I have 8 different handguns within 4 ft of me right now and the one I choose to take with me everyday everywhere is my S&W 642 air weight .38+p My main CCW gun is the glock26 but I always have my trusty light j- frame snubby in my pocket holster as a backup. This is the best carry gun for most every situation in realistic terms . I do have four different glocks including the glock34 MOS , Glock 29 Glock 40 MOS and the Glock 29 but I find I’m fine with this j-frame for most outings . a second gun is the fastest reload , and these air weight guns are so light you could easily carry two and forget you even wearing them . The gun you will carry everyday is the best gun for you! Great video ! Clint Smith has a graphic rendering of why this gun is savage in a real go to the ground fight ! 😜😁✌️🇺🇸
You will never have to convince me that the J Frame is good for self defense! Even though I'm a Glock Guy and I carried a G19 as my Duty Weapon for many years, I also Love Revolvers! I learned to shoot and trained with a Revolver in the very beginning of my gun life and I always say to every new shooter, "Learn to Shoot the Revolver First" and when you master that double action trigger, you will become a much better shooter when switching to the semi auto guns!
It is true that a revolver is MUCH easier to operate with one hand (if your other hand is disabled or engaged in hand to hand combat). A revolver can also be used even if someone else grabs your firearm, especially the shrouded hammer like the 642. If you read the FBI report, that is how Michael Brown disabled the Ferguson police officer's sidearm by grabbing the slide. The officer was unable to fire his weapon and in fact almost lost his life in that fight with Brown. A revolver is much more advantageous in a situation like that. Plus if you have a misfire, you just pull the trigger again to get to the next round. No having to pull remedial action with both hands like a semi auto. There are just too many advantages with a revolver in close quarters combat.
The 442 is a great gun. I personally carry a 642 because I got on on sale new for $299 at the local gun store two years ago but I was looking at the 442 to purchase before that sale came along.
the Federal HST Micro +p is phenomenal... the inverted wadcutter design allows for consistent industry leading expansion (.74”) with FBI standard penetration (12”-18”). it out performs all 9mm +p because semiautomatics can’t load a flat-faced round. it’s truly the magic 38 +p bullet we’ve all been looking for.
I remember Clint Smith said he carried an ankle holster because a fight usually winds up on your back. An ankle holster comes in pretty handy in that situation.
J frame snubbies are always hard to beat . Comfort in AIWB is better than my kahr 9mm. I carry a sw438 and agree about the black finishes toughness. I have the short barrel gold dots loaded; but reloads in strips mostly are hornady critical defense because they are pointed at the bullet tip and reloads go smoother for me. I have some arthritis and the regular boot grips beat up my middle finger knuckle, so I use ergo delta.grips. The only problem with them is that they are kind of sticky rubber. They do point shoot nicely, though. Anyway great presentation and info, Thanks.
SW 442 here too. I have bought the Glock 27, 23, 42, 43, and the 26 has been my EDC for 13 years now. But I've NEVER not had a revolver. Usually with me as a back up gun...and sometimes I carry 2 revolvers as BUGs! My SW 442 is excellent in a coat pocket, front pocket, ankle, or on my fishing vest loaded with snake shot. I was lucky and got mine way back - no lock. I'm sure it could fail in some strange way... but I doubt it ever will. I've listed some...not all... but the 3 guns I will never get rid of. My Glock 26 on my hip, my SW 442 as a BUG for now... it will be my primary when I retire no doubt, and my little NAA Mini in .22 mag. (Sock carry, lol!)
They still make the 442 and a couple other ones with no lock. I went to a Ruger LCR .357 that I carry with .38s after I had 3 different 442's with crooked barrels lol
I once used off brand ammo that was smoky and dirty. It cause my Ruger SP101 to jam. The cylinder was just too gummed up to rotate. I cleaned the gun thoroughly and made sure I used quality ammo after that. Never had it happen again.
Great holster, I have one just like it, and like it as much as my fancy kydex holsters. I love my revolvers for carry, I’ll carry 9mm semiauto for a while but I usually go back to the j frame or will least carry one as a backup.
