Sistema1927
Member
S&w 642
Small Revolver for CCW
- Thread starter Taichi56
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Without spending mega bucks on the S&W AirLite revolvers, I would
seek a nice, used but not abused 14 oz Colt Agent; either from the first
series, or the second series. As an added bonus, its a six-shot model too~!
seek a nice, used but not abused 14 oz Colt Agent; either from the first
series, or the second series. As an added bonus, its a six-shot model too~!
okeybug
Member
Take a real close look at the Glock 26 or 27. I have the 26 and love it. It's very small and will take the glock 17 clip for a backup clip to carry extra in your pocket. That's a lot of fire power.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
- Messages
- 13,146
Ala Dan or jetman, could you tell us more about the Colt Agent?
What years made?
About the same size as a J frame, or larger?
What do they generally go for used?
+P ok with them?
Are they all shrouded-hammer guns?
Is it aluminum-framed?
Thanks.
What years made?
About the same size as a J frame, or larger?
What do they generally go for used?
+P ok with them?
Are they all shrouded-hammer guns?
Is it aluminum-framed?
Thanks.
Gunner4h1r3
Member
My usual carry gun is a S&W 638 Bodyguard. It has the Airweight frame with a stainless barrel and cylinder. At first the stock grips were odd (not really used to two finger grips) but the more i shot and carried it, they made sense and now it doesn't really bother me. It's my discover card, never leave home without it. I can carry it in all seasons and clothing.
Usual carry load is the +P Speer Gold-Dots. Nice cartridge for this gun although in terms of recoil it has some snap to it, nothing too bad though.
I prefer the shrouded hammer although if there was a centenial at the store when I bought the 638, I would have probably gone with that instead but I do like the fact that I can still fire single action if I choose so.
I use a simple BlackHawk pocket holster and the drawstroke is smooth. No snags here. Gun goes in one pocket and two speed strips in the other. Sometimes I use speed loaders but i find the strips easier to stash in a pocket on the way out the door rather than grab a pouch and the loaders.
I picked mine up for $450 new, although you can find them for cheaper in some places like gunbroker and such.
Used to own a taurus 605 but it's ooc for the time being and I am a bit of a smith convert.
hope this helps
gunner4h1r3
Usual carry load is the +P Speer Gold-Dots. Nice cartridge for this gun although in terms of recoil it has some snap to it, nothing too bad though.
I prefer the shrouded hammer although if there was a centenial at the store when I bought the 638, I would have probably gone with that instead but I do like the fact that I can still fire single action if I choose so.
I use a simple BlackHawk pocket holster and the drawstroke is smooth. No snags here. Gun goes in one pocket and two speed strips in the other. Sometimes I use speed loaders but i find the strips easier to stash in a pocket on the way out the door rather than grab a pouch and the loaders.
I picked mine up for $450 new, although you can find them for cheaper in some places like gunbroker and such.
Used to own a taurus 605 but it's ooc for the time being and I am a bit of a smith convert.
hope this helps
gunner4h1r3
Evocatii
Member
JShirley
If I am not mistaken, S&W does make one in an Airlite .22 magnum.
Model 351PD
If I am not mistaken, S&W does make one in an Airlite .22 magnum.
Model 351PD
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Actually, the lightest J frame revolver currently available are S&W Airlite revolver which are 12oz .357 Magnums. They are almost impossible to shoot well because of the recoil and will cost you ~$900. Next on the list are the 150z S&W Airweight revolvers in .38 Special +P. IMO they are a great carry revolver and will run you just over $400.
The S&W Airweight models are the M637, the M638, the M442 and M642. I carry a M638 all the time.
rgs1975
Member
S&W Model 431PD, 6 shot .32 Magnum DA/SA or Model 432PD, 6 shot .32 Magnum DAO (concealed hammer). Both are airweights and wiegh under a pound unloaded.
DAdams
Member
Don't forget
to put the S&W M&P 340 on your list. Not the lightest, not the heaviest. Just right. .357 capable if you are into some heavier roundage.
Nice sights, 13.3 ounces empty, allows the use of .38spl, 38spl plus P, or .357.
If you are not interested in pocket carry one of the heavier revolvers may work better for you, many nice ones have been covered.
to put the S&W M&P 340 on your list. Not the lightest, not the heaviest. Just right. .357 capable if you are into some heavier roundage.
Nice sights, 13.3 ounces empty, allows the use of .38spl, 38spl plus P, or .357.
If you are not interested in pocket carry one of the heavier revolvers may work better for you, many nice ones have been covered.
