J frame discomfort.....Corbon 357s in a 340PD. Not really painful. Just finger bumpin trigger guard was annoying.
The flash and roar was a bit much though
Id say comparable to maxd 180s out a 4" 44 mag. Definitely invigorating LOL
S&W 637 vs 642 Airweight for Women's SD
- Thread starter IJ1981
- Start date
J frame discomfort.....Corbon 357s in a 340PD. Not really painful. Just finger bumpin trigger guard was annoying.
The flash and roar was a bit much though
Id say comparable to maxd 180s out a 4" 44 mag. Definitely invigorating LOL
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
I have a 442 and a model 36. I do not shoot +P ammo out of either one. It just kills my wrist - arthritis. When I did try +P from my 442 quick follow up shots were not as quick as with standard velocity loads. Also, if +P ammo was all that was available I wouldn’t have practiced with that 442 and I would have probably dumped it.
The model 36 is a little heavier and much nicer to shoot. As @Tallball said, it’s a steel framed gun.
I can’t tell you how many times I have seen ladies buy an Airweight J frame only to trade it in for something else later on. Usually a semiauto. They bought J frames for ease of carry without shooting one first.
Also, look into lighter recoiling ammo options for her.
Here is a good resource for helping to choose ammo for a .38 or .357 Snub Nose
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/
The model 36 is a little heavier and much nicer to shoot. As @Tallball said, it’s a steel framed gun.
I can’t tell you how many times I have seen ladies buy an Airweight J frame only to trade it in for something else later on. Usually a semiauto. They bought J frames for ease of carry without shooting one first.
Also, look into lighter recoiling ammo options for her.
Here is a good resource for helping to choose ammo for a .38 or .357 Snub Nose
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/
doubleh
Member
Many years ago I surprised my wife with a S&W model 60 for Christmas. She has always liked the little gun. It's me that doesn't like to shoot it. I am going to fall back on my position of giving the woman the chance if possible to shoot the guns that she is interested in so she can make her choice from actual experience. I lucked out with the Model 60 but have learned if I am giving her jewelry to let her her pick it out and avoid the returns and have added guns to that list.
rperyam
Member
You haven’t told us her shooting history. My daughter, who is your daughters age grew up shooting lots of different guns so she had some idea of what to expect when choosing SD guns to carry. I agree about renting or borrowing as many different guns to shoot as well as different types of ammo to shoot in them.
One gun may not meet all of her needs and situations. My daughter has a small Beretta Tomcat for very discreet carry in a pocket, the J frame for her purse and shares a Glock 19 with her husband for around the house and traveling.
I carry a 442, my sil carries a regular 36 and my daughter compromised with a 638. I load light wadcutters for practice loads and her daughters are enjoying shooting a wide range of guns and loads as she did. We all like shooting the 638 with the factory grips, but the 36 has Pachmyers and my 442 has Altamont grips. There is something about cocking the hammer and shooting single action that builds confidence and accuracy. Then shooting double action is an easy transition.
We all carry wadcutter loads in our J frames. Not too light or too heavy, but loads we practice with at the range and know our limitations as well as our ability to put them where we need them. The J frames takes practice to stay sharp with, the grip needs to fit the hand and the load needs to be appropriate for the situation. Good luck and don’t rush into a gun that will only sit on a shelf.
One gun may not meet all of her needs and situations. My daughter has a small Beretta Tomcat for very discreet carry in a pocket, the J frame for her purse and shares a Glock 19 with her husband for around the house and traveling.
I carry a 442, my sil carries a regular 36 and my daughter compromised with a 638. I load light wadcutters for practice loads and her daughters are enjoying shooting a wide range of guns and loads as she did. We all like shooting the 638 with the factory grips, but the 36 has Pachmyers and my 442 has Altamont grips. There is something about cocking the hammer and shooting single action that builds confidence and accuracy. Then shooting double action is an easy transition.
We all carry wadcutter loads in our J frames. Not too light or too heavy, but loads we practice with at the range and know our limitations as well as our ability to put them where we need them. The J frames takes practice to stay sharp with, the grip needs to fit the hand and the load needs to be appropriate for the situation. Good luck and don’t rush into a gun that will only sit on a shelf.
Remington1911
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I would echo what others said, she needs to shoot it. Women are different from men despite what many try to tell us. Women will not "man up" and take the pain then ice their hand after. They do not live to have pain. If it hurts to shoot for whatever reason she will not want to practice with it, and this is something you need to practice with.
Ethan Verity
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- May 8, 2021
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My Model 642 is my least pleasant gun to shoot, it's ironic that new shooters are so often drawn to that little gun. It still gets shot and carried a lot though, but that's just because I'm a gun enthusiasts.
velocette
Member
My 70 YO female friend, tried 637s and my 640 on the range before choosing the 640. She bought a 640 and I fitted it with Lasergrip laser. The laser grip solves two problems, 1, larger far more comfortable grips and 2, A sighting system that works in poor or dim lighting conditions, (Do you really think that any or all miscreant encounters will occur in bright daylight?)
