642 Forcing Cone

[magnum0710]

I picked up my new (to me) 642 today. I didn't get a chance to check it out thoroughly in the store, the lock up and timing was good and the gun looked like it had barely (possibly never) have been fires. I got home and had the chance to go over it good and I noticed there is a tiny gouge in the forcing cone .

All sales are final and since it was purchased online through the stores website I couldn't really take it back and being the second owner I'm not sure S&W will even help me under warranty. I guess this is what I get for buying a used gun online without being able to look it over. Lesson learned!

So what do you guys think? Is this even safe to fire? If it is safe what are the chances of it getting worse? If it's fine I'd rather leave it alone but if not I really don't know what I can even do about it. I attached a picture of it. Any help is appreciated!!!

 

[Frailer]

Your picture didn’t show up.

 

[magnum0710]

Your picture didn’t show up.

I added it to the OP thanks for letting me know. It's really small so I'm going to attach a close up of it too.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

Not the best I've seen, not the worst either. I would see how it shoots first.

 

[Stevens]

Is it the mark on the cone that shows up as diagonal line? If so is it a scratch or a crack?
Steve

 

[magnum0710]

Is it the mark on the cone that shows up as diagonal line? If so is it a scratch or a crack?
Steve

It's the small mark on the outside of the forcing cone, kind of by where my thumb is. It's like a small gouge, it's not cracked at least I don't think it is.

 

[mckenney99]

It looks fine to me. Shoot, clean, repeat.

 

[magnum0710]

Is it the mark on the cone that shows up as diagonal line? If so is it a scratch or a crack?
Steve

Also, if it helps I added a close up of it in my second post.

 

[TJm15.38]

Should not be a problem. Test fire and inspect; then, fire at will.

 

[magnum0710]

Should not be a problem. Test fire and inspect; then, fire at will.

I think that's a great idea, I'll try it with some light loads first then see how it does with standard and +p. I'll just have to keep an eye on it that's all.

 

[minconrevo]

That small ding at 9 o'clock is rounded and would not likely be a point for a crack to start. While annoying, I doubt if it will cause problems.

 

[TJm15.38]

I have a similar revolver, a 638. Think you will find that the +P stuff just doesn't do much for close in defense. A 158 grain standard load would give you all the penetration you need. The hollow points out of the short barrel will not likely expand anyway. I load mine with a 140 grain round nose "Cowboy" load and it is very easy to control.

 

[magnum0710]

I have a similar revolver, a 638. Think you will find that the +P stuff just doesn't do much for close in defense. A 158 grain standard load would give you all the penetration you need. The hollow points out of the short barrel will not likely expand anyway. I load mine with a 140 grain round nose "Cowboy" load and it is very easy to control.

Speaking of the 638, the shop I got my 642 at had a used 638 with 2.5 inch barrel for $325!!! I wish I had the funds I would have scooped that one right up.

As for loads I'd like to find a standard pressure 158 grain hard cast swc, like the Underwood or Buffalo Bore but not in a +p load. I know they have the cast full wadcutters in standard pressure but I prefer a semi wadcutter myself. It looks like handloads are about my only option that or a swaged factory load. Double Tap has a 158 swc too, it's +p but not BB/Underwood level, just a normal +p load.I did however pick up a box of the 38+p HSTs today when I picked up my 642. Even if I decide not to use em I got em just because they're not made anymore. For $20 I figured why not.

 

[magnum0710]

That small ding at 9 o'clock is rounded and would not likely be a point for a crack to start. While annoying, I doubt if it will cause problems.

I kind of figured it wouldn't be too big of an issue since it's so small, just wanted to see what others thought and make sure before I take it to the range. I'm definitely going to keep an eye on it but I'm not going to worry too much at this point.

 

[snubbyfan]

 

[magnum0710]

For some reason I read that in Arnold Schwarzeneggers voice

 

[chief38]

From here it looks like a minor scratch or nick and should be a non issue. If there are any sharp edges, you can just take a minute and smooth it up a bit - not to try and remove the mark, just to remove any sharp edge if there are any. I've seen much worse! The days of perfection are few & far between! Some fine emery paper or sandpaper would be fine. Again, you just don't want an edge to catch things on.

 

[mckenney99]

Speaking of the 638, the shop I got my 642 at had a used 638 with 2.5 inch barrel for $325!!! I wish I had the funds I would have scooped that one right up.

As for loads I'd like to find a standard pressure 158 grain hard cast swc, like the Underwood or Buffalo Bore but not in a +p load. I know they have the cast full wadcutters in standard pressure but I prefer a semi wadcutter myself. It looks like handloads are about my only option that or a swaged factory load. Double Tap has a 158 swc too, it's +p but not BB/Underwood level, just a normal +p load.I did however pick up a box of the 38+p HSTs today when I picked up my 642. Even if I decide not to use em I got em just because they're not made anymore. For $20 I figured why not.

While not a LSWC it is a 158gr LSWC-HP and non-+p and it is comfortable to shoot in my M649. It also shoots to the sights at 15yards.
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

 

[magnum0710]

From here it looks like a minor scratch or nick and should be a non issue. If there are any sharp edges, you can just take a minute and smooth it up a bit - not to try and remove the mark, just to remove any sharp edge if there are any. I've seen much worse! The days of perfection are few & far between! Some fine emery paper or sandpaper would be fine. Again, you just don't want an edge to catch things on.

I don't think there are any sharp edges but I'll double check it. I didn't have a whole lot of time to mess with it today.
I'm just happy it's not a safety issue or anything and I'm safe to at least test it out.
Now I just have to find the right pocket holster!

 

[magnum0710]

While not a LSWC it is a 158gr LSWC-HP and non-+p and it is comfortable to shoot in my M649. It also shoots to the sights at 15yards.
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

I'm familiar with most of the BB/Underwood offerings in 38 357 and 9mm. I'm not a huge fan of soft lead unless it's semi jacketed or it's just for plinking.
I'm a bit of a ballistics nerd, there are very few standard pressure loads I'm comfortable with, Critical Defense and the 110 grain Hydra-Shok being two of em. The only reason I'd like to see Underwood or Buffalo Bore load their 158 grain Keith in a standard pressure load is because their "+p" is running over 28,000 PSI, same thing with their FBI loads. It's late so I'll have to look for it tomorrow but a member of another forum actually pressure tested the FBI and Keith loads from both companies.
Honestly I'll probably run with either Critical Defense standard or the Speer 135 grain short barrel. I know the Speer is +p but it was developed for the J frames from what I understand.