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03-15-2012, 02:30 AM
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Thoughts on the model 642
I will be picking one up tomorrow in a trade deal. I was wondering if forum members had any experience with this mode ? I would be using it as an off duty carry weapon when I want something small. I have owned some j frames in the past so I have a general idea, just wondering if this model has any special problems or quirks. Thanks!
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03-15-2012, 01:18 PM
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If you are familiar with other J-frames I don’t think you will have any problems or surprises with a 642. It’s excellent as a backup or off duty weapon. Mine is very comfortable to carry in either a pocket or ankle holster.
I have had my 642 for about four months now and I really like it. I have not seen any problems, but it does have the standard short barrel J-frame challenges; short sight radius, snappy recoil with +P ammo, etc. Some folks like to put in reduced power springs to smooth or lighten the DAO trigger pull, but I’ve found that dry fire practice worked well for me without the need to change anything.
The only negative issue that I’ve seen so far is that the standard factory boot stocks are too high on the left side and interfere with the use of speed loaders. I’ve got a set of Uncle Mike’s boot stocks on order to fix this. Of course if you use speed strips to reload this will not be an issue.
This is the first J-frame that I’ve ever shot and it took me a little practice to get comfortable with the recoil and get decent groups. I can now get consistent 2-3 inch groups shooting off hand slow fire at 5 yards, and I can keep all five hits on a man sized target at 15 yards. Every time I take it to the range I get a little better with it. I did find that the stainless color made the sights a little harder to pick up quickly so I used model paint to provide better contrast.
Mike
Last edited by MJRiggs; 03-15-2012 at 01:33 PM.
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03-15-2012, 02:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Browncoat
I will be picking one up tomorrow in a trade deal. I was wondering if forum members had any experience with this mode ? I would be using it as an off duty carry weapon when I want something small. I have owned some j frames in the past so I have a general idea, just wondering if this model has any special problems or quirks. Thanks!
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I'm no authority, but I like my 642-2. It's an unforgiving platform--meaning it will magnify any shooting problems I may have during a session. But the gun is honest with me. If I do my job, it does it's job. My gun got a dab of bright, contrasting paint on the front sight. (That's pretty well standard practice for me.)
PC
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03-15-2012, 02:39 PM
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I was thinking of getting one of these for summer ccw. I have pretty big hands would that cause a problem for me gripping this thing? Whats the going rate for a 642?
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03-15-2012, 02:48 PM
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I carried my 642 in a Galco ankle rig for about 5 years and now carry a 442. I changed the rubber grips to wood because the rubber seemed to hang on my pants. There are no disadvantages of either one. I bought the 642 because I knew it would be an ankle gun, and didn't want it to rust. When I realized that the 442 wouldn't rust either, I traded the 642 for a no-lock 442.
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03-15-2012, 02:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigMike76
I was thinking of getting one of these for summer ccw. I have pretty big hands would that cause a problem for me gripping this thing? Whats the going rate for a 642?
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My hands are bigger than average, but not huge, and I don't have any trouble hanging on to the factory stocks. You could always get larger stocks if you need to.
I paid $389 in a local gun store for my 642 in S.E. Virginia back in Dec 11.
Mike
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03-15-2012, 02:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJRiggs
My hands are bigger than average, but not huge, and I don't have any trouble hanging on to the factory stocks. You could always get larger stocks if you need to.
I paid $389 in a local gun store for my 642 in S.E. Virginia back in Dec 11.
Mike
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Thank you sir
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03-15-2012, 04:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MJRiggs
My hands are bigger than average, but not huge, and I don't have any trouble hanging on to the factory stocks. You could always get larger stocks if you need to. Mike
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When I got mine I ordered the S&W '3-finger' grips from their website. My hands are bigger than most, these grips work much better for shooting and don't add much to CC.
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Marty 4513TSW 13-1 642 60-10
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03-15-2012, 07:42 PM
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Quite simply... a great carry option in my opinion.
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03-15-2012, 07:46 PM
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Which J frame has the most recoil-absorbing stock grips? I'm looking for a revolver to supplement my 9c.
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03-16-2012, 03:20 AM
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Thanks for all the input. I picked it up earlier today. The pistol came with some nice boot grips made by Speagel I think. I took it to the range and ran 50 rounds though it. The revolver worked just fine but my group was about 3 inches right and a little high. I need to work on it as it's been a while since I have shot a snub nosed revolver. The thing sure seemed snappy with Remington 130grn fmj more than I remember anyway . That was all that I could find locally. I took the boot grips off once I got home and put some Pachmyers on it which fit me a lot better. They are large grips though but I plan on carrying it IWB so that wont be an issue I think. I would hate to run +p through it though, ouch
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03-16-2012, 03:39 AM
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I've had one for about three years now, and I love it. I had wanted one for 20 years, but understood that it's not for everyone, it's more of an "expert's gun" because of the handling characteristics and short sight radius. With a lot of practice I've become reasonably proficient with it, shooting rapid fire. Painting the sights made them far easier to see, I'll never understand the "wisdom" of all-stainless sights!