Dave DeLaurant
Member
Funny thing, I find my 637 more comfortable to shoot than many other lightweight handguns (the LCR in particular.) Much of this probably has to do with ammo and grip choices. I use standard pressure lead HBWCs and Pachmayr Compac grips -- the latter are hand-filling and put a layer of rubber between the aluminum gripframe and my hand. They are a good size for my hands, but your lady will need to experiment to learn what grip will fit her best.
My preference is the slightly longer sight radius on a 3" barrel, so my Model 60 is my preferred carry piece.
One relatively minor issue with the S&W 2" J-frames is a very short ejector rod. It is highly doubtful a self-defense incident will require a reload, but I think practice should emphasize the most positive ejection technique: a firm whack on the end of the rod with the muzzle pointed straight up for gravity assistance.
My preference is the slightly longer sight radius on a 3" barrel, so my Model 60 is my preferred carry piece.
One relatively minor issue with the S&W 2" J-frames is a very short ejector rod. It is highly doubtful a self-defense incident will require a reload, but I think practice should emphasize the most positive ejection technique: a firm whack on the end of the rod with the muzzle pointed straight up for gravity assistance.
I answered the OP's original question in Post_6. After thinking more on the issue overnight, the question is difficult to recommend a specific handgun to just anybody without knowing what all they've already considered.
If it truly comes down to choosing between the 637 or 642, it's a personal choice and I'd say get them both and the future owner should come back here, herself, and tell us why she may like one vs. the other, if she ends up liking either.
I like my revolvers, too, but practically-speaking, my J-frames were typically used as backup guns to a full-size Glock (G17 or G22), and they were eventually replaced by the the, then, newfangled Glock 43 with 6+1 rounds of 9mm vs. a 5-shot Mod. 642 in .38 Special. The 642 did carry a bit better for me either on the ankle. Method of carry and personal comfort can make the difference between a J-frame and any other gun.
Competency of reloading, if it's even a consideration, is another potential issue. This is "advanced" consideration as weapon handling and reloads may not be an issue for the subject 50-year-old daughter with her 1st or only handgun.
That's all for now.
If it truly comes down to choosing between the 637 or 642, it's a personal choice and I'd say get them both and the future owner should come back here, herself, and tell us why she may like one vs. the other, if she ends up liking either.
I like my revolvers, too, but practically-speaking, my J-frames were typically used as backup guns to a full-size Glock (G17 or G22), and they were eventually replaced by the the, then, newfangled Glock 43 with 6+1 rounds of 9mm vs. a 5-shot Mod. 642 in .38 Special. The 642 did carry a bit better for me either on the ankle. Method of carry and personal comfort can make the difference between a J-frame and any other gun.
Competency of reloading, if it's even a consideration, is another potential issue. This is "advanced" consideration as weapon handling and reloads may not be an issue for the subject 50-year-old daughter with her 1st or only handgun.
That's all for now.
bdickens
Member
WisBorn
Contributing Member
The 637 with it's single action trigger pull is more fun to shoot.
The 642 with it's snag free centennial hammer is a better ccw choice.
I have a 442 & 637 my wife likes the simple design of the 442 over the 637.
Pull the trigger- bang.
She doesn't like having to let the hammer down when not firing the 637 from the cocked hammer position.
The 642 with it's snag free centennial hammer is a better ccw choice.
I have a 442 & 637 my wife likes the simple design of the 442 over the 637.
Pull the trigger- bang.
She doesn't like having to let the hammer down when not firing the 637 from the cocked hammer position.
OP
OP
IJ1981
Member
So many fine ideas and suggestions! We can always count on THR to Light Our Fire! 
My 22 year granddaughter has owned the 637 for five years and loves it. She is 5'6" and weighs 120, same as my daughter. Neither has any problem handling recoil with the Hornady 110 SD loads.
So it comes down to open or concealed hammer. We are going to the LGS, who has a fine range, to make the decision next week.
Aloha!
My 22 year granddaughter has owned the 637 for five years and loves it. She is 5'6" and weighs 120, same as my daughter. Neither has any problem handling recoil with the Hornady 110 SD loads.
So it comes down to open or concealed hammer. We are going to the LGS, who has a fine range, to make the decision next week.
Aloha!
JERRY
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- Jun 5, 2003
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- 3,851
My girlfriend shoots J frames just fi'm even the air weights however, she can only do so with a grip that covers the back strap. The minimalist grips that have the exposed backstrap such as the boot grip hurts her hand when firing even target loads.
The regular pachmyer type grips that cover the backstrap and the hornity critical defense light are perfect combinations with the 642 and similar weight revolvers.