Guys, the reason I said 5 shot is because it could be smaller than the current 6 shot S&W Model 431PD .32. As I said, I would even be happy with a .22 Magnum 5 shot (351PD holds 7).
J Frames are great- as I said, I have a 642- but I would like an even smaller revolver that's more usable than an NAA. You're not going to get a useful grip size much smaller than a boot grip on a J frame, so that means the size has to come from frame and cylinder, hence, fewer rounds.
John
J Frames are great- as I said, I have a 642- but I would like an even smaller revolver that's more usable than an NAA. You're not going to get a useful grip size much smaller than a boot grip on a J frame, so that means the size has to come from frame and cylinder, hence, fewer rounds.
John
woad_yurt
Member
How tiny do you need?
Is 7 Rounds of Aguila Super Maximums enough for a get-off-me gun? This is the smallest legitimately usable double action revolver I have. Very reliable, too.
Is 7 Rounds of Aguila Super Maximums enough for a get-off-me gun? This is the smallest legitimately usable double action revolver I have. Very reliable, too.
glockman19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,700
Let's just say that my pocket is always filled with a S&W 442 or 642.
woad_yurt
Member
Thank you. I love that little revolver. Sometimes I carry it rather than my P3AT. It's about the same size.
Hi,
The J frame is on most everyone's list for a serious, accurate professional CCW handgun. Most folks find they can't buy just one, me included!!!
Some (Chiefs) have hammers, the humback (Bodyguard) types are humpback to prevent hammer snag but still have a recessed hammer you CAN cock, then the Centennial types are hammerless.
Which kind? I don't care! Whichever type VINTAGE one that I find and like. Some rave about the hammerless once, since they are more compact, and it is true that you'll be firing double action only if you use it in self defense.
HOWEVER . . . thumb cocking can be a good option. For instance, today I tossed a Model 36 in my pocket (shown below) and hit the woods to move some deer stands. We sometimes encounter wild dogs and if I had to put one, or several, down today I would have cocked it and made dang sure I put one between the eyes. Sometimes it is nice having that option.
Frankly, I have had zero problems drawing my Chief's Special types (Model 36 and 37) from my pocket. I'm happy with 'em.
THE S&W J-FRAME vs. COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL/AGENT/COBRA
Well, I have a 1961, 1st generation Colt Agent. It's cylinder holds six rounds . . . but the cylinder also can use the same speedloaders of my S&W K-framed six shooters. If I'm gonna carry a revolver concealed, I don't want that extra width!!! If I don't mind it, the gun will be in a belt holster and it will be a six shot Model 65 3" S&W.
Here's my 1964 M36 and my 1961 Colt Agent (with optional hammer shroud), so you can compare sizes. My Agent was inherited from my dad, who carried it each day in his auto junkyard . . . as evidenced by it's finish. It surely isn't as nice looking as the previous poster's Agent. I shoot my revolvers with as high a grip as possible to reduce muzzle flip and speed followup shots, and it seems many folks used those hammer shrouds "back in the day" to prevent hammer bite when you were grippin' it high as one should. I don't have that problem on the Smith revolvers.
ONLY FIVE SHOTS?
I feel totally protected with "just" five rounds from my J-frames!
Usually, my pocket gun is a blued Model 37 Airweight snubbie, due to the super-light weight.
Today it was my nickle-plated steel-framed Model 36 snubbie, due to knowing I'd be sweating in the woods. Frankly, the seven ounces or so of extra weight wasn't even noticed.
Ironically, my Model 36 unloaded weights about the same as my Kimber Ultra CDP aluminum-framed officer's sized .45ACP . . . yet I chose the smaller M36 in the woods today.
That's how confident I am with my J-frames. I love 'em!
T.
PS: My wife loves her Model 37 Airweight too! Hers has a 3" barrel and it is quite easy and comfortable to shoot with a Tyler T-grip and the original wood stocks. The longer barrel lessens the felt recoil and has a longer sight radius.
The J frame is on most everyone's list for a serious, accurate professional CCW handgun. Most folks find they can't buy just one, me included!!!
Some (Chiefs) have hammers, the humback (Bodyguard) types are humpback to prevent hammer snag but still have a recessed hammer you CAN cock, then the Centennial types are hammerless.
Which kind? I don't care! Whichever type VINTAGE one that I find and like. Some rave about the hammerless once, since they are more compact, and it is true that you'll be firing double action only if you use it in self defense.
HOWEVER . . . thumb cocking can be a good option. For instance, today I tossed a Model 36 in my pocket (shown below) and hit the woods to move some deer stands. We sometimes encounter wild dogs and if I had to put one, or several, down today I would have cocked it and made dang sure I put one between the eyes. Sometimes it is nice having that option.
