649 vs. 642 (Performance Model) Member Recommendations

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JohnPhitz

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John Phitz here ~ newbie member.
Addicted to the Forum!!
Wanting to add either 649 or 642 Performance model (& don't vilify me but have also been interested in SP101 357 dao but hear that trigger & trigger pull is rough).
Plan on carrying (+ for 642) but really would prefer all stainless.
For what it is worth for handguns I currently have Springfield XD-4, S&W 9MM shield, S&W 22LR & Charter Arms Shamrock (which I am getting rid of ~ was 1st good taste of wheel gun but not impressed with quality etc.).
Look forward to hearing back from all you.

God Bless & warm regards to All ~ JPhitz
 
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Afternoon JohnPhitz;

I can't speak to the 649 or 642 Performance model questions as I have neither.

I can (sort of) address the SP 101 part though.

What you heard on the trigger pull is partially correct-- The SP 101 has smaller trigger/hammer spacing & the geometry is different so it is a bit more difficult to get a lower-pound smooth double action trigger pull.

But it can be done with good success if you are knowledgeable & understand what it takes to get a good SP 101 double action trigger pull (more difficult /more work than on a S&W but not impossible).

I have a couple of SP 101's that I have some trigger re-work time into & I doubt you could find fault with either.

You also need to qualify what you read as the SP 101 .22 cal. is a real bugger to get a low poundage double action pull on. Smooth & precise yes, but low poundage is very difficult as some of the modern .22's are real devils to get to fire if the SP 101 (.22) double action is lowered much below 9 pounds.

You can get (or make) a little longer firing pin & that will allow lowering the SP 101 22 a bit lower but seeing as the firing pin on the 22 is not a center hit ,then, any dry fires at all will ding up the rear of cylinder.
 
Not certain of your question. The 649 is stainless, single/double action and I believe chambered for .357 though from what I Hear most find magnum loads in a j frame unpleasant. The 642 is an aluminum frame air weight chambered for 38+p. Dao. I believe the performance center model is cut for moon clips. For carry I like the air weight and carry a 637 myself. I and others have had problems with the finish on the air weights but it's a tool not a show piece.

If you wanted to shoot 357 mag regularly I would recommend the sp101 as the more substantial gun tames recoil a bit. I think an sp101 will be my next revolver as my wife fancies it for her ccw weapon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
If you're someone who buys and sells regularly, a 357 model will be worth more down the line, and it gives you the choice of what to shoot. If you're looking for something lightweight, the 642 is a great carry gun.
 
I've had all, or similar.

649 (640-1 .357 and 49 38spl for me) You didn't specify if 357 or 38 so here's my similar 2: excellent trigger on 640, good for iwb, owb, and pocket although it might be a little heavy for pocket carry for some. Great all around gun and .357 is not unpleasant...for me at least. This includes factory and hand loads. 49 is one of my all time favorite models. If it came in 357 I'd be all over one. Mine shot great and was more fun than the 640 at the range because I could plink around in single action. LOVE the hump backs.

642 (had a 642-2 and now a 442-1 for me): super light weight. Good for all the carry options as above but pocket is a little nicer with this gun. 38's and 38+p all shoot well. Smooth but heavy trigger on both of my specimens.

Sp101 (sp101 2.25" for me): robust little gun. I believe it's similar in weight to the 640 I have but it's a little bulkier. Good iwb and owb, but it's bulkyness and spur (mine wasn't bobbed), impede pocket carry some. Shoots .357 with ease with its soft cushy grip. Trigger was not bad but noticeably longer than a s&w. HOWEVER, if you don't have a lot of s&w revolver trigger experience a ruger might feel pretty good. Not that it's bad, it's just different. And it's easy to get used to if you shoot it anyway.

These are just my humble opinions and I'm sticking with them. Your personal experience might be different. By the way, I'm looking for another sp101. :D

Edit: ya know, what a good time for some pics!

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69DD5238-8EA8-484E-A02C-8ED4DDB7F9ED.jpg


A09D6062-A0DF-42B1-B290-0BF6BF237FD5.jpg


EF0723AA-712B-4A13-BE7C-524EA7FEC457.jpg
 
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I have had all three and hands down would recommend the 649. The 642 is a nice carry gun, but IMO wasn't fun to shoot. The 649 is a pleasure to shoot using .38 special and actually not bad firing regular. 357 loads. I carry is a Barsony holster and it's an easy gun to carry. I have the SP101 but it never gets carried, too heavy for me. If your looking for a good carry piece then go with the 649. If your looking for a shooter then I'd side with the SP101.
 
Do you mean the 642 "Enhanced Action" which is from the Performance Center, or 642 Pro, which is a production gun? I'm not aware of a 642 Performance model...

Presuming you mean the 642 Pro, I'd choose that over a 649. I use, enjoy and believe in moon clips, don't need or recommend single action in the kinds of shoots deep carry J-frame snubs are made for, don't need .357 capability in a carry snub, and prefer my S&Ws without the internal lock.

The 649 is a fine firearm; the 642 Pro is more suited for me.

