ironhead7544
Member
Try some 90 gr Hornady Critical Defense. If it still bothers you, get the Pachmayr Diamond grips.
I bought the wrong gun, now what?
- Thread starter Shootingfish
- Start date
Since you raised the issue of purse carry, here's a thought-provoking article about that from The Cornered Cat, a website created for female gun owners.
Should I Carry in my Purse? | Cornered Cat
As to ammo, the best prices and selection are usually at online dealers. Ones I have found to be reputable are S G Ammo, Lucky Gunner, and Grab-A-Gun. There are others out there that our Forum members have recommended, but I don't have personal experience with those. Brick-and-mortar stores I've bought from are Academy Sports, and Cabelas. They both have online sales as well.
1911haulic
Member
You are like my wife. She practices withe a heavy revolver and has fun. She doesn’t like shooting the 442 but, she will shoot a couple rounds from it just to stay familiar. I’m sure if something happens and I hand her the 442 she won’t worry about it kicking. I do have Hogue Tamer Grips that cushion the hand from pain.
Puller
Member
A good bit of advise on this thread, some good, not so good, confusing, and contradictory. Good luck sorting it out.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Sounds to me that you either need to go up in size or down in caliber.
A K-frame or similar from another maker would probably suit you much better. However, it will be heavier. Especially in a purse.
My wife had arthritis in her hands. For her the answer was a 2" S&W Model 30-1 in .32 S&W long. Maybe not a powerhouse, but she could shoot it very well. And that's what counts.
As for hammers snagging in your purse, here's an old but very effective trick. Train your self to put the end of your thumb against the back of the hammer when you draw creating a sort of ramp on the back of the gun. It'll slide right out.
A K-frame or similar from another maker would probably suit you much better. However, it will be heavier. Especially in a purse.
My wife had arthritis in her hands. For her the answer was a 2" S&W Model 30-1 in .32 S&W long. Maybe not a powerhouse, but she could shoot it very well. And that's what counts.
As for hammers snagging in your purse, here's an old but very effective trick. Train your self to put the end of your thumb against the back of the hammer when you draw creating a sort of ramp on the back of the gun. It'll slide right out.
Hornady and a few other companies make light weight low recoil rounds. Unfortunately availability may be problem with the current market. Don’t give up on the gun it is a good carry gun.
I’m in the Greenville area.
I’m not a huge fan of off body carry, but for women it’s often the best option fashion being what it is. There are however some decent concealed carry handbag options.
A revolver is a good option for hand bag carry as being fired from inside the handbag works if required when a semi auto pistol will usually jam after the first shot.
The issue a revolver hammer snagging is in my experience massively over blown, especially when it’s carried in a handbag with a dedicated pocket for a revolver.
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But you have one now so it’s water under the bridge and it makes sense to try to make it work.
Hogue grips are good at absorbing recoil and I agree it’s a good first step, along with lower recoil ammunition.
You might be able to find .38 self defense ammo in a local gun shop, Academy Sports, etc but if not don’t worry.
You can look on ammoseek (with a dot com) and search for .38 special and then modify the search specifying 110 gr and you should get a list of in stock on line sellers. You’ll find lots of sellers for the standard pressure Remington 110 gr gr HTP hollow point, as well as Hornady 110 gr FTX, and probably a few for the Hornady 110 gr XTP. All three will work fine. Just be sure to get the standard pressure versions, not the +P loads.
The Remington 110 gr HTP is mostly just rebranded Remington green and white box ammo, but it works fine.
The Hornady XTP was designed for moderate expansion over a fairly wide range but it mushrooms rather than creating the nice looking star shaped expansion. It might not expand at short barrel .38 special velocities but it will never do any worse than a round nose or round nose flat point bullet.
The FTX is designed to expand at lower velocities and it will, but tends under penetrate at higher velocities. It should be good though in a short barrel .38 Special.
For full disclosure, the ballistic gel fan boys will slam the poor gel performance of bullets like the Remington HTP, the equally vintage Federal Hydra Shok, and many other older hollow point designs. However, most of those rounds are actually pretty effective in real world shoots, even if then don’t always expand in the very uniform gel media.
In that regard, the FBI ballistic gel standards are nice as they are measurable, repeatable, allow comparisons, and ensure a minimum level of performance under some challenging law enforcement conditions, but don’t get too hung up on it.
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If low recoil loads and the Hogue grip don’t work for you, but the fit is good, then consider the steel frame Model 640 or the Model 60 (the exposed hammer really isn’t an issue). They’ll weigh around 21-22oz and the extra weight will help. A 3” barrel will help as well as it adds a bit more weight.
Another option is the Ruger SP-101 with a 3” barrel. It’s J frame sized but a little heavier built and weighs about 5 oz more. It splits the difference between the steel J frames and the K frame for weight and shootability.
