Hi all, new to the forum so apologies in advance.
Looking for comments on S/W 642. Father is looking to get one to carry (CCW FL / DE ) and having a difficult time finding one. Most gun shops are steering him in this direction as he wants to stay with a revolver. Thoughts on any others he should be considering with good stopping power but easy concealment?
He also wants to stay concealed hammer to prevent snag. Load is not as important but does like the +P of the 642.

Great guns for the money, there are several reasons that the 642 & 442 are S&W best sellers, simple, light weight,reliable, accurate, and affordable.

642 is the best. Been my everyday gun since the early 90s.

Dennis.

I have a 642 and love it. Paid around $350-$375 for it new as I recall. The same store has a new 638 for $375 that I've been wondering whether I need it too. It will jump in his hand a little since it is so light, so if you dad is sensitive about recoil maybe he should rent or borrow one to give it a try first. The beauty of a revolver is that they will digest anything that fits in the cylinder. That's not always true with a bottom feeder. The hard rubber boot grips that come with the new ones aren't bad. He can get some wood grips or laser grips if he wants.


The sights aren't very big, but they work. I've got a Mika pocket holster (Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.) for mine, but there are others out there. I also have a Don Hume J.I.T. belt holster that works well. The little J frames are small enough that they are easy to hide.

Vern

I carry a 642 for a BUG. All of the positives listed above are true. I will say in fairness the trigger is heavy until you've gotten several thousand rounds through it, use snap caps to save money. With +p's the gun will sting your hand some, nothing unmanageable, but 20-30 rounds of +P is enough in one session. Regular 38's are no problem. You can always change grips to help with recoil. Don't get me wrong, I own 2 because they are fantastic BUG's, but I wanted to give you the complete picture.

The only other thing I would say is snub's are not what I would recommend for a 1st gun. From reading your post, it seems like he's shot before, but I thought I would mention it just in case.

I have had a 642 for 5+ years, paid $425 as I recall. It is a tremendous gun for what it was built for, conceal carry. If it was my dad I would encourage him to stay w/642 and a REVOLVER for sure. Probably his eyesite would benfit from CT grips, mine did, and besides its fun.

I had a 442, basically the same gun (kinda sorta) but for color (just sold it to raise some $ for another project). I think the best 3 choices for this type of gun and considering his age are (1) 642 (2) 642 (3) 642. YMMV

Good luck in helping him w/this.

My new "post-lock" 642CT is tucked away in a FEDEX truck enroute as we speak.

More to come.

Edmo

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TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!

Yup, I agree, the 642. It's a super BUG.

I began with a Hogue grip to help the grip and recoil. Then got a notion to put on the laser to aid aiming.

As old and feeble as I am the recoil finally got to me and I traded for a 3-inch J-frame revolver that I love.

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USN WWII Korea
NRA

I agree with most everyone above.
642/442 or a 638/438 are the best S&W choices in a Pocket [U]Carry[/U], Conceal Carry gun.
The Ruger LCR 38 is not a bad choice either. I have an LCR 357 and an LCR 22 to go along with several S&W Revolvers.

If he is going to belt carry in a quality holster like a Lobo Enhanced Pancake, and not going to pocket carry it. A Stainless Steel 640 or a 649 will also work well and not recoil as hard as an airweight.

The heavier stainless steel J Frame guns are easier to shoot, but will not cut it for pocket carry for most of us due to weight. I carry several handguns from a 4" N frame 10mm down to an LCR 22. You will want an Air Weight J Frame for Pocket Carry.

My 2 Cents

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

You really need it too Vern. You really do.......

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Ogy

Go with the 442 because it has a better finish. Try finding a no lock version.

Another 642 No-lock here. It's my daily BUG.

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T. Ray

A J-frame snubby is not the best gun for everyone, I think they're best for accomplished revolver shooters who have mastered the art of the DAO trigger. Recoil can be snappy with some loads, and if arthritis is a factor something with a little more mass is advisable. But for those with good hand strength and a learned trigger finger, they serve well. Mine came with a Crimson Trace laser attached, and it may be the only handgun I own that has not seen any real modifications. It requires regular practice to stay competent, as does any self-defense weapon. I like it.

I would advise the 442 no lock. I have the 442prelock and 642nolock and I believe the finish on the 442 is more durable. Next time he's in Florida have him come by and I'll put a Wilson spring kit in it. World of difference.

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NRA Benefactor

I second, third etc the choice of the 642... it's my concealed carry gun here in Mass.... rides in a Galico ankle holster.... not so good for any distance shooting , of course, but the report itself would prob scare off the bad guys! I also like the internal hammer as sometimes it just rides in my coat or pants pocket. Loaded with Speer Gold Dots.

642 in Nemesis pocket holster. Light enough and small enough to ride in your boot, shorts or coat pocket depending on the weather which means you will carry it everyday anywhere. +p is a little snappy but manageable. Mine has CT and I like them.

It made it...

Edmo

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TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!

Given the qualities he's looking for (caliber,concealment), any of the various Centennials in .38 Special will do. To purchase an Airweight or not will just depend on how much the weight bothers him. I would recommend one in stainless steel for a first gun but the Airweights carry much easier.

I would also recommend he consider using only standard pressure ammo if he chooses the Airweight.

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Centennial Every Day