Mine came with the larger of the Crimson Trace grips on it, and it solved the grip problem for me. I have medium-sized hands with long fingers, and the CT grip gives me plenty to hang onto, which really helps with the hotter loads.
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03-16-2012, 06:28 AM
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My 642 is one of the early ones. No lock and no SN on the butt. It's on the sideplate. I've changed over to Hogue Boot Monogrips for most of my j-frames. It's one-piece and gives a nice feel and isn't much larger than the original Uncle Mike's two-piece grips. Airweight and lighter j-frames are considered "expert guns", meaning you have to put a lot of range time in to really master them, but it's worth the effort. I carry Corbon DPX in mine. Good luck with it.
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03-16-2012, 08:13 AM
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I bought a no-lock 642 the beginning of this year and it's as good a J frame as any of the old ones that I have. And I have a few.
As some have said in other posts about 642's trigger, it's a little stout but not overly so and the boot grips that come from the factory are pretty good (I've always liked Boot Grip style grips) at taming recoil.
Having said that, I did change them out for an "old school" Tyler-T and Factory wood...
... for a picture or two and then left them on for awhile!
GF
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03-16-2012, 08:30 AM
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My 642 before the frame cracked .....they're sending me a new one.
I'm carrying this 442 in the meantime.
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03-16-2012, 08:40 AM
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I had a 642 for while. Carried it on my ankle. I got by with Hogue grips until I put CT grips on it. Now that is a package.
After 330 rounds it just got too sharp in my thin hands and I traded it for a 60-4 3-inch J-frame which I really do like.
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03-16-2012, 09:00 AM
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I got one for my wife and it has been great. Paid $389 new as well.
Middle one.
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M66, M&P 360, 642, M85 UL/Ti
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03-16-2012, 10:31 AM
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I have a 340PD, which is basically the same gun but about 3 ounces lighter.
It took a while for the action to smooth out and for me to get used to the recoil.
I carry three rounds of 38 +P and two rounds of .357 in the cylinder.
I also have a 640 pro and that is a lot nicer to shoot, but too heavy for in pocket carry (for me).
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03-16-2012, 12:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigMike76
I was thinking of getting one of these for summer ccw. I have pretty big hands would that cause a problem for me gripping this thing? Whats the going rate for a 642?
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Add the Pachmayr decelerators and it's give you a L frame grip. It takes up a little more of your front pocket, is non-issue in an ankle holster, but it solves the big hands issue AND much of the felt recoil.
Snap caps and a couple of thousand firings helps the action immensely......along with that pulling it right problem.
Last edited by StatesRightist; 03-16-2012 at 12:19 PM.
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03-16-2012, 07:43 PM
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I've carried one for 2 years. My snubby collection includes the 642, 442, 36,49,10,327pc,LCR,D Special, Cobra, and Agent so the fact that I choose the 642 should tell you something (the 442 is really the same gun...different finish). Actually, I think the old style short-grip Agent is the best snubby--same weight as 642 but 6 shots--but mine is pristine and I don't want to risk messing up the finish.
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03-16-2012, 08:37 PM
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i've got a few j-frames and now that i think about it, my no-lock 642-1 purchased 8.8.8 is my favorite. also have a pre-lock no-dash 342 titanium cylinder airlite that was refinished in pd black by s&w and though it's in contention, the 642 edges it out by a hair (no shrouded bbl). i use hoppe's #9 on the cylinder and no problems with the frame finish.
both wear these grips:
Hogue Bantam Grips with Top Finger Groove S&W J-Frame Round Butt Rubber Black, midwayusa.com/, $18.99
absorbs +p speer gold dot 135 gr kick all day.
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03-16-2012, 09:45 PM
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My daily carry is a 642 with the larger (#305) Crimson Trace Grips. It rides nicely in my right front pocket.
My carry load is the FBI (158 gr hollow point lead) +P load. I practice with wadcutters but finish up with the heavier loads in a practice session:
If you believe in using reloads for self defense, then these are about as good as it gets:
158 gr pentagonal hollow points cast of 1/20 lead/tin and pushed by a +P load of powder.
Dale53
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03-16-2012, 11:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Austerity
I got one for my wife and it has been great.
Middle one.
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I tried to trade my wife for one, but couldn't find anybody willing to take her in trade. So I still have her. You are a lucky guy!
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03-17-2012, 12:37 AM
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I've had one for about 3 years now. Great little defense pistol that is easy to carry. For sure it is not a range gun you take to shoot a couple boxes when you go. Recoil is a little stout.
It was designed to shoot very short ranges and it does that very well. I have several hundred rounds down range not a single problem. It carries very nice in a Cross Breed Super Tuck holster carries in my vehicles real nice and comfortable.