If you know you like revolvers, I would recommend getting one chambered for 327 magnum. Taurus just re-introduced theirs and for $380 MSRP it looks like a real winner and it is available in both 2" and 3" barrel lengths.
The beauty of the 327 magnum is you can shoot 32 S&W (short), 32 S&W Long, 32ACP, 32 H&R Magnum, or 327 Federal Magnum. 5 different cartridges - listed them in order of lowest to highest power.
You can start with one - I would suggest the 32 S&W Long - and see how it works for you.
If the first cartridge you try seems mild after a little practice with it, move up to the next, more powerful cartridge. And if after a little more practice the second cartridge still seems mild, move up to the third and so on until you find the one that is your maximum comfort level.
Practice with it a while and you may or may not want to step up one more level. Either way you will have found a power level that you are comfortable with and you'll have a nice reliable little all-steel revolver that holds 7 rounds of that cartridge.
The beauty of the 327 magnum is you can shoot 32 S&W (short), 32 S&W Long, 32ACP, 32 H&R Magnum, or 327 Federal Magnum. 5 different cartridges - listed them in order of lowest to highest power.
You can start with one - I would suggest the 32 S&W Long - and see how it works for you.
If the first cartridge you try seems mild after a little practice with it, move up to the next, more powerful cartridge. And if after a little more practice the second cartridge still seems mild, move up to the third and so on until you find the one that is your maximum comfort level.
Practice with it a while and you may or may not want to step up one more level. Either way you will have found a power level that you are comfortable with and you'll have a nice reliable little all-steel revolver that holds 7 rounds of that cartridge.
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crstrode
Member
Others have touched on this, however it should be stressed that an all-steel revolver will make a HUGE difference in felt recoil. The slight difference in carry weight will be greatly offset by ease of shooting - for anyone.
hudson69
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Hello, I am not familiar with the 642. Up until recently however, I mostly carried my Taurus Protector 605 (a kind of polymer .357 mag snubby).
I really like this gun because it is small. It has been bumped out of the carry rotation by my purchase of a Glock 43 (My current favorite carry gun). To get back on topic shooting it was painful with .357 so I practice with .38. .357 was so bad to shoot that I was carrying defensive .38+P. That was until I started reading up on ammo for small revolvers. Eventually I picked up some Speer Gold Dot for short barreled revolvers. It was the perfect match. Now I believe that the 642 is a .38 only, but I understand that Speer and other ammunition manufacturers also make ammo similar to this for the .38. It may not be quite .38+P but should perform well.
Other than that, as others have mentioned. Maybe try different grips or a different gun, such as a striker fired micro compact. I did carry a Shield9 2.0 for a while but for me, the Glock works best.
Good luck in your search.
I really like this gun because it is small. It has been bumped out of the carry rotation by my purchase of a Glock 43 (My current favorite carry gun). To get back on topic shooting it was painful with .357 so I practice with .38. .357 was so bad to shoot that I was carrying defensive .38+P. That was until I started reading up on ammo for small revolvers. Eventually I picked up some Speer Gold Dot for short barreled revolvers. It was the perfect match. Now I believe that the 642 is a .38 only, but I understand that Speer and other ammunition manufacturers also make ammo similar to this for the .38. It may not be quite .38+P but should perform well.
Other than that, as others have mentioned. Maybe try different grips or a different gun, such as a striker fired micro compact. I did carry a Shield9 2.0 for a while but for me, the Glock works best.
Good luck in your search.
To add further to my other post. If bigger grips and wad cutters don’t work, I recently inherited a S&W Shield 8 Round mag 9mm. If you can rack a slide, this gun shoots easy and is more accurate shooting than my 442. I honestly hated to admit that. I was a die hard J-Frame guy that’s all I carried and shot for years. After shooting the shield I see what I’ve been missing. You can always sell and buy something els.
max503
Member
Too bad you can't get some light handloads for practice then carry the full-charge loads.
Maybe you know someone who has the equipment and they would help you brew some up.
I'm brainstorming here.
Maybe you know someone who has the equipment and they would help you brew some up.
I'm brainstorming here.
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max503
Member
I recently acquired a Glock 26. While I've only carried it hiking, I too see what I've been missing. My EDC will still be a J frame.
OP
Shootingfish
Member
The defense ammo I have is Hornady Critical Defense 38 SPL+P 110 gr FTX. I haven't tried any defense ammo in the 642. I've only shot target ammo trying to get used to the gun.
Re: Off body carry - I wanted a holster and boots — the whole 9. hahaha But my wardrobe is mostly dresses or tight gym rat clothes. There is just nowhere to put a gun. I'm going with your advice and I'll let you know how I come out. I've about decided the 642 is not fun to shoot but a great carry. So I'll get my jollies from shooting something else and just use the 642 at the range to stay on top of using it. I don't know how it is at your house, but here everything is a contest between hubby and me. Loser has to clean the guns. I guess part of the whole 9 is smelling the part. hahaha
And thanks again.
