In my days in LE I started with carrying S & W model 15, then model 19, then finished with a Glock. I trained a lot with all of these weapons. Though I love my revolvers, I appreciated the increased firepower of the semi auto for use in a holstered law enforcement scenario. Though it all, I always carried a model 60 -0 as a backup. For many years I carried the 60 for EDC for personal protection. I like the model 60 but always found it too heavy for pocket carry, which is my preference. The hammer also snagged on clothing. So I have tried many of the popular semi autos. While I like many of these guns I have always been concerned about their potential for negligent discharge and malfunctions. I have come to realize that carrying for SD is vastly different than carrying as an LEO. I recently ran across a good deal on a 642-1 and decided to give it a try. I had low expectations, as I have read it has a tough trigger and a lot of recoil. After running about 150 rounds of standard vel through this gun, I am surprised and very pleased. The trigger is stout (safer) but smooth. Recoil is just not an issue. Combat accuracy is better than expected. Nothing to snag on clothing. Easy to see if it is loaded. Virtually nothing to malfunction. So I have a new EDC that I really like! For me, I think simple is better, KISS applies.
hard to beat simple .... 642-1
- Thread starter sunnyd
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
kthom
Member
sunnyd,
I have traveled pretty much the same road as you have. I carried revolvers until the time came for my agency to transition to semi-autos. I appreciated the additional ammo on tap, but always had a J Frame at hand. I also tried several small auto loaders, especially after parking the uniform, for personal protection. I own some auto loaders that I know will do the job, but I have returned to my first love and do not feel shortchanged in any way. My old hard drive is so totally programmed in the revolver mode that I still have to think too much to make sure I run the autos correctly. The best ones of those are the DAO models since they operate very similar to a DA revolver (I haven't fired a revolver single action in so long I can not remember the last time!), but I still have to be thinking about it, especially under stress. I instructed revolvers many years, and I was able to fire many thousands of rounds over that time, including reloading drills. These days, my head needs the fewest possible things to have to consciously think about. I have several excellent candidates for EDC, but I'm carrying a Model 642 and have not found any reason to rotate the EDC responsibility. It's KISS for me for sure, and I am glad to hear that you confirm my choices. Mine has a set of good used Crimson Trace laser grips installed, mostly because I might need it during the hours of darkness. Can't hurt anything and does not interfere with normal operation in any way. Good gear for us, I think!! Congratulations on your choice.
I have traveled pretty much the same road as you have. I carried revolvers until the time came for my agency to transition to semi-autos. I appreciated the additional ammo on tap, but always had a J Frame at hand. I also tried several small auto loaders, especially after parking the uniform, for personal protection. I own some auto loaders that I know will do the job, but I have returned to my first love and do not feel shortchanged in any way. My old hard drive is so totally programmed in the revolver mode that I still have to think too much to make sure I run the autos correctly. The best ones of those are the DAO models since they operate very similar to a DA revolver (I haven't fired a revolver single action in so long I can not remember the last time!), but I still have to be thinking about it, especially under stress. I instructed revolvers many years, and I was able to fire many thousands of rounds over that time, including reloading drills. These days, my head needs the fewest possible things to have to consciously think about. I have several excellent candidates for EDC, but I'm carrying a Model 642 and have not found any reason to rotate the EDC responsibility. It's KISS for me for sure, and I am glad to hear that you confirm my choices. Mine has a set of good used Crimson Trace laser grips installed, mostly because I might need it during the hours of darkness. Can't hurt anything and does not interfere with normal operation in any way. Good gear for us, I think!! Congratulations on your choice.
6ForSure
Member
I don't have the experience you gents do, but I love and carry my 642-1 everyday. I have several j frames but I carry my 642. I couldn't agree more with "KISS".
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the 442/642 for personal protection.I carried a new production 442-1 for 2 years up until last summer.I sold that little beauty
Not because it didn't carry well but because it wasn't much fun to shoot.I waited for glock to finally release the model 42 in .380. Now I can train with the gun i carry 100% of the time.BUT as far as best carry gun the Airweights have the upper hand in Simplicity and i think the .38+P cartridge is far superior than .380.It just hurts my boney hands like a son of a B 
Not because it didn't carry well but because it wasn't much fun to shoot.I waited for glock to finally release the model 42 in .380. Now I can train with the gun i carry 100% of the time.BUT as far as best carry gun the Airweights have the upper hand in Simplicity and i think the .38+P cartridge is far superior than .380.It just hurts my boney hands like a son of a B 
AZretired
Member
My 642-1 is my daily pocket carry gun. I also have a 642-2 with the IL removed and a 638-2 that complete my carry rotation. I've been carrying some sort of J frame for almost 35 years.
I'm one who for years resisted the Siren's call of the J-frame. I wanted a "real" gun.
