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i just got a new pistol and find that it's probably too big for ccw. i'm thinking seriously about a revolver small enough for comfortable everyday carry yet big enough for protection. i'm a bit intrigued by the s & W 642 (the stainless version). i have a rather large hand and would have to hold one to tell if it fits me.

any comments on the 642? does it come in blued finish? what about a hammer? any other suggestions for a really nice quality revolver?

The 642 comes from the J frame (small frame) family of S&W revolvers. There is a "black" version of the 642 - it's the 442. The gun is not entirely blued, the frame is aluminum so it's black anodized and the cylinder and barrel are carbon steel, they may have matte blued finish on them. I carry a 642 everyday, since the cylinder and barrel are stainless and the frame is anodized clear aluminum, the finish helps protect against rust and perspiration. Most people who carry the 442 eventually will get some rust on them, a lot of owners send them off to get some version of polymer coating to protect against corrosion.

There are J frames that have external hammers, such as the 36 and 37 (blued) and 60 which is entirely stainless steel.

There are others that either have external or internal hammers that are made from extra lightweight strong alloy such as strongtium or scandium. If you've never shot a small revolver, best stay away from these extra lightweight beasts.

Most people carry these little gems in pocket holsters or ankle rigs. They're nice to have when you're not packing any heat

Is S & W the best of small framed revolvers made today? I'm wanting something in all stainless w/blued finish) for easy ccw. I'll happily pay 1k for a high quality revolver (38 or whatever). I have "heaters" but they are too large for my comfortable every day carry.

Again, i'd like something of high quality so....does that mean I have to send a factory gun to a smith to make it "silky smooth".

I remember some 30 years ago...looking at a Colt diamondback (short barrel) or other Colt models and they seemed really nice. I guess I was foolish not to buy THEN, given what I see written today about those guns.

I'm familiar with a Colt Diamondback with 2.5" barrel, they're nice gun, but I wouldn't use one for everyday carry, it's a little big for pocket carry. It's a holster gun, so if you're going to stuff it in a holster, there are better alternatives.

Smiths are good gun, I wouldn't worry about a silky smooth trigger. It is a close range weapon, factory trigger is mostly fine. Unless you have a ton of stupid money that you want to throw around. There are dozens of qualified revolver smiths that can tune the action for you.

There are other small revolvers such as Charter Arms, Taurus, etc. But I would bet my life on a S&W, like many others have.

There is no such thing as blued stainless guns. If you want stainless steel (all steel) S&W J frames, you're limited to the 640 (hammerless) and 60 (external hammer). They can be painted with polymer finish such as Black T, if you want black guns.

Good luck.