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SweetMK
Member
Keep the gun you have,, simply change ammo,,
With the ammo not being available, simply reload.
you can customize the ammo to suit YOU.
My neighbor and I used to shoot 900 rounds of 44 Magnum, twice a month.
There is NO WAY I could shoot 450 rounds of full house ammo in an afternoon.
We simply downloaded it to suit us,,
With the right bullet, and powder, that gun can be downloaded so that it recoils almost like a 22 rimfire,
With the ammo not being available, simply reload.
you can customize the ammo to suit YOU.
My neighbor and I used to shoot 900 rounds of 44 Magnum, twice a month.
There is NO WAY I could shoot 450 rounds of full house ammo in an afternoon.
We simply downloaded it to suit us,,
With the right bullet, and powder, that gun can be downloaded so that it recoils almost like a 22 rimfire,
smoothshooter
Member
Why do you feel the need to use hard-recoiling ammo in it when lighter loads are available?
+1. That’s what I bought for my bride. It’s all about bullet placement anyway (and we all know a hit with a .22 WMR is a lot more effective than a miss with anything else).
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MoparTrooper
Member
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Marshall tom and BB57 make great points. I've been a firearms instructor for 20-ish years now for a large law enforcement agency. Now retired I teach with a good friend and absolute world class firearms instructor that was one of the original instructors that helped build probably the largest firearms training facility in the world.
I would also discourage any newer shooter, male or female, from choosing a J-frame as a carry gun. The are hard to shoot well and the recoil is punishing. I purchased a Lightweight J-Frame a couple of months ago simply to allow students to shoot it so they'll know what they're getting into, or more likely NOT getting into after shooting one.
My go-to for the last couple of years is the S&W EZ series of pistols. New shooters, small frame shooters, young shooters, shooters with hand strength issues, ANYONE that wants an easy to shoot, and shoot WELL gun. 380 or 9mm doesn't matter, 380 will have a little less recoil. They are easy to conceal and easy to learn (don't get the manual safety unless required where you live.) The autoloader also soaks up some of the felt recoil in the function of the firearm.
I also agree that if you want to stick to a revolver (although any good autoloader, especially the wonderful M&P line, is truly every bit as reliable as a wheel gun) I second or third or whatever the model 10 or 66. Much easier to shoot well and lower recoil, but again the gun is getting heavier and larger making it harder to carry and conceal.
Richard and I have many women in our classes and methods of carry are ALWAYS a huge topic. We are not fans of off-body carry, but if that's what works best for you go with it. My fiance's sister carries in a bellyband style holster that puts the gun just under her bra and loves it. She is also deadly quick with it and her wardrobe works well with it.
Take some classes, get some training, and you'll get to meet lots of other people that are in the same place you are. AND some that were there just a short time ago and have been able to try other things. Your instructor will have lots of experience and might even have a gun or two that you can try. You may even be able to try some of your classmates guns.
Don't get discouraged and stick with it. You will find something that works for you, and hopefully you won't have to buy too many guns to find it.
I would also discourage any newer shooter, male or female, from choosing a J-frame as a carry gun. The are hard to shoot well and the recoil is punishing. I purchased a Lightweight J-Frame a couple of months ago simply to allow students to shoot it so they'll know what they're getting into, or more likely NOT getting into after shooting one.
My go-to for the last couple of years is the S&W EZ series of pistols. New shooters, small frame shooters, young shooters, shooters with hand strength issues, ANYONE that wants an easy to shoot, and shoot WELL gun. 380 or 9mm doesn't matter, 380 will have a little less recoil. They are easy to conceal and easy to learn (don't get the manual safety unless required where you live.) The autoloader also soaks up some of the felt recoil in the function of the firearm.
I also agree that if you want to stick to a revolver (although any good autoloader, especially the wonderful M&P line, is truly every bit as reliable as a wheel gun) I second or third or whatever the model 10 or 66. Much easier to shoot well and lower recoil, but again the gun is getting heavier and larger making it harder to carry and conceal.
Richard and I have many women in our classes and methods of carry are ALWAYS a huge topic. We are not fans of off-body carry, but if that's what works best for you go with it. My fiance's sister carries in a bellyband style holster that puts the gun just under her bra and loves it. She is also deadly quick with it and her wardrobe works well with it.
Take some classes, get some training, and you'll get to meet lots of other people that are in the same place you are. AND some that were there just a short time ago and have been able to try other things. Your instructor will have lots of experience and might even have a gun or two that you can try. You may even be able to try some of your classmates guns.
Don't get discouraged and stick with it. You will find something that works for you, and hopefully you won't have to buy too many guns to find it.
SweetMK
Member
AND, just the opposite of that,,
when the "need" arises,, you will shoot full house loads,, with ZERO concern for recoil.
That is always true hunting,,
people are scared to death of high powered rifles,, "they kick too much!!"
But, aim at a mule deer,, with the same gun,, you think you shot a rimfire rifle.
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