I only personally know one guy (another instructor) who bought a LC9 to replace his 642.
He returned it to Ruger for a light strike problem (assorted ammo). They returned it to him after reportedly correcting the light-strike issue and a magazine drop issue.
The guy got rid of the LC9 after the light-strike condition was repeated with duty ammo. He went back to carrying his 642.
Last I heard, he's awaiting the LE model of the Shield 9 to be shipped so he can try that little 9.
Now, I'm a long time revolver owner, user & shooter myself. I carried issued revolvers for several years before we finally transitioned to semiauto's.
I still own, shoot & carry an assortment of J-frames (I have 7 of them), even though I also own, use and carry a number of smallish 9, .40 & .45's.
I'm also awaiting shipment of the LE model Shield 9, but I have no plans to stop carrying my J's. I anticipate probably adding the Shield 9 to my "working/retirement guns", although I expect it might result in some of my larger pistols seeing a bit less carry use.
Dunno about whether or not you're wanting to accept "new things".
Maybe you're just more comfortable with the little revolver? Nothing wrong with that. Not really. However, how well can you shoot it when the fur's flying?
The difference between having 5 or 7-8 rounds at hand between loading (reloading) is your call. Either answer you choose is probably the right one
for you.
I only carry the 5-shot DAO J's for defense against 1 or maybe 2 attackers, myself. I wouldn't carry one if I couldn't shoot them well, though.
No, I wouldn't carry them as "primary" weapons if I were still working. I'm
not, though, meaning I'm no longer being sent to the scene of reported crimes involving suspected weapons, or handling cases where I'm intentionally inserting myself in potentially dangerous situations where folks of possible criminal intent might be armed. Potentially dangerous and violent situations and people are going to have to try and find me nowadays, and I have more control over my movements and activities than when I was working.
Now, you mentioned that you haven't shot the 642 in about a year. Shooting is a perishable skill. (I know I don't have to tell
you that, but you're not the only person reading this post, right?
) The smaller handguns often tend to be more of a challenge to even experienced shooters, and the DAO snubs maybe more so.
Maybe it's time to get back to a range and revisit your fondness for the 642, dust off those DA revolver skills ... and see if the little J still seems to serve you as well as you
remember.
Personally, I don't see the issue of the little snub versus a little pistol as being a "one or the other" question,
for myself, but then even though I'm retired I still put in time as an instructor and have been working to keep mys skills sharp with both.
You have to make this decision for yourself.
I wouldn't give a moment's concern to what anyone else might think, though.
You're the one who may have to use it, right? Make the call in
your best interests.
If it helps, the diminutive J-frames are making yet another comeback in popularity and use among both LE and lawfully armed private persons. I know a LOT of fellow firearms instructors who have chosen to carry J's over the years, even if they normally "prefer" to carry some other weapon when circumstances and activities permit.
The J's can be downright handy ... for the folks who can safely, accurately & effectively shoot them, of course.
Suit yourself.
My thoughts.
Yep, my 9's that hold 7-10 rounds in the magazines hold more rounds than my 5-shot J's. I can't slip them into a cloth pocket holster in the front pocket of my jeans or slacks, though.
