642/442 vs. 640

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by soIcouldSee

Anyone who had/has both care to weigh in? Is the 640 that much bigger and heavier (half a pound according to S&W's website) to make it a real pain to pocket carry in comparison to the 642/442?

I like the lightness of the 642/442 for carrying, but for shooting I know that the 640 would be easier (assuming the tiggers are the same on both models?), follow up shots would likely be faster, and so on. So I'm not sure which one to choose.

---

My first snub was all steel, about 21 ounces empty, and while I knew it was in my pocket, it wasn't obtrusive. After 6 or 7 years, I picked up an alloy-framed snub, about 16 ounces, and the lighter weight just makes it more convenient to carry. If this will be your first snub, the extra few ounces will help you control recoil and muzzle flip a bit more easily then the lightweight option, but it's really not a huge difference. I will say that with the steel gun, 50 rounds of practice is no big deal, but after the same round count with the alloy gun I'm ready for something more relaxing, like a .45.

I have both. When I carry a revolver, I tend to carry the 640 either IWB in a Galco Royal Guard or OWB in a Galco Concealable Belt holster. The 640 is very comfortable for IWB/OWB. For pocket carry, I go with the 642 in either a WRB or Uncle Mike's pocket holster. The 640 is just too heavy (for me) for pocket carry. It flops around and feels like....well, a big gun in my pocket.

The 640 has a slightly longer and larger barrel (full underlug), and comes with a tactical (pinky) grip. But you can put on a boot grip and it's as concealable as the 642. And if you buy a holster for a 640 the 642 will fit just fine.

Neither are good "range guns." That's not what they are designed for. Shooting .38's in the 640 is more comfortable, but .38's in the 642 are very manageable.

If I could only have one, I would probably go with the 642, because of the pocket carry option. If I did not pocket carry at all, then I would go with the 640.

I have a 642 and an sp101 which is steel. I carry both in my pocket. I'm considering buying a 640 because I find the little extra size and not the weight that I would like to be smaller.