Model 640 vs 340

[rob700]

Been tempted to just buy a 442 cause I love the size and weight an it's a manageable caliber.

However, I'm partial to revolvers (current model is a 66-2) and the small S+W 357 I've handled seem dreamy.

Do the 23oz Jframes give any advantage over the Airweights? Are they equally concealable? Can the recoil be managed or is it just another level of pain?

[LSP972]

The steel frame guns are much kinder on the hand, recoil-wise; and much less convenient to carry. No free lunch.

If you're looking for ONE J frame, and intend to shoot it much, then a standard aluminum gun (AirWeight) is the best compromise. The Ti-Scan guns (anything with a "3" as the first number, also known as AirLites) are indeed a dream to carry; and a nightmare to shoot. You wouldn't think that three ounces (the difference in weight between an AirWeight and an AirLite) would be a big deal in terms of recoil; it is.

That said, a 360PD and a 342 are my EDC. I shoot them infrequently (actually, I don't shoot the 360PD at all anymore- but that's another story). I have steel-frame Chiefs for practice. But if I could have only one, it would be the 442 or my flat-latch 37 with bobbed hammer; probably the latter.

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[g88]

I have a 340PD and a 640-3. I carry the Fed full power 125gr .357 in both of them. On the 340PD I use the same grips S&W sells on the 640, but ground off to boot grip length for pocket carry. I don't think I could shoot 357ammo in the 340 without these grips. They cover the backstrap and give you a longer reach for better control. The grips on the 640 are also ground down to boot grip length.
I carry the 340 in a Kramer pocket holster. Same with the 640, but its weight gradually pulls my belt down, or pulls my jacket crooked. The advantage of the 640 is the higher velocity, lower recoil, and the fact that you CAN put it in your pocket if you need to - like going to the door, and similar. Don't have to pocket carry it all the time - although when I do, I can forget all about it, especially in jeans.

I'd like to get comments on better ways to carry the 640. Thanks.

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[LSP972]

g88, those current-production steel Js are really best carried in a belt or ankle holster by most folks. They are a LOT heavier, and somewhat larger, than the light weight guns. I know, some pocket carry those things; I'm glad it works for them. Doesn't for me, and many of my acquaintance.

I don't have a steel frame J right now (except for an old 36 that belongs to my employer), but I am looking for a good used pre-change 640.

By pre-change, I mean manufactured before some hydrocephalic moron in Springfield got the bright idea of (1) making a Chief's Special in .357, and (2) lengthening the barrel and changing the frame geometry to accomodate all of that.

IMO, they simply trashed what had been a near-perfect little pocket pistol. Oh, I do enjoy the next-to-nothing weight of the 3-series Js; I have, and carry daily, two of them. But neither has the same overall trim, petite feel (and look) of my vintage flat-latch M37, or early 90s-vintage 442.

That doesn't matter to some; does to me. Life goes on...:upeyes:

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[g88]

Right. I have one of the older 640 snubs in 38 special and it's a pleasure to shoot. Easier to pocket. Also have the older 442. But I like the 357 power. Just have to find a good belt holster for the 640-3.

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One of the most valuable skills a person can have
is the ability to shoot a J-frame well.