Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-22-2015, 06:15 PM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...

I have loads of .357 mag ammo but I am just beginning to stock up on .38 special. I bought some old (but in perfect condition) S&W brand 90gr +p .38 ammo thinking that the lightweight bullet may be a good lower recoil +p round. I also have some of the pmc starfire and Remington golden sabers for it. What kind of luck have you guys had with good hollowpoints. I've also been thinking of solid lead wadcutters for the 642.

I have some pocket carry holster already but I have not had luck with any iwb holsters. What kinds work well for you guys?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-22-2015, 06:29 PM
Officerblue's Avatar
Officerblue Officerblue is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Arizona
Posts: 150
Likes: 259
Liked 121 Times in 47 Posts
Default

Galco KingTuk and for ammo, Speer gold dot 38 special + P 135 grain short barrel.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 10-22-2015, 06:53 PM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

I was looking at that. My legs also has a leather Blackhawk iwb holster that seemed pretty nice. I am also contemplating getting a serpa holster just for fun because it's kinda of hilarious to make one for a mini j frame but may work quite well for crossdraw carry in a vehicle or my other plan was to screw it into my bed frame.that could work quite well for an immediate use weapon...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-22-2015, 07:44 PM
bigfatty bigfatty is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 263
Likes: 118
Liked 141 Times in 78 Posts
Default

1.8" barrel? The only good defensive round I've seen consistently expand and penetrate in denim and gel tests is the Golden Sabre 124 grain +p. It's the only 38 round I'll ever carry in a snub until something better (and not fodder for an overzealous prosecutor in the case of DGU) comes along. The Gold Dots do not expand consistently, and AAMOF I'm pretty sure they've changed their advertising on the "short barrel" ammunition to "barrels as short as 3 inches."
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-22-2015, 07:58 PM
AZretired's Avatar
AZretired AZretired is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New Mexico & Arizona
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 735
Liked 1,460 Times in 644 Posts
Default

Expasion is nice bit accuracy is better. I load my 642 & 638 with +P LSWC -HP and I practice with cast lead SWC. If the HP expands great if not heavy bullet deep penetration.
__________________
Support your Police, & NRA
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 10-22-2015, 08:20 PM
deputydon's Avatar
deputydon deputydon is offline
SWCA Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kansas
Posts: 309
Likes: 691
Liked 351 Times in 140 Posts
Default

DM Bullard out of Texas makes some really nice & affordable holsters. I have 2 for my 642 and use one almost daily.
__________________
SWCA LM#2190 SWHF#414
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 10-22-2015, 08:28 PM
jonh1373's Avatar
jonh1373 jonh1373 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 217
Likes: 56
Liked 149 Times in 64 Posts
Default

Look at Safariland 527.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-22-2015, 08:38 PM
Florida J Frame Florida J Frame is offline
US Veteran
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 305
Liked 815 Times in 350 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigfatty View Post
1.8" barrel? The only good defensive round I've seen consistently expand and penetrate in denim and gel tests is the Golden Sabre 124 grain +p. It's the only 38 round I'll ever carry in a snub until something better (and not fodder for an overzealous prosecutor in the case of DGU) comes along. The Gold Dots do not expand consistently, and AAMOF I'm pretty sure they've changed their advertising on the "short barrel" ammunition to "barrels as short as 3 inches."
Just looked up the data from Speer. They still rate the SB load out of a 2" barrel. When I spoke to them on this subject a while ago they recommended the 135gr SB up to 4" and the 125gr over 4".
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-22-2015, 08:48 PM
Fox4506 Fox4506 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 242
Likes: 909
Liked 166 Times in 92 Posts
Default

I pocket carry my 642 almost everyday. Right now I'm using a cheap Blackhawk pocket holster, works fine. I've used a Kramer pocket holster, Kramer ankle hoster, and Remora pocket holster before. I don't recommend the Remora, doesn't fit well. I emailed them and told them how they could fix it, but I don't think they cared. I have a Remora for my 40c and it fits fine.