If you decide on the 642 Pro, consider its twin, the 442 Moon Clip, identical but in black and many say a tougher finish.

If stainless is a requirement but you otherwise like the 642 Pro's features, look into the 640 Pro; all stainless, enclosed hammer, moon clips, no lock and night sights.
 
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Big hearty THANKS to my forum Brothers who took the time to reply!
My aplogizes for not being a tad clearer on my wants/needs(?) so here are some additonal notes and comments:
The 649 and SP101 357s, I have never fired one so at least initially I would use 38/38+s; having the ability to go to train and become possibly comfortable a 357 load interests me a lot. Of course if it works out to be an 80/20 split on the different loadsis it not sensabile/practicalto go the 357 route?
As that I have only been shooting for about 5 years, just like the idea of the greater forgiveness of an all steel but am not opposed to a light weight...pretty confident that my Charter Arms does not set a great example of what a light weight can be.
Re: the 642 DAO, Davidson's has an exclusive of a "Performance Center" model their item #178025 that looks pretty sweet.

Wolverine: Thanks. Sounds like with practice (and maybe some tuning) Ruger SP101 357 might deserve some greater consideration? You mention .22 in your reply though, and my interest was in the 357 ~ any other thoughts given that?
Jonwanner: Thanks. Was looking for professional input; this certainly will not be the last gun I get my query was more for a great every day DAO...and the extra wieght of s.s....was just that,tohave some extra weight behind the gun.
F75gunslinger: Thanks. I am not one who buys and sells regularly ~ so far I am just a buyer!...but value is always an important consideration to me and your point is something I had not considered ~ figured any S&W holds its value pretty well (SP101 too from what I have heard)
Boogsawaste: Thanks for your humble opinions (& pics). Have ZERO experience with S&W revolver trigger experience.
Irn-Bru: Thanks. Great input...for some reason I am concerned that if I go SP101 that it might become a range gun which I do not want it to be. Could make it a HD gun but my XD + tactical 12 gauge aren't bad for that. Totally commited to investing the time of carrying so as gun becomes one with me but wonder if that still might workout for me.
Hapworth: Thanks my Man. Yes I meant the 642 Performance Center odel ~ sorry for mis-speak. All your recommendations I have looked into. Stupid question: what do Moon Clips do...never quite comprehended that?

Again heartfelt thanks & appreciation to all from JPhitz (a.k.a. your newest "rookie")
 
Big hearty THANKS to my forum Brothers who took the time to reply!
My aplogizes for not being a tad clearer on my wants/needs(?) so here are some additonal notes and comments:
The 649 and SP101 357s, I have never fired one so at least initially I would use 38/38+s; having the ability to go to train and become possibly comfortable a 357 load interests me a lot. Of course if it works out to be an 80/20 split on the different loadsis it not sensabile/practicalto go the 357 route?
As that I have only been shooting for about 5 years, just like the idea of the greater forgiveness of an all steel but am not opposed to a light weight...pretty confident that my Charter Arms does not set a great example of what a light weight can be.
Re: the 642 DAO, Davidson's has an exclusive of a "Performance Center" model their item #178025 that looks pretty sweet.

Wolverine: Thanks. Sounds like with practice (and maybe some tuning) Ruger SP101 357 might deserve some greater consideration? You mention .22 in your reply though, and my interest was in the 357 ~ any other thoughts given that?
Jonwanner: Thanks. Was looking for professional input; this certainly will not be the last gun I get my query was more for a great every day DAO...and the extra wieght of s.s....was just that,tohave some extra weight behind the gun.
F75gunslinger: Thanks. I am not one who buys and sells regularly ~ so far I am just a buyer!...but value is always an important consideration to me and your point is something I had not considered ~ figured any S&W holds its value pretty well (SP101 too from what I have heard)
Boogsawaste: Thanks for your humble opinions (& pics). Have ZERO experience with S&W revolver trigger experience.
Irn-Bru: Thanks. Great input...for some reason I am concerned that if I go SP101 that it might become a range gun which I do not want it to be. Could make it a HD gun but my XD + tactical 12 gauge aren't bad for that. Totally commited to investing the time of carrying so as gun becomes one with me but wonder if that still might workout for me.
Hapworth: Thanks my Man. Yes I meant the 642 Performance Center odel ~ sorry for mis-speak. All your recommendations I have looked into. Stupid question: what do Moon Clips do...never quite comprehended that?

Again heartfelt thanks & appreciation to all from JPhitz (a.k.a. your newest "rookie")
 
JohnPhitz; said:
Clip--

Wolverine: Thanks. Sounds like with practice (and maybe some tuning) Ruger SP101 357 might deserve some greater consideration?
You mention .22 in your reply though, and my interest was in the 357 ~ any other thoughts given that?
--clip
Click to expand...


Evening John

My reference to the SP101 .22 was not in the form of a gun recommendation, it was meant to caution you about what you read about SP 101 triggers
being heavy.
Just be sure that what you read or hear about SP 101 is referencing the center fire SP 101 & not the .22 SP 101.
 
