I am looking for a small lightweight revolver for carry this summer. I have checked out the S&W Air weights and I like them, does anyone have any other suggestions or what they think of the S&W?
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Looking for a small lightweight revolver, your opinions please?
- Thread starter ItalianBostonian
- Start date
you can't go wrong with a J frame S&W, but be aware they are not a comfortable gun to shoot, especially the airweights, or anything in .357.
I have replaced the grips on both of mine with over sized grips to reduce the bite.
I have replaced the grips on both of mine with over sized grips to reduce the bite.
On the S&W front, I wouldn't go any lighter or more powerful than the 642 - 16 oz .38. The various S&W Scandium/unobtanium .357s simply convert $ into recoil. The 642 is quite painful enough.
W
wolf223
i bought a SW 442 last spring thinking the same thing.
got 100 rounds of FMJ, and 50 rounds of JHP.
i fired 15 rounds and put it up for trade. the heavy trigger (fixable), small grips just made me NOT like it.
*try before you buy!!!!!!
That's really a case by case thing, and someone would really have to try one of the lightweight .357's to determine which camp they fall into. I can put full house 158 grain .357's through my 340 M&P, weak hand, all day.
The best 2" S&W I've ever carried was a Plain Jane Model 10. Much easier and more pleasant to shoot than any J-Frame, which means that you'll do the practice necessary to become competent with it. Not noticeably more difficult to carry or conceal than a J-Frame.
I had a short barrel model 13 and 19, that I carried with .38spl +p loads in
pluses: good grip size, plenty of ammo choices, less recoil than a J frame, concealable
minuses: (these days not then) Many compact 9's or 40's similar size.
Here is my J frame on top of a M&P 40C, very similar in size, the C is just a C Hair thicker, but it illustrates that in 2009 we have a lot more choices than we did in 1979 I do have larger grips on the J, and the pinky magazine is in the 40, so in reality they can be smaller in the grip area.
pluses: good grip size, plenty of ammo choices, less recoil than a J frame, concealable
minuses: (these days not then) Many compact 9's or 40's similar size.
Here is my J frame on top of a M&P 40C, very similar in size, the C is just a C Hair thicker, but it illustrates that in 2009 we have a lot more choices than we did in 1979 I do have larger grips on the J, and the pinky magazine is in the 40, so in reality they can be smaller in the grip area.
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When Im not carrying my 1911, I carry my SW332. It's a 32mag gun. It's light and carries 6 rounds with about the same punch as a .38.
It's a real pussy cat with regards to recoil too.
It's not made any more but the 432 is the same gun, I think.
It's a real pussy cat with regards to recoil too.
It's not made any more but the 432 is the same gun, I think.
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You might want to stay away from this one...
S&W M&P Chief's Special
I have this as my carry gun. Took it to the range and put 25 rounds of .357 through it...I couldn't finish the box. Kicks like a bastard. Not meant for range fun...I carry with .38 +P. I wear a suit so I need a very small carry gun. This fits the bill for me.
i have a 442 and i can relate to the feelings that chedD had. i still have them but i am determined to fight through it because i do like the gun. i sort of love to hate it.
.38 +p rounds have enough oonst for personal protection, shooting weak-ass UMC range ammo isn't totally awful either. the trigger pull sucks, the recoil is a pain but you know it will go bang when you pull the trigger.
i haven't shot mine at the range in over a month thanks to this BS going on with ammo, i have 1 box of .38 rounds and that's it. you should definitely find one and shoot it to see exactly how you react to it and whether you could deal with it--hell you might even like it. if you ever find yourself in central MA let me know and maybe we could scrounge up some .38 range ammo. i'm sure someone else closer to you might offer theirs up first but i have no problem letting other NESers shoot my stuff.
.38 +p rounds have enough oonst for personal protection, shooting weak-ass UMC range ammo isn't totally awful either. the trigger pull sucks, the recoil is a pain but you know it will go bang when you pull the trigger.
i haven't shot mine at the range in over a month thanks to this BS going on with ammo, i have 1 box of .38 rounds and that's it. you should definitely find one and shoot it to see exactly how you react to it and whether you could deal with it--hell you might even like it. if you ever find yourself in central MA let me know and maybe we could scrounge up some .38 range ammo. i'm sure someone else closer to you might offer theirs up first but i have no problem letting other NESers shoot my stuff.
yanici
NES Member
Hey IB. I've got a 642 and if you want an easy carry gun this is it. Not too expensive to buy either. It's light and can be easily carried on the hip, IWB, or in the pocket. In sweat pants or shorts with elastic waist bands you can carry it in a Smartcarry holster. This is a great summertime gun. OK that's the good part.
It can be hard on the hands when shooting because of its light weight and size. Just be sure to get a grip that has some rubber across the backstrap. I have a CTG 405 on mine and it ain't bad. I personally wouldn't want to shoot any 357 mag in a gun of this weight.
The gun can shoot pretty accurately. I get under 2" groups at 30' and almost 1" groups at 21'.
Gotta get the trigger squeeze down on this. You're used to semi's so that will take some practice. Also, you might have to dry fire a lot to smooth out the trigger, or get a trigger job done.
It can be hard on the hands when shooting because of its light weight and size. Just be sure to get a grip that has some rubber across the backstrap. I have a CTG 405 on mine and it ain't bad. I personally wouldn't want to shoot any 357 mag in a gun of this weight.
The gun can shoot pretty accurately. I get under 2" groups at 30' and almost 1" groups at 21'.
Gotta get the trigger squeeze down on this. You're used to semi's so that will take some practice. Also, you might have to dry fire a lot to smooth out the trigger, or get a trigger job done.
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J
Jose
+1
S&W's Airweights are the bomb. You can pay a lot more for the M&P and Airlight (scandium) J frames to save only two ounces. Not worth it IMO.
yanici
NES Member
The case works well. It fits in the watch pocket of my jeans (dungarees
![[smile]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/001.gif "Smile [smile]")
) or on your belt or in your pocket. You use it along with a Bianchi Speed Strip. I like it better than using just a speed strip loose in my pocket.Here's a link: http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/catid/14/pid/23753/IHL_Speed_Strip_Wallet__Black
I'd pick an SW640 or an SW442/642.
If you get one be aware that it may take awhile before you become proficient with it. You might even be very frustrated at first. If it's an S+W you may
want to get a trigger job for it as well, to get it smoothed out a bit.
-Mike
If you get one be aware that it may take awhile before you become proficient with it. You might even be very frustrated at first. If it's an S+W you may
want to get a trigger job for it as well, to get it smoothed out a bit.
-Mike
yanici
NES Member
Yeah, I agree. The 640 is a little heavier and a lot of guys say it's too heavy for pocket carry but I think it carries pretty well in a pocket holster. One more thing is that if you're gonna pocket carry IMO the guns without exposed hammers are the way to go, with no snags on draw.
![[laugh2]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/014.gif "Laugh at above [laugh2]")
Thanks guys, I have a couple of options to think about.
I may pick up a SW442, will let you know.
I may pick up a SW442, will let you know.
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best light weight revolver to carry and shoot is hands down the 637 power port. I have fired every air weight and this one wins in my opinoin.
