SW 642 vs Glock 26

Both are "must have" weapons. Each for different occassions and separate situations.

The 642 in a Mika pocket holster is the quickest presenting weapon I own...and travels with me often.

Need more firepower when going out of the green zone? Fine...the G26 in a MTAC is just what the doctor ordered.

Me...I cannot do without both of these weapons...they are my go to defensive weapons.

G26SW642.jpg
 
You can always get another Glock, they are everywhere. Price has crept up over the last 15 years or so, but not as much as Smith revolvers. They are a good bet used also, it's easy to tell if a Glock is in good condition, so you can pick up another G26 someday used. The 642 conceals more easily as well.
 
I have both and would not be without either. I broght both to Florida on Vacation. The 442 is all ways in my off hand pocket and the G26 is in or on the waist. I somtimes switch my waist band gun to a 357 snub but, the 442 stays as backup.
 
I agree with dawgfvr...

It's not a choice or a simple matter of preference, it's a hard and fast requirement. You need both guns.:D
 
I have both and would not get rid of either.

However, I can shoot both well, and that may not be the case with someone else. That's important. If I couldn't shoot either of them well I wouldn't own or carry whichever one I couldn't shoot well.

In my case they serve similar roles, but are somewhat differently suited to different carry methods I use, which are influenced by my activities and manner of dress. Some of the jackets, jeans, slacks & shorts in which I can easily pocket (holster) carry my 642 don't allow me to do the same with my G26.

642G26top.jpg

642G26side.jpg

642G26rear.jpg

642G26bottom.jpg
 
Thanks, but bear in mind that while a picture may be better than a thousand words, it can't speak to all of the issues and influences involved in matters like this one. ;)

The pictures may make it appear that the J-frame is almost the equal of the G26 in some dimensions, but it doesn't really seem to work out that way when it comes to carry methods.

The different profiles of the guns seem to have an influence on how well, and practically, they can be carried by different folks.

The Glock is heavier. Sure, it holds twice the ammunition capacity between reloading, but if you aren't going to carry it ... or can't carry it under some conditions in which the J-frame could be carried ... then it might be a moot point.

The Glock is usually easier for many folks to shoot, being heavier and having a larger grip frame surface, allowing the user to experience the felt recoil in a more 'controllable' manner. The sights are arguably easier to acquire and use on the Glock, too.

The J-frame's DAO trigger is touted as being a safety feature for some folks, and yet as a potential disadvantage for other folks. (I'm a long time DA revolver shooter, myself.) It bears some consideration.

These influences may be affected by the individual user's skills, experience, and actual carry methods 'needs', though.

I can't slip the G26 into my slack or jeans front hip pocket as easily. (Too big for the jeans.)

The revolver generally isn't considered to be as potentially affected by shooter related influences as the pistol may sometimes be, either.

The advantages and disadvantages of both are pretty easily identified, but their relative merit and priority may be viewed differently by different folks from time to time.

I know at least a couple of other instructors who own both a G26 and a 642, and who find each design relevant and practical for different situations. They seem to be an increasingly common 'paring' for a number of folks who are asked about them. Might be a reason for that. ;)

Doesn't mean that either one is going to be determined to be suitable for everyone, though, let alone both of them.
 
That's the way fastbolt!

I have a Smith 34, .22 LR, snub for practice. And my AACK .22 unit for my Glock 26. I also have ANOTHER 26 and 640 that are pure practice/IDPA guns.

Yes the snubs are hard to master. Jeff Cooper said the snub .38 was an experts gun, not a 'ladies' gun.

But once mastered the snub can go places even the 26 can't (and the 26 can go lots of places!)

I like'em both and while I have a bunch of other guns, these two are my carry guns.
 
Yeah, it does seem to take a skilled hand in order to make a J-frame perform under the more difficult demands made to hopefully simulate actual shooting situations and conditions. More so than when a lot of larger pistols are being used by a lot of folks.

Seeing the difficulties a lot of the newer folks are experiencing when acquiring their first 5-shot .38 Spl it does make me miss the days when folks had learned their basic handgun skills using a DA revolver. Especially cops. ;)

The G26 is not my favorite 9mm defensive pistol. That probably falls to my 3913 or my SW99 9c. The G26 does, however, get chosen for a lot of shooting and carry usage. (Well, actually, the last time I replaced some springs for preventive maintenance in my G26 & SW99 9c I realized that I've fired a similar number of rounds through each of them, meaning just over 10K, so I guess I'm still working with the little SW99 9c often enough.)