My MP340 is my favorite gun. I bought a S&W 432 UC as a possible replacement. S&W needs a do over on my copy of the 432-UC. My favorite carry load is Buffalo Bore item 19i. It is not as bad as full power 357 Mag and still puts up great gel results. You can see some of that on my channel.
I’ve carried a shrouded snubbie many times unholstered in a winter coat front pocket. Bout the only thing I could remotely see pulling that super long heavy trigger would be a big dog jumping up on you snagging a long nail and pulling the trigger through the coat and it’s a billion to one chance. If you can’t carry a 642/442 with that long crazy hard DA trigger you can’t carry any firearm unholstered! They sell those clips and people carry Keltec P32s unholstered in their waistbands. You have to be careful but I wouldn’t like a holster pulling out with the revolver from my winter coat pocket and then you can’t shoot it from inside your coat so it kindof defeats the whole purpose of carry in a winter coat pocket.🤷♂️
New subscriber here, Very good and info video, I do love revolvers , I carry a sp101 .357 mag in an apendix leather holster, I have a plenty of firearms but always always go back to my revolver. I think in the same way as you do, it's a defensive tool and am not planning to get involved in a dangerous situation or planning to kill a lot of civilians I just leave a friendly live . Once again very good video and keep them coming . Happy holidays .
Bodyguard w laser is a great gun. Less holster options and the hogue absorption grip is awesome. 38+p HTP are great. Bonus is check out the SW 327PC 8 shots 357mag. Such an awesome gun to shoot and you can get shorter grip.
I carry a sig X macro but I keep going back to carrying my Taurus 856 it's a 5 shoot 38 special. It's so light easy to carry j frame , minimalist style
I lo e j frames for self defense, it will fire when pressed firmly against the target, you can shoot from the pocket and malfunction is less likely. Great video nice guns👍
Being a fairly skilled martial artist and retired LE agent I highly agree with your point of view. Learn to fight unarmed first and then with a firearm if your physically capable! I have the 360pd. Thanks for sharing.
I have the 638 with the shrouded hammer and No Lock. I will never let this gun go and it fits great in my front pocket and I have also carried it in a ankle holster. Great Gun!
What are your thoughts on using 148 grain Wadcutters? Low Recoil, Low Blast , Rapid Shots, Deep Penetration. There seems to be a trend on using Wadcutters.
They work great but I wouldn’t expect a lot of penetration out of them. I use them because I don’t buy multiple brands of ammunition I want to practice and carry the same round. Semi jacketed wadcutters are nice too.
During my 30 year career I was forced to defend myself from deadly attacks three times while armed w/my issued thirty-eight and it saved me. While the J frame is more than adequate in retirement, cops need a modern auto loader in today’s environment. That thing you called “an egg” for reloading is actually a speedloader.
Purchased my 1st revolver a month ago. It’s a J frame 638. Shot it for the 1st time earlier this week. Omg I suck w this thing. I need a lot more practice. Kept shooting very high.
[Charter Arms enters the conversation….] My .38 snubbie is a Charter Arms Undercover, standard weight (not “Lite”). Got it NIB for $375 out the door about 14 months ago as I write this. I have other carry options but my CA is my primary carry at least half the time, with Federal “Hydra Shok Deep” 130 grain +Ps on board and usually a speed loader with another five handy, depending on attire. She ain’t pretty but pretty doesn’t matter in a shooting situation. Very good trigger pull, quality barrel, sights are simple but dead on from the factory. The proprietary CA rubber grips fit my hand perfectly and absorb recoil nicely; she’s a pleasure at the range and easy to shoot accurately. and unfailingly reliable as long as I use decent ammo (off brands sometimes have hard primers that require a second strike on double action,; only issue I’ve had at all). Carry it in a nylon Blackhawk brand “size 8” pocket holster. I like having the exposed hammer to have the option of single action fire for longer range shots if needed. To avoid getting hung up one practices drawing “down and out” to keep the hammer clear. Heartily agree that the snubnose revolver has a lot of advantages. No worries about misfeeds, hitting a mag release under stress, etc. It may only be five shots but it’s five shots I KNOW I have. I have other brands of revolvers in my household; Taurus, S&W, Ruger. They all work but for the price Charter Arms is hard to beat for performance where it counts. If you want a good revolver - made in the US - but money is tight, you can’t go wrong with a Charter Arms. They will do the job and do it well.
