Is a 642 Enough for Carry?

[kaaskop49]

Is a 642 (or any .38 J-frame) enough? No gun is enough if you cannot hit with it. Do you practice? Meaningful practice, not blasting countless rounds against the wall. Can you hit a 8.5"x11" sheet of typing paper (rough size of a human torso) from 5 yards regularly? From 7 yards? If yes, can you do the same after cutting the paper in half? One hand, 2 hands?

I'll stop now, but my point is you have to be able to hit consistently, and not just wide haphazard patterns on the oversized silhouettes commonly found at ranges.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire

P.S. Awaiting new membership cards from the printer. Please be patient.

 

[SC_Mike]

I use a j frame with extra speed loaders as my summer daytime walking around, pocket gun. At night the .45 comes out.

 

[M3Stuart]

My 'work gun' is also a 642. Mine is the pro, so it can be reloaded, with luck, pretty fast. Given that I live in low crime area it's plenty.

I have other options too; example: a 60-9 (pre lock .357 mag variety), and a bottom feeder. From time to time I'll carry something else and see if it makes me feel any safer. Occasionally I'll even go 'down' to THE MIGHT BOBCAT , but I feel safer with the 642.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Is a 642 (or any .38 J-frame) enough? No gun is enough if you cannot hit with it. Do you practice? Meaningful practice, not blasting countless rounds against the wall. Can you hit a 8.5"x11" sheet of typing paper (rough size of a human torso) from 5 yards regularly? From 7 yards? If yes, can you do the same after cutting the paper in half? One hand, 2 hands?

I'll stop now, but my point is you have to be able to hit consistently, and not just wide haphazard patterns on the oversized silhouettes commonly found at ranges.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire

P.S. Awaiting new membership cards from the printer. Please be patient.

That's exactly how a J frame was meant to be used.

 

[Rpg]

A 5 shot 38 is just fine, assuming you hit what you're shooting at with some of your first shots.

If you don't , or can't , 15 rounds won't help anyone except the ammo manufacturer.

Your revolver is all you need if you can hit what you're shooing at.

If you can't, more ammo won't help unless your attacker is frightened of noise and flash.

My opinion, of course

 

[Double-O-Dave]

My EDC is a Model 38-0 (top) and a Model 638-1 (bottom left). Both are chambered in .38 Special and loaded with standard velocity ammo. I'm a big fan and believer of the "New York Reload". The Humpback, original Bodyguards are my favorite J-frames, followed by the Centennials like the Model 642 (photo #2, right) and 432PD (photo #2 2nd from right).

Regards,

Dave

 

[Buford57]

It all depends on why you are carrying.

If you are working a plainclothes robbery detail, no.

If you are delivering prescriptions in Lawndale, probably not.

If you are planning on provoking the local chapter of the Hell's Angels or Vagos, only if you have 20 or so of your most proficient friends with you, similarly armed.

If you want to be prepared to defend yourself and your loved ones against street crime and random nut cases while minding your own business, consciously avoiding high crime areas and exercising situational awareness, I am convinced it is and therefore I do. With a Speed Strip in my watch pocket and a sharp knife in my weak side pants pocket.

I don't have a book, a DVD or a training facility. I never starred in an action movie. My only qualification is surviving armed confrontations.

The fantasy is the single determined hero firing two high-cap 9mms in the Detroit cant while running upside down on the ceiling and spouting memorable banter. I'm too old for fantasy.

On the other hand, if carrying something more potent or a second gun makes you feel more comfortable, it's no one else's business.

 

[Doug M.]

Maybe. From my training, no; a J frame is a BUG only. That view generally does not go over well here. My last few years in LE, I carried a Glock 33 (9+1, .357Sig) as a BUG, with a spare mag for it (and a G26 before that for several years). I worked in relatively isolated areas and could be alone for a long time. I honestly do not recall when I last carried a J frame as a BUG in uniform. I know of a few savvy guys who have BTDT and say that a J frame is a decent 3rd gun for uniformed LE.

It does beat empty hands and harsh language. If from your assessment, what you need to do is done by a 5 shot revolver, I will predict that the one you have now is going to be a lot more worthwhile than a similar one in .357. Most of the people I have seen report on that concept have found it far below optimal because it is difficult and unpleasant to shoot.

 

[vipermd]

642 is a good choice when the 12 gauge will not fit in your pocket. My 638 with SB speer GD + reload is fine for a walk to my mailbox/garden, because I know I am fighting to get to a bigger gun. I also will carry the Taurus 445 44 spl, 2" bobbed hammer ( Do I smell smoke??) with 200 gr Silvertip or 200 gr Speer GD + reload. If I am heading out of my "yard" I generally move up to 357 + 2 reloads, or 40 Sigma + 2 reloads. My mother carried a 638 until 1 yr ago today- 86 yrs never had to draw. Always a matter of the chance you are willing to take. Be Safe,

 

[sac-gunslinger]

642 has been my EDC for years, a Model 36 before that. 38 is plenty adequate in a snubby, 357 just (10 attacks your wallet and, (2), makes lots of noise without putting any more power on the target. Choose a good 38 Special load and practice with it.

