Is a 642 Enough for Carry?

[MarkAlt]

Some feedback sure would be appreciated.

I prefer wheelguns for carry. Just used to them and they're comfortable. Fortunately, I've made good decisions in revolvers and they're (at least for me), becoming collectible pieces. I no longer want to carry my Detective Special or even my 70's era model 19.

My "work gun" is a 642. It's a fine little gun at a budget price, so a little scratch or pocket lint doesn't bother me. In this world of 15 round polymer, I'm feeling like a dinosaur with 5 rounds of .38 special.

I know; practice and shot placement. There are always speed loaders too.

Lately, I've been thinking of trading up for a J-frame .357. Never shot one, but I know that little 642 can be a hand full at times. Wondering if the extra punch is worth it from a 2" barrel? Am I looking for more rounds or more punch? -yes

Also thought about relenting and going with that gun that rhymes with 'clock'. I can't even say it. Nothing against the firearm, but I'm a wood and metal revolver guy.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kevinjk]

642 response

I have a SW640 and SW340PD, awesome j frames and i am very impressed with accuracy for such small revolvers, i have a few sigs semi auto's, but always reach for my j frames

 

[Macinaw]

I consider myself as an undocumented J hound (haven't received the card yet!)

If you are in a self defense situation you probably won't need more than five rounds.

I don't think a .357 snubby will help any.


This is a picture of my Cowboy friend "Light Load" shooting my M&P 340 and 340 PD Gunfighter style. I have started carrying two J frames. Two is one. One is none. So I have been told?

 

[ginzo]

I have a 638, I'm happy to rotate with my .40 auto's. I feel secure.

 

[gunhobbit]

Is that ... an Ergo grip?

 

[307-Niner]

Yes it is. People seem to like shooting them. I may try one someday...

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I have a 642 and carry it every day as a back up gun. I've even carried it a primary/only gun, but prefer to carry two if I'm going to carry just a j-frame since they're so light anyways.

If you want more punch while still being small I'd look at a .44 Special like the CA Bulldog. (Shorty dons flame retardant clothing and hurriedly exits. )

Statically speaking you will almost never need a firearm to defend your life, but if you need a firearm to defend your life the percent of statistics don't mean much, so I like a little more than just five rounds in the gun, but I guess my time in the Scouts makes me want to be over prepared.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have never felt underguned with any of my small .38's.
J frame or Colt DS/Cobra.
Now, that NAA .22 Magnum broke down all the time, it's gone long ago.