Can't find Underwood in my area. Found 158 gr. Norma, Gego, and Remington all rated well under 1000 fps out of 4 or six in barrels. But they are highly accurate out of my 642 and point of aim is zero on the "fixed" sights.
My S&W model 638 has like a 13 pound trigger! It’s a bear to pull that heavy trigger and the hammer is difficult to pull back. My question... Is it possible to safely change the trigger spring to reduce that horrible 13 pound trigger down to at least 8 pounds?
tekhen 0357 S&W told me without question any alterations to my J Frame’s factory design would void my lifetime warranty but went on to say... This little 638 revolver is a tank and would most likely never give me an excuse to use the warranty so, I’m going to do it! Though not much of a plinker, it is my favorite EDC.
. The reason I watched this whole video is you said it is not the gun you would recommend the a first time gun owner. Then you gave every reason why it should be. Huh
It is not for a first time shooter to start their carry life but It is a great gun for a first time shooter to train with and learn how to shoot a double action revolver. After that every semi becomes much easier to learn and shoot.
3:08 No, that’s because firearm kills. Bring a snake in a room everyone will be scared. Or a big sword. It’s the possibility that any mistake could kill to that scared people, RIGHTFULLY.
@@badplus0176what’s funny? people are scared of KNIVES. walk in a public establishment, knife out just oiling it, 911 WILL be called on you if you’re in a nice neighborhood 😂.
You hardly ever go to Walmart! You live in a rich part of the south... Me too! I live next to a country club and golf course. I don’t like braggers and I don’t like you! No like No sub
One of my favorites. It’s a “low stress” carry. That’s what makes it so great for a tall skinny dude like me. You know that no one else knows.
Had my 442 for over 20 years, never one malfunction. Got a kimber K6S and love that one even more although a bit heavier.
Beautiful! Those K6S revolvers look really good..may have to pick one up.
I have 8 different handguns within 4 ft of me right now and the one I choose to take with me everyday everywhere is my S&W 642 air weight .38+p
My main CCW gun is the glock26 but I always have my trusty light j- frame snubby in my pocket holster as a backup. This is the best carry gun for most every situation in realistic terms .
I do have four different glocks including the glock34 MOS , Glock 29 Glock 40 MOS and the Glock 29 but I find I’m fine with this j-frame for most outings . a second gun is the fastest reload , and these air weight guns are so light you could easily carry two and forget you even wearing them .
The gun you will carry everyday is the best gun for you!
Great video ! Clint Smith has a graphic rendering of why this gun is savage in a real go to the ground fight ! 😜😁✌️🇺🇸
You will never have to convince me that the J Frame is good for self defense! Even though I'm a Glock Guy and I carried a G19 as my Duty Weapon for many years, I also Love Revolvers! I learned to shoot and trained with a Revolver in the very beginning of my gun life and I always say to every new shooter, "Learn to Shoot the Revolver First" and when you master that double action trigger, you will become a much better shooter when switching to the semi auto guns!
I assume you meant “is NOT good for self defense!” And, I’d agree. It is the gun we have on us, so we should train with it more than any other.
It is true that a revolver is MUCH easier to operate with one hand (if your other hand is disabled or engaged in hand to hand combat). A revolver can also be used even if someone else grabs your firearm, especially the shrouded hammer like the 642. If you read the FBI report, that is how Michael Brown disabled the Ferguson police officer's sidearm by grabbing the slide. The officer was unable to fire his weapon and in fact almost lost his life in that fight with Brown. A revolver is much more advantageous in a situation like that. Plus if you have a misfire, you just pull the trigger again to get to the next round. No having to pull remedial action with both hands like a semi auto. There are just too many advantages with a revolver in close quarters combat.
357 j frame edc for me. The perfect piece.
I've got the 442 in 38 +p and I'm carrying it right this moment.
I picked up a 442 a year ago and it runs flawlessly and is a lot more accurate than it should be. Placing money down on a 640 tomorrow. Be well!
