642 Pro

[Neal/CO]

I want to get a 642 for concealed carry in a pocket holster at all times! The pro version is cut for moon clips. Is this a good option and have any of you bought this model? Who makes the best moon clips for this option?

Also what do you think of the new 2.5 inch version? Will the extra half inch make a big difference in concealing? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I would go with the 3 inch for the full extraction of shells. The only way it would make it a problem would be if you were small frame.

 

[Neal/CO]

I would go with the 3 inch for the full extraction of shells. The only way it would make it a problem would be if you were small frame.

I have been all over the map my last four posts I have looked at and shot a 3" 686, 3" 629. I have asked questions about 686s, 620s and 625s.

I am going to go ahead and buy a J-frame to pocket carry. I changed my mind about stopping at the liquor store two nights ago and it got robbed 10 minutes later! The clerk shot both idiots and unfortunately they survived

If I had the money I would like a 3" revolver for side carry while working and fishing at night! And then a 4 or 5 inch either 686 or 625 as my camp and hunting sidearm.

So my second gun will have to be a compromise between the two?

 

[Combat_Diver]

I've got a 442-1 Pro that I got in Jul. The 1 7/8" bbl, extraction is short. The new 640 Pro with the longer 2.125" bbl, a front night sight, cut for the moon clips and no lock(sku 178044). The 642 with the longer 2.5" bbl is supposed to have full extraction. TK Custom makes the moon clips for Smith and doesn't recommand Starline or Winchester brass. I've had not problems with Magtech or Federal so far. You do not need to use the moon clips all the time either as you have the option to run clips, speed loaders, speed strips or loose rounds.

CD

 

[Neal]

Everyone should have a J-frame. Then a 4" L frame for belt carry would be a good choice. BTW, I like your user name. Is CO for commanding officer? Colorado maybe?


Neal

 

[rrockefe]

I would appreciate some further clarification here please. I am about to order a 642 pro cut for moon clips with no lock and the 1 7/8" barrel. I want the short barrel for pocket carry. Seems like the indication here is there may be a problem with incomplete extraction with this short barrel? Does this mean a cylinder full of empties with a moon clip would not be reliably extracted in an emergency situation?

 

[Moondancer]

Very limited data set here.
I bought a Pro-series 442 (442-1) a couple months ago, 1 7/8" barrel.
Last trip to the range I went through 75 rounds of various brands of ammo, all +P. Extraction was never a problem with any of them. In fact, in one instance I upended the run and just touched the ejector rod, less than 1/16" travel. All five rounds fell out of the cylinder.
As always, YMMV.

 

[handgunner356]

I've had the 2.125" Pro with the port and the 2.5" w/o, both carried well in just the pocket. I preferred the 2.5" just for the longer ejector rod although it's not usually a problem with a clean gun. I've found the new style grips S&W is using on the J-frames binds with most speedloaders, so the moonclips could be a help there. The big problem I have with the moonclips on 38/357 is with the longer cases there is a lot of wiggle, and there is not a real good way to carry them concealed.

 

[Neal/CO]

Everyone should have a J-frame. Then a 4" L frame for belt carry would be a good choice. BTW, I like your user name. Is CO for commanding officer? Colorado maybe?


Neal

Nice to see someone who spells it the same as me! Are you sure it's not Neil I use the same user name on a couple of Walleye sites I frequent and some of those members also hunt and shoot. Maybe a couple of them will recognise me on here?

I sell and design home security alarms for ADT. I work alot at night and go into alot of bad area's!! I also fish for walleye's at night in canyon area's above several local reservoirs. We have alot of Mountain Lions around here and they are getting more and more used to humans. There are also lots of both wild and loose dogs roaming around. Several of my friends have had encounters with both recently!

The J-frame is a must, but I also need a 3-4" revolver to carry at night! I am leaning toward a 7 shot 686 when I can afford it. But I also like the idea of a 625 and moon clips also.