Then a few weeks ago my wife saw a 642-2 and wanted it. I told her it was too light, it would kick, etc...She didn't care, it was "pretty." Then she said, "Besides, if I don't like it you can have it." Oh, well...I got it for her.
And she liked it. So did I. So I had to go buy myself one now. I ended up with a 442-1, only because they didn't have another used 642 (I almost never buy a "new" gun.)
I don't know why, but I was surprised how well it carries in a Don Hume JIT holster. I mean I knew it was light and everything, but this thing is literally like not carrying anything. I can tell the difference between loaded and unloaded by the weight when I pick it up. With factory P+ loads, it's snappy but nothing to be afraid of or anything. I had no trouble at all staying on target with it. I watched my wife send her first shots into the 10X on a B27 from five yards, 5 for five. Not bad for a handicapped woman, siitting on her walker.
So, you can put me in the J-frame camp now too.
Then a few weeks ago my wife saw a 642-2 and wanted it. I told her it was too light, it would kick, etc...She didn't care, it was "pretty." Then she said, "Besides, if I don't like it you can have it." Oh, well...I got it for her.
And she liked it. So did I. So I had to go buy myself one now. I ended up with a 442-1, only because they didn't have another used 642 (I almost never buy a "new" gun.)
I don't know why, but I was surprised how well it carries in a Don Hume JIT holster. I mean I knew it was light and everything, but this thing is literally like not carrying anything. I can tell the difference between loaded and unloaded by the weight when I pick it up. With factory P+ loads, it's snappy but nothing to be afraid of or anything. I had no trouble at all staying on target with it. I watched my wife send her first shots into the 10X on a B27 from five yards, 5 for five. Not bad for a handicapped woman, siitting on her walker.
So, you can put me in the J-frame camp now too.
Rick_A
Member
It took me nearly 20 years of shooting experience before I revisited the small framed revolver. The double action that was once difficult to master came easy. The J frame was my re-entry into revolvers after a decade of absence. Despite having much more suitable range guns I still find the lowly 442 a blast to shoot at the range...and of course, as is often the case with J frames...they multiply.
20150306_213838 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
The 649 is the discreet carry/magnum blaster.
20150306_213838 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
The 649 is the discreet carry/magnum blaster.
qballwill
Member
I dont have a 642, but I do have its lighter weight cousin the 342 and I agree. Simple, Reliable, Comfortable. I probably would have a 642 had I not found this one at a pawn shop for the price of a 642. They are always one of my top recomendations to try out for someone looking.
kthom
Member
The main reason I have my 642 is that the 442ND that I bought several years ago was claimed by my wife and I hated having to ask her permission to carry it! I like the centennial style J frames best. I've just bought a 649, first bodyguard style J frame, so I'm about to find out what I think about it.
Brick,
I seldom carry in my pocket, but from considerable long experience looking for a suitable way to do so, I will not willingly carry in any pocket without using a pocket style holster. For me, the simplest ones are the best. About a year ago, I attended a gun show where El Paso Saddlery company had a rep there with a large sample of their holster products for sale at discount. I bought a simple leather pocket slip, smooth leather in and rough side out, for both a Ruger LCP and a J frame S&W revolver. The holsters have a raised area on the spine of the holster (on the side where the sights fit) that tends to catch easily on pocket material and shuck the holster off the gun as you remove it. The holster is thin and comfortable, and it will work in your pants pocket if your pockets are not too tight on your leg and the gun disappears pretty well, not completely, but just shows as kind of a bulge, no real gun outline. This is in jeans, why I typically wear. The shape of the holster keeps it upright and in good position in your pocket. There are many models and brands made, but I get along with the EP holsters as well as any I've ever tried. They also work pretty well in a coat pocket, depending on the shape and size of the pocket.
As for belt carry, I have long been a huge fan of the Slim XC IWB holster made by Tim at TTGunleather.com. After getting my first one of these and finding it extremely well made, extremely comfortable, extremely functional, priced very competitively for a semi custom holster and the first IWB holster I have ever been able to wear and like, I have bought them for both revolvers and semi autos and carry nothing else concealed. The design, quality, and construction is excellent, and Tim is an excellent vendor to do business with. His wait times are normally between 6 and 8 weeks, and he is easy to communicate with. Take a look. If you are interested in an excellent OWB holster, I own and use his Model DD00 holster. I use them mostly for range work or outdoor open carry, but a long tailed shirt or jacket also conceals them very well, especially for short barreled handguns. Some guys hate to spend over a hundred bucks for a holster, but over the years, I've found that if you buy right the first time, you don't have to buy again, and you don't normally get good quality stuff that works for cheap! We all have different needs and body shapes, as well as expectations, but I cannot recommend TTGunleather's products more highly. Hope this information helps you (and others). I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Brick,
I seldom carry in my pocket, but from considerable long experience looking for a suitable way to do so, I will not willingly carry in any pocket without using a pocket style holster. For me, the simplest ones are the best. About a year ago, I attended a gun show where El Paso Saddlery company had a rep there with a large sample of their holster products for sale at discount. I bought a simple leather pocket slip, smooth leather in and rough side out, for both a Ruger LCP and a J frame S&W revolver. The holsters have a raised area on the spine of the holster (on the side where the sights fit) that tends to catch easily on pocket material and shuck the holster off the gun as you remove it. The holster is thin and comfortable, and it will work in your pants pocket if your pockets are not too tight on your leg and the gun disappears pretty well, not completely, but just shows as kind of a bulge, no real gun outline. This is in jeans, why I typically wear. The shape of the holster keeps it upright and in good position in your pocket. There are many models and brands made, but I get along with the EP holsters as well as any I've ever tried. They also work pretty well in a coat pocket, depending on the shape and size of the pocket.
