642 Airweight Question(s)

[Steely Dan]

I am looking at getting my wife a 642 for CCW. Question 1.) have any of you had finish problems? I heard yes and no. Question 2.) What is the internal lock? Do only new ones have this setup? Question 3.) Anyone here have both a LCR and a 642? I lean to the S&W but the LCR gets good reviews in a side by side shooting comparison. Thanks in advance, SD

 

[Dragon88]

1. Though there have been some reports of finish wear, I've been shooting and carrying mine for well over a year and it looks like the day I bought it. I do not use any harsh solvents when I clean it, not even Hoppe's, perhaps that helps.

2. Most new 642s you will see in stores will have the Internal Lock. However, they do make a No Lock model. It is the exact same gun, sans the lock, and is the same price. If you do not like the IL you can order a No Lock at your local shop.

3. Sorry cant help you with that one. Good luck and let us know if you make the purchase.

 

[Harrison]

I have been carrying a 642 airweight for about 4 years now. I pocket carry, in a pocket holster. The finish shows no wear at all. My wife carries a newer (one year old) 642 airweight in her purse. When I bought it for her the LGS had both the IL and the non lock versions. I got the non-lock. The finish on her revolver is also like new. She keeps it in a pocket holster in her purse. As long as you mostly keep the pistol in a non-leather holster and only take it out to shoot it occassionaly and clean it, I see no reason the finish should wear of flake.

 

[158Grain]

Same as above. I have had my 642 for over two years. I have not had any finish issues. I don't use harsh solvents either and I am also careful with what brushes I use to clean it. Mine has the lock and I haven't had any issues. Some people are ok with it, some hate it. I have shot the LCR and it was a nice gun. My brother is actually looking for one now. Both are nice. Buy whatever your wife likes and you can find. Lots of practice with either. J frames can be tough to master

 

[RichCapeCod]

I've had my 642 since the early (?) 1990s. No problems with her, finish or otherwise. A fine carry handgun. One of the best.

Rich

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've carried mine in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster since 1996. It has one wear spot on the hump. Doesn't bother me.

 

[Rob1109]

I'm your guy! Have both the LCR and the No Lock 642 with the CT Laser. I like to 642 on looks and the LCR on shootability. Both are rotten to shoot!! 50 rounds out of either is a day. With +P they are ugly. The LCR is marginally "softer"/more comfortable. I think the polymer absorbs some recoil. In their defense both are not made for comfort, but comforting. I carry both in a DeSantis Nemisis in my right front pocket. Both are well made and will outlast me. The Smith finish shows no signs of wear. I wax it with RENAISSANCE WAX. I have serious doubts that your wife will like either one. My carry load is Speer GD +P. All loads require a "death grip" for proper control. Grip them high and tight! What else can I say? Ask me........

 

[Old cop]

I carry a 442 from the early 90's and the finish, satin nickle, looks new. Also, I rented the LCR just to see how it shot and while it is a fine gun, it does not measure up to a S&W. I like the Smith action better and appreciate the fact that w/the 442/642 you have a wider variety of after market grips and other things available. IMHO it (442)just conceals in the pocket better.

 

[Electraclyde]

I had an LCR .38 spe when they first came out. I owned it for 9 days before I traded in back in on something else. At the time I also owned a S&W 442 (still have it) and a S&W 340 M&P.
All the claims to fame for the LCR were that it had a better trigger. NOT!! It is different than a S&W but not better.
I found that when firing as fast as I could, my finger would "outrun" the trigger rebound system and the gun would lock up. Never had that problem with any S&W's that I have owned.
Just my .02 cents worth.

 

[Steely Dan]

Thank you for the responses. I admit my bias towards SW but I wanted additional feedback. My wife wants the 642 and I believe she will soon have one. Does LGStores stock the Renaissance Wax or is it a online purchase? Also, what cleaner do you use for cleaning the bore after range firing?

