S&W 642 VS S&W 686

[dsawi52695]

Hi Everyone:

I am disabled and use a motorized wheelchair to get around.  I would like to get a pistol for Conceal Carry and Home Defense once I get my CCW permit. 

What is the difference between the S&W 642 and the S&W 686?  Can .38 caliber ammo be useed in both?  What does the +P designation specify?  What barrel lenth would be best for concealed carry and way?   I would think a longer barrel would reduce recoil and make the weapon easier to manage/shoot

Any and all ideas would be appreciated.  I am sure there will be several different opinions.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and cooperation. I hope to hear from you soon,

David

[txgolfer45]

The 642 is a j frame snubnosed revolver that shoots .38 Special up to +P.  The 686 is a full size revolver in .357 magnum.  The 686 can also shoot .38 specials.  The 686 will weigh considerably more than the 642.  Approximately 41 oz vs. 15 oz for the 642.  Try both and see which you like.  The 642 will be easier to conceal but harder to shoot.

[Timothy]

There are too many old firearms around that can't handle increased case pressures of todays ammunition.  So SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) uses the +P designation to separate the new pressure limit for these old cartridges from the old lower standard.

Both of the guns you mention can handle +P ammunition and most people agree that .38 special is sufficient for defensive carry.  I think that if the gun can handle the higher pressure, the increased velocity would be an advantage as it also increases the impact energy on the target.

The heavier revolver is designed around the .357 Magnum cartridge which is very capable ammo for defensive carry but may be a handfull for a new shooter.  Both guns do come in short barrel versions.  I don't think short barrel guns are difficult to shoot, but may take some practice getting used to.  Again, center mass hits from 10-15 feet are not difficult to accomplish with even shortest of barrels.  Considering your situation, training with an experienced instructor would be helpful.

Good luck...be safe.

[m25operator]

If I was wheelchair active, I would choose the 686, as you have more opportunity to hide the revolver, in your rig, than I have on the street... Plus, you can get the 686 plus, and have 7 rounds versus 5, I carry a 5 shot everyday, but would take more if I could hide it. The wheel chair gives a better method of hiding a firearm than standing up, and using clothes.  If you have the money, you could get a performance center 8 shot revolver, N frame, The short revolvers have been a lot less than a long barrel, still expensive, about 800 or so.

Best of luck.
M25

[Rob Pincus]

Lots of good info here already...

I carry a 642... an older one that is not marked with a "+p" rating...

You should try to get to a range and rent/shoot both types before you decide.

-RJP

[Sponsor]

[dsawi52695]

Hi everyone:

I know that the S&W 642 are available in three distinct hammer styles – the "Chiefs Special" with exposed hammer, the "Centennial" frame with fully enclosed hammer and the "Bodyguard" frame (.38 S&W Special +P only) shrouded hammer.  My next question might sound less than intelligent.  If that is the case, that is not my intent. 

Besides the obvious differences in hammer styles, why would someone pick one over the other?  I know that the hammerless model would be pretty much snag proof, right?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?  Would this be the best choice for concealed carry or self defense?  I expect opinions to vary somewat.

Thank you again,

David

P.S.  All of the responses so far are appreciated, thank you.

[Timothy]

David,

All three guns are small lightweight revolvers using the same basic frame geometry.  All three can shoot either .38 Special or .38 Special +P ammunition.  When they say "+P only" I think they mean "don't use .357 magnum".  All three can be loaded with the high power ammo but it would create a dangerous situation as the frame material is not strong enough for .357 mag. load

That being said, as the other fellas have suggested, all three are great for concealed carry.  The hammerless and bobbed hammer styles will fit in a pocket so they are "snagless" designs for that reason.  In your situation, any of the three could be suitable.  I doubt you would need a "pocket pistol" because your sitting down.  The actions of the hammerless are different in that one needs only to point the gun and squeeze the trigger.  Pretty simple....the gun with a hammer exposed can be cocked and fired single action as well...

[PegLeg45]

Also the shrouded hammer style can be fired from inside a jacket pocket, if necessary (Like Pincus did on TBD Wednesday).

[Hazcat]

On top of what Tim just said if it says "+P only" .357 will not fit (yes, it will go into the chamber but the cylinder will not close) and .38 (regular) is same size as +P just less powerful so it will shoot that just fine.

[Timothy]

On top of what Tim just said if it says "+P only" .357 will not fit (yes, it will go into the chamber but the cylinder will not close) and .38 (regular) is same size as +P just less powerful so it will shoot that just fine.

Thanks for the correction Haz...it's been a while since my revolver days...