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10-22-2014, 03:59 PM
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Two New Model 642s
I just picked up two new model 642s. They both came without internal locks (which is the only reason why I purchased them) and I recently got to shoot them for the first time.
The only thing I changed on them was to put Hogue Bantam grips on them so that I could use them with speedloaders. I have to say that they are great little carry guns and were fun to shoot.
I shot about 75% regular .38 special loads at the range through them. The other 25% was .38 special +P loads. I found even the .38 special +P ammo to be rather tolerable and controllable in my 642s. Maybe it was the Hogue Bantam grips? I didn't shoot them with the original grips that came with them. I knew that they had issues with certain speedloaders, and also just liked the way that the Hogue Bantams felt.
I didn't do as well as I would have liked at the range. But, for my first time shooting them I did well enough for self-defense use. Below are pics of my target (regular and a close-up) shooting offhand at 20 feet. I have always read that around 98%-99% of civilian gun fights occur at a distance of 7 yards (21 feet) or less. So I just used the 20 feet line that this range had.
Except for a couple of flyers, I can cover the rest of my shots with a 9" paper plate. Not that good, but also not too bad for a first session I guess. With practice, I hope to get even better with these 642s. I really am impressed with these little and very light j-frames. How do some of you other 642 (or 442, 637, 638) owners like your little airweights?
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10-22-2014, 04:20 PM
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I bought one a while back and like it. I left the original wood on it and the kick even with +Ps does not seem too bad.
FWIW they had 2 no lockers and a few locker models there at that time and I notice one locker and the none locker that I did not purchase had a slight cant to the barrel. Gaps on all guns looked reasonable! Trigger pulls all seemed about the same (a bit heavy) I do a lot of business there and I looked over all 642s they had in stock!
Since all those guns sold I have not seen any 642s at that shop and they carry a large inventory. Of course its mostly all bottom feeders!
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14 S&W Revs none with locks!
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10-22-2014, 05:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NYlakesider
Since all those guns sold I have not seen any 642s at that shop and they carry a large inventory. Of course its mostly all bottom feeders!
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To each their own. But for me, it is wheel guns all the way. I don't care for bottom feeders.
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10-22-2014, 05:21 PM
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NYlakesider,
I have heard more and more about S&W revolvers lately leaving the factory with canted barrels. Is it a very noticeable thing - is it something you have to measure to see it? Or, can you notice eye with your bare eyes?
Now you have me looking at my two 642s and I don't seem to notice any barrel cant. Maybe I'm not noticing it but that is just with my bare eyes. Is this something of a recent issue with S&W QA? It seems that I have read other threads lately where people are talking about canted barrels on new S&W revolvers. I don't remember if it was pertinent to just j-frames, or across their lines.
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10-22-2014, 05:26 PM
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You really need a 3rd 642, lock or not. Never know when things might go bad. May I suggest shooting at a piece of typing paper, no markings. Start at 10-15'. The 8.5x11" sheet is roughly the size of the human torso. This way, you can develop practical accuracy without the pressure of scoring rings or of a target that is too generous.
Eventually you'll move it out to 7 yards and get 100% hits there too. When you get really good, cut the paper in half to 5.5x8.5". A smaller, more precise target. Start again from square one.
Almost forgot! Make sure to follow through with the trigger finger after the shot, riding it down on the trigger. Helps prevent jerking the next shot and aids in control of the first shot. Present from my retired FBI training officer. Dry fire at home as necessary, making sure the gun is empty.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
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10-22-2014, 06:17 PM
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kaaskop49,
Thanks for the great advice. I like the idea of using just a plain piece of white paper (8.5"x11") at first and moving the distance back as I get really good with each distance. Then using a half-sized piece of white paper, and moving the distances further out when first mastering each closer distance, etc.
I have been dry firing (with snap caps) both of my 642s a lot already at home. I will also try to remember to "ride the trigger down" after each shot. Any training you received in the FBI I consider top-notch. Thank you very much for sharing your training advice and tips
Regarding a third 642, I think I may try picking up a no-lock 442 down the road if I come across one at the right price.
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10-23-2014, 02:38 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by socrates007
kaaskop49,
Thanks for the great advice. I like the idea of using just a plain piece of white paper (8.5"x11") at first and moving the distance back as I get really good with each distance. Then using a half-sized piece of white paper, and moving the distances further out when first mastering each closer distance, etc.
I have been dry firing (with snap caps) both of my 642s a lot already at home. I will also try to remember to "ride the trigger down" after each shot. Any training you received in the FBI I consider top-notch. Thank you very much for sharing your training advice and tips
Regarding a third 642, I think I may try picking up a no-lock 442 down the road if I come across one at the right price.
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Sorry, I was unclear. My instructor is retired FBI. I worked for two other agencies. Credit where due.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
P.S. You pick up a 3rd 642. THEN, you pick up 3 442s. Always gotta have a 3rd gun. Read Stephen A. Camp's book on J-snubs for the rationale. Available at highpowers and handguns dot com or use Google for the correct website.
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10-23-2014, 08:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by socrates007
NYlakesider,
I have heard more and more about S&W revolvers lately leaving the factory with canted barrels. Is it a very noticeable thing - is it something you have to measure to see it? Or, can you notice eye with your bare eyes?
Now you have me looking at my two 642s and I don't seem to notice any barrel cant. Maybe I'm not noticing it but that is just with my bare eyes. Is this something of a recent issue with S&W QA? It seems that I have read other threads lately where people are talking about canted barrels on new S&W revolvers. I don't remember if it was pertinent to just j-frames, or across their lines.
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Retired pipefitter/welder here and I spent my whole working life using plumb, square, and level to do things right. My eyes normally gravitate to see stuff like that rather easy. To me it was quite noticeable.
I also pick up a scoped rifle and if scope is canted drives me batpoop.
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14 S&W Revs none with locks!
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10-23-2014, 10:02 AM
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If you can hit the X with one round, then you can hit it with all rounds... Of course I am a firearms instructor from way back and always trying different methods of teaching recruits.
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