Posted: 2/6/2009 2:24:57 AM EDT
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I'm going to pick up a new CCW today (hooray for tax refund!) and I really can't decide between a Glock 26 (9mm) or a Smith&Wesson 642 (.38 Special).
I can get both for about the same price new (I qualify for Glock's discount program). I've owned Glocks and a 642 before, so I like both of them, and have accessories on hand for both. However, I cannot get BOTH, as I am also picking up a Glock 17 for a new duty weapon today as well... What say ye? |
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I drink the Glock kool aide and carry a G23 daily so its natural for me to choose the G26. Since you are also going with a G17 for duty then it also makes more sense to have the G26 for off duty so you only have the one caliber to worry about. You know the deal with ammo and mags.etc.
But I also like the SW and the .38 is fun to shoot, I have no exp. with the 642 |
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Absolutely G26 (I have a G26 that is at least 12 years old, my wife has a airweight S&W .38 that might be a 642 so I have shot/ handled both):
1) can't beat reliability 2) can't beat durability 3) 2x plus 1 capacity, plus can expand that with Glock +2 conversion and/or magazines from a Glock 19 or 17 4) longer barrel 5) I have held my 642 and G26 side by side and they are practically the same size 6) same layout and controls as your duty weapon (simplifies training) 7) shares many parts with your duty weapon (you never know) 8) very easy to work on for the DYI gunsmith (the Glock is the AR15 of pistols - I just upgraded the slide catch, mag catch, and extractor to be like my Glock 34 and all of this was very easy to do with simple tools) I went out Wednesday night and shot my G26 side by side with my G34, and am still amazed at how well the little gun shoots. |
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BOTH.... I'll start by saying I own most of the Glocks and about a dozen J-frames
Before you hear Glock 19 over and over from this board my opinion is that its a great gun but the G23 is the perfect one. When I worked uniform I carried a G22 as a primary and a G27 in a holster hooked to my body armor under my arm. It was MUCH easier than the G27 on the ankle to run and move with. I now work plain clothes and usually carry a G23 or G30 in a belt holster and an Airlight J-frame on my ankle. I seldom carry a J-frame as my primary since I believe as LE I have a much different responsibility if somthing occurs while I'm off duty. I prefer to have a Glock and a reload in most circumstances. Either gun is a great addition.... your decision should fall on what method you plan to carry your backup gun. Good luck |
| I voted 642 because of it's lightweight you're more apt to carry it. Same reason why I carry a M&P 340 off duty instead of an authorized G26. Personally, I don't plan to get involved in any off duty incidents other than being a good witness unless someone plans to harm me or my family. |
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Well, here's how it went down.
They did not have any G26's and the 642's are running over $450 now 
Soooo... I got my G17 and... drum roll, please.... A G19! Yeah, it's not a subcompact, but I've CCW'd a G19 prolly more than all other handguns combined. And... I'll still get that G26 when they get them in stock. Both pistols, $419 each, BTW 
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