I'm on vacation for the rest of the week... well i'm painting our new apartment...



but I might go pick up a J frame tomorrow...



question is do I want a fully enclosed hammer or a shrouded hammer??

easy, shrouded, then you can still fire it in single action.




Whenever I'm shooting it at the range, I usually just shoot it in single action because the trigger is so damn light then.



Its nice to have the option, and I doubt that it'll ever snag you up.




 

The NY downstate market has quite a few used 640s from former city cops thus making the decision an easier one for you.    The up side to a 640 (enclosed) is that it seals the internals of the gun a little better than the 638 bodyguard thus helping to keep out lint.  Since they are quite often carried inside the pocket in a Desantis or Uncle Mikes pocket holster or on an ankle holster they tend to attract a lot of lint.   As for just shooting single at the range, my question is why?  In my opinion (opinions are like assholes everyones got one) you train the way you will use the gun which will be under stressfire conditions in DAO.  If you do buy one go to Brownells or Midway and pick up a spring kit for whichever you choose.  The newer 640s in .357 come with a 2.25" barrel as opposed to the 1.7/8" in the .38 only 640s.  The upside to the newer .357 guns is two fold 1) you can practice w/ cheaper .38 and 2) the 2.25" barrel models have a replaceable front sight which can be swapped w/ a tritium.  Either way they are great concealable guns that always go bang when you pull the trigger.  

I prefer to be able to cock the hammer for single action when making a precision shot is required.  Otherwise, just carry a Glock or any other DAO pistol.  My pocket revolver of choice is a S&W Mdl. 60 in .357 carried in a Desantis pocket holster.  No issues with hammer snagging when a proper draw is practiced (thumb shields the hammer when drawing from the pocket).

To OP:  Try to find an earlier model without the damn S&W lock!

Fully enclosed 640 with a set of Laser Grips and be happy.

+1

enclosed hammer

642/442

I like mine. Even if it's an off brand.





But I like this one better.




Good luck on which everone you get because J frames grow on you!  

Especially when they have a round butt!

Steve

kzx87, i'd go with a hammerless one for CCW. You can fire it from a coat pocket without the hammer snagging up.

I have (1) J-frame but it has a hammer. I never shoot it single action and I may have the hammer bobbed.


Good luck and tell us what you decided on.

love my 642. comp-tac makes a great holster for it too.

pocket lint .....    LMAO ...     go shrouded .....i have a S&W 360 PD w/crimson trace

Didn't we evict you guys?  Say hello to Lautenberg for us.  At least you have good taste in guns and accessories.