I'd suggest spending a few bucks trying out a lightweight .357 if that's what you're interested in getting. Bills North had a scandium one a few years back, a friend and I tried it out and it was so unpleasant that I'll never make the mistake (for me) of buying one. On the other hand my S&W 642 works just fine, and I'm happy with it.

Gotta love the 642.

I wasn't sure what I wanted in a snubbie so I bought (in this order)) a model 642,640 and my latest purchase was a 638. The 642 came with factory laser grips which are interchangable with the 638 but I have never tried them on the 640 so I can't say for sure. One plus is they all fit in the same holsters.
Being the newest,right at the moment I sure like the 638 bodyguard.

How do you like the Clipdraw? I've always been curious how well that actually works out.

I like it a lot, use it every day. I tried one on a 1911 and didn't feel safe carrying 'cocked & locked'. On my SP101 I have the 'Universal' Clipdraw which screws into a mounting plate that is stuck to the frame. For Smiths & Wessons they have a model that screws right into the frame screw holes, which in theory is better, but it looks like the revolver sits higher. This might make it easier to grip, but I believe it was Joel who tried one, and said he thought it felt a little unstable. But heck, for twenty bucks if you don't like it it'll be the cheapest thing in your holster drawer.

Oops, I see Goalie can't argue back at the moment -- didn't mean to kick you when you were down, Goalie. So everybody, don't take Goalie's lack of response for actual agreement. Presumably he will be back to straighten me out later. (I'm still right, though.)

I did. It didn't sit right on my belt -- it was too high. On the other hand, I really do like the Barami Hipgrips for the snubbies -- my belt (and the pants) cover the trigger guard real, real well with it.

Man, I was at Cabelas on saturday on my way to the New Thing and they didn't have squat for PD or light 357 revs. I was ready to buy right there. Oh well.

Can't say enough good things about the 642. In fact the 642 fan club is a large one. (do a search on THR). I'm a big fan of the stainless 640 .357MAG as well, but the .357 loads can still be a handfull. I find not as punishing as 38+p through a Scandium model.

In fact, upon purchasing my 642, a popular local saleman told me he'd rather crack a wrench across my knuckles than sell me an Airlite.



I went with the 642 and have never had any regrets.

If you have the time, you might not be in “immediate” threat of death or great bodily harm. My $.02

It could be that the threat is to another or cover / concealment is involved, etc... Options are nice unless by their nature they introduce possibilities for failure or complexity.

I totally agree. BG could be behind my wife and I need a controlled shot(pull the hammer back and fire). Just one scenario... i guess. Another could be that I want to use the hammer at the range with my wife (with .38s of course ). She hates looooonnnggg trigger pulls.

I am leaning towards 340pd so when the SHTF, i don't have to worry about covering the hammer with my thumb while drawing out of a pocket holster. I would just have to get used to the long trigger pull. probbaly wouldn't notice it if the SHTF though. I am going to shoot someone1980's 340pd soon and see what I think.

38 specials where extremely pleasant out of it. I wanted my wife to try it but it was cold and rainy today.

.357's out of it where...managable...but YOOOOWWWWW did they sting! I want one really, really bad now! Light, small, and extremely powerful!

Thanks a bunch someone1980 for letting me shoot it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hard to beat this one. Super light to carry. Practice with 38's is a breeze. Shooting Reminton Golden Saber 125 Gr. is not bad but the heavy bullets do get your attention for sure.
S&W 360. I like the hammer myself but you can get them without it.

cabelas has a 638 on sale for 359.99 right now.