 

[ordy]

I've been carrying the 642 for a number of years either in the pocket or an iwb holster. The clear coat on a small part of the back strap has worn away over the years but it isn't a big deal. It still functions as it should. I use Hoppes or break free as a solvent and a drop or two of rem oil to lube the critical points. The non lock version may be a little tough to come by but you can always deactivate the lock with a minimum of fuss...there's a youtube tutorial on that site.

 

[RGMoore]

I've had my 642CT for about a year. Daily carry in a DeSantis Nemesis. No finish problems yet. I carry with Rem Golden Saber reg velocity. At PD range I personally don't feel the need for +P with good bullets. Practice with light cast loads. My wife hates the recoil and it isn't much fun for me to shoot either but the trade-off is conceal-ability and light weight.

 

[JoeGun]

I've been carrying the 642 for a number of years either in the pocket or an iwb holster. The clear coat on a small part of the back strap has worn away over the years but it isn't a big deal. It still functions as it should. I use Hoppes or break free as a solvent and a drop or two of rem oil to lube the critical points. The non lock version may be a little tough to come by but you can always deactivate the lock with a minimum of fuss...there's a youtube tutorial on that site.

Online Gun Deals - Item Details

 

[CJRob]

Our daily carry. Just practiced with mine today at 30 and 50 yards with some goodly handloads. One of the best real world carry pieces in my opinion...but it does require dedicated practice.

 

[Rob1109]

Thank you for the responses. I admit my bias towards SW but I wanted additional feedback. My wife wants the 642 and I believe she will soon have one. Does LGStores stock the Renaissance Wax or is it a online purchase? Also, what cleaner do you use for cleaning the bore after range firing?

The wax will not be found in LGS. Go mine online. Probably Midway.

 

[wrangler5]

I think the S&W/LCR choice is highly personal. I too had read about the "nicer" trigger on the Ruger, but when I shot one side by side with a 642 at a range I just liked the S&W better. I carried a Glock 26 at the time, was shooting semiautos almost exclusively for both fun and in competition, and was not even thinking of carrying a small revolver - I just happened to be at a rental range that had both of the little guns available and was curious to see what the differences were.

I was surprised that I liked the S&W better than the LCR, after all the hype in the press about how great the then-new Ruger was. I think it IS a nice little gun, but for ME, in MY hands, I preferred the S&W.

YMMV, as they say, so the only way for YOU and your wife to be sure is to shoot both side by side if you possibly can.

 

[Dragon88]

Also, what cleaner do you use for cleaning the bore after range firing?

I said that I don't use Hoppe's, but I should clarify. I do use a patch or two soaked in Hoppe's down the bore and cylinder charge holes. They are stainless and will not be harmed by the solvent. After that in the cleaning process, I only use Cleanzoil or Remoil. This requires a touch more elbow grease than being able to use a solvent on everything, but thankfully I have had no finish peeling.

 

[gr7070]

Do *not* use Hoppe's! IIRC the S&W owner's manual (or some other S&W material) specifically states to not use a type chemical within the solvent. Hoppe's is one of the solvents with that chemical. I'll try to find the proper terminology when I'm not on my phone.

I have a 642. Have carried near-daily for over a year in a Desantis Superfly. I highly recommend the holster! I have a small wear spot, but in full disclosure I often bang it on the safe latch when I pul it out.

I also live in TX and (peddle) bike to work 3 days a week, including the summer. I never wipe the 642 down except when I clean it after shooting, which isn't often. It has no signs of wear (other than the one spot) or corrosion.

I only use oil to clean it because of concerns for the finish. Normally I would scoff at not using solvent but you likely won't shoot it often or a lot so oil and proper brushes will be all you need to clean the slight residue you do on on it.

Everything I've read about the LCRs is positive. If I liked it better I wouldn't hesitate buying one. I, personally, just wanted a S&W.

 

[CJRob]

I use CLP on mine. Spray it on, down barrel and charge holes, let it sit for a few minutes and swab bore, charge holes and wipe off.
It comes clean and doesn't seem to damage the finish.

 

[Deker]

Have carreid a 642 for about 8 years in pocket, using Desantis Nemisis. It has a fair amount of wear on the finish, mostly on the hump and it is now highly polished. Doesn't bother me, in fact, I like the patina.