Questions/Opinion on the 642

[Randall53]

Hello folks, just joined the forum today and I have a couple of questions.

I'm in the market for a CCW and was in a local gun shop recently looking at the Ruger LCR. Well, my eyes were drawn to a S&W 642 right beside the Ruger and I think I fell in love! (LOL). That's one beautiful firearm and it was $20 cheaper!

Now, I've read quite a bit lately about the LCR and it seems they do have a few issues at present. Not a lot of issues and Ruger customer service has been great from what I hear, but it seems to be hit or miss after you bite the bullet and make the purchase. I seem to see a pattern that could point to owners that shoot a lot. Well, I'm no youngster and I got lots of gray. "Too old to fight" I guess you could say .....I also shoot a LOT and this is a concern with me. Customer Service can't help you when you've had a problem with your CCW in a self defense situation.

I was pretty intrigued with the owners descriptions about the "buttery smooth trigger", "the best trigger pull I've ever seen in a mass produced gun" etc etc etc.....and I do know this will make a handgun more accurate. But I want a lightweight CCW that is as failsafe as possible, not a match/target CCW. Ya know? I know both have frames made with an aluminum alloy and they are very similar to a point, but I really like the solid SS barrel on the 642 better than the SS sleave the LCR seems to have. I do like the grip better on the LCR, but that's not a deal breaker for me as far as the 642 is concerned. I'm sure Hogue makes a grip for the 642 anyway.

So...I guess I've been a bit long winded here, but i really love firearms and shooting. I've done quite a few searches here the past couple of evenings and I've not seen anything bad about the 642's in the most important feature, reliablilty like I did on the LCR on the Ruger Forum. How are they? Any inherent problems? Will they hold up to a couple hundred rounds a week? How reliable are they with +P ammo?

Thanks ahead of time for the opinions

 

[capnkirk]

642 Info

Go to thehighroad.org and search for "642 Club", 642 Club Part Deux, or 642 Club Part Three.
Hundreds of pages and posts from people who love 642's. I think they are right!

 

[Dragon88]

Get a new 642 no lock. One of the finest small carry pieces available, and the new pricing is superb. I've really been enjoying mine.

 

[billj47]

642

I've had mine abour 6 years, it has been flawless.

 

[photoman]

So...I guess I've been a bit long winded here, but i really love firearms and shooting. I've done quite a few searches here the past couple of evenings and I've not seen anything bad about the 642's in the most important feature, reliablilty like I did on the LCR on the Ruger Forum. How are they? Any inherent problems? Will they hold up to a couple hundred rounds a week? How reliable are they with +P ammo?

Thanks ahead of time for the opinions

Welcome to the Forum!

Regarding the Model 642, I've owned a half dozen or so over the years and never had any problems with any of them. Some have had thousands of rounds downrange (and not all light loads either!) and they really are reliable guns.

The only "issue" I can think of regarding the (no-lock) Airweight is the frame cracking under the barrel. There have been documented cases of this and, the best anyone can tell, it's due to improper assembly at the factory. Even then, the gun still shoots.

The primary problem I see with the LCR or the new Bodyguard 38 is that they are fairly radical design departures and have not stood the test of time. I'm not willing to be a "lab rat" when it comes to the safety of myself and my family so I defer to the proven design of the no-lock Airweight in .38 Special when selecting a small, concealable revolver.

 

[buckstir]

Just went through the same tough decision between the LCR and an Airweight...in my case I went with the M438, something about the "humpback" just grew on me after a couple of fondles, I do like the option of SA, and the fit, finish and general "feel" was superior to the LCR. The LCR is still a worthy choice, but the Smith won my heart in the end. The BG38 did absolutely nothing for me, seemed awkward and cylinder release cheesy.

Regards,
Buck

 

[Maximumbob54]

I can’t call it a flaw as it doesn’t involve function but the finish that Smith uses to coat the aluminum doesn’t hold up so well. It’s some kind of clear coating. It has been worn pretty bad on my 637. They will fix it if you send it in but I think it’s silly they can’t find a better coating. I’m tempted to have mine stripped and have it Duracoated. I think that also has a clear option. That is the one and only negative issue I could find with any aluminum J frame. FYI - A lot of people go for the 442 which is the black aluminum and carbon steel version of the 642. Not sure how much better the finish is on the 442 vs. the 642. It’s just another option.

Buckstir – I’m glad I’m not the only one that is pretty put off by the cheapness of the cylinder release on the new BG .38 and I don’t think we are the only ones.

 

[davidenorth]

I have the 442 and love it. The finish could be better but the gun shoots and carries great.

 

[wnr700]

I have the 442 and love it. The finish could be better but the gun shoots and carries great.

My feeling exactly and it may seem trivial, but I'm just accustomed to push rather than press the cylinder release.

 

[Roadranger]

Now is definately the time to get a M642 with no lock and reduced price. I have sold scores of 642's over the last decade with zero complaints. Add a set of #405 Lasergrips and you are set. I was carring a no lock 442 until recently when I acquired a no lock M340M&P. It's a 357 and a couple of ounces lighter. Bob!

 

[ranger7]

Had a bunch of Smith J frames including 2 642s and a 442. I thought these were as good as it could get ...UNTIL...I tried the LCR. Now have 3 LCRs for family members and often carry two myself. Love the LCR trigger and the grip (Hogue Tamer) feels great if not a little big. I sold off a couple of the J frames but kept a 442 for old times sake. I've even reached the point where I like the looks of the LCR. Maybe that's crazy.

 

[russp1]

I can't compare to the Ruger but my wife and I both like our J frames; I'll even run 50 or 100 rounds through it at the range just to prove I could actually pass the CHL test with it if I had too. The wife draws the line at about 25 rounds.

 

[5Wire]

I have both a 641-1 (no lock) and a BG38. I think experienced shooters will get along better with the 642. Moonclips are faster than speedloaders to charge the gun and to eject spent cartridges. I suggest the Moonclip Tool for mooning and demooning. It's a very slick tool.

The BG38 is different, no question. However, there is nothing cheesy about it. The cylinder release is truly ambidextrous, it's relatively inexpensive, and it comes with a laser. There are plenty of posts on the BG38 and lots of opinions. I like mine and it shoots reliably and well.

 

[airman]

Randall, I bet I'm older than you and feel the same - too old to fight-.
I bought a S&W 642 for it's size, weight and simplicity. An Uncle Mike round butt grip makes it fill my hand and that should help with the recoil. I'll find out when it gets warmer.

My faulty vision. The grip is a Hogue Monogrip made for the J-frame. It fits my long fingers much better. gave me a perch for my little finger and a much stouter hold in this sweet little gun. I proved it at the range with 55 rounds of mixed brands.

 

[Harrison]

I have carried a 642 for four years now as a front pocket gun. No problems at all. It shoots good for me out to about 10-12 yards, which is plenty far enough for such a small pistol. It is reliable. There is a bit of holster wear on the finish, but insofar as it usually is in a holster in my pocket or the nightstand, no one can see it. Minor cosmetic wear doesn't bother me, as long as the mechanics work. I bought the pistol to carry, not to sit look at and admire.

 

[Randall53]

I really appreciate all the replies. I agonize over the decision every time I get a new firearm it seems. I definitely want the 642 this time though. I looked at both the 642 and the 442 last evening. It seems they are the same firearm, but I just don't think the black color of the 442 is what I want.

I am concerned though about the lock. I have no kids at home any more, and I've been handling firearms,shooting and hunting since I was very young. None of the pistols, revolvers I have now have them. I'm just having a pretty hard time finding one in my area without the lock. I guess I'll just keep my eyes open and see if one shows up at the area gun shops. We have an Academy Sports and Sportsman Warehouse in the area, but none of the sales people even know they make them without the lock. I was actually told that they don't.

I'll just keep my eyes peeled. As soon as I find one, I'll snatch it up!

 

[Randall53]

Airman....

You probably are, I'm only 58, but after multiple surgeries for one thing or other, My body just ain't in the condition to fight anymore. LOL.

I'm wanting the 642 for the same reasons as you stated. I'm glad to hear I'm making a good decision in the purchase!

Thanks.

 

[Florida J Frame]

For those concerned with the finish on the 642. A good coat of Renaissance Wax has kept mine looking like new for over two years of pocket carry.

 

[SF180A]

I agree with Roadranger, I have a new 642 with CT #405 lasergrips with no complaints. Well maybe just one minor complaint, every one at the range wants to try mine out, a few have ever asked how much I would sell it for.

Best of luck with your CCW choice.

SF180A

 

[Dragon88]

I really appreciate all the replies. I agonize over the decision every time I get a new firearm it seems. I definitely want the 642 this time though. I looked at both the 642 and the 442 last evening. It seems they are the same firearm, but I just don't think the black color of the 442 is what I want.

I am concerned though about the lock. I have no kids at home any more, and I've been handling firearms,shooting and hunting since I was very young. None of the pistols, revolvers I have now have them. I'm just having a pretty hard time finding one in my area without the lock. I guess I'll just keep my eyes open and see if one shows up at the area gun shops. We have an Academy Sports and Sportsman Warehouse in the area, but none of the sales people even know they make them without the lock. I was actually told that they don't.

I'll just keep my eyes peeled. As soon as I find one, I'll snatch it up!

Order one. My favorite local store moves a high volume of Smiths and it took them several weeks to get one in for me.