The G26 isn't exactly the 'best handling' (to me), nor the most accurate (but so close that it's really nothing more than splitting hairs), and the ejection pattern is often more erratic when different loads are being used than when the same loads are used in the SW99 9c ... but the G26 gets chosen because it's 'good enough' in most categories and it wouldn't bother me if it were taken into evidence, or damaged, nearly as much as if the 3913 or SW99 9c were to suffer that fate.

Another reason to have both the G26 and the 642 in a regular rotation? If one of them were to go down for whatever reason, requiring some parts or repair, it's handy to have a secondary weapon which can be used until the other one is brought back online. The same could be said for one of them being taken into evidence, as well.

Some flexibility is useful when it comes to considering such matters. ;)

Sometimes a punch is handy, and other times a kick can be used, right?
 
Some flexibility is useful when it comes to considering such matters
Click to expand...

And how. Just for the Glock 26, which BTW has a Bowie Tactial Concepts grip reduction, Hinnie night sights, & NY-1 trigger.. and all for $425 flat, I have FIST IWB kyndex holsters (left and right) as well as a Comp-tac belt slide style kyndex holster. And the Centennial as a old Gould & Gouldrich IWB (old cause it uses thin courdora and they don't make it any more) as well as a left handed Don Hume holster and Nemis pocket holster.

I've found one holster is just not enough, especially with Texas weather.

And there are just some times when I wear a t-shirt and shorts that the Centennial in appendix position is just about it, at least for on body carry.

Yes one carry gun is not enough unless you are either willing to pack a small one or just not pack on days you can't wear loose cloths.
 
I have a SW 649-2, still a j-frame, and also a Glock 26.

I prefer the G26 because it carries double the ammo and is about 6x more faster to reload. I've got G19 and G17 mags to stuff in the G26 if I need more ammo capacity and its nice to carry a 15 or 17rd spare mag just in case.

I've found HKS speed loaders work well, but are bulky so I've been preferring bianchi speed strips for reloads in practice sessions.

I confess though, both the SW 649-2 and the G26 are actually my wife's carry guns:eek::eek:
I opt for a G19 or P226:D
 
I also have an older 649 Bodyguard. The only reason I don't carry it more often is because the sights are of the older style, being narrow and harder to pick up fast. The bright red/orange sight paint I use on the front ramp helps, and it the SA capability makes for some easy shots when I back out to longer distances (25-35 yards), and the additional weight does make it a bit faster when it comes to recovery ... but the Airweights are what I choose most of the time nowadays. ;)

I have sort of a handful of retirement CCW pistols in the same size category as the G26, including more 9mm's, 4 small models chambered in .40 S&W and a couple of small .45's ... but the Airweight J-frames and an occasional 9/40 bear the brunt of the duty for my everyday needs.

Just depends what you anticipate and what you're willing to accommodate in the way of carry methods. Having spent the better part of almost 3 decades in a LE career, I pretty much had my fill of strapping on a larger weapon all the time. ;)

I'm always keeping my eye out for an earlier Bodyguard Airweight rated for +P made before the ILS, too. The Bodyguard is a pretty nice little wheelgun.
 
Without being able to read all the responses, due to time constraints, this post sums up what I would like to say.

#19
Deaf Smith
Senior Member


Join Date: October 31, 2000
Posts: 1,558 defjon,

Don't sell the Glock but get the 642.

I have both and I pack both. They serve different purposes but complement each other well.

And think of it this way, your 26 might one day be confiscated for evidence if you have to defend yourself. That 642 will come in handy then as it will give you something to defend yourself with and not have any waiting period to purchase it.

Never hurts to have a spare gun around the house to!
Click to expand...

Biker
 
I wonder if Glock ever sells a G28, and if so, why? It's exactly the same dimensions as the 26, only two ounces heavier when loaded, and the mag has the same capacity.

I guess it might be useful in countries where you can't carry "military only" calibers.
 
After reading each and every post in this thread, I think I've settled on keeping the gun I have and adding the other when funds allow. Too many good arguments.

They both have their strengths!
 
defjon,

You can always get it on lay-away. I have a Smith model 38, Bodyguard, now on lay-away. Saw it at a pawn shop, nickel plated, perfect condition and tight with no lock. $299 plus tax. Could not pass that up!

