Which S&W for CCW?

[Hotshot10]

I'm getting my carry permit in a few weeks, and I'm looking to purchase a revolver to carry. I've narrowed my choices down to four, although I'm open for suggestions.

Some background info: I own a Smith 686 4". I love the trigger and enjoy shooting it, hence the desire to purchase another revolver from Smith. I'd buy another 686, with a shorter barrel, but I'm kind of thinking that may be too much gun to carry.

 

[56hawk]

I would go with any J frame in 357. Personally I have a M&P 360. It's extremely light, so much so that full power ammo can be a handful. Not a problem if you are going to be shooting less than five rounds or so.

Just saw the poll, so I answered model 60. The 686 and 627 can get a little big for pocket carry if that matters to you.

 

[2zulu1]

I voted for the M60, I'll probably get the M60 Pro.

 

[wnycollector]

I voted M637. It is small, light and easy to carry. Loaded with the good old fashioned FBI load (158gr LSWCHP +P) it will stop any trouble that comes your way.

One other revolver to look for is a 2" round butt S&W Model 12 (airweight model 10). It weighs about as much a a steel J frame but IMOO it's much easier to shoot. Plus you get an extra round.

 

[jon86]

I know they are not in your poll, but I would take a look at the 442, 642, or 638. Also, if you are made of money look at the M&P 340 no lock. I prefer a snag free hammer design for CCW.

These recommendations are only if you want to pocket carry. If you prefer belt carry, get a 3 inch model 60.

 

[dewey]

I carry a Model 37. Any of my K/L/N frames are much too heavy, even if carried for a short time.

The 637 above can also be jammed in a back pocket or jacket.

EVERYONE needs a J frame....Dan

 

[rcmodel]

If you buy a .357 J-Frame snubby, you will end up with a half box of .357 ammo left over, and you will be shooting .38 Spl +P in it.

Might as well go that route to start with and save yourself the trouble.

rc

 

[Boomie]

I voted for the 2" 686 but really I'd get the 3" one. I conceal carry one all the time. Might not be as small as a J frame but I have no problem concealing it or carrying it and it is much easier to shoot.

 

[mj246]

I'd go with the model 60 2". I really love the weight and feel of S&W all steel j-frames. I'd load it with 38spl +P, but like the idea of having something that can safely shoot 357 if necessary.

 

[madwell]

I voted for the 637 because I carry a 638. I have to admit though I have often though about getting a model 60. Either one ought to be fairly easy to carry.

 

[bannockburn]

I voted for the Model 637 though my preference is for the Model 638. As others have already mentioned, you might also want to check out the Model 442 and Model 642.

 

[19-3Ben]

If you buy a .357 J-Frame snubby, you will end up with a half box of .357 ammo left over, and you will be shooting .38 Spl +P in it.

Might as well go that route to start with and save yourself the trouble.

rcmodel's words are both funny and true.

 

[j1]

Remember to get an excellent holster if you ever contemplate using it for self defense.

 

[chg]

I voted for the 637 & agree with what rcmodel said. Get the .38 special and practice with standard loads, carry some well tested plus Ps. You will not shoot the j frames very often with full house .357s

 

[Husker_Fan]

I love my model 38. On your list, I chose the 637. While my preference is for an internal or shrouded hammer, I don't think it's a huge issue. I think a J-frame is more versatile for carry than an L or N frame gun, and the aluminum frame makes it pocketable where as the model 60 is a bit heavy for that.

 

[56hawk]

Just wondering why anyone would choose the 637 over the 60? Is it the price or the weight? And if it's the weight why not get the 360? I'm ignoring the caliber difference since you can shoot 38 in a 357.

 

[TonyT]

I carried a S&W 642 for a while but finally opted for a Kahr PM-9. I found I could shoot the Kahr more accurately than the S&W642 plus it had the asdvantage of 7 shots (6+1) of 9mm.
The small J-frame in 357 magnum would be more than I could handle witrh comfort and accuracy. The K, L or N frames on 357 would be much more comfortable to shoot but are a significantly larger package.

 

[LTR shooter]

I voted for the 637 as it is the closest to the revolver I went with - the 642 Airweight. When drawing from a pocket I like the fully enclosed hammer of the 642. Or at least a shrouded hammer like the 638.

The first time I picked up an Airweight I knew I had to have one!

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

To be honest, I've never seen a 2 inch Model 686, but that's what I voted for. I've seen 2 1/2 inch and 3 inch 686's, but never a 2 inch. I would opt for the 3 inch 686, given your choices.

My preference for concealed carry is a 3 inch Model 13, which is what I usually carry, with a Model 37 for back-up. I occasionally throw a tapered barrel 4 inch Model 10 into the rotation just because I can.

ECS

 

[Cluster Bomb]

i have seen a model 60 in 38sp that was tinny. and i liked it. was only $369 i think im going to get that next as a backup....but each his own...

 

[243winxb]

Go with the lightest weight like a M337PD at 10 oz.

 

[Hotshot10]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I was leaning toward a J-frame, since the others are pretty bulky.

If you buy a .357 J-Frame snubby, you will end up with a half box of .357 ammo left over, and you will be shooting .38 Spl +P in it.

Might as well go that route to start with and save yourself the trouble.

Yeah, I've heard that. My understanding is that the .357 is better in a 4" or 6" barrel anyway.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would and did buy a J frame because you must carry your handgun all the time and the heavier guns you listed just might be left behind at times. You will nit be happy carrying a M627 N frame around all day even with a good holster and it's hard to conceal. Also, S&W doesn't make a 2" M686, they are 2.5" or 3" and weigh ~36oz. If you really want a larger revolver I would highly suggest the Night Guard line. They are designed for carry and are much lighter.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57769_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[Havok7416]

I didn't see it on your list so I didn't vote but I regularly carry my S&W 640 -- when I'm home anyway. It is exactly like the 642 but you can also put .357s out of it. The advantage the 640 has is a concealed hammer which makes the gun a Double Action Only (DAO) but it also means snagging is reduced. YMMV

 

[Hotshot10]

Also, S&W doesn't make a 2" M686, they are 2.5"

That was my mistake. I must have entered that option on the poll incorrectly.