Now that I am learning more and more about my 642 w/ I.L., and hating it more and more everyday, what is the best material to get when looking for a new holster? Yes it has the aluminum " Airweight " frame with the anodizing that I fear will deteriorate with the wrong material holster. I live in hot and humid Florida to help with your answers. Is it correct that leather is NOT the way to go? For clarification, I mean a I.W.B. or S.O.B. holster. Thanks again everyone for the help, I took the advice on the new grips and immeadiately made a purchase. 26
Holster Material for 642 AIRWEIGHT???
- Thread starter 26Ford
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photoman
Member
I've used leather, kydex, plastic, denim and paper sacks for 642 holsters and haven't noticed any ill effects on the clear coat. I have heard that amonia based cleaning solutions will effect the clear coat and the coating can be chipped off with a screwdriver so be careful there.
I have used every type material in holsters for my 642 and the finish, particularly near the cylinder release, is just about shot. There are two likely causes of that. 1. I wear it IWB in the summer and there is contact against bare skin; and, 2. I wear it.
Frankly, though it doesn't look great, there is NO loss of functionality. None of my guns are safe queens. None of my tools, either. I actually like the fact that items show signs of use/enjoyment.
Be safe.
Frankly, though it doesn't look great, there is NO loss of functionality. None of my guns are safe queens. None of my tools, either. I actually like the fact that items show signs of use/enjoyment.
Be safe.
cantpickone
Member
My purchased new and well carried 642 has deteriorating and chipped finish everywhere that wasn't inserted into a leather IWB holster. As the previous poster said "function isn't affected."
I have to view it as a tool and not a thing of beauty as these frames can't be refinished.
I have to view it as a tool and not a thing of beauty as these frames can't be refinished.
Thanks everyone for thier honest and educated opinions on the subject. I totally respect wholeheartedly the opinions. Everyone has or will purchase a handgun they wish they didn't, and this one is my thorn in my side. I traded, dare I say a $500 Taurus for it. I'm on a fixed income as a lot of us are, and I dont have to say that I couldn't sell this 642 with a lock, for much of anything. I really hate this gun.
Any trades for another Smith? P.M. me, has original box, books, spent casing, exactly as it came from S&W, and a new set of U.M. grips too. Excuse me while I get some cheese to go with my whine...................
Any trades for another Smith? P.M. me, has original box, books, spent casing, exactly as it came from S&W, and a new set of U.M. grips too. Excuse me while I get some cheese to go with my whine...................
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jframe
Member
Thanks everyone for thier honest and educated opinions on the subject. I totally respect wholeheartedly the opinions. Everyone has or will purchase a handgun they wish they didn't, and this one is my thorn in my side. I traded, dare I say a $500 Taurus for it. I'm on a fixed income as a lot of us are, and I dont have to say that I couldn't sell this 642 with a lock, for much of anything. I really hate this gun.
Well, as far as honest opinions go, I've never SEEN a Taurus worth $500.00. I would say the 642 was an excellent trade if it was on a Taurus, no matter which way the money went.
I love you guy's, but nothing like kicking a good man when he's down,{ hehe }. Sounds like you all have real some nice trades for my 642 your just dying to make, my FFL is waiting patiently on your delivery....................
Ford "taurus", now that's funny!!LMAO.
Ford "taurus", now that's funny!!LMAO.
photoman
Member
The 642, IL or not, crusty looking or not, is an excellent concealed carry gun. Every wardrobe should have at least one. My most used 642 is super crusty looking (it was that way when I bought it, used) and my second most used 642 came from the factory with the IL (a 15 minute lockectomy took care of that).
Thanks Photoman, I really appreciate your post's and your love of the 642. I unfortunately, although very capable of the lockectomy, are just to leary of " laywers " to do it, thank you friend, have a great state of Texas day!! 26
braindoc
Member
26Ford,
I have the same issues with my 642 with the clear coat peeling off particularly at the cylinder release and IL area. I just rub some beeswax on that area which helps. I also use a kydex IWB holster which is resistant to sweat. For me the 642 or Glock 26 has the best materials/finish for carry in hot humid climates. As others have said, it is just a tool.
braindoc
I have the same issues with my 642 with the clear coat peeling off particularly at the cylinder release and IL area. I just rub some beeswax on that area which helps. I also use a kydex IWB holster which is resistant to sweat. For me the 642 or Glock 26 has the best materials/finish for carry in hot humid climates. As others have said, it is just a tool.
braindoc
I have carried this 340PD ever day for the past 18 months with no ill effects to the finish of the gun, only a few rub marks on the high spots where rub marks are going to happen. My wife made this holster out of curduroy. Granted it is a pocket holster and not IWB or SOB but perhaps you could get someone to sew one up to your specifications.
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one eye joe
US Veteran
Hey 26Ford, the 642 is held by many knowledgeable pistoleros to be the finest CCW in existence. It is the most widely sold S&W model, and the vast majority of us owners love this revolver for it's easy of carry and concealment, reliability, and firepower. IMHO, anyone that traded you a 642 for a Taurus was a FOOL. There isn't a Taurus made that is the equal of the S&W 642. That being said, if you can elaborate on what it is that you"hate" about your 642, I'm sure that someone on this Forum can help you to address the issue. For instance, if you hate the IL, order a "Plug" from our esteemed member Bullseye Smith--problem solved. My gut feeling, is that you're an inexperienced revolver shooter that needs to get more range time with your 642. Eventually, you will gain confidence with it and it will become an extension of your body. With regard to your original quetion, I would stay away from Kydex holsters as they tend to scratch weapons, and look into pocket holsters which are perfect for carry in a t-shirt and shorts or even a bathing suit w/o a shirt--common attire in Florida.....
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cantpickone
Member
A 642 sells new in the store for exactly $500 today in my area. I think that you made a good trade.
I imagine that you traded a solid stainless steel Taurus and can't face up to the fact that the finish will wear away to some degree on this 642 if carried.
You are far better off carrying the lighter 642 with a wearing finish than a shiny heavier Taurus.
I imagine that you traded a solid stainless steel Taurus and can't face up to the fact that the finish will wear away to some degree on this 642 if carried.
You are far better off carrying the lighter 642 with a wearing finish than a shiny heavier Taurus.
$2Ray
Member
Maybe he meant Ford Taurus
Thanks for the laugh.
