Is a 642 Enough for Carry?

Shorty 45 MK2 said:
Just the one about how ammo capacity doesn't really help and maybe the one on what type of bullet. ;)
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Darn it! I always forget those ones that I don't really believe in:

"The typical shooter only needs 2.5 shots."

"High capacity is only useful if you plan to miss a lot."

I think the "type of bullet" one is more of an incitement to flame wars rather than cliche bingo.

Shorty 45 MK2 said:
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. :D
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If I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want to be somewhere else. There's a reason I was a scout in the Army - what other job there is specifically NOT supposed to fight, but to run away and tell others where to go fight? :D

By preference, if I were dreaming big I'd want a battery of 8" guns on the other end of the radio I was carrying.* They are, however, somewhat impractical for things that go *bump* in the living room at 2AM....

For purposes of avoiding too much thread drift, the bottom line cliche remains: "better the .38 you have than the .500 Whompenstomper in the safe at home." OP, if you've got a .38, and you're comfortable carrying it because you have a reasonable amount of skill with it (and tactics in general), then have at it.

*I guess in these modern times it'd be a drone pilot or something.
 
just my 2 cents, yes a 642 will suffice. I sometimes carry one, it's light, small compact, but with practice, still hits where i point it.
 
I carry my 642 all the time. I use the BB 158 grain standard load semi wad cutter ammunition with it and it will do the job for me. I also carry a M64 with the same loads.
 
MarkAlt said:
Some feedback sure would be appreciated.

I prefer wheelguns for carry. Just used to them and they're comfortable. Fortunately, I've made good decisions in revolvers and they're (at least for me), becoming collectible pieces. I no longer want to carry my Detective Special or even my 70's era model 19.

My "work gun" is a 642. It's a fine little gun at a budget price, so a little scratch or pocket lint doesn't bother me. In this world of 15 round polymer, I'm feeling like a dinosaur with 5 rounds of .38 special.

I know; practice and shot placement. There are always speed loaders too.

Lately, I've been thinking of trading up for a J-frame .357. Never shot one, but I know that little 642 can be a hand full at times. Wondering if the extra punch is worth it from a 2" barrel? Am I looking for more rounds or more punch? -yes

Also thought about relenting and going with that gun that rhymes with 'clock'. I can't even say it. Nothing against the firearm, but I'm a wood and metal revolver guy.

Thanks in advance.
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You ask a philosophical question that will get answers all over the spectrum.

Is a 642 Enough for Carry?

What answer were you hoping for?
What does Carry really mean?
What does Enough really mean?

Carry has a generational element. One who dresses to conceal more than a pocket gun may tend to be part of an older generation. The shorts with crotch down to the knees, *** out; tee shirt, and flip flops set are going to be forced to consider what is actually a backup gun to be their primary carry. The 642 is well designed and well liked as a pocket gun, being ugly as sin notwithstanding.

The Enough question is a different can of worms. When you don't dress to conceal a combat revolver, you have compromised in how much power you will bring to a gunfight and how much your wardrobe and mode of dress take priority over your well being. In the end though, one must be commended for having the gun that is better than none.

BTW my latest carry is a pair of cowboy style 38 Colt/38 Special, so I am not saying the 38 is inherently inadequate, although it might well be. My most secure feeling carry guns are a Kimber CDP II Pro or a Smith & Wesson 696, .44 Special.
 
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I like my 442 a lot, but I like my 340pd more. Not because it is a .357, but because of it's other features. It is a little lighter, better sights that can be changed easily, and the ejector rod is shrouded.

I never shoot .357mags out of it, but it is nice to know that it matches my primary gun if I need to share ammo.

If I were you I would not upgrade just because of the .357 aspect, but if you want the other features on the gun go for it.

As stated a second 442 is not a bad idea either. Ed
 
I carried a Model 60 stainless off duty for years. As of a week or so ago I replaced my 642 with a 640 Pro. for everyday carry. I didn't think I would feel the weight difference but it is noticeable. But I must say after taking my 640 Pro to the range I'll live with the extra weight difference for now. Since I'm retired and not in the situations I was in while I was on the job. I think my 640 Pro. with Critical Defense FTX 110 grain 38's, and my speed strip is enough right now for any trouble that comes my way.
 
