S&w 640?

[G26Fix]

My wife and I are on the hunt for a carry weapon for HER, we have a Kel-Tec and a G26. The KT is not reliable enough for us and the 26 is great, I LOVE IT but she thanks it is a little too big to carry in a purse. I would like for her to try a j-frame though she is a little bit reluctant due to the wideness of the cylinder. Can anyone suggest a weapon for her... The 340 interest me, and my wife has shot my Blackhawk with no problem (I know it is heavier, so the recoil is less). I have seen the 38 lite-weight also, is the 38 sufficient for self defense?







Edited to correct error: the topic is the 340 not the 640...

[G33]

Like the M640, but a bit heavy.
I went with the M642.
Agree on kel-tec...mine was too hard on trigger.
:shocked: :supergrin:

[Gary1911A1]

Originally posted by G33
Like the M640, but a bit heavy.
I went with the M642.
Agree on kel-tec...mine was too hard on trigger.
:shocked: :supergrin:

Agree. She'll carry it alot more than she'll shoot it and if the 640 is to heavy for her she'll likely stop carring it altogether.

[Dot_mdb]

The .38 special has been used for self defense for over 100 years. It will do the job with reasonable shot placement just like any other caliber.

I carry a 640 on many days and I shoot it frequently. My 640 is the .38 special model and it weighs about 9 ounces more than the 340. All of the J frames take a lot of practice to shoot well. My 640 isn't painful to shoot and I generally shoot 50 rounds through it during practice. The 340 is going to have a lot more recoil and it will tend to move around in the hand between shots. The 642 would cost you a lot less and be only about 3 ounces heavier than the 340. I think the 642 is S&W's best selling revolver and there must be a reason.

One of the best reasons for carrying a J frame style revolver over a small auto is that it is easier to swiftly establish a firm grip on revolver than on the small auto. I don't find the width of the J frame cylinders to be a problem for IWB carry or pocket carry. I have never carried in a purse :whistling: but I can't imagine it being a problem unless it is a very small purse.

[G26Fix]

We will have to seriously consider the 640 and the 642 for my wife...It is SO hard help her decide HER carry piece, she really wants a semi-auto but small, light weight, easy to shoot; and I am thinking accurate, RELIABLE, and powerful...

To me it seems the answer is the 642, but again she will carry and I must let her decide....


thanks again

[G33]

If money permits, I would get both.
M640 for range and M642 for carry.
Shoot M642 at range just to be familiar.
Then rest of time on M640.

Under duress, the person will most likely not notice the recoil of the M642.
YMMV IMHO etc.
:supergrin:

[G26Fix]

Since you brought up money, what is a good price for the 640 and 642, and what about ammo prices for 38's...

[fowler]

For her the 642 for sure for me a seasoned man the SW640,but I,m shooting 357mag for her get some 125+P 38spec and the 642. Its enough and the perfect cary gun. I just prefer the 640 and don,t mind the extra 8oz. Make easy to carry and shoot for her.

[G33]

Ammo...Speer GD for short barrels.
:supergrin:

[Dot_mdb]

The 642s are going to sell for $360 - $400 depending on where you buy. S$W seems to be pushing them out at a low price.

Practice ammo, I use S&B FMJ is now around $11/box at Natchez the last I looked.

Bill