JohnPhitz said:
...Hapworth: Thanks my Man. Yes I meant the 642 Performance Center odel ~ sorry for mis-speak. All your recommendations I have looked into. Stupid question: what do Moon Clips do...never quite comprehended that?..
Click to expand...
Moon clips allow you to load and unload your rounds simultaneously -- they're all on the clip (it's like a magazine for revolvers). Fastest load/unload there is; revolver shoots fine without 'em, too.
 
You mentioned preferring all stainless, so you should consider the various 640s as well. I recently acquired a 640 Pro and think it is a really great option.

A few things to keep in mind:
1. Not all 649s are chambered for 357 (same for 640s) if that matters.
2. Some shooters, and I am one, say the DA trigger feel is different for Centennials than SA/DA models. I prefer the trigger on my 640 to my 637, but no one should buy a J frame for its great trigger.
3. Better sights on the 640 Pro, but no one should buy a J frame for its great sights.
 
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I have a 649-2 (.38 special) that I bought around 1993. It was the last S&W revolver that I bought new. It is also the only "J" frame I own. Because it is my only one, I can't comment on any other model in that frame size, but IMO it's a great carry gun. I like the snag free hammer shroud with the ability to thumb cock it. I personally have never embraced the need to have such a gun in .357 magnum, and consider my 2 1/2" model 66-1 the perfect package for that caliber. Shoot what you like and like what you shoot. Good luck.
 
Both a Model 642 and .38 Special chambered Model 649 live here.


The Model 642 is so convenient and light which is so important to many who carry. Recoil with good self-defense loads is fairly "enthusiastic." It's double-action only and "hammerless." It's the last new Smith & Wesson revolver I've purchased and I've had it since 1998. I've become disenchanted with it since that time and feel the whole Model 642/442 revolver family is overrated and oversold.


The Model 649 is heavier, not being an alloy-framed revolver but it is just as compact for hiding purposes. It soaks up recoil better. It offers choices. One may shoot it in single-action mode or double-action. I like choices. It still slips in a pocket easily and is snag-free like the Model 642. The Model 649 is the gun that the Model 642 ought to be.

The Ruger SP101 I've shot has the best action of any Ruger double-action revolver I've ever handled. It's still not as nice as a Smith & Wesson gun in my view. It's also a bit clunky for a 5-shot revolver. I'd about as soon hide a 2 1/2-inch Smith & Wesson Model 19 or Model 66 as to bother with the SP 101 and the K-Frame Magnums hold six rounds to the Ruger's five. The K-Frames are not that much larger. I've never seen a real need for an SP 101 with good used 2 1/2-inch K-Frame Magnums available. They're well worth it to seek and acquire.

 
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It sounds like this will be a carry gun. So my suggestion is the 642. It's my EDC. There are many that have snubby 357s and load them with 38s or 38+Ps for defense. There are a lot of good reasons for this and there are many who can convincingly argue loading with 357s.Lot's of info on these two choices on this site and scads of others (just search it you'll see a lot). I fall into the load with 38+Ps camp. Since I am using the lighter load I carry the lighter gun because of how it carries. I have carried an SP101. I really like the gun and I feel it is a better range gun. But again I used a 38+P as a defense load so I ended back carrying the 642. I find I can carry it quite comfortably with almost any attire. Of course follow up shots even with 38s in a heavier gun is quicker. For me the lighter weight is worth the trade off.

I love shooting 357s! It sounds like you want to consider getting into that caliber. I would highly suggest renting a medium frame S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 and see what you think. If you really want to enjoy shooting this caliber. It is well worth it to try this out. Yes it will mean more guns and more cost in the long run. But boy is it worth it. One word of caution, wheelguns are very addictive.:D

Let us know what you decide.
 
Welcome to the Forum.

You can't really go wrong with either one of them. But, like others have already suggested, check out a 640. Especially, if you would prefer a stainless model.

Another one to take a look at would be the M&P 340. The wider deeper U-notch in the rear paired with the XS front sight make it easier to shoot it fast, and accurately. The finish on the M&P also is superior to the 642 as well. But, it doesn't have that stainless "look."

Good luck.
 
Some great advise here. I'll throw out an idea you may have not considered... a M638.

It would give you the DA/SA cockable hammer of the M649, and the light Airweight frame of the M642. The -2 and latter versions can handle all the +P .38 Spl you'd care to shoot.

The older pre-lock guns (the -2's) were very well made (if you can find one). I'd say equivalent to current PC/Pro guns on smoothness, finish, and fitting.
 
I had the 442-2 and while light weight, found it was pretty brutal to practice with regularly to maintain adequate performance.

Replaced it with a 649-2 that now fills the role of EDC and makes practice enjoyable.

Wife has a Ruger SP 101 that was inherited and primarily fills the role of a nightstand gun for her. The Ruger is built like a tank and has been completely reliable but as mentioned earlier, has a heavier trigger pull (at least in hers)

Just bought the kid a SW 66-2 snub that has the smooth SW trigger I'm used to and is only slightly larger / heavier than the Ruger and adds 1 round.

I still prefer the 649 for carry and practice but I don't think you could go wrong with any you mentioned.
 
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