The 442 is a great gun. I personally carry a 642 because I got on on sale new for $299 at the local gun store two years ago but I was looking at the 442 to purchase before that sale came along.
Wow
"probably not gonna kidnap me, I weigh like 200lbs, be pretty impressive" I was dying
Always go back to my S&w 360 in 357
the Federal HST Micro +p is phenomenal... the inverted wadcutter design allows for consistent industry leading expansion (.74”) with FBI standard penetration (12”-18”). it out performs all 9mm +p because semiautomatics can’t load a flat-faced round. it’s truly the magic 38 +p bullet we’ve all been looking for.
I own various pistols, 90% of the time a carry a s&w 442, excellent.
I agree... I love that 442 and 640. Amazing guns.
I remember Clint Smith said he carried an ankle holster because a fight usually winds up on your back. An ankle holster comes in pretty handy in that situation.
Yeah.. I love your selection of hollow points, holster brand and j frame.
S&W 442, .38 cal my EDC
You carry the best gun - thanks for Sharing.
J frame snubbies are always hard to beat . Comfort in AIWB is better than my kahr 9mm. I carry a sw438 and agree about the black finishes toughness. I have the short barrel gold dots loaded; but reloads in strips mostly are hornady critical defense because they are pointed at the bullet tip and reloads go smoother for me. I have some arthritis and the regular boot grips beat up my middle finger knuckle, so I use ergo delta.grips. The only problem with them is that they are kind of sticky rubber. They do point shoot nicely, though. Anyway great presentation and info, Thanks.
Agreed
The S&W 642, Ruger LCR in .38cal are fine snubby's in my opinion. At typical self defense ranges I think they're entirely adequate.
SW 442 here too. I have bought the Glock 27, 23, 42, 43, and the 26 has been my EDC for 13 years now. But I've NEVER not had a revolver. Usually with me as a back up gun...and sometimes I carry 2 revolvers as BUGs!
My SW 442 is excellent in a coat pocket, front pocket, ankle, or on my fishing vest loaded with snake shot.
I was lucky and got mine way back - no lock. I'm sure it could fail in some strange way... but I doubt it ever will.
I've listed some...not all... but the 3 guns I will never get rid of. My Glock 26 on my hip, my SW 442 as a BUG for now... it will be my primary when I retire no doubt, and my little NAA Mini in .22 mag. (Sock carry, lol!)
They still make the 442 and a couple other ones with no lock. I went to a Ruger LCR .357 that I carry with .38s after I had 3 different 442's with crooked barrels lol
@@zachz699 I liked my LCR...had 2 of the 38s when they first came out. Did trade them...can't say why but the SW 442 just fits me. Enjoy your LCR!
As timeless as the 1911. Yeah I’m late to the party. Grabbed a 642 Lipseys UC and it’s an amazing tool. Perfect backup or primary in the summer.
Agree 100 percent, waiting on the s&w 432UC !
I need that SW 327 but I did just ordered a 442 for CCW. Nice review 👍
I once used off brand ammo that was smoky and dirty. It cause my Ruger SP101 to jam. The cylinder was just too gummed up to rotate. I cleaned the gun thoroughly and made sure I used quality ammo after that. Never had it happen again.
When I started carrying my gun was a Smith and Wesson M & P 45 C. Now I carry either a Smith and Wesson 442 or a Rock Island Armory m 206.
That is the exact model J-Frame I'm transitioning to. I currently also have Crimson Trace LG-405 grips installed.
Great holster, I have one just like it, and like it as much as my fancy kydex holsters. I love my revolvers for carry, I’ll carry 9mm semiauto for a while but I usually go back to the j frame or will least carry one as a backup.
My MP340 is my favorite gun. I bought a S&W 432 UC as a possible replacement. S&W needs a do over on my copy of the 432-UC.
My favorite carry load is Buffalo Bore item 19i. It is not as bad as full power 357 Mag and still puts up great gel results.
You can see some of that on my channel.