 

[regalsc]

Reading this thread is the first time I've heard about frame crane or yoke change . As far as the frames go I have noticed that the top strap on my 340pd is thicker than my 337ti .

 

[MarkAlt]

Excellent comments, all. Each of us live in different environments and situations. Threats vary.

I refused to CC in my former area because of population density, relatively low crime rate and blazing quick LE response times and presence. I couldn't look more than a few degrees each way without seeing a school. For me, the liability was too much, so my carry piece in that situation was a smartphone. But, it didn't keep me from range time. Ranges were close by too and practice never lapsed.

Now, I'm back in a rural area where response times could be double-digit minutes. I perceive a higher (dangerous) crime rate. It's also a hot, humid shorts/t-shirt climate.

Given my above current situation, I will go back to the decades old j-frame/pocket holster and train with a Shield .40 for eventual IWB carry.

 

[jeeps]

A J-frame is enough for John Doe CCW.Your not on a L.E.job or swat team. Most cop's carry a J-frame it's the Gold Standard get-off me gun!! And many carry them on and off duty. Sleep tight and learn to shoot your J-frame.

 

[steamloco76]

I prefer the 2.5 inch version for its separate, pinned front sight.
Five rounds of plus P defense ammo in the pocket or waistband is enough for most social uses.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I prefer the 2.5 inch version for its separate, pinned front sight.
Five rounds of plus P defense ammo in the pocket or waistband is enough for most social uses.

Which other Air Weights has SW made with a 2.5" barrel? I might have to keep an eye out for one.

 

[aphelion]

Awhile back I had a 2" Chief's Special along when out shooting. It was loaded with 125gr +P ammo. I placed a full size pig silhouette target at about 20 yards and fired a couple of cylinder fulls at it. Anybody that ever shot silhouette knows that the pig is about the easiest to knock down as it sits on 2 inch wide feet and is top heavy. So I was a little surprised when the first shot hit center and didn't knock it over. Neither did the second. Only when I placed my shots on the very top of it, would it fall over and even then not every time. Sure the bullet would cause a wound and let the air out of an assailant eventually, but is there a reasonable expectation that it would fail to stop someone quickly? Not very confidence inspiring. The Glock 23 (a fine firearm) put the pig down right now no matter where the bullet struck. Scientific? Naw. Did it convince me which one I'd rather have along if shooting in self defense was necessary? Yep.

 

[gunhobbit]

Awhile back I had a 2" Chief's Special along when out shooting. It was loaded with 125gr +P ammo. I placed a full size pig silhouette target at about 20 yards and fired a couple of cylinder fulls at it. Anybody that ever shot silhouette knows that the pig is about the easiest to knock down as it sits on 2 inch wide feet and is top heavy. So I was a little surprised when the first shot hit center and didn't knock it over. Neither did the second. Only when I placed my shots on the very top of it, would it fall over and even then not every time. Sure the bullet would cause a wound and let the air out of an assailant eventually, but is there a reasonable expectation that it would fail to stop someone quickly? Not very confidence inspiring. The Glock 23 (a fine firearm) put the pig down right now no matter where the bullet struck. Scientific? Naw. Did it convince me which one I'd rather have along if shooting in self defense was necessary? Yep.

I find it easier to stay away from places where pig silhouettes are known to hang out and that sort of solves the problem.

You do see what you're saying there, right? "Shot placement matters." A hit in the toe with a .500 Whompenstomper ++P++ is not going to do much to slow a determined attacker. A .22 Short into the cranial vault may well do it (though admittedly I'd like something a bit oomphier than .22S) perfectly.

I do not feel undergunned with a .38 J frame and a couple of reloads. Any (reliable) gun is better than no gun, and if I *know* there's going to be a problem, I ain't reaching for a handgun. A handgun's what I carry when I'm not expecting trouble, at which point certain factors of convenience and work conditions come into play.

For the folks playing cliche bingo, did I miss any?

 

[getoff]

for the neighborhood weekend walk about stuff, a 442 is my pocket carry friend. its light, packs plenty of punch and a speed strip handles the reload if need arises. 10 rounds of .38 better be enough or i'm headed home for my AR...

 

[aphelion]

You do see what you're saying there, right? "Shot placement matters."

Actually what I was saying is the .38 125 +P is a wimpy load. Of course the .40 Short and Weak is too, but demonstrably less so.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I find it easier to stay away from places where pig silhouettes are known to hang out and that sort of solves the problem.

You do see what you're saying there, right? "Shot placement matters." A hit in the toe with a .500 Whompenstomper ++P++ is not going to do much to slow a determined attacker. A .22 Short into the cranial vault may well do it (though admittedly I'd like something a bit oomphier than .22S) perfectly.

I do not feel undergunned with a .38 J frame and a couple of reloads. Any (reliable) gun is better than no gun, and if I *know* there's going to be a problem, I ain't reaching for a handgun. A handgun's what I carry when I'm not expecting trouble, at which point certain factors of convenience and work conditions come into play.

For the folks playing cliche bingo, did I miss any?

Just the one about how ammo capacity doesn't really help and maybe the one on what type of bullet.

Oh, and if I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want a M1A1/2 main battle tank. Don't be afraid to dream big.