135 Speer Gold Dot shoots well, but has a little recoil. Wadcutters shoot great in my 642.

Fox
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 10-22-2015, 09:41 PM
Florida J Frame Florida J Frame is offline
US Veteran
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 305
Liked 815 Times in 350 Posts
Default

Bob Mika makes a great pocket holster.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 10-22-2015, 10:36 PM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

Any suggestions on factory wc ammo? Can't find any in my area
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10-22-2015, 10:56 PM
Fox4506 Fox4506 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 242
Likes: 909
Liked 166 Times in 92 Posts
Default

I've used quite a bit of Georgia Arms wadcutter ammo...has worked for me and it's about the cheapest I've seen.

Fox
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10-23-2015, 12:07 AM
bigfatty bigfatty is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 263
Likes: 118
Liked 141 Times in 78 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Florida J Frame View Post
Just looked up the data from Speer. They still rate the SB load out of a 2" barrel. When I spoke to them on this subject a while ago they recommended the 135gr SB up to 4" and the 125gr over 4".
There are several tests on youtube showing inconsistent penetration out of a snubbed J frame. I think Pocketgunsandgear was one. I was looking at some of the short barrel ammo on some ammo sites recently, and their description included "barrels as short as three inches." Can't say for a fact what they advertise, but I've seen too many vids of Gold Dots failing to expand, especially at low velocities.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10-23-2015, 12:42 AM
bronco45's Avatar
bronco45 bronco45 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Moscow, Idaho USA
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 9,620
Liked 1,696 Times in 679 Posts
Default

Full wadcutter driven at max velocities will fly straight cut at least a .35 cal hole and penetrate deeply!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 10-23-2015, 04:07 AM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

I think I may try leihigh defense max penetration ammo. I did a bunch of research and found on multiple different sources that in testing, this round created a hollowpoint like cavity with no expansion, and it has been proven in a few hunting applications. They are also producing a personal defense oriented version of this ammo which I would also like to try. It is apparently very popular in its .380 loading because of its penetration and cavitation ratio. I'm assuming it would be a good compromise for a short barreled .38 too.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 10-23-2015, 06:34 AM
Edmo's Avatar
Edmo Edmo is offline
US Veteran
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Arkansas
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1,349
Liked 1,693 Times in 530 Posts
Default

What ammo for your snubbie?

You would get fewer opinions when asking which motor oil should you use, or which girls are prettier... Blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

I currently have the following in a 38 revolver:

- Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P short barrel
- Remington 125 grain +P Golden Saber
- Remington 158 grain +P LSWC HP
- Hornady 110 grain +P and non-+P Critical Defense

Edmo
__________________
TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 10-23-2015, 08:16 AM
Blackshirt Blackshirt is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Waldheim, LA
Posts: 216
Likes: 79
Liked 250 Times in 92 Posts
Default

I use the 135 grn Speer SB Gold Dots also. My two favorite holsters for my 638 are made by El Paso Saddlery: the horsehide pocket model and the OWB Street Combat. Reloads ride in Bianchi Speed strips or speed loaders in Bianchi Agent Slim pouches. A decent 1.5" gun belt helps control your rig in any case...I have several types that are either lined leather or reinforced webbing that work well.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 10-23-2015, 09:43 AM
gnystrom gnystrom is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 1,062
Liked 2,109 Times in 860 Posts
Default

Spend some time doing research before you buy a IWB holster. I have recently gone back to a lot of J-frame carry and I am finding that my IWB leather revolver holsters can be an issue both drawing and concealing. On some designs my belt will actually compress the top of the holster just above the cylinder and prevent a easy, smooth draw. A leather IWB that has a strong reinforced mouth works well for single stack semi-autos but can become bulky in the revolver version. My preference is a small, light, simple Kydex such as this.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 10-23-2015, 12:43 PM
Mike in Reedley Mike in Reedley is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Reedley Ca. U.S.A
Posts: 419
Likes: 11
Liked 529 Times in 216 Posts
Default

Buffalo Bore offer both a +P and non +P 158 SWC HP specifically for 2" barrels. I carry the non +P in my J frames and while they are quite warm, are controllable.