I’ve carried a shrouded snubbie many times unholstered in a winter coat front pocket. Bout the only thing I could remotely see pulling that super long heavy trigger would be a big dog jumping up on you snagging a long nail and pulling the trigger through the coat and it’s a billion to one chance. If you can’t carry a 642/442 with that long crazy hard DA trigger you can’t carry any firearm unholstered! They sell those clips and people carry Keltec P32s unholstered in their waistbands. You have to be careful but I wouldn’t like a holster pulling out with the revolver from my winter coat pocket and then you can’t shoot it from inside your coat so it kindof defeats the whole purpose of carry in a winter coat pocket.🤷♂️
Great video…I found a 66-3 snub and really like that option, especially for a “go everywhere” carry.
Just ordered mine, what holster do you use?
@@jonathanvermillion7263.I use a Galco hoursehise IWB holster
New subscriber here, Very good and info video, I do love revolvers , I carry a sp101 .357 mag in an apendix leather holster, I have a plenty of firearms but always always go back to my revolver.
I think in the same way as you do, it's a defensive tool and am not planning to get involved in a dangerous situation or planning to kill a lot of civilians I just leave a friendly live . Once again very good video and keep them coming . Happy holidays .
Bodyguard w laser is a great gun. Less holster options and the hogue absorption grip is awesome. 38+p HTP are great. Bonus is check out the SW 327PC 8 shots 357mag. Such an awesome gun to shoot and you can get shorter grip.
I carry a sig X macro but I keep going back to carrying my Taurus 856 it's a 5 shoot 38 special. It's so light easy to carry j frame , minimalist style
I lo e j frames for self defense, it will fire when pressed firmly against the target, you can shoot from the pocket and malfunction is less likely. Great video nice guns👍
Was my first gun.
Good video! I enjoyed it.
Being a fairly skilled martial artist and retired LE agent I highly agree with your point of view. Learn to fight unarmed first and then with a firearm if your physically capable! I have the 360pd. Thanks for sharing.
And don't forget some Kali 🔪
Let’s be realistic: people aren’t going to learn to fight unarmed, nor are they going to spend hours each month at the shooting range.
Love the 351c 7 shot 22magnum.
Great review. How many rounds would you say you have through her?
ClipDraw is something you need to try for the 642 and others besides bodyguard
I would get the 360PD, but it’s $1000+ everywhere I can find it. I’m probably gonna go with a Ruger LCRx for half the price soon.
Have you tried the 649? I just picked one up. It’s a shrouded hammer like the 638 but fully stainless steel and in .357 mag.
I have the 638 with the shrouded hammer and No Lock. I will never let this gun go and it fits great in my front pocket and I have also carried it in a ankle holster. Great Gun!
What are your thoughts on using 148 grain Wadcutters? Low Recoil, Low Blast , Rapid Shots, Deep Penetration. There seems to be a trend on using Wadcutters.
They work great but I wouldn’t expect a lot of penetration out of them. I use them because I don’t buy multiple brands of ammunition I want to practice and carry the same round. Semi jacketed wadcutters are nice too.
During my 30 year career I was forced to defend myself from deadly attacks three times while armed w/my issued thirty-eight and it saved me. While the J frame is more than adequate in retirement, cops need a modern auto loader in today’s environment. That thing you called “an egg” for reloading is actually a speedloader.
I just got mine yesterday from Bass Pro
What about the 640 and 640 pro? Thanks for the video!
I love that holster! What is it?
Looks like a Galco
Went from every time I go to Walmart to I never go to Walmart 😂😂😂😂 surrrre sounds convincing
His wardrobe is from Walmart
Good review..great up close back round gun...Also great gun on the ground or if someone on top of you...
I just picked up an M&P 360.
Purchased my 1st revolver a month ago. It’s a J frame 638. Shot it for the 1st time earlier this week. Omg I suck w this thing. I need a lot more practice. Kept shooting very high.
[Charter Arms enters the conversation….]
My .38 snubbie is a Charter Arms Undercover, standard weight (not “Lite”). Got it NIB for $375 out the door about 14 months ago as I write this. I have other carry options but my CA is my primary carry at least half the time, with Federal “Hydra Shok Deep” 130 grain +Ps on board and usually a speed loader with another five handy, depending on attire.
