Have an itch for a light .38 special

[jeepster09]

I have had all of the "lite" S&W's and I prefer the 640, it is a little longer and heavier but shoots fantastic. I also like my new RUGER "BOBBED" SP101. I prefer 357 over 38 and the lite weights can be brutal.

[Tilos]

HAD a 340, bought to carry cross country when I could not find a PM9.
I shot some 38s thru it and made the trip, then got stuck in orygun and started shooting it as it was the only gun I brought with me.
It was painful as a range gun and when I finally put 5 factory 357 in it the 1st time, I shot 3...and took the other 2 out.
That gun has very little to hold onto and if you add a big grip, it's not a small gun anymore, not to mention the noise and muzzle flash.
I flew home to Florida and brought back 4 handguns, then traded the 340 for that PM9, once I had lived in orygun long enough to buy a gun.
jmo

[ltxi]

Stopped by my local shop today and they were telling me about one of their customers that decided to load their 340 with .357 and the guy obviously didn't have a good grip and it ripped one of his fingers open. I had a King Cobra at one time in the past and even as heavy as it was the .357 has some punch to it too.

I get along fine with .357 in my K-frames. Just don't work for me at all in J's.

I have a like kinda thing going on with my Glocks. I converted my G27 to 9mm 'cause I was having real issues with .40 on follow up rapid fire shot placement. My G23, on the other hand, gives me no problem.

[Barth]

Magnum Force

I get along fine with .357 in my K-frames. Just don't work for me at all in J's.

I have a like kinda thing going on with my Glocks. I converted my G27 to 9mm 'cause I was having real issues with .40 on follow up rapid fire shot placement. My G23, on the other hand, gives me no problem.

I really like the medium velocity Remington Golden Saber 357s in my all steel J & K frames.
That's the max power I can use with fast followup shots.
Plus out of a 2 or 3 inch barrel full power magnums seem to have
lots of flash and noise with diminished velocity.

The Sabers only lose ~30 fps going from 4" to 3" (1,190 vs 1,220)
Where full power magnums typically lose ~150 fps (1,300 vs 1,450)

Going to a 2" snub from 4" Sabers lose ~120 fps (1,100 vs 1,220)
Where full house mags lose ~250 (1,200 vs 1,450)

My S&W 342 is not fun for me to shoot with 38 +P.
A 357 mag air weight has to be brutal.

I too found my G27 hard to handle for followup shots.
Switching to HK P2000Sk 40 solved that problem.

[feedramp]

If you prefer a very light .38 revolver, the Ruger LCR and S&W 642 airweight are a couple good choices.
I had a S&W 642 for a couple years, and it proved to be perfect for everyday running around. Light and accurate, to a certain point.

Any revolver larger than a .38, for your intended purpose, and you might as well go with a 9mm.

Although nice for carry, I sold the snubbie, once the Colt Pocketlite .380 arrived on scene ....

[340pd]

I have owned, and often carry, a 340pd. I have CT LG 405 laser grips on it. I shoot it with light handloads in .357 cases. I have shot full power .357 and it does get your attention but recoil is subjective. My carry load is 38 sp. 135gr. Gold Dots.
I practice my short barrel shooting with a 640 because I have respect for the fact alloy frame guns have limitations and are usually intended for last ditch self protection.

I believe every oz. you can shave off your carry gun is a benefit and the 340 fits that bill perfectly for me.

[berettabone]

Don't forget about the S&W 637..............................

[Barth]

I should add that both my J-Frames (342 ti / 640-1) are Centennials.
Really believe being DOA, with a concealed hammer,
is a real advantage with pocket carry.
Ergonomically, with Hogue Bantam grips,
I really prefer J-Frames to autos for pocket carry.

[ltxi]

I should add that both my J-Frames (342 ti / 640-1) are Centennials.
Really believe being DOA, with a concealed hammer,
is a real advantage with pocket carry.
Ergonomically, with Hogue Bantam grips,
I really prefer J-Frames to autos for pocket carry.

Dead On Arrival??

[DeaconKC]

I am a confirmed S&W snob, but I have to throw another gun into the pile for your consideration. I had a Taurus 85 Ultralight I picked up on a whim [it was in a trade and dirt cheap] and it turned out to be a fantastic little gun. If I ever find out who wound up with it in a later trade, I WILL get that little beast back.

[yqtszhj]

too bad. not a bad price for all titanium.

TOTAL TITANIUM MODEL 85 .38 SPL. REVOLVER
The models listed below are no longer in production and/or imported by Taurus International Mfg.

[Armybrat]

Well, for little wheelguns, my Smith Model 38 Airweight is pretty sweet. The shrouded hammer can still be cocked for single action shootin'.

Doesn't weigh much more than a Tinkerbell fart.

[Barth]

Dead On Arrival??

Everybody knows I'm dyslexic - LOL.

[Planedude]

I've been hauling around my S&W 642 for some time now. It sports VZ grips, rides in a super thin Masters pocket holster (think "leather envelop") and with it's 5 spare rounds in a speed strip, the kit comes in at a pound and an oz. Only my summer carry P380 beats the combo on weight.


Last Saturday I carried it in the pocket for our range day while also carrying the K9 in its Bullard IWB holster. Once set up, I ran the target out to 7yds then did a draw and fire from both. The K9 was shot center of mass, quickly, keeping all eight rounds well inside the 8ring. Then I did a draw and fire from the pocket with 642, shooting only at the targets head. All five of my Hornady CD 125grn (standard pressure) bullets hit center around the "nose", in a palm size group. They might not be "hyper-sonic-magnum-plus-ity-plus-super" rounds, but Mr. Paper Badguy was having a rotten day.
Very satisfied with the accuracy of the J frame.


Oh, and I do forget the old 642 is on me after a while.

[yqtszhj]

Well I dove in. Got a good deal S&W performance center 637 this afternoon at a local pawn shop. 14oz. and loaded right at 16 oz with 129 gr. +P. Nice pocket pistol.

It has a cheesy Gunsmoke logo on the side but it was a good price and the trigger is really smooth like a Kahr only a little heavier. I figure that painted logo will wear off one day or if it gets roughed up I'll get it duracoated or polished or something.

The other bad (or maybe good) thing about it is as soon as I got in the door with it the wife grabbed it and said she liked it and we may have to get 1 or 2 more for her and the daughter. She already wants to shoot it this weekend. Maybe I'll load it up with +P so I can keep it for myself.

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions.