Finally found one

D

Dragon88

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I've been looking for a new no-lock J frame since December. My LGS finally got a 642 in this week and I picked it up today.

IMG_2763.jpg


I love the new lower price on these J frames. With trade in value for a Kel Tec I was dying to get rid of, it was $250 out the door. This is my first new production S&W revolver, I hope it doesn't let me down. We'll see at the range tomorrow.
 
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Have you tried that speedloader with those grips? I have one just like it, not enough clearance. I changed the grips from another j-frame (Uncle Mike's) that would work.

Darrel
 
I did, clearance is an issue. I'll have to find a different speedloader because I really like these grips.
 
Get a Comp 1 speedloader, it works for the 642/442 fine. Some gun shops carry them, or they are $12 bucks at Cheaper Than Dirt... the knob is is a little short, but when you get used to it, it offers quick reloads. Just practice with it first.
 
Does the Comp 1 still rub against the grip or thumb latch as it goes in or is it pretty smooth loading?
 
No rub on my 442, which is the same size/design as the 642 (just high carbon steel instead of stainless). You don't have a ton of clearance, as the revolver does not leave room for much, but there is no contact. Just make sure you practice at home or the range before you carry, so you can get used to it.
 
Thanks I'll order a couple of these and try them out.

I took off the grips and sprayed oil in the trigger works. Been dry firing it watching TV, the trigger feels great. Can't wait to shoot it tomorrow.
 
Nice gun, I just picked up a new 638, shot it today at Smith, it was very nice, but definitely different from what I am used to shooting, M&P40.. ran 100 rounds through it,,, I'm happy, fits nicely in my Galco IWB holster.
 
Are you able to thumb back the hammer on the 638? I like that the 642 hammer is totally concealed, very different from what I'm used to shooting but it will make me shoot DAO and force me to learn.
 
Dragon88 said:
Are you able to thumb back the hammer on the 638? I like that the 642 hammer is totally concealed, very different from what I'm used to shooting but it will make me shoot DAO and force me to learn.
Click to expand...

Yes, has the short hammer, I decided I wanted the option, just because... The main reason for the closed hammer channel is so that you can't accidently cock it I believe. The short hammer allows for that yet I can still cock it if I want. I planned on getting the 642, but in the end I decided I wanted the option.. IHonestly though, I shot it SA and da today... shot better da.. :)
 
I have carried a 36 in the past, but I totally see the value of a DAO concealed hammer revolver now for CCW. I found that I can stack the trigger on the 642 pretty easily but I'm going to avoid doing that, unless I decide to do 25 yards just for testing purposes.

Anyone gotten the Master Revolver action package on their J frame? I see nothing wrong with this trigger right now, but I wouldn't mind a more forceful trigger reset...
 
You might also look at speed strips. I recently converted from speed loaders to strips, they carry flat in the pocket and are quick to use. No clearance problems on my 442 that way either.
 
I like the DAO action for another reason- nothing gets in the action. When carrying pocket carry (or even in a holster), anything from pocket lint to food crumbs to snow and dirt/dust can get knocked down off your coat and into your pocket/CCW holster. Since the barrel will be pointed down, that leaves a nice hammer gap for crap.


I prefer the speed loaders to strips due to speed- two two one is several seconds slower than five and go, and several seconds is several hours in self defense shooting. Not to mention if you are stressed and drop the strip... you have three chances to drop with the strip, one with a speedloader. If you drop the speedloader, grab the second one if the first falls out of reach.
 
PointOfImpact said:
I like the DAO action for another reason- nothing gets in the action. When carrying pocket carry (or even in a holster), anything from pocket lint to food crumbs to snow and dirt/dust can get knocked down off your coat and into your pocket/CCW holster. Since the barrel will be pointed down, that leaves a nice hammer gap for crap.

.
Click to expand...

I thought about that, but when I closely inspected the hammer area, it's pretty sealed up, not really worried about anything of consequence getting in there and causing a problem... it sounded more like a sales pitch a saleman would make when it was the only gun on the shelf.. :) not that it isn't true, just not as serious as one might be led to believe... I don't see how anything could stop my gun from firing.. in that area. :)
 
turbo38gn said:
I thought about that, but when I closely inspected the hammer area, it's pretty sealed up, not really worried about anything of consequence getting in there and causing a problem... it sounded more like a sales pitch a saleman would make when it was the only gun on the shelf.. :) not that it isn't true, just not as serious as one might be led to believe... I don't see how anything could stop my gun from firing.. in that area. :)
Click to expand...


Not so much of an immediate stop, but snow turns to water and water leads to rust... especially with all the salt dumped on the roads in the winter time down here. My 442 nickel was $349 used and I talked myself into it- never been a salesman in my life, but I do believe in Murphy's law.
 
Back from the range. The 642 shot pretty well. POI seemed to be a little left, but I'm not sure if it was my fault. Keeping in mind that I am new to DAO shooting, can anyone help diagnose?

15 shots, 10 yards
642r01_1.jpg


I was very happy with the gun and feel fully confident in it's reliability. Over 100 rounds fired today with no malfunctions. Time to get it cleaned up. Carry load will be Winchester PDX-1.

642r01_2.jpg
 
PointOfImpact said:
Not so much of an immediate stop, but snow turns to water and water leads to rust... especially with all the salt dumped on the roads in the winter time down here. My 442 nickel was $349 used and I talked myself into it- never been a salesman in my life, but I do believe in Murphy's law.
Click to expand...

Periodical maintenance, normal upkeep and Murphy can take a hike somewhere else... :) As for the salesman, that wasn't directed at you, just a general statement from what I have seen.... last but not least... good thing I don't CC a car.. :D

Peace out
 
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