I want something for pocket carry. I currently have a S&W 642 but I am not crazy about the recoil given the light weight of the gun. It makes it hard to practice. I am thinking of probably a stainless steel revolver as the airweight S&W are pretty tough on the recoil. If any of the 38/357 small snubnoses have 6 instead of 5 rounds, that would be nice, too. thought? opinions? I have seen the ruger sp101 and the 5 shot J frame smiths. I am thinking those might be the best. Not sure if the Rossis or Tauri or other manufactorers have a small 6 round snubnose that is light enough for a pocket. Or if colt has a 6 shot (perhaps older gun?) or a 5 shot revolver? I would be using 38 sp rounds not 357 as that is too much of a handful for me. thanks all for the information.
snubnose 389/357 for pocket carry
- Thread starter Sharp669
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Colt Detective Special.
Just a tiny bit bigger than a J frame, w/ a six round capacity.
The newer (post 1966 guns) have a short grip frame, that can take some very compact grips, making it very close to the size of a J frame Smith.
You'll have to go used though, as they don't make them anymore.
Just a tiny bit bigger than a J frame, w/ a six round capacity.
The newer (post 1966 guns) have a short grip frame, that can take some very compact grips, making it very close to the size of a J frame Smith.
You'll have to go used though, as they don't make them anymore.
rdrancher
Member
You're not alone when it comes to the Airweight recoil sensitivity. But you do have one of the best pocket carry revolvers ever produced. As a first option, I'd suggest sticking with the 642, using a shooting glove for practice and/or trying out different grips. Stay away from +P ammunition and anything from Buffalo Bore (even standard pressure - nice round, but hot.)
Another option would be to switch to a steel j-frame snubbie such as a Model 649 Bodyguard, Model 36 Chief's Special, or Model 640 Centennial. Same j-frame size, but a little more weight to cut down on the recoil.
The SP101 is not really a pocket carry snubbie, although some do. I have pocket carried mine, but I don't find it to be a comfortable option that I would do consistently. Colt Detective Specials offer 6-shots in a compact package, but all of these beauties are going to be old fairly. Parts aren't as plentiful as they once were and practicing alot with one will eventually end up with a trip to the gunsmith.
Speaking for myself only, I would forget Rossi, Taurus, Charter Arms and similar models. Like I said, that's just me.
rd
Another option would be to switch to a steel j-frame snubbie such as a Model 649 Bodyguard, Model 36 Chief's Special, or Model 640 Centennial. Same j-frame size, but a little more weight to cut down on the recoil.
The SP101 is not really a pocket carry snubbie, although some do. I have pocket carried mine, but I don't find it to be a comfortable option that I would do consistently. Colt Detective Specials offer 6-shots in a compact package, but all of these beauties are going to be old fairly. Parts aren't as plentiful as they once were and practicing alot with one will eventually end up with a trip to the gunsmith.
Speaking for myself only, I would forget Rossi, Taurus, Charter Arms and similar models. Like I said, that's just me.
rd
I pocket carry a DOA Spurless hammer SP101 2 1/4" .357 90% of the time.
I carry in a DeSantis Nemesis holster right front pocket in my jeans.
I used to carry IWB various other handguns, including the SP101, but I find I prefer the SP101 and in my pocket.
It's like anything else if you want to carry in your pocket, carry it, you'll get used to the weight. Most of the time I forget it's there.
I also have a Pachmyr Compact grip on it. It's more rounded then the stock grip, and it's not sticky, so it doesn't cling to clothing as bad as some of the other grips, like the Houge.
I carry in a DeSantis Nemesis holster right front pocket in my jeans.
I used to carry IWB various other handguns, including the SP101, but I find I prefer the SP101 and in my pocket.
It's like anything else if you want to carry in your pocket, carry it, you'll get used to the weight. Most of the time I forget it's there.
I also have a Pachmyr Compact grip on it. It's more rounded then the stock grip, and it's not sticky, so it doesn't cling to clothing as bad as some of the other grips, like the Houge.
orchidhunter
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Sharp669, Your 642 is about as good as it gets for pocket carry. What kind of ammo do you practice with? A change in ammo might be the cure. orchidhunter
just typical range ammo- not hot loads. Can the small boot grip be changed out for something larger that will accomodate my pinkie? I have seen some grips that are for three fingers (model 60) http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y I wonder if that might help as well.
krs
Member
These grips are Hogue and are longer than the "Bantam" two finger grips. You see there's a sort of shelf for the pinkie. The pistol is an all steel J frame. It's heavier than a 442/642 but it's so slick that it draws and carries easily, making up for it's added weight.
orchidhunter
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Sharp669, Yes, they will fit your gun, but will they fit your pocket. Some rubber compact grips that cover the back strap will help. orchidhunter
indiandave
Member
Do yourself a favor and get grips that cover the backstrap. this will make the little gun fun to practice with. I use both Uncle Mikes Combat grips and Cr
mson Trace Laser grips. You can buy them from the S&W website.
mson Trace Laser grips. You can buy them from the S&W website.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
If you're looking at the Combat grips to change over from your Boot grips they are available from S&W. The stock Uncle Mike's Combat Grips are only $27.75 and will aid in reducing the felt recoil by a lot. They are only slightly larger than the Boot grips but will make a big difference when shooting.
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