Looking into S&W J frame

B

Bel5191

New member
Hi all,

I'm looking to get a .38 Special. Not sure whether to get exposed hammer, shrouded hammer, or DAO. It's mainly going to be a pocket gun. This will be my first revolver (I have a Glock 19) so I don't have any experience with SA or DA.

I like the simplicity of DAO, no hammer, just pull (hard :p) and shoot. The ability to shoot SA would be nice but with practice I don't see why I couldn't shoot plenty accurate enough to get the job done.

Any thoughts, recommendations? Also any holster, ammo ideas?
 
For pocket carry I'd have to go with either the enclosed hammer on the 642 or the shrouded hammer on the 638. I used to pocket carry a 638 before I replaced it with a 649.

That said, you're right about the DAO of the 642 being simple and reliable. I do all of my practice shooting DA, so I might as well have got the DAO version, but it all comes down to personal preference.
 
Hello Bell.

To make things simple, Your best bet is to go with the 642. Like you said, you'll be shooting mainly DAO and with practice is just as accurate as single action shooting. If you plan on pocket carry the Desantis Nemesis works great in big pockets and something along the lines of a Mika round cut works for most everything else. That of course is based of my experience.

As for ammo, like the holsters you'll need to test different types. I have a few different loads I like in my snub but mainly carry the Gold Dot short barrel. If you can stand the +P's that's a good starting point for a SD load. For practice I use Remington 125gr +P rounds that are plenty stout and mimic the recoil of my carry ammo.
 
I have the S&W M442 and with a little practice you should indeed be fairly proficient with it. Keep in mind the gun is designed for up close work and not long range target practice, but they are accurate enough.

As for as holsters go I just use an Uncle Mike’s pocket holster that works fine. Also have an SKS speed loader to make reloading a lot faster. I use the Hornady .38 +P 110 gr. Critical Defense for carry and practice with Winchester White Box.
 
I pocket carry a model 37 with the exposed hammer and it has never once snagged on my pocker or anything else.

haveing SA available to you IMHO is very useful both at the range or in case of a defense scenerio.
 
I have a 442. DAO. I like it. For its intended purpose it shoots fine. Fits in the pocket nicely, you forget it is there. The trigger is heavy, but its not bad once you get used to it.
 
I prefer the 637. It gives you the option to fire both single and double action and it looks like a snub nose should. I've also found the fear of the hammer spur snagging on your pocket, while I suppose it is possible, to not be an issue at all.
 
Simple, yes. But if you have never shot one before, the difference between a 642 trigger and your Glock trigger are pretty radical
 
I realize SA would be better for target. But if I have to shoot someone in a defense situation, would cocking the hammer be considered as premeditation or something in the justice system? I just feel that having the simplicity of one option, squeezing the trigger is better.
 
My first single/double action snub nose was a Colt Detective Special in .38SPL. Cannot hit the broad side of a barn with it, but I love it anyway and refuse to part with it. Awesome for lefties, as the cylinder release is a pull instead of a push. But the exposed hammer is a detriment, not an advantage.

Plain talk: in my considered opinion, 60 years of shooting - single-action is unimportant in a snub-nose handgun with a 2" or under barrel unless you are a Mafia hit guy and want to do in DeNiro while he eats pizza and are not confident about your aim from one foot away. These are close-in guns, belly guns, get-off-me guns.

My vote is for the enclosed hammer, DAO-only version. It gets the same job done. Because owners of exposed-hammer versions have not had snags doesn't mean you wouldn't and I can't see any reason at all for having an exposed hammer on a pocket revolver if you don;t already own it. Just more opportunity for lint to gather, too.
 
Kreyzhorse said:
I prefer the 637. It gives you the option to fire both single and double action and it looks like a snub nose should. I've also found the fear of the hammer spur snagging on your pocket, while I suppose it is possible, to not be an issue at all.
Click to expand...

I have a 637 and have the same sentiments...

I don't know of a single case where cocking a hammer blew a self defense case. Even so, it's just bad practice to cock a hammer in a self defense situation for a number of reasons. Most of the time drawing and firing is far more effective than drawing, cocking a hammer and then firing.
 
I carry a 642-1 with winchester PDX-1 .38spl +p every single day. I did have a 442 and i killed a water moccasin with it back last year.
 
I have had my 442 Airweight for decades! I like the enclosed hammer since there is nothing to snag pocket lint and such.

It's lightweight and kicks hard, but it is not going to be used as a range gun.

Best of luck with your selection!
 
If you get just the DAO with some practice you can stage the DA trigger right before the hammer drops. Very close to SA not useful for self-defense, but a fun at the range.
 
s&w 649 J frame has a shrouded hammer and can still be fired single or double action. Model 49 and 638 same design.
 
I have a 637 because I prefer the exposed hammer. However if your worried about it snagging but still like the single action option just get the one with the little nub to get ahold of. My friend has one and it works great.
 
Two more things.

1) How is anyone gonna know you cocked the hammer first?

2) It doesn't take anymore time to draw cock and fire than it does draw and fire. At least it doesn't if you practice.
 
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