Not that I needed it, I just wanted it so I went back and got the 642 I had been looking at. While I was waiting for some paperwork to be filled out I took a look at the Ruger Alaskan the had in the case. That is one MASSIVE revolver, even with the "snub" barrel. I think I'll just stick with my Model 29 4" and Super Blackhawk with the 4 5/8" barrel for a handgun when a .44 Magnum is needed.

Good luck with your 642, a nice gun with many fans on this Forum. With your .44 Mag experience, you probably won't have trouble with recoil... And get that Ruger Alaskan snub! Mine has a wonderful DA trigger and is comfy to shoot with the issue grips.

I think I'll like it. I don't see it getting shot much, I really bought it "just because". For eventual CCW I actually prefer my 2 3/4" Model 19, although it's all steel and quite a bit heavier. The 642 does however fit nicely in back jeans pocket and light jacket pockets. I do feel adequately armed with 5 rounds of .38 Special. What Alaskan do you have, the .44 Magnum? I might consider the Alaskan in .480 Ruger, but with two .44 magnum revolvers I really don't see the need for a .480, especially when the .44 will kill anything I ever intend to hunt, up to and including bears possibly at some point.

Hey Kid, I got the .44 Mag Alaskan. They seem to be all over the valley here, odd, isn't it? Grip is bulky,but man, it tames that recoil! Was a hadda have, love snub guns. Have a bunch of 80s era medium ammo (240gr/950fps) but it handles the full bore stuff comfortably as well. Not the Silvertip .44Mag loads, difficulty extracting. Go figure. Still can't understand the great DA pull, but not complaining. Better than the SA. Go figure again.

Can't wait to try it in a snub match. That's just me. Thanks for your like.