She ain’t pretty but pretty doesn’t matter in a shooting situation. Very good trigger pull, quality barrel, sights are simple but dead on from the factory. The proprietary CA rubber grips fit my hand perfectly and absorb recoil nicely; she’s a pleasure at the range and easy to shoot accurately. and unfailingly reliable as long as I use decent ammo (off brands sometimes have hard primers that require a second strike on double action,; only issue I’ve had at all).
Carry it in a nylon Blackhawk brand “size 8” pocket holster. I like having the exposed hammer to have the option of single action fire for longer range shots if needed. To avoid getting hung up one practices drawing “down and out” to keep the hammer clear.
Heartily agree that the snubnose revolver has a lot of advantages. No worries about misfeeds, hitting a mag release under stress, etc. It may only be five shots but it’s five shots I KNOW I have.
I have other brands of revolvers in my household; Taurus, S&W, Ruger. They all work but for the price Charter Arms is hard to beat for performance where it counts. If you want a good revolver - made in the US - but money is tight, you can’t go wrong with a Charter Arms. They will do the job and do it well.
I got the Bulldog 44 Special. I prefer big bore non magnum revolvers. I also have the CA 38 Undercover.
Junk
J frame is the best practical handgun for average person.
Can you use that galco holster at the appendix position?
I love my Glocks but the s&w 642 usually ends up in my pocket
Underwood has 38 sp +p 158 gr xtp that I get 1,238 fps out my sw642
Can't find Underwood in my area. Found 158 gr. Norma, Gego, and Remington all rated well under 1000 fps out of 4 or six in barrels. But they are highly accurate out of my 642 and point of aim is zero on the "fixed" sights.
I carry a 38 J frame and switch with a LCRX
My S&W model 638 has like a 13 pound trigger!
It’s a bear to pull that heavy trigger and the hammer is difficult to pull back.
My question...
Is it possible to safely change the trigger spring to reduce that horrible 13 pound trigger down to at least 8 pounds?
Kelly,
Yes it is. If you like the piece have a competent person swap the springs.
You can send it to S&W and they will upgrade the action
tekhen 0357
S&W told me without question any alterations to my J Frame’s factory design would void my lifetime warranty but went on to say...
This little 638 revolver is a tank and would most likely never give me an excuse to use the warranty so, I’m going to do it!
Though not much of a plinker, it is my favorite EDC.
Apex tactical makes a j frame spring kit ...I would test with your carry load to insure reliable ignition
Kelly try the fluff and buff for the j frame th-cam.com/video/I4GtXq2XXOI/w-d-xo.html
Your video couldn’t see it. I don’t know what happened.
Sw 640
That little j frame is chambered in 357? Sign me the fuck up
Would you ever edc the 22 magnum j frame?
S&W 63 is Stainless.
Like the sound of your own voice eh?
. The reason I watched this whole video is you said it is not the gun you would recommend the a first time gun owner. Then you gave every reason why it should be. Huh
It is not for a first time shooter to start their carry life but It is a great gun for a first time shooter to train with and learn how to shoot a double action revolver. After that every semi becomes much easier to learn and shoot.
Young man, what’s with the hand? Sooo distracting!
Chill
Oh so you're a Kroger guy huh?
3:08 No, that’s because firearm kills. Bring a snake in a room everyone will be scared. Or a big sword. It’s the possibility that any mistake could kill to that scared people, RIGHTFULLY.
😂🫵
@@badplus0176what’s funny? people are scared of KNIVES. walk in a public establishment, knife out just oiling it, 911 WILL be called on you if you’re in a nice neighborhood 😂.
You mean a J frame should not be a first firearm.
I think he said what he meant, you are putting your words in his mouth.
You may be 200 lbs but you've exposed yourself as a little man
Enough of the political rhetoric crap, carry on please, you're way off
You hardly ever go to Walmart!
You live in a rich part of the south...
Me too!
I live next to a country club and golf course.
I don’t like braggers and I don’t like you!
No like
No sub
Mean.
Let me guess, somewhere in the triangle? Chapel hill?
Nah he said south