The regular pachmyer type grips that cover the backstrap and the hornity critical defense light are perfect combinations with the 642 and similar weight revolvers.
Fatcat3
Member
Plus the humpback aka Bodyguard is just cooler anyway
WisBorn
Contributing Member
The airweights are great little guns!
halfmoonclip
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2011
- Messages
- 2,867
Centennials can sit lower in the hand, due to the humpback frame. Their perceived recoil is less.
I'd counsel that steel guns are much more pleasant to shoot than alloy.
The ability to cock the hammer on a Bodyguard is overrated...for defense, you need to learn to shoot double action. And, once that shrouded hammer is cocked, it will be a bear to uncock it, especially under stress.
Ended up getting our daughter a .22 Centennial; she didn't like the recoil of the centerfire guns.
Finally, a decent trigger job on Smith revos isn't expensive. Get a pro to slick up the trigger pull.
Moon
I'd counsel that steel guns are much more pleasant to shoot than alloy.
The ability to cock the hammer on a Bodyguard is overrated...for defense, you need to learn to shoot double action. And, once that shrouded hammer is cocked, it will be a bear to uncock it, especially under stress.
Ended up getting our daughter a .22 Centennial; she didn't like the recoil of the centerfire guns.
Finally, a decent trigger job on Smith revos isn't expensive. Get a pro to slick up the trigger pull.
Moon
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Agreed
The 22RF Centennial would be better than nothing but I still feel a 38 Special round would be a more effective round at little increase in discomfort over a 22 RF.
Besides my M642 and M437, I have a variety of S&W J-frames in my collection from M30/31 (32 SWWL) to 38 Special Model 60's to 357 Mag Model 60's.
A 32 H&R Mag S&W j-frame might fill the bill well but they are difficult to find although a Ruger example (SP101) in 327 Fed Mag may be easier to find. Shooting 32 H&H Mag or even 32 S&WL would do well.
The heavier Model 60 j-frame may be more comfortable to shoot with its heavier all stainless, aka heavier, construction. I have a modern 3" Model 60 chambered in 357 Magnum that is comfortable to shoot with my 4" barrel 950-1000 fps 357 Magnum ammunition.
Bottom line, the OP and daughter has lots of advice here to work through. They need to do some research, some shooting trials and come up with woks best for the young lady.
Us old farts that have been shooting for decades are generally not good at passing down our experience and knowledge to new shooters.
I would not recommend an airweight in 38 caliber. Recoil is quite unpleasant and painful. I carry a .357 .686 and the airweight is more unpleasant to shoot. I bought the airweight .642 for my wife because she wanted it, much against my wishes. She shot it once and never again. Yes it is small and light and like a chihuahua dog pretty much useless too.
chaim
Member
So many fine ideas and suggestions! We can always count on THR to Light Our Fire!
My 22 year granddaughter has owned the 637 for five years and loves it. She is 5'6" and weighs 120, same as my daughter. Neither has any problem handling recoil with the Hornady 110 SD loads.
So it comes down to open or concealed hammer. We are going to the LGS, who has a fine range, to make the decision next week.
Aloha!
With this new info, I think half the previous replies are obsolete. This was important info...
Since your daughter's daughter has a 637 that your daughter has been able to shoot, and shoots fine with ammo that is well matched to the gun, a lot of the previous replies (assuming little to no experience with a lightweight snub) aren't really accurate.
With this new info, I'd say either should work for your daughter if that is what she wants. As for the 637 vs. 642, that is just a matter of preference. They are essentially different versions of the same gun, the 637 being a more traditional DA revolver with a hammer that can be cocked for SA fire, and the 642 being the DAO Centennial with a concealed hammer. The weight is the same (or nearly so), both are S&W, both aluminum... Other than DAO vs. DA with a hammer, there really isn't a difference.
I have a 442 (basically the same as the 642, just a different color) and a Taurus 856UL. In this case there is a slight difference in shooting comfort, but the 6 shot Taurus has a little more metal and is a little heavier as a result, and it also has a more hand filling rubber grip vs. the thin wood boot grips that came with the 442 (the 442 is also more comfortable with different grips than those it usually wears). Where I do have a big difference in comfort, and the 642 will likely have over the 637, is IWB or even belt carry without an undershirt. The hammer of the 856UL can dig into my side at times, where the smooth corners of the 442 carries more comfortably than just about any other gun I own. So, how does your daughter plan to carry? If in a purse or pocket that won't matter as much for comfort (though the 642 is more snag free), if IWB or on a belt without something between the gun and her side, it can make a big difference.
OP
OP
IJ1981
Member
Thank you. And I should have been more explicit. My granddaughter in question is from a different daughter. She lives 900 miles away.
So my daughter has not been able to fire that GD' s 637.
chaim
Member
Oh, I took the comment about the 110gr Hornady loads to mean that your daughter has tried them in the 637. Has she shot any lightweight snubs yet?