Posted: 7/30/2005 2:26:32 PM EDT
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I need a recommendation on a good carry gun. Right now I am favoring the 38 special S&W model 642 Airweight hammerless. 642 page  I can buy a new one for around $325. Any other good guns to consider? Pros & Cons? I'm looking for something small, light, inexpensive and reliable. |
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I just bought the Kahr PM9 and the Kel-tec P11 for summer carry. Both are reliable and somewhat accurate. Very small. pocket auto comparison chart with pistol sizes, may need to copy and paste link. http://www.geocities.com/r_oremland/PocketAutoComparison.jpg |
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I carry a Kel-Tec P40 in my pocket. Ten rounds of .40. And, if in a shoot, and has to be taken "for examination" or "evidence" it won't wind up in someone's "collection". Might actually find its way back in a timely manner. When circumstances allow or dictate, however, my alternatives are a Browning Hi-Power in .40, in an IWB holster or Thunderware, or a 3" 629 which I can carry if I have a deep enough pocket. I'd love to find an IWB holster for it. |
| Do they make speedloaders for the Airweight? If you are worried about not having "enough" rounds, carry a speedloader or two. Carried a 38 Special for a year while working a Federal Security gig. Just for shit and giggles, practiced reloading drills against a coworker who brought his Glock 17 to work. Needless to say, I was quicker than he was 9 out of 10 times. Of course, I practiced reloading drills with the revolver 5 minutes/day. |
| Its the best revolver choice out there IMO. They are'nt fun to shoot but with some practice you would be suprised. About the only time I shoot one is during an IDPA BUG match and I generally dread that. People with smaller hands seem to get by with them better than myself. |
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You can't go wrong with a S&W J-frame revolver as a CCW gun. Over the years I have carried a 2" model 49 (Bodyguard), a 2" Model 60 and a 2" Charter Arms Undercover. All were great for CCW carry, but most recently I picked up a 3" Model 36 Chief's Special and it has proven the best set up for me when I carry a revolver as my CCW. The extra inch of barrel allows for a full length ejector rod and it balances better in my hand. My primary CCW is a Para Ordnance C7.45LDA, but at times that can be a bit large for everyday carry. So I rotate in my Model 36 and I also carry a North American Arms Guardian in .380 as a backup. |
I have a 442 that thinks it's a PPC gun. Bowling pins at 25M are not trouble at all. That said I have fired other J frames that I would trust at 10 yards. My dad has a used Model 60 thats not even on paper at 25M. |
I like it. Once you run out of ammo if the villan does not have a concusion and his face is not burnt of you can beat him to death with it or use it to pull someone out of the pool if they are drowning. 
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J-Frames are a great gun, You might see if you could try one out at a local range first to see how you like it. I find there are generally two groups of people when it comes to J-frame sized revolvers: First group loves their J-frames and carries them religiously every day of their lives, either as a back-up or primary weapon; group 2 claims that the revolver uses too weak of a round, doesn't carry enough rounds, is too hard to reload, weighs too much, should never be a primary gun, and is not as good as an autoloader of sometype. What it all comes down to is what you like and what you shoot well, so try one out and if it works for you go with it! Regardless of what you go with, practice a lot and carry it with you every day! |