FYI,

I noticed today that Buds Gun Shop is advertising no lock 442's and 642's available again. Discount Guns for Sale - Buds Gun Shop.

Thanks for the tip! They must have sold out and just now got them back in stock.

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But then, what do I know?

Thanks HC,

Got one of the 642 No Lock's coming my way...

After handleing one the other day in the Pawn Shop,, I was bit,, and just had to have one.

I'm really looking forward to seeing it for the First Time. Sort of Like an Early Christmas for me. I thought about waiting,, but didn't want to take a chance in not being able to persuade Santa,

Joe

I just got a 442 Pro "Moon Clip" from Bud's. I have not even gotten around to firing it so far.
I have been working with my F Class Target Rifle the last couple weeks.
I need to get an order off to TK and get more moon clips and a couple J Frame California Competition Works Moon Clip Carriers for it.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

Better get em' while you can. I was at my FFL last evening, he can't get any 2 inch J frames from his distributor, not a one. The panic is on.

Oh, he has some Glops though.

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Sure you did

My local dealer has stacks of new J Frames. He must have 50 boxes stacked up!
Maybe , if I looked through them all, I might find a good one....lol

I picked up a 642 non-lock last month although on gunbroker. My first ever J-Frame.

L13,

Bud's price has gone up 13 $'s since I got mine!!!

S&W M642 38 1 7/8 No Lock Stainless $394.00 SHIPS FREE

LifeTime Warranty

Make Hay Whilst The Sun Shine's,

Joe

Great to hear you got one, the most popular J frame out there. Still a bargain at $394, imo.

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Sure you did

If I'm going to have just a five shot I'd just as soon have my SP101 that will shoot 38 or 357.

CC,

That was pretty much my thinking too with my Taurus 650 SS2. But at 24oz,, it was just too heavy for my pocket.

When I saw the 642,, it looked just like my 650,, but was waaay liter, coming in at 9oz diff.,, felt like it was going to float out of my hand.

True enough that the 642 won't shoot 357 mag,, but will handle 38 +P. Haveing a Gun,, that won't weigh me down,, and feel clumsy toteing in the pocket,, it's a tradeoff I'm willing to deal with. I'll still keep the 650 around though,, as a backup...

Seems like for me anyway,, that I tend to drift more towards convenience and less complicated,, which is why I like DAO, No Lock, & Lite as a Feather,

Joe

better trigger, lighter weight, and more concealable. that little smith can fit easily into your pocket.

better trigger, lighter weight, and more concealable. that little smith can fit easily into your pocket.

Mine was $327.99 plus $20 shipping last month through sportsmans outdoor superstore...

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Doug;}
RSO from WA State

They were going for $425-50 a couple of years ago before Smith reduced the prices on j-frames so anyone who bought then will always lose on a re-sale. Better off just keeping.

I carry all the time, and have for years. I pocket carry in a jacket or vest pocket, when I pocket carry.
My findings on weight for pocket carry:

J Frame Airweight: a perfect weight for pocket carry. Recoil is brisk.

LCR-22 or LCR 38: a perfect weight for pocket carry. Factory grips are a hair bulkey however, but not a real problem. The bulky grips soak up recoil well.

LCR 357: The 357 version is right on the line of being to heavy for pocket carry. With the combination of the grips and added weight of the 357 model, it soaks up recoil well, and is not bad to shoot at all with +P.

SP101: To heavy for pocket carry for most people. Great choice for belt carry in a quality holster like a Lobo Enhanced Pancake.

K Frame 2" or 2-1/2": To heavy for pocket carry. Great for belt carry, and a very shootable size handgun.

For pocket carry the J Frame Airweight carrys the best of all listed above as it comes out of the box.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

I experimented with an airweight, an old Model 36 and a Model 60. For me, pocket carry for revolver just wasn't going to work. So I picked my favorite - the model 60 - got an IWB holster, and sold the 36. Works for me.

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But then, what do I know?

For anyone looking, I checked yesterday, they still had this great price.

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Sure you did

Interesting info; I appreciate the insight.

What's the thought on the 15 oz. Airweights vs. the 11.4 oz. scandium AirLites (I think AirLite is the proper term). Is the nearly 4 oz. less weight noticed in the pocket? Is that 4 oz. noticed while shooting +P ammo?

Has a general concensus, even if loosely, been formed about the benefit or lack thereof been formed on the scandium J-frames?

While I highly doubt the difference in weight is worth the price, I am curious if the difference in weight would be appreciated while in one's pocket.

my airlite's frame is not scandium, though it does have a titanium cylinder - 342 pre-lock. both 342 and 642-1 have hogue bantam grips and absorb the kick of +P speer gold dot 135 gr. .38 spl no problem. no difference in kick between the two. try some other grips and you will get some other result.

IMO, if it weighs more than about 13.5 ozs. loaded, it is too heavy for pocket carry. This after trying several different weights through the years. If you want it to be not noticeable in the pocket... 13.5 ozs is my limit.