revolver or semi auto for pocket BUG

[451 Detonics]

I am a revolver shooter from way back, my primary carry gun is a S&W 325PD, an N-frame 2.75" 45acp. I normally carry at least one other revolver as a BUG, quite often on the opposite hip in a crossdraw holster. For pocket carry however I have been using a Kel-Tec PF-9 for over 3 years now. After giving the idea a good amount of thought I have decided to give a J-frame 642 a shot at front pocket duty. Despite zero function problems from my PF-9 there are some things I like about the revolver. During colder weather I can pre-stage the gun from pants pocket to holding it in my hand inside a jacket pocket for example and if needed can even fire it from inside the pocket. The 642 also shaves a few ounces of the weight of the PF-9 and fits a bit better in the pocket, easier to draw as well.

Fortunately for me getting my hands on a 642 was as simple as driving over to my Father's house and borrowing one of his (leaving him with 2 still on hand). I borrowed a right hand Milt Sparks pocket holster as well and have been carrying it for a couple days now. I have discovered the following...

Pro's
1. A few ounces in the pocket does make a difference.
2. The humpback hammerless design makes for an easier draw than the very square design of the PF-9.
3. The cylinder despite being fatter doesn't print any more that the PF-9.
4. As a revolver guy the gun feels "right" in my hand.
5. Two speed strips are as easy to carry as one magazine in a belt pouch.

Con's
1. Only 5 rounds on board instead of 8 in the PF-9.

I doubt I will be able to talk Dad out of this one so I think I will start looking for a deal on one of my own...most likely a 442 as I am not a fan of shiny guns for SD. I have shot J-Frames a good bit even tho I have never owned one, I do a lot of the testing for my Dad who has been battering his wrists for so long with handguns most of the cartilage is gone. With a total of 15 rounds of DPX when being carried as a BUG I think it will easily do the job of the PF-9.

 

[Old Shooter]

Nothing wrong with a J frame especially since you are a self confessed revolver man to begin with. All your points are valid, the only thing the PF-9 brings to the table is 8 rounds before needing a reload and then you've got your 15 rounds again.

I have a P-11 and a Smith model 36 which I alternate carry, mostly the P-11 for the 11 rounds of 9mm versus the 5 rounds of 38 special +P.

 

[David E]

Seems to me that the smaller a gun gets, the shinier it should be. (you want the badguy to see it)

The gun capacity means much more than how many extra rds you're carrying. You really can't count the reloads.

To help decide between the two, pocket-draw each and fire 5 shots on an IPSC target placed at six yds. Compare times and groups, choose accordingly.

 

[TonyT]

451 Detonic,
You summed up the pluses and minuses very well. The big advantage of the S&W 642 is that in an emergency you could fire it through your clothing. I carry either a S&W 642 or a Kahr PM-9.

 

[jad0110]

One other advantage of the enclosed hammer J Frame, at least for me, is that the rounded backstrap does make for more consisent, smoother drawing.

In the end its all about what "does it" for you. I shoot small autos rather poorly, so for me the answer is easy.

 

[elano]

I've been on the fence about these exact two guns for a good while now. My new job requires that I wear kaki slacks with a shirt tucked in which limits me to pocket carry.

Maybe you can help answer some questions.
Which one prints least in the pocket?
Which is the most comfortable to carry in the pocket?
Which one is most comfortable to shoot?

Also, thanks for the photos!!!!

 

[dprice3844444]

check galls for shirts that have gun pockets in them and pants that conceal 4 mags made by 5.11

cheaperthandirt.com sells vests that have concealed gun pockets. thunderbelt.com

 

[Gato Montés]

Is it just me, or has that 642 been stripped of its finish?

 

[451 Detonics]

Maybe you can help answer some questions.
Which one prints least in the pocket?
Which is the most comfortable to carry in the pocket?
Which one is most comfortable to shoot?

I think the S&W wins every one of those categories...

Is it just me, or has that 642 been stripped of its finish?

Nope...never had that finish, older gun before they started trying to make them all one color.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I prefer a small pistol as it is thinner (I used a Kahr PM9 in this role for several years), but your logic and reasoning is well thought out.

 

[451 Detonics]

The additional width of the cylinder really doesn't make it print anymore than the PF-9, I thought it would but it I think because it is rounded it tends to blend. And it you look at the second pic you will see the biggest difference. The difference in height and the shape of the hump of the 642really make it draw much smoother from the pocket.

I will likely stay with the 642 for pocket use and use the PF-9 in a concealment T-shirt or weakside crossdraw when I carry the Glock 19 as a primary.

 

[jad0110]

The additional width of the cylinder really doesn't make it print anymore than the PF-9, I thought it would but it I think because it is rounded it tends to blend.

The pocket holster is a factor too. The Robert Mika makes a 642 look like a wallet. But even cheaper versions like the Uncle Mikes that print the cylinder don't scream "gun" IMO. It just looks like a lump, and your average sheeple isn't going to know it from a wallet or cell phone anyway.