Help me pick out my Birthday present.

M

MikeJ

New member
640 or 642.

My birthday is coming up in a few weeks and my wife wants to get me a new gun.:D I am trying to make up my mind between the S&W 640 Centennial and the 642 Centennial airweight.
Here are the issues I am dealing with:

640 - I like the feel and balance of it and having shot one really like its shooting characteristics. I also like its aesthetic appeal.
The fact that it can shoot .357's isn't really a big deal to me.

642 - The main thing going for the 642 is its lighter weight and the fact that with the right pants I can sometimes use it for pocket carry. I think the 640 may be too heavy for pocket carry. I have also shot airweights before and can't say that I really enjoy them all that much. Most of the time I carry a NAA Guardian .32 in my pocket.

It comes down to this; do I want the gun I prefer to shoot and like the feel of better (640) or do I opt for the 642 and get the added advantage of sometimes being able to use it for pocket carry? I would appreciate comments from those of you who have carried either of these guns and your opinions as to which is the better of the two.
 
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I am confused.

If you are going to carry it in your pants pocket, get the Airweight. I have a 640, the last steel .38 in town when they went Magnum with them; and it is uncomfortable in a pants pocket. Ok in a coat pocket or holster.

If you are going to carry it IWB you will need a holster to keep it from slithering down your leg and can carry the steel gun without the extra weight being a bother.
 
Sorry if my post wasn't clear, I was tired when writing. The bottomline to my dilemna is simply this; should I get a 640 knowing that it will only be used for IWB carry and continue carrying the Guardian .32 in my pocket or the 642 which would give me the option of IWB and pocket carry on occassion? I know that you guys can't make up my mind for me but maybe you can add some enlightening thoughts on the pros and cons of these two guns. Thanks
 
I'd take the 642. If you really want something for IWB, I'd get something a bit more controlable than a 357. 640. You could get a 66 or 65. But the 642 is an ideal pocket revolver.
 
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