I'm becoming a believer...

Jessie · #1 03-09-2018, 09:40 PM

in pocket carry with a 642 performance center in a Mika holster.
I don't even notice it in my pocket anymore.
I would like more than 5 rounds, but I don't feel undergunned with 5 FBI loads to get me out of trouble.
It surprises me to find that I'm pretty accurate with it being double action only. Enough so that I'm shooting my hammered guns that way now and having similar results.
I don't know why that is, but it is. I've always believed that single action would be more precise. It may be on a target, with time not being a factor, but it's actually slower and less accurate in rapid fire for me, at least.

JayFramer · #2 03-09-2018, 09:53 PM

I love Bob's holsters. They are tops.

Keep in mind some of today's FBI loads aren't so hot and might not give best expansion from a 1 7/8" bbl. Check out Speer's short barrel gold dot or the Remington Golden Saber, both perform better in most test I've seen from a snub.

Jessie · #3 03-09-2018, 10:11 PM

I use both of those also, but prefer the 158gr. lswchp +p. Not fun for range day, but nice for a bad day.

shouldazagged · #4 03-10-2018, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayFramer

I love Bob's holsters. They are tops.

Keep in mind some of today's FBI loads aren't so hot and might not give best expansion from a 1 7/8" bbl. Check out Speer's short barrel gold dot or the Remington Golden Saber, both perform better in most test I've seen from a snub.

Bufflao Bore's standard pressure 158gr. LSWCHP-GC clocks just about identically to the good older FBI load (Remington) that I carried for nearly twenty years. Their +P rendition is near low-end .357 Magnum power. My EDC is loaded with the standard pressure version now.

Not knocking the Speer SB load or the Golden Saber (I have carried the latter), but I like a heavier projectile and the FBI load got the job done for decades from both 2" and 4" barrels.

white cloud · #5 03-10-2018, 08:51 AM

I think a 2" J frame is an excellent choice. You may want to read Ed Lovette's book. It contains a lot of wisdom. I too carry the Buffalo Bore 158gr standard pressure. It shoots to POA at the ranges I am concerned with.

Scorpion520AZ · #6 03-10-2018, 09:22 AM

If I'm breathing, there's a J-Frame in my pocket.

petepeterson · #7 03-10-2018, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessie

in pocket carry with a 642 performance center in a Mika holster.
I don't even notice it in my pocket anymore.
I would like more than 5 rounds, but I don't feel undergunned with 5 FBI loads to get me out of trouble.
It surprises me to find that I'm pretty accurate with it being double action only. Enough so that I'm shooting my hammered guns that way now and having similar results.
I don't know why that is, but it is. I've always believed that single action would be more precise. It may be on a target, with time not being a factor, but it's actually slower and less accurate in rapid fire for me, at least.

I find them to be very "pointable", compared to a larger auto. If you have somewhere that you can practice point-shooting, you'll be surprised how accurate you can be without using the sights.

MichiganScott · #8 03-10-2018, 10:19 AM

I've carried a 642 in a Mika for about 15 years. The only issue I have with it is you can not draw the pistol when sitting. Even if the WW 158gr +P SWCHP that I usually carry don't expand, I figure the flat nose and sharp shoulders will do the same type of damage that Keith profile bullets have been famous for since first invented.

The only revolver I own that gets shot single action is a 8 3/8" Model 29. I've shot DA revolvers DA for so many years that I never noticed any of the perceived short comings with the trigger on the first generation M&P polymer pistols I own.

shouldazagged · #9 03-10-2018, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpion520AZ

If I'm breathing, there's a J-Frame in my pocket.

I would have to qualify that a little. If I'm wearing pants there's a J-frame in my pocket.

If I'm not, there's a J-frame within reach.

Scorpion520AZ · #10 03-10-2018, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shouldazagged

I would ave to qualify that a little. If I'm wearing pants there's a J-frame in my pocket.

If I'm not, there's a J-frame within reach.

LOL! Agreed

haywood · #11 03-10-2018, 05:27 PM

442 lives in my pocket and one of these others is AIWB.

Donn · #12 03-28-2018, 08:10 AM

Standard pressure Golden Sabers usually ride in my old Model 49. Lately, I've read/seen good things about good short barrel expansion with Hornady Critical Defense and penetration with Ruger ARX. Don't know if I'd use the ARX's in anything with a longer barrel when penetration might be an issue, but in a shorty, especially during cold weather, (layers of clothing), they might be a good choice.

white cloud · #13 03-28-2018, 11:49 AM

My wife took my 642. I have to struggle on with a non magnum 649. Seriously though, I think pocket carry is my default method in the summer and a lot of the rest of the year.

Bill In Texas · #14 03-28-2018, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpion520AZ

If I'm breathing, there's a J-Frame in my pocket.

Hey! That looks like my holster!

I love my Mika holster and prefer to carry my 640 in my pocket. I need to order another from him soon just to have a spare.

KalamazooKid · #15 03-28-2018, 05:32 PM

Only way I roll - for 12 years plus.

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DevilDog72 · #16 03-29-2018, 05:31 PM

I do like J frames...a lot. I carry my 640 OWB. If I carry in my pocket it is a 642 in the weak side front pocket as a bug to my 19-4 snub or 1911 Commander. To me the pocket carry as primary is too cumbersome. That said, carry every day in any way that works for you.

ISCS Yoda · #17 03-29-2018, 05:50 PM

I made the switch to a 649 from a 642. The weight change is negligible in my pocket and the steel gun is so much more shootable and accurate/easy to hit with. Funny thing is I was going to start a thread on the subject but I forgot. Now I'll let it go.

It has been such a busy week that after a range session about two weeks ago, some gun cleaning, and then a tools and toys lock-up before a weekend trip to NJ/NYC, I have been extremely lazy and have not retrieved from my safes my preferred guns, especially my snubby K frame. The 649 is there and it's SO GREAT that I just haven't gone after the others. I probably will over this weekend. But the M649 will remain handy!

Jessie · #18 03-30-2018, 09:16 AM

After starting this thread I got to thinking....how long will this Mika last being carried everyday?
It should be a long time but, to play it safe, I just ordered another one.
What's that saying? Two is one one one is none?

dr. K · #19 03-30-2018, 10:28 AM

I think practicing by shooting small revolvers in double action is an almost sure fire way (pardon the pun) to increase accuracy and reinforce good habits on any other handgun platform. It’s been true for me at least... I can usually produce pretty impressive targets with a full-size or even compact semi-auto at the range because of the trigger control I’ve learned on double action revolvers. I’d still rather have a j frame on my side though. :-)

KalamazooKid · #20 04-03-2018, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessie

After starting this thread I got to thinking....how long will this Mika last being carried everyday?
It should be a long time but, to play it safe, I just ordered another one.
What's that saying? Two is one one one is none?

Mine pictured above has been carried most every day for 12 years and is just nicely broken in!

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