642 UC question

[r2d4]

Merry Christmas!
I have found a used 642 UC. Excellent shape and they are asking $500.00
This seems like a good price. I can get a nice used 642 for around $300. Is it worth the extra money? Whatever I get will be carried and shot. Thank you for your input.

 

[imakmst]

Maybe the only difference in the two would be sights? Not sure. For the 642 and the purpose I think it's for, I'd opt for the 642 for 300, but that's me.

(I pocket carry a 642, no lock)

 

[Qwerty357]

I like the UC for the front sight and better trigger. Ti internals are kind of a bonus upgrade but most won’t shoot a snubnose enough to wear it out I doubt. My hands gave out long before the handgun. Also, the grips are nice to own, but I took them off for weight and bulk reduction. Don’t prefer that look either. YMMV, but both prices you found are great. I doubt you will lose money if/when you get out of it.

 

[smitty_bs]

You can do what I did. Take the plain 442, buy an XS front sight, have your gunsmith mill down the fixed front sight and pop on the XS. I did that both to my 442 and my M60 in 38/357. Both work great and shoot point of aim.

 

[geeollie]

The Ultimate Carry in 6 shot 32 H&R Magnum is "more better enough" to by pass a 5 shot J frame.

There have been a few reports of the Ultimate Carry sights having a tendency to catch on clothing. This would be something I would want to confirm for myself before I buy one. Since I pocket carry a lot, this has kept me from ordering one, having never seen one in person.

 

[Doug M.]

A proper holster for pocket carry should eliminate that problem.

 

[Beju]

I think the out of the box trigger and sights are worth the extra couple hundred bucks, but I don't have a local revolver gunsmith like smitty bs does. Having to ship it for work to be done would get real close to the price difference.

As far as sights snagging in pocket carry, a kydex pocket holster greatly reduces risk of that. Even if you don't care about trigger protection, pocket holsters help keep the revolver from shifting about in your pocket, making it less likely that the grip orientation changes as you move.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have the 432UC and really like it. I think they are perhaps the best thought out J frame of all.

 

[Dump1567]

Personally, I lean towards no. I see the J as an up close, get away from trouble gun. At the ranges I'd expect them to be used, I'm not sure the front sight ad's that much value. And the flat front could add a snag point.

I didn't find the trigger all that much better in my 432UC than a factory 442/642 and still ended up lightening it with a spring kit.

But this decision will be up to you. Just look over the gun well. Some of these have had issues.

 

[catcus-jack]

Buy the UC.

 

[r2d4]

Thank everyone. I decided on the 642 regular type. Nice trigger and much cheaper