Posted on 09/04/2015 3:13:14 PM PDT by TheDandyMan
Hello all,
Recently, my mother decided to acquire her first handgun, specifically a revolver. After poking through the vast expanses of the inter-webs, one of the prime contenders has come out to be the Smith and Wesson 642. On its face, it seems to fit the bill. Namely, it's small, seems like it's fairly accurate for a gun its size, and can fire +P ammunition. I have seen some complaints about the trigger being somewhat stiff, but, my experience with these guns being non-existent, I don't know if it's worse than other double action only handguns.
Also, being an airweight, I would think that the recoil's probably a bit snappy, especially with +P ammo.
So, would anyone recommend this revolver as a first time firearm?
Sure, my wife carries one...it does have a kick, more than my old .45 Public Defender did, but certainly manageable.
If not, the most important thing is what feels good to her and what she feels CONFIDENT with, not anyone else.
You could get a trigger job- polish the gun parts to get a smoother trigger pull. It’s great you have the ability to fire plus p ammo but you can always shoot standard velocity hollowpoints. S&w is a good brand. Good choice I say.
I know people are in love with the new/newer S&W revolvers, but my wife loves her older Model 19 .357
First gun I’d say an all steel .38 or 357 revolver, stainless preferably, with a 4” barrel.
My wife likes hers. No exposed hammer, so you’ll always have double-action type trigger pull.
It will not be a pleasant gun to practice with enough to gain proficiency. I have shot them, and even with non +P ammo, they become uncomfortable quickly. Many ladies have trouble with the J-frame double action triggers, as they are stiffer than the K and N frames, due to the more compact geometry. If she in not carrying it, but using it as a car and home gun, a steel one would have less recoil.
For a small revolver, IMO (and I am a Smith fan) I would consider the Ruger LCR in .38 (although they are coming out with one in 9mm). It has a smoother trigger, a bit more heft, and the grip soaks up more recoil. Also less expensive.
I had a pair of Colt Detective Specials [2nd model] that were quite nice, held 6 rounds, fired +P and looked sharp. You may have to dig about at gun shows to find one, though.
Back in the late 80s and early 90s a huge number of 4 inch barrel .38 revolvers were traded in by police depts. There were both S&W and Colts.
For a while you could find an excellent one for $100. Probably not anymore but I think one of those used guns if in top shape would be about perfect for her.
You could do worse than the 642 but I can think of several things which would make me choose a larger one for her first gun.
My wife started with a 642. She carried IWB (inside the waistband) and thought it was too bulky. She now carries a Glock 42 in 380 which is about half the thickness of the 642 and is more comfortable.
Just be sure not to take it out onto the lake in a canoe.
I carry an older Model 19,because I know what it will do.
I think it’s a fine choice. As far as becoming proficient, that shouldn’t take much practice. In the real world almost all self defense situations occur within 10 feet, so you basically just point and pull the trigger. I like that there is no safety to forget. Which model of revolver is mostly what fits and feels good in your hand. You want to have it naturally point to the target without having to aim. Someone suggested the Ruger LCR, which is fine if you like it. Personally I like a longer, thinner grip. In fact I’m partial to the old Charter Arms Undercover with thin wooden grips. But that’s an individual choice according to what feels good in her hand. Try having her look at a “target”, close her eyes and point at it, then open her eyes. Which one feels most comfortable and naturally points best to the target? What works best for me or you may not be what works best for her.
Revolver threads seem to attract us like free beer.
hickok45 on the 642 S&W .38 Special (Airweight J frame)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgl8VuX0LuY
good video
The best advice you'll receive all night. My wife is an instructor at a local Ladies League. The stories of how much women hate the guns bought FOR them are numerous and modestly vitriolic.
Let her pick what she likes, even if it's just a .22.
And btw - good on 'ya for taking care of your mama...
Can’t help myself,I just love the craftsmanship of these fine weapons.
I hear you.
Some of those old Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers were true works of art. They are still pretty decent.
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