I use an inexpensive Blackhawks pocket holster for pants and jacket carry. I also carry the revolver on my strong side butt forward and rely on my fat ring to hold it in place.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 10-23-2015, 12:57 PM
GatorFarmer GatorFarmer is offline
Junior Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming
Posts: 5,333
Likes: 159
Liked 3,889 Times in 1,361 Posts
Default

I use the 442 myself. For reason of local availability, I use Federal 129grain +P Hydrashok ammunition. I was talked into getting

I fitted my own guns with grips much more filling than the boot grips it came with. I use an Alessi pull through "Bodyguard" shoulder holster that happened to be in the holster box at a shop. I also have a generic pocket holster and an inexpensive Bulldog brand OWB leather holster.

Cardboard, duct tape and rubber bands will also yield an effective pocket holster. I was talked into buying some Corbon DPX all copper bullets, but have not tried them.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 10-23-2015, 03:16 PM
Officerblue's Avatar
Officerblue Officerblue is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Arizona
Posts: 150
Likes: 259
Liked 121 Times in 47 Posts
Default

A fun thing to do while out shooting is take Levi jeans an old pair, drop in one or both of the leggings one of your favorite melons ( watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe) take aim and pull the trigger. Use your own test results to find the ammo that you're willing to put your life on. Good luck, be safe and enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 10-23-2015, 05:32 PM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

I used to do just that with ballistics gel instead of melons. But that was when I lived in the high desert. Now that I am stuck in Los Angeles I do not have the ability to do so
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 10-23-2015, 08:32 PM
Officerblue's Avatar
Officerblue Officerblue is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Arizona
Posts: 150
Likes: 259
Liked 121 Times in 47 Posts
Default

In my lifetime I've seen a lot of dead people that were killed with a snubbed nose. .22, .32 & .38
Although lately it's been mostly 9mm doing the killing.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 10-23-2015, 08:53 PM
smousefam5 smousefam5 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Nikiski, Alaska
Posts: 154
Likes: 23
Liked 35 Times in 15 Posts
Default

I use a Bianchi 100 IWB and love it. I have used this model for several guns and never had any issues. For ammo I like Winchester +P 158 LSWCHP in my 642.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 10-24-2015, 01:11 AM
ContinentalOp's Avatar
ContinentalOp ContinentalOp is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,315
Likes: 13,115
Liked 12,802 Times in 4,228 Posts
Default

My favorite holster is Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip.



I like holsters that carry the gun such that the cylinder is lined up with the belt. I consider a reinforced mouth, or at least a mouth that won't collapse after drawing the gun, on an IWB holster to be a requirement, but that's just me. I like offset belt mounts on IWB holsters; the clip on the above holster is offset, behind the cylinder and over the trigger, so it minimizes bulk and improves concealment. I find it pulls the grip into the body, also helping with concealment. Dual offset loops, like on the Milt Sparks VM2, are also good. I prefer leather to kydex, though I have to admit I've never tried a kydex holster.

I also like Spegel boot grips (see picture).

First choice ammo: Speer 135gr SBGD +P. Manufactured in cycles so availability is periodic. Has some kick, but not too bad. About the same as FBI loads.
Second choice ammo: Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP standard pressure. Usually available online fairly readily. Stout recoil in an airweight J-frame, but controllable in small doses.

For low recoil I like Federal 125gr Nyclad HP, but I don't know what the current availability is.

I prefer medium-to-heavy weight HP for self-defense. Within that parameter I'd be comfortable carrying any of the modern HP or FBI ammo so long as I could shoot it well and it functioned reliably in my gun. Being able to get good, quick hits on target is more important than the type of bullet used, IMO.

Last edited by ContinentalOp; 10-24-2015 at 01:18 AM. Reason: Additional thoughts
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 10-24-2015, 08:47 AM
Lobster Picnic Lobster Picnic is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 383
Liked 988 Times in 535 Posts
Default

Shot placement is King
Penetration is Queen.
The rest doesn't mean Jack.

Buffalo Bore 150 gr. hard cast full wadcutter in standard pressure.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 10-24-2015, 11:50 AM
RichCapeCod RichCapeCod is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 522
Likes: 4
Liked 954 Times in 252 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lobster Picnic View Post
Shot placement is King
Penetration is Queen.
The rest doesn't mean Jack.

