Smith Airweight J Frame

[Gato Montés]

I had the same dilemma and ultimately went with a no lock 642. True, you do lose SA capabilities (a non issue on a carry gun) but with no exposed hammer you get a higher hold on the weapon resulting in better recoil management. That and the lack of the lock were the key selling points for me.

 

[Husker_Fan]

Hondo 60,
That is a great gun and picture. I love how you caught the reflection of the case heads in the frame.

I love my flat-latch 38. What are you feeding yours?

 

[InkEd]

I have bought two S&W j-frames in the last few years. Both had HORRIBLE triggers out of the box!

The 442 (no lock) was a total lemon and after a second trip to the factory, they replaced almost every single part, did their "street carry" action job and is NOW a fantastic little revolver. I grew up with S&W revolvers and figured the 442 was just a fluke. So, I bought
a 637 (with lock) and the trigger was rubbish too! I sent it back to S&W and all they did was replace the ILS (which I had removed) and for some reason replaced the crane (No idea why on that issue) and the trigger is still crappy. I think I will send it back (again) and hope it comes back with a trigger that is not gritty and over 12lbs.

FWIW the 442 pull was orginally over 15lbs!!! The 637 is about 13-13.5ish. Countless hours of dryfiring made no difference. I am pleased with the 442. It is now what it should have been out of the box. The 637 was a gift for my mother (a former LEO and 40+ year S&W owner) and she can't stand how horrible the trigger feels on it. Hopefully, this second trip will resolve the issue.

However, I have been soured on new S&W revolvers to be perfectly honest. If buying a new production revolver, I'll tell you to checkout the offerings from Ruger.

It seems as if S&W and Ruger secretly decided to switch quality standards in the last decade.

 

[Rodentman]

I like this one...

 

[PabloJ]

I have decided that I am desperate need of a new J frame airweight in 38spcl. I have been trying to decide on which one, because there are so many. I cannot decide between the hammerless DAO or the hump back one with the shrouded hammer that is SA/DA. Any pros/cons you guys would like to share?

Also, my other smith and wesson revolvers are all pre lock. They also have superb triggers. If I get one with the lock, what should I expect as far as the trigger goes? Never fired a smith with a lock.

Look into second-hand S&W 37 DAO which is about the best you can do with five-shot revolver. Since .38+P ammo is needless in small light weight revolver the the six shot alloy-framed Colt is better better weapon. I chose LCP .380 over both.

 

[451 Detonics]

For 6 shots I can carry my shrouded Detectives Special...



However it is a bit heavy in the pocket do in roomier pants like carpenter jeans I will often drop my Model 12. a 6 shot airweight K-Frame in my pocket. This is one of the skinny frame versions of the Model 12...

 

[jrdolall]

My wife started shooting her new 642 this weekend. It took her about 50 rounds to get used to the trigger pull but by the time we ran through 100 rounds she was getting pretty comfortable with it. The Crimson Trace grips were not even colse to being accurate out of the box but the adjustment is very easy. It is perfect for what she wants. A small, lightweight, hammerless revolver for carrying in her purse.

 

[JO JO BANG]

You guys have some nice pictures of your collections

 

[dprice3844444]

get a bobbed hammer/humpback stainless in 38/357.great pocket gun,gives you 2 choices of ammo logistically.

 

[HiVel1]

Rodentman- I like that one-I have one too! nice grips!

 

[Hondo 60]

Husker_Fan asked: What are you feeding yours?

My own reloads.
3.7 gr of Tite Group under a 158 gr Semi-jacketed Hollow Point.

That pic did turn out nice, huh?
I guess that proves the theory that even a blind squirrel will find a nut now & then.

 

[camsdaddy]

I have had a Model 38 and then moved to a 642 I then went to an LCR with CT grips and am now back with a 642. I like the LCR and as all have said it has a great trigger. I even found it very accurate. I love everything about it except two things. 1. I find it just a little bit larger than a J frame to make it uncomfortable for pocket carry. 2. The trigger is awesomely smooth. I do find that when I am shooting in a hurry I short stroke the trigger. I realize this is more of the indian than the arrow but I find the arrown easier to change.

 

[bannockburn]

I have always been partial to the S&W Model 649, but last year I picked up a Model 638 just for the lighter weight when carrying. DA is smooth and very clean at about 10 pounds, while the SA is likewise very smooth and light on the pull. Overall I'm very pleased with my new S&W revolver.

 

[Gordon]

I like the hammer for single action accuracy like a bunny at 2o yards or a coyote or the perp's head. The middle gun is a hyper smooth Flat Latch Airweight with Esmeralda grips I carry alot! I roll my own 150 grain wadcutters over Winchester 231 to give 17.000 psi and tame recoil at 810 fps ot the 1 7/8" barrel.

 

[xXxplosive]

Love those "J" frames..........depended on one for years and mine saved my arse twice.
But, I just don't get it......some guys buy a small gun and then put large grips on it. Print's like heck even in a IWB under a shirt. Still have my original smith grips on mine and it hides wonderfully.......Hmmmm.

 

[Gary A]

dispath 510 - Is that picture reversed? Where is the cylinder latch?

 

[toivo]

When faced with the same decision, I went with a no-lock 642. I'm with those who don't feel comfortable with the shrouded hammer. If I'm going to be manipulating a hammer, I want plenty to hang on to. YMMV, etc. I just don't foresee needing to take a single-action shot with this revolver.

 

[hogrdr]

i carry a 642 for a j frame .38, or a model 60 3" for a j frame .357. just a tad heavier

 

[Doghandler]

Snubby bunnies at 20 yards. Got it! It'll have to be a head shot though. Don't want to waist any meat.

 

[AdamSean]

I just bought another one myself. I had all three models sitting on the counter trying to make up my mind. I chose the 642 because in a self defense situation, I will not be using it single action so the DAO was the best choice.

About the lock, just do some searching on youtube and you find a video on removing the lock mechanism. Its a simple procedure.

 

[Doug S]

I chose the Centennial over the Bodyguard. Mostly because I liked the idea of it being able to fire from a pocket. It's also the better looking of the two IMO. You can find them new and used without the lock. Mine is a prelock. Older ones seem to have a more durable finish.

 

[DaisyCutter]

I think the DAO is the way to go.

IMO the context for it's use precludes stirving for extreme accuracy or manual cocking.

 

[hogrdr]

its easy to take the little black piece out and grind off the tit on it and put it back to get rid of the lock on a s&w.looks the same on the outside, i wouldn't do it on anything i was ever going to get rid of though.

 

[nickn10]

When faced with the same decision, I went with a no-lock 642. I'm with those who don't feel comfortable with the shrouded hammer. If I'm going to be manipulating a hammer, I want plenty to hang on to. YMMV, etc. I just don't foresee needing to take a single-action shot with this revolver.

I have a Mod 49 no dash, can't remember how long ago I bought it, probabley close to 20 years ago, and I just bought a new 438 last month. I like being able to cock the hammer, uncocking it is not a problem, use both hands to control the hammer press the trigger until you feel it release, take your finger off of the trigger which then engages the trigger block and let the hammer down. I love them both, they are fun to shoot and surprisingly accurate when point shooting DA and very accurate when shooting SA.
Nick

 

[nickn10]

I think the DAO is the way to go.

IMO the context for it's use precludes stirving for extreme accuracy or manual cocking.

I beg to differ, having accurate SA firing under some circumstances can be a life saver, even if not necessarily yours. I am thinking of the shooting in the Texas restaurant ( Lubys ??) a 15-20 ft head shot would have been a life saver.