You won't regret having both.

Big gun/little gun

House gun/carry gun

Your gun/spouse's gun

Main gun/backup gun

Summer gun/Winter gun

They compliment each other well.
 
With what I can do with my G26 I could never part with it.(Accurate double taps and rapid fire at amazing ranges) The 642 could never keep up. But for just packing the 642 is awesome. Have both, you'll miss the 26 if you part with it.
 
I agree with what many have said, accurate shooting is the key lifesaver in any situation that demands the use of a firearm. I own a few guns and fins that I can shoot the subcompact semi's much better than most snubbie's and reload speed is no contest. I also like to be able shoot accurately at a distance as this could save ones life if the perp isn't a seasoned shooter which most are not. The rule of thumb, if your going to a gunfight take the gun that you can shoot the most accurate with and don't be caught short on ammo.
 
defjon said:
Well, I live in IL, so CCW ain't legal. I have the 26, I shoot it well. It doesn't have any problems beyond the fact that I have a lead on a never-fired 642 for 385 out the door cash (seems like a good deal).
Click to expand...

First, I think you've made a good call by saving the money and not parting with the G26. Sounds like you may have regrets selling it.

Next, as others mentioned, since you don't have CCW I personally don't see much of a roll for the 642. If I couldn't CCW, I probably wouldn't own mine, as it is ONLY used for pocket carry.

defjon said:
I should add that I'm much more of a revolver guy vs an auto guy
Click to expand...

Since you can't CCW, I'd look at larger frame, all steel revolvers. Possibly something chambered in .357, .38 or .22 LR. Here are a some examples:

S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman .357 (used price $425 in Jan '10).

My particular M28 is a 4" -2 made between '78 and '80, and it is in near mint condition. This model is built on S&W's large N-Frame, originally designed for the .44 spl cartridge. I did drop another $70 or so for Eagle Classic wood stocks for it. I've not had a chance to fire it (crummy weather), but it feels great in my hands and has a nice smooth trigger. As long has you have medium/large to large hands, it might be a fine choice for you.


DSC06618.jpg



S&W Model 66 .357 (used price $430 in Jan '10).

This one is a -1 2.5" made in 1980, and is built on S&Ws medium/intermediate sized K Frame. These make very nice, all around guns as they carry easily and have enough heft to them to make them good for the range and home protection. 4" and 6" examples typically sell for less than their 2.5" brethren. This particular one has a decent DA pull (not the best in my collection, it's a tad stiff), but it is nice nonetheless. Unlike the larger/tougher L and N Frames, these guns should not be fed a steady diet of 125 grain 1400 fps+ .357s. 158s at 1250 fps are the way to go.


DSC06629.jpg



Ruger Police Service Six .357 Mag (used price $279 in Oct '09).

These Rugers (Security Six with sq butt and adj sights, Police Service Six with sq butt and fixed sights, Speed Six with rnd butt and fixed sights) are among the best values on the handgun market today. You get a gun that balances about as well as the S&W K Frame, is more durable and costs less. The only downside is the DA triggers are generally not as nice as their S&W counterparts. Mine is acceptable. Despite the less than perfect trigger, I still shoot it as well as my S&Ws. Again, for the money it is tough to beat.


DSC00525.jpg



S&W Model 15 .38 Special (used price $309 in spring '09).

Unless you plan on shooting .357, you might as well save some money and get a .38. You can often get some pretty good deals as they are only .38 Special, especially ones with the totally un-tacticool 4" and longer barrels. This one is a 4" -3 made in 1969, and it has one of the slickest DA triggers of any of my guns. It is laser beam accurate too, and wonderfully balanced.


IMG_9710.jpg



S&W K-22 (Model 17 and 18) .22 LR (used price $430 in Nov '06).

If you don't yet own a 22 LR, you might consider picking one up what with ammo prices these days. And the DA revolver side, the K-Frame based K-22 is at or near the top of the best out there. Though the price I paid for my 6" 17 no dash (made in 1959) today would be more like $575 +/- $50. But it is worth the cost, IMO, as new 617s still sell for more and figuring the savings of shooting .22, the gun will pay for itself after only a few bricks. This is one of my favorite guns. Cheap to shoot, negligible recoil, superb craftsmanship and fantastic accuracy. Not much more that I can ask for.


K22_12-1.jpg



Just a few ideas for you to ponder while you are saving up some dough.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top