a Model 36, but it's still a S&W Chief to me.
Nice gun!
But, it's DA & SA. I like options!