Smallest most lightest PRACTICAL revolver?

[Dirty Bob]

Another vote for the 642.

With standard velocity loads, it isn't painful to shoot (though not a lot of fun), and it's more accurate than you might expect. It's also a better value, IMHO, than the Scandium revolvers. If you get one and don't like it, you could sell that almost-new Smith without losing a lot of money in the deal.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Snub Nose revolvers are not just "belly guns." They are no less accurate than any other revolver but they do require the shooter to do their job. The short sight radius makes shooting well more difficult than a 5" barrel gun but practice will cure that bypass. Anyone who says Snub Nose revolvers are not accurate either haven't shot one and are repeating what they have heard or the shooter hasn't shot it enough to become proficient.

 

[jrfoxx]

For something a little different, how 'bout a S&W 637? It's an airweight aluminum alloy gun, so it's nice and light, handles .38spl +P without being uncomfortable to fire as much as you want for practice (it's not at all uncomfortable to me anyway), but it has the exsposed hammer instead of hammerless like the 642, which gives it more "style" to it IMHO, and firing it single action make it a LOT easier to be accuate.I've had mine for several years now, and have carried it alost dailysince I got it, and I really like it.Yo hardly know you have it, its so light and comfortable,and the exsposed hammer as NEVER given me any trouble with trying to snag on any clothes like man people seem to worry about.Also, they can easily be found for $300-$350 NIB.

My 637 and its vintage 70's S&W made leather holster

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

Swiss Mini-Revolver
in reality, SW Scandium or Titanium, you know, the ones that float
But the NAA does seem to have its place

 

[SteveS]

*Correction - The 337PD was lighter than the 342PD by 1/10 of an ounce, 10.7oz total. The weight difference came from having an exposed hammer so the frame had slightly less metal to it.

I have a 337PD and think it is a great gun. It is reasonably 'comfortable' to shoot and is a joy to carry. Since they are no longer produced, I'd vote for the 340PD.

 

[BoneDigger]

S&W 642 or the comparable Taurus gets my vote.

Todd

 

[JNewell]

The S&W 642 is arguably the best small carry gun ever.When you consider cost,power,size and weight, it is unbeatable.

Agree, .357M is too much in a frame that size and weight. 342 was the outer edge of this envelope.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

I have a S&W 340PD with Crimson Trace 405's on it and it doesn't get any better than that.

 

[DAdams]

642 in a Mika Round Cut with CT 405. Mine.



442 in a Kramer. (another members photo)



642 dressed up for the BBQ (another S&W fans photo from the S&W Forum)

 

[StrikeEagle]

My Smith & Wesson 642 fits in my pocket just as my keys and wallet do. Unless I need it, I wont notice it's there.

It's not a precise weapon, nor is it very fun to shoot, but for the role of a gun that can be carried with nearly any type of clothing, a J-frame revolver is hard to beat

This is exactly the way I feel. The 642 stays in my pocket, like my wallet does, no matter what else I'm wearing or carrying.

I got some rubber grips for it, that didn't increase the size... but I went back to the original wood grips because the rubber just kept hanging up when I pulled the gun out.

 

[paddling_man]

+1 642.

 

[jimmy]

The 342PD is at the top of my list of small-frame, light, practical revolvers. Very well-made and very easy and comfortable to carry in a pocket holster. The factory Hogue Bantam grip is a bonus. The gun is rated for +P, though I load mine with standard-pressure Federal Nyclad HPs.

 

[stevek]

Another vote for the 638 Bodyguard. You retain the ability to manually cock the hammer for single action, but it is still shrouded to prevent the hammer from snagging on the drawstroke. The best of both worlds for me

 

[Kymasabe]

640 and 340 are both great guns. I own an old Model 36 and it's a little heavy, I'd prefer a lighter snub. My idea of the ideal snub is no longer made by S&W and is a little smaller caliber that the rest. I'm a big fan of the 432PD in .32H&R Mag. Small, light J-frame, darn near .38 balistics, and one extra round. ALso, lighter recoil.

 

[mnrivrat]

S&W 642 is probably the top choice but not the only choice. Several good choices available.

My present choice is a Ti Tuarus 731 in .32H&R Mag. 13oz and pleasant to shoot packing the energy of a .38 Spl. New Light weight 731's are Aluminum and SS and are 17oz , still very acceptable weight for pocket carry.

Their all good !

 

[cdpII]

I carry a 642 with the ladysmith wood grips every day its about 3oz heavier than the scandium model but about $350 lighter on the wallet

 

[cslinger]

The 642/442/637/638 are all as small/light as I practically want to go. All are pretty much the same gun with different hammers/finishes.