As for belt carry, I have long been a huge fan of the Slim XC IWB holster made by Tim at TTGunleather.com. After getting my first one of these and finding it extremely well made, extremely comfortable, extremely functional, priced very competitively for a semi custom holster and the first IWB holster I have ever been able to wear and like, I have bought them for both revolvers and semi autos and carry nothing else concealed. The design, quality, and construction is excellent, and Tim is an excellent vendor to do business with. His wait times are normally between 6 and 8 weeks, and he is easy to communicate with. Take a look. If you are interested in an excellent OWB holster, I own and use his Model DD00 holster. I use them mostly for range work or outdoor open carry, but a long tailed shirt or jacket also conceals them very well, especially for short barreled handguns. Some guys hate to spend over a hundred bucks for a holster, but over the years, I've found that if you buy right the first time, you don't have to buy again, and you don't normally get good quality stuff that works for cheap! We all have different needs and body shapes, as well as expectations, but I cannot recommend TTGunleather's products more highly. Hope this information helps you (and others). I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
My 442 goes everywhere I go, either in my pocket or on my belt in one of my own handcrafted holsters.
one eye joe
US Veteran
YOU PICKED A GREAT EDC, sunnyd. THE 642-1, WITHOUT THE IL, IS THE PICK OF THE LITTER, WHEN IT COMES TO J FRAMES. I ADDED A SET OF GRIMSON TRACE LG-405s THAT CUSHION THE BACKSTRAP. MAS AYOOB TURNED ME ONTO THE CT LG, SOME 20 YEARS AGO. I HAVE USED THEM EVER SINCE. THEY ARE A GREAT ADDITION TO A DEFENSIVE FIREARM….
Attachments
Last edited:
Helderberg
US Veteran
I have found the j-frame to fit my needs.
Congratulations, Frank.
jrs70
US Veteran
I have carried my 642-1 for going on 5 years. Most of that is pocket carry. It is my go to gun.
Edmo
US Veteran
Small, light, accurate, and reliable. The 642.
Oh yea, I forgot "snappy" with +P fodder!
Edmo
Oh yea, I forgot "snappy" with +P fodder!
Edmo
Brick, I mostly just pocket carry like I used to with the mod. 60. The 642 is much easier to pocket carry though, as it is lighter and has no exposed hammer. I also use a sticky holster for pocket carry or IWB or just to stick it between the seats in my truck.
From all of the responses it looks like I am in good company. Apparently there are quite a few of us who have not totally bought in to the black semi auto craze.
BTW, I don't like the new rapp/bubble gum, girly man country music either!!! Give me Merle, or Hank Snow, or, Johnny Cash any day!!!!!!!!
From all of the responses it looks like I am in good company. Apparently there are quite a few of us who have not totally bought in to the black semi auto craze.
BTW, I don't like the new rapp/bubble gum, girly man country music either!!! Give me Merle, or Hank Snow, or, Johnny Cash any day!!!!!!!!
Rick_A
Member
My holsters are a Desantis pocket and a couple Galcos.
20150109_153932 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
I have carried the 649 in the pocket in a pinch, but it's a bit much.
20150109_153932 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
I have carried the 649 in the pocket in a pinch, but it's a bit much.
weyerbacher
Member
When I EDC my 642, which is most of the time, it rides in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. Works perfectly and is quite affordable.
snowman.45
Member
My story is the same as many others here. I started in law enforcement in 1977 with revolvers. As a result, I had a number of J-frames over the years. In fact, I have a hard time remembering a time when I didn't have at least one. Now that I retired 9 months ago, I find that I often prefer to carry the J-frame with a couple of Speed Strips or Speed Loaders. I recently traded away my 340 Sc that I had put an XS front sight on and that left me with only a 640-1. A couple of days ago, I asked my LGS to order me a 340 M&P. Once I get it and qualify with it for my LEO ID, I'll have another excellent little revolver that hides in many places where a slab-sided auto won't, especially pocket holsters.
Similar threads
Latest posts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
My favorite story from my cop days. Two naked little people and a parrot
- Latest: Biff_Biffington
-
-