I tote a 640, and while it will sling .357Mags I carry .38Spcl+P 125gr Golden Sabers from Remington. Along with two speed strips with five spares each. If a protracted encounter occurs I have 15 rounds. And I feel confident.
 
I don't always carry two guns, but when I do, they are both j-frames.:D

I always carry one j-frame, wherever it is legal.

To the fellow shooting the pigs at 60 feet: in my estimation, the j-frame
.38 special is a 10 foot gun. In most instances, if the threat isn't actually
shooting at you, and the distance exceeds 20 feet max, one is better off
changing positions, finding cover, or just generally getting the Hell out
of Dodge. That's assuming one isn't a police officer.
 
Here's my take on it. All these guys who think they need high capacity autos and carry extra mags for c/c and home defense
in reality in any given situation probably will never fire more than a couple of shots, God forbid should they ever need to shoot at all.
No offense to the guys who carry autos and extra mags, but in my opinion if you need more than the 5 or 6 rounds offered in a revolver you don't need more ammo, you need help!!
 
My EDC has been a small .38 for well over 40 years (currently either an older Model 38 or 442) and I don't feel under-gunned. In retirement my travels are relatively safe and I have complete confidence in the gun.

I was on the job in 1974, armed w/my issued Colt Detective Spl. (plain clothes detective), and became involved in a gun battle w/an armed robber. The little Colt served me well and I've had confidence in these little guns ever since.

If I were to go back on the job today then one of the large high cap. semi autos would make sense.
 
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gunhobbit said:
Darn it! I always forget those ones that I don't really believe in:

"The typical shooter only needs 2.5 shots."

"High capacity is only useful if you plan to miss a lot."

I think the "type of bullet" one is more of an incitement to flame wars rather than cliche bingo.



If I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want to be somewhere else. There's a reason I was a scout in the Army - what other job there is specifically NOT supposed to fight, but to run away and tell others where to go fight? :D

By preference, if I were dreaming big I'd want a battery of 8" guns on the other end of the radio I was carrying.* They are, however, somewhat impractical for things that go *bump* in the living room at 2AM....

For purposes of avoiding too much thread drift, the bottom line cliche remains: "better the .38 you have than the .500 Whompenstomper in the safe at home." OP, if you've got a .38, and you're comfortable carrying it because you have a reasonable amount of skill with it (and tactics in general), then have at it.

*I guess in these modern times it'd be a drone pilot or something.
Click to expand...

Gunhobbit, you have a way with words. And clichés. :D:D

As Old cop often says (and I tend to agree with a lot of things he says), my life is much calmer in retirement. I get out less, don't drive after dark, don't go to bars, and generally avoid unsavory places and people.

I'm content with a J-frame .38 Special. If you feel the need to carry a .50AE Desert Eagle with a .375 H&H derringer for backup, go for it.

How about this one, gunhobbit? "Different strokes for different folks." :D:D

By the way, I met a guy at a range years ago who was shooting a .50 Desert Eagle. He swore he carried it concealed. I had no further questions...:rolleyes:
 
It is better than NOT having anything

I like the above concerning when to go to the store and when not to, etc.

A snubbie, and, good pair of running shoes is good

Use the running shoes first.
 
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1408401480.328792.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1408401493.128232.jpg


Sold all my Glocks and feel very good about my 638 and 60. Always have a speed loader in my pocket not that I need it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Kid44 said:
Here's my take on it. All these guys who think they need high capacity autos and carry extra mags for c/c and home defense
in reality in any given situation probably will never fire more than a couple of shots, God forbid should they ever need to shoot at all.
No offense to the guys who carry autos and extra mags, but in my opinion if you need more than the 5 or 6 rounds offered in a revolver you don't need more ammo, you need help!!
Click to expand...

Good thing it's only your opinion. :rolleyes:
 






EDC 642 ported which was LNIB and $350 OTD 2 years ago. Someone won it and traded at my LGS. :) Lucky me.

Another J may be carried. Or a 19 or 66.
If on a long cycle ride or for other reason more may be needed I take 686 plus 3 inch with me. The speed strip is always on my belt with my Simply Rugged ammo pouch.
The 686 rides well IWB or OWB with a good belt. I am wearing it now and feel it a little, if I had the J on I would have to check to see it were there though.

Yes most times 5 should be plenty. BUT the father from home I go, the more iron I want with me. Like a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit. Better to have it and not need , than the opposite.

111003_0840011.jpg
 
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