Any discussion of concealed carry handguns will invariably include at least some attention to the issue of weight. And over the last decade at least, many manufacturers have been engaged in a fierce competition to be able to brag that theirs is “the lightest gun in its class.”
Having owned and/or carried many different guns over the last 40 years, I’ll be the first to admit that weight certainly is an important element to consider when it comes to choosing a firearm for daily carry. The old saying among cops, that “no gun gets lighter as the day gets longer,” still holds true today. Comfort is absolutely a consideration, and weight is definitely a part of that equation. But should weight be the primary factor?
After all, there are many other things that affect such an important purchase, not the least of which is price. One example is the Smith & Wesson “J-frame” line, long one of the most popular handguns for carry, especially with newcomers.
You can get a basic Model 642, which is an alloy-framed, steel-cylinder, 5-shot, double-action-only compact revolver in .38 Special, with a 1.875-inch barrel. It weighs just 14.4 ounces. Cost? MSRP is $469, and you can find them on sale for less than $400.
However, if you absolutely must have the lightest model available, you could opt for the Model 340PD, which is virtually identical to the 642 in features but weighs a mere 11.8 ounces. MSRP is $1019, with “over the counter” pricing not that much better — usually around $900. Is it really worth spending more than twice the money just to save slightly over 2 ounces? You decide.
Note: Many “super-light” guns can also experience “crimp-jump” (do a web search for details). Also, because their light weight is a result of exotic metallurgy, various other problems have arisen, including bullet weight restrictions. Do your research before you plunk down a lot of cash.
Another aspect to “going light” is recoil. It’s simply a matter of physics; lighter guns kick harder. Now, in an actual, high-stress confrontation, you will be pumped up on adrenaline, and will likely not even notice (or care about) recoil. The real problem is that ultra-light handguns are often so uncomfortable to shoot that many folks do not practice nearly as often as they should.
One interesting solution was chosen by a friend of mine who owned a Model 642 (.38 Special). Some years ago, he bought a Model 60 in .357 Magnum. His reasoning? He found the slightly heavier (22 ounces versus 15 ounces) Model 60, using .38 Special target loads, was much more pleasant to shoot for extended practice sessions than his 642.
Thus, he could practice (using .38 Special ammo) with the Model 60 while using the lighter 642 for carry. As a bonus, he now has the option of carrying the slightly heavier but more potent .357 Magnum Model 60, should he feel the need to do so.
If your budget doesn’t allow for multiple guns, at least consider the Model 60; at less than $600, it’s sort of a “best of all worlds” solution: comfortable for practice, plenty of punch for defense and still light enough to be comfortable for all-day carry (Hint: A good holster and belt make a huge difference).
Bottom line? Do your research. Try out as many guns as you can. Then choose what’s best for you.