I have seen a good shot clean a shooting star with it in competition of course he was a very good shot, but the little pistol does surprise you after you have some time with it.
I definitely do not feel under gunned at all with it when I carry.
Dan
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09-07-2014, 10:19 PM
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Those are pretty
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale53
If you believe in using reloads for self defense, then these are about as good as it gets:
158 gr pentagonal hollow points cast of 1/20 lead/tin and pushed by a +P load of powder.
Dale53
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02-10-2015, 10:12 PM
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I purchased a 642-2 S/N CNS02xx from the internet (mid 2014) for total cost of $436. The trigger was heavy of course but I dismissed that. Under duress, with adrenalin pumping, it won't matter for close up shoot from the hip, gut shots. Consider replacing at a minimum the rebound slide spring. This is the trigger return spring and that is all it must do: return the trigger to a forward position for a second shot. The spring of most concern is the main (hammer) spring which determines the force of the hammer on the firing pin. If you reduce it, you must reduce the firing pin spring also, and for good measure replace the firing pin with a longer one to ensure a good primer strike. I replaced all components with the Apex J frame Duty/ Carry Spring kit ($26) Link: https://store.apextactical.com/WebDi...Details/192058
There is an good UTUBE video link on their website. I also purchased a rebound slide removal tool from http://gunsmithertools.com/smithmaster-trigger-spring . You may only use it once (sell it if you like later on ebay) but it makes installing the trigger rebound slide very easy. The trigger rebound slide encloses the trigger return spring. I have not verified performance, ie, 100% primer set-offs. Just be organized and keep everything separated. Crimson Trace has redesigned a new green laser grip for the round butt J-Frame: MOD: LG 350G. It looks extremely well designed but be prepared to wait for availability. Regarding S&W quality. When I removed the side plate, I found the hammer had worn deep grooves in the side plate from numerous dry fires. The top of the hammer moves back in a groove cut into the top of the frame. The machining was poor and left a bump in the groove near the firing pin. Testing it, I found this caused a perceptible bump in the trigger pull. I smoothed these defects out with a dremmel tool (use a felt tip and polishing compound). Advise everybody to get one marked as from the S&W Performance Center. I'm assuming these guys are top gunsmiths and would turn back poor machining, because it has their Department name on it.
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02-10-2015, 10:40 PM
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I like the Hornady Critical Defense Lite 90 grain poly tip hollow point. Energy equals mass times velocity squared. In other words, mass or bullet weight has a less an impact on energy than velocity (which is squared). A good example is the 55 gn .233. Low mass but high velocity. Low bullet weight reduces recoil for follow-up shots. The point is to hit first. And for that you need laser grips: The Crimson Trace LG 350G (green) grips appear (in photos) to be extremely well designed. Using a Lasersight 38 spl (laser boresight) I found the cylinder/ barrel alignment varies at 30 feet from chamber to chamber. This is a quality/machining issue. It may swage the bullet on one side or the other as it enters the forcing cone, and not affect anything at short distances. but zero the laser in to point of aim using a target.
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02-10-2015, 10:49 PM
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This is the red laser which is great for night but washes out in sunlight. I have one. It is a good design ergonomically: the front activation button is well placed in a finger groove and the longer grip length is perfect for control. The new LG 350G grips are better (green laser) in design by looking at the photos, but be prepared to wait or availability. And it's not usually a good idea to get first production anything.
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02-11-2015, 12:52 AM
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I don't get too wrapped up in energy figures, velocity being squared skews the numbers too much in favor of light/fast rounds, which may not achieve the penetration needed to get into the plumbing. I'm more likely to go with a heavier bullet that actually expands a bit over some wunderkind bullet that creates a shallow wound and just makes the bad guy madder. Proven loads like the 158-grain SWC/HP have a great track record, and my own testing bears out those results.
I spent four years and around $4000 of my own money testing loads in numerous calibers in wetpack and water jugs, and to me, the faster/lighter loads often leave a lot to be desired. You might be up against a 98-pound crackhead, but it also might be a drunken 350-pound Samoan Wrestler who goes by the name Tiny. I'd rather have too much penetration than not enough. My 642 is stoked with 158-grain FBI loads because I TRUST them far more than the Boutique bullets at $1 a shot.
Last edited by papajohn428; 02-11-2015 at 12:55 AM.
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02-12-2015, 09:32 PM
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The 642 (and 442) is perhaps the most recommended and carried .38 snubby in modern times. Mine has served as my back up gun for the last 12-13 years and as a sometimes off duty weapon during the same period. It is not for the person who is unwilling to practice. The light weight, heavy trigger and short sight radius make it more challenging to shoot well. In practiced hands however it's capable of far greater accuracy and effective range than most are willing to admit.
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327pc, 340pd, 442, 640, 642, airlite, airweight, ccw, concealed, crimson, galco, hogue, j frame, l frame, lock, pachmayr, remington, sideplate, smith & wesson, smith and wesson, snubby, snubnose, titanium |
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