Good points here, glock27.glock27 wrote:Ive got the 642 smith. If your looking for a pocket gun its a great choice. I had a 340pd awhile back. Its was absolute bloody finger punishment to put 50 rounds of 357 blazer thru it. And keep in mind that majority of folks who have a small 357 only load it with 38. So keep that in mind as price goes
Why spend extra on a 357 when your only gonna load it with 38s. Its a nice option to have but not in a j frame.
I have a scandium-framed J-frame (possibly a 340PD---I would have to dig it out to confirm) and can confirm that the full-house .357 Magnum loads are quite unpleasant in that gun, which is at least 3 ounces lighter than the 642 (.38 Special only).
Speer's short-barrel .357 load is better in that gun and the 640, but I have a hard time locating that product in the market right now; I do not know about the current availability of their .38 Special short barrel product, and do not have experience with any similar products by other manufacturers.
As I see it, availability of suitable ammunition should be factored into making a selection.
The 642 is a safe, default choice, plus I think S&W offers a version without the lock.