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I have been thinking about getting a small revolver. I went to B&S Guns in Garland tonight and had a GREAT discussion with the salesman Reese. He showed me the black S&W 442, the grey S&W 642, and the dark grey S&W 340. They were priced at $399, $419, and $699 for the 340. The 442 and 642 are 38 special and 38 special + P, while the 340 is 38 special, 38 special +P, and also 357 magnum. The 340 had night sights.

I do not know which is the better buy. The prices seem a little high, but am okay with paying a little more since I would have a place to ask questions and such.

What do you guys think?

Joe

Of those 3 pistols, the 442 and 642 are the best buys. The 340 is lighter and most folks that shoot them, don't want to shoot them again due to the pounding their hand gets from the little powerhouse. The 642 is the most popular of the 3, hands down. I have one and carry it about 90% of the time.
The only difference between the 642 and 442 is the color and the model number itself. The 642 won't show wear as quickly as the black finish of the 442 but if you don't care about that, spend the $20 you save on more ammo.

In the photo below, all 5 shot groups other than the bullseye, were shot @ 10 yards, 2 hand hold. I'd fire one shot in the open area of the paper and then aim the next 4 at the first bullet hole. This was the 1st range trip with my 642.

JRG, I love my S&W 642 !

It can be carried in almost

fashion. Usually in my front

pocket.

Those prices do seem a bit high to me.

I purchased mine in Wichita Falls because

the store owner quoted me $ 365.

I jumped and have never regretted it.

http://WWW.sportingarms.com usually have the

best prices . (Lewisville, Texas)

My vote is the 642.

Good Luck !

OBTW Service after the sale is a very important concern. But
your 642 should NEVER have ANY issues.

+1 on the little 642......I have mine with me most of the time

I agree - you can't go wrong with that little 642. It just sorta disappears no matter how you carry it. If you have one around you might check Academy Sports. They carry them and there prices are a bit less and there sevice (the one I buy at anyway) is good and the counter people are pretty friendly.

Yep, as other have said the 442/642 is, for most folks, the best value. Even more so if you can locate one with the factory-installed Crimson Trace ovemoulded grips. A year or so ago, I saw 'em going at places like Cabellas and Sportsman's Warehouse for as little as $499.

I've a a 340 (with CT grips) since they were introduced and really like it. But, the ability to shoot .357s (which I rarely do) and the lighter weight (3 ounces) calculates out to about $100 per ounce ...

I have a standard 340SC - it's my "Always" gun, and after giving it a mild action tune myself (Just about anyone who watches the Jerry Miculek DVD can do it themselves), I find that I like it a lot.

$699 seems high . . . take a look around for a Sportsman's Warehouse; that's where I bought mine, during one of their "customer appreciation day" sales.

another vote for the 642

I love my 642 and my Mika Pocket Holster.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm

It is almost always with me and is a good compromise between control and weight.

One of these days I will add a pair of laser grips and it will be perfect.

Check out this thread over at The High Road.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658

Yet another vote for the 642 here. JRG, do you get the hint that the 642 is a fine snubby revolver??

JLaw

One more vote for the 642 and Mika pocket holster.

I paid Tomball Pawn $349 for my new 642 back in March.

+1 on the 642 in a Mika pocket holster for every day carry.
Except when I'm wearing slacks to church, then it's 642 in a Smart Carry.

Sounds like I should be looking at the 642. I will do that.

This will be my summer purchase.

Joe

I just picked up a new 642 from Academy yesterday. It will be my summer concealed piece. It fits perfectly in the pocket of a pair of jeans. I also just ordered a Mika pocket holster.

Todd

Another +1 for the 642. A DeSantis pocket holster works well, too.

Edited to add:

I was referring to the DeSantis "Nemesis." I would have paid 3 times as much as they ask...it's a great little holster.