Smith J-Frames....637,638 or 442

[ArmedBear]

c.r.a. said it better than I.

At about 10 yards, shots went where I aimed them. The sights work quite well, and the short radius isn't a handicap. I had some overlapping shots, offhand. The inherent accuracy is top-notch, and contrary to what one might expect, the practical accuracy is, as well.

I've also done a little dry fire practice. It's good to get you used to the DA trigger on the light gun. You can't rely on the barrel weight to hold it down when you squeeze; it's not hard to master, it's just different from a 6" 686 and takes a little experimenting. A bit of dry fire also seems to slick it up when new.

What I wouldn't recommend is the .357 version, if you are on a budget. IMHO the extra money doesn't really buy you anything practical. While it's an impressive, accurate gun, it's a lot easier to shoot well with .38 +P.

 

[madcratebuilder]

My M640 can be a hand full with magnum loads, the CT grips tamed it down a bit. It's mild with 38spl loads, and I carry with +p loads. I'm an XXL adult male and it fits in my pocket just fine.

 

[Elvishead]

My vote 638. Got one love it, and I like the looks too.

 

[Ala Dan]

The exposed hammer can and probably will interfere with pocket
carry; therefore I opted for the S&W 442/642, as I have both~!

 

[DAdams]

Two Centennial

J Frames for me. A 642 and a M&P 340.

Ole humpy is starting to grow on me, but I still don't think I will ever own one, just like I wouldn't ever marry an ugly woman.

 

[Marshall]

I have a Model 60 in 2 1/8" and would buy it again in a heartbeat. Might even buy a 3" version. The 637 would be my choice over a 642 but I'm in the minority. I like having an exposed hammer And, I would buy the humpback over the 642 as well.

 

[Caipirinha]

I went with the 642. If I knew then what I know know, I'd still pick the 642, only I'd feel better about it.