Frankly, I have had zero problems drawing my Chief's Special types (Model 36 and 37) from my pocket. I'm happy with 'em.
THE S&W J-FRAME vs. COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL/AGENT/COBRA
Well, I have a 1961, 1st generation Colt Agent. It's cylinder holds six rounds . . . but the cylinder also can use the same speedloaders of my S&W K-framed six shooters. If I'm gonna carry a revolver concealed, I don't want that extra width!!! If I don't mind it, the gun will be in a belt holster and it will be a six shot Model 65 3" S&W.
Here's my 1964 M36 and my 1961 Colt Agent (with optional hammer shroud), so you can compare sizes. My Agent was inherited from my dad, who carried it each day in his auto junkyard . . . as evidenced by it's finish. It surely isn't as nice looking as the previous poster's Agent. I shoot my revolvers with as high a grip as possible to reduce muzzle flip and speed followup shots, and it seems many folks used those hammer shrouds "back in the day" to prevent hammer bite when you were grippin' it high as one should. I don't have that problem on the Smith revolvers.
ONLY FIVE SHOTS?
I feel totally protected with "just" five rounds from my J-frames!
Usually, my pocket gun is a blued Model 37 Airweight snubbie, due to the super-light weight.
Today it was my nickle-plated steel-framed Model 36 snubbie, due to knowing I'd be sweating in the woods. Frankly, the seven ounces or so of extra weight wasn't even noticed.
Ironically, my Model 36 unloaded weights about the same as my Kimber Ultra CDP aluminum-framed officer's sized .45ACP . . . yet I chose the smaller M36 in the woods today.
That's how confident I am with my J-frames. I love 'em!
T.
PS: My wife loves her Model 37 Airweight too! Hers has a 3" barrel and it is quite easy and comfortable to shoot with a Tyler T-grip and the original wood stocks. The longer barrel lessens the felt recoil and has a longer sight radius.
rdoggsilva
Member
I really like my Rossi 462, 6 shot .357 I use 38spl +P. 500 rounds with no problems.
madcratebuilder
Member
My pocket j frame.
If I'm dressed very light, in shorts and a T shirt (not often here in the PNW) then a colt vest pocket is my carry choice.
If I'm dressed very light, in shorts and a T shirt (not often here in the PNW) then a colt vest pocket is my carry choice.
Stainz
Member
Here is my smaller CCW, a 642, with my wife's Seecamp .32 ACP for comparison. I'll always take the revolver - and sometimes it's bigger sibling, a 296 5-shot .44 Special that literally looks like the 642 on steroids.
Stainz
Stainz
I'll try and answer your questions.
What years made?
Early Cobra's and Agents have been around almost as long as Detective Specials (50's). The only real differences was the alloy frames of the Cobra/Agents where the Detective Special is the same gun with a steel frame.
About the same size as a J frame, or larger?
Very similarly sized. Very neglible difference side by side.See above pic by S&Wfan
What do they generally go for used?
depending on condition and finish
$400 to $500 average more if NIB with original paperwork
+P ok with them?
With the shrouded barrel series (non-exposed ejector rod) they are OK to shoot +P rounds but should be avoided on older non-shrouded versions
Are they all shrouded-hammer guns?
No most don't have the shroud. It was an option at the time but can be added if you can find a shroud and have the frame drilled and tapped.
Is it aluminum-framed?
Agents and Cobras both have alloy frames
What years made?
Early Cobra's and Agents have been around almost as long as Detective Specials (50's). The only real differences was the alloy frames of the Cobra/Agents where the Detective Special is the same gun with a steel frame.
About the same size as a J frame, or larger?
Very similarly sized. Very neglible difference side by side.See above pic by S&Wfan
What do they generally go for used?
depending on condition and finish
$400 to $500 average more if NIB with original paperwork
+P ok with them?
With the shrouded barrel series (non-exposed ejector rod) they are OK to shoot +P rounds but should be avoided on older non-shrouded versions
Are they all shrouded-hammer guns?
No most don't have the shroud. It was an option at the time but can be added if you can find a shroud and have the frame drilled and tapped.
Is it aluminum-framed?
Agents and Cobras both have alloy frames
My S&W 360PD is always in my waistband. Depending on what the local shop has in stock, the usual loads are either Winchester .357 Silvertips or Hornady 125 GR .357 JHP/XTP's. I used to carry .38+P's until I worked on my control with the Magnum rounds. Now I'm pretty much good to go.
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