Buffalo Bore 150 gr. hard cast full wadcutter in standard pressure.
+1 The BB 150 grain hard cast moves out from a 2" at about 900 fps. For a holster I'd suggest a good quality unit. There are several. I like the Alabama Holster as it has a small "lip" which permits withdrawal of the handgun cleanly from the holster. The user thumb pushes off on the lip for this purpose.

Rich
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 10-25-2015, 05:11 PM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

The buffalo bore fwc is one ammo I wish to try.but I figured if I'm going with a wadcutter I may as well try the lehigh defense ammo since it supposedly creates a wound cavity much like a hollowpoint, and there is evidence that it works. Even muzzleloaders are beginning to try this design.

I'm going to try the buffalo bore and the lehigh defense, along with the gold for short barrel +p ammo.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 10-25-2015, 07:43 PM
Duelist Duelist is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 117
Liked 54 Times in 29 Posts
Default

Almost 12 years with a 642 here. I usually carry 125gr standard pressure Gold Dots, and shoot 125gr lead reloads for practice. I don't really like +P in this gun. I am tempted to try wadcutters like the Buffalo Bore for the in-gun load. It is +P rated, though, and that is a good thing because sometimes all you can get when you really need ammo is +P - like the time 9 or 10 years ago when the TSA took my ammo at the airport because they'd changed the rules on packaging and I had mine packed wrong. Got to my destination airport, got my baggage and rental car, headed for a gunshop. Sunday afternoon in Utah, the only open place that sold ammo was Walmart. The only .38 hollow points - indeed, the only ammo that wasn't 130gr FMJ - was Winchester 125gr +P. Bought a box, loaded the gun in the carI went in down the road. A major advantage to carrying a revolver is that you don't have to worry about your ammo unless you want to, because whatever quality rounds you put in the cylinder, the gun will run with.

I used a Galco horsehide pocket for years, but have moved almost exclusively to a Blackhawk size 3 pocket holster when I pocket carry this one. The Galco is a nice holster, and there are times I still use it, but it adds to the height of the gun and in the pocket bulk that the fabric, padded holster doesn't. Fits in pockets I couldn't use before, and fits better in some pockets I used to force the Galco into.

The other holster I frequently use with the 642 is a Smartcarry. Just disappears the gun, let's me have my pockets all free, and is simple and comfortable - except when riding a horse. I will never do that again! The other drawback to the Smartcarry is draw speed, and limited accessibility when sitting, especially when seat belted into a vehicle.

I also have a leather OWB belt holster I made that works very well when I want to belt carry it, but that isn't often. I usually use my 3913 for concealed belt carry, and my 13-3 .357 for woods carry.

I am thinking about getting some kind of shoulder rig for it. Just because.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 10-26-2015, 12:57 AM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

Does anybody make a rubber boot grip that covers the entire gruio frame and centennial style backstrap? I can't find anything like that and its hard to believe nobody makes one like that. Even just high horn rubber boot grips.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 10-26-2015, 03:59 AM
Duelist Duelist is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 117
Liked 54 Times in 29 Posts
Default

The Crimson Trace 405 sort of does what you describe, but it doesn't quite come to the top of the grip portion of the frame on a Centennial. They're a bit expensive for rubber overmolded grips, but come with a free laser.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 10-26-2015, 04:58 AM
Spencer4006 Spencer4006 is offline
Member
Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions... Bought a 642-1, need holster advice and ammo suggestions...  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 28 Posts
Default

Lol I was looking at those. I don't understand why hogue doesn't make a ruger ice style rullber grip for the centennial j frame. Seems like they would be very popular with the little airweight and air lites
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Thanks for Advice on 4006, I bought it, lots of Pics apbrown Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 52 11-10-2015 04:04 AM
Any Diabetics out here? Need advice - suggestions Ilike9mm The Lounge 36 03-04-2013 06:54 PM
M&P 40 Ammo Suggestions? RedRider21 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 7 11-28-2012 07:45 PM
Just bought ammo, don't even own AR yet! New buyer! Advice please Stopsign32v Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 21 07-06-2012 11:49 PM
Just Bought M&P 15-22P need advice! 1bdvet Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 6 03-02-2011 05:54 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:34 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)