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09-23-2011, 03:43 PM
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Model 642 Service Life
I recently purchased a Model 642, and have an opportunity to handload and shoot frequently. My impression is that this gun, by design, is one that tends to be carried often and shot little.
Using 158 grain SWC with moderate (NOT +P) loads, could anyone provide a rough guesstimate of the "average service life"
for this gun ? With extreme usage, will problems likely be mechanical, excessive barrel wear, or ?
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09-23-2011, 03:48 PM
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May I ask you how much it costs you to handload 1,000 rounds?
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09-23-2011, 03:52 PM
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If I may offer a suggestion, if your financial situation allows it, you may wish to consider acquiring one of the new Model 640 Pro Series that are now available without the internal lock.
If you are going to shoot frequently, I think you would find it to be much more enjoyable than the Model 642.
You can then use the Model 642 for carry puposes.
Since the Model 540 Pro Series is all stainless steel and rated for .357 Magnum rounds, you are going to have to try really hard to wear it out shooting .38 spl SWC.
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09-23-2011, 04:28 PM
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I'll second that! Airweights are meant to be carried...period. Get yourself a sturdy steel frame revolver for the range, and you won't have to be worried about a high round count.
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09-23-2011, 04:36 PM
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If it helps I have my Model 38 from 1962 & my Colt Cobra from 1968. I shoot each about 50 rounds a month and both are plugging along just fine to date.
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09-23-2011, 04:38 PM
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Heck, if you want to shoot it go ahead and shoot it! No one here can make a prediction for you, there are too many variables. It will likely go out of time before the frame stretches. I would back down the powder a little and let her rip....
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09-23-2011, 04:42 PM
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I pocket carry/ glove compartment carry a 642 with +P loads all the time, I carry my Glock 21 .45acp as my primary gun. First off you have to shoot it a bit to get used to it, even with light loads, it can be a hand full if you have to "make it count" you got to get lead on target and we all that know that can only come from some practice.
Also, the finish really, really stinks and it is not durable( it flakes and peels and I take care of my stuff), would never buy one again and I am a die hard S&W guy, my handguns are 95% S&W and they are fantastic....
Liston to Broadside, buy another model and try to test one first if possible.... I might be way off though, maybe you will love it. Congrats either way, just had to give my take after having one for 4 years or so.....
Last edited by redbos; 09-23-2011 at 04:45 PM.
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09-23-2011, 05:46 PM
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I always figured guns were meant to be shot and then be rebuilt or thrown away when they wear out... but this is still a theory, because after forty years of shooting, I haven't worn one out yet.
FWIW, I own a 442 and a 642 and neither one of them are guns I wanna shoot regularly... but I figure I'll wear out before they do.
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09-23-2011, 06:02 PM
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You will run out of money for ammunition long before the gun wears out.
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09-23-2011, 11:12 PM
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You'll weat out before your Smith will. Fire away!
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09-23-2011, 11:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by redbos
I pocket carry/ glove compartment carry a 642 with +P loads all the time, I carry my Glock 21 .45acp as my primary gun. First off you have to shoot it a bit to get used to it, even with light loads, it can be a hand full if you have to "make it count" you got to get lead on target and we all that know that can only come from some practice.
Also, the finish really, really stinks and it is not durable( it flakes and peels and I take care of my stuff), would never buy one again and I am a die hard S&W guy, my handguns are 95% S&W and they are fantastic....
Liston to Broadside, buy another model and try to test one first if possible.... I might be way off though, maybe you will love it. Congrats either way, just had to give my take after having one for 4 years or so.....
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I purchaesd my 642 in 1996. It has been carried daily in an UNcle Mi'ke's pocket holster. I've worn out 2 and am on the 3rd. one now. The only finish issues mine has is a shiney spot on the hump and one on the trigger guard. Finish has held up amasingly well for me.
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09-24-2011, 12:36 AM
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For what it's worth.
I have a 642 No Lock I bought 15+ months ago. I put 400 rounds of 135 gr (non +P) through it for a one month break-in period before commiting it to an EDC piece. During the following 14 months I have fired 100 rounds of 135 gr (non +P) per month with no signs of any problems, total round count is 1800, or 1801 of you count the round I pinned a squirrel to a tree with. Also, I have practiced dry firing about a gazillion times and have ended up with a DAO trigger pull that is smooth as silk. It has gotten to the point that I can "Stage" the trigger right before the hammer falls, SAWEET!!! or pull all the way through without any grittiness. The only other revolvers I can do this with is my 19-4 2.5" that had an PC action job and my 1952 5-screw pre M10 that just had a total rebuild of it's guts.
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09-26-2011, 04:57 PM
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I've got one or two of the 642's with thousands of rounds downrange and no sign of any end of "service life" that I can see. They just get more and more smooth with use.
I suppose one will eventually break somewhere but, for a $350 gun, I'd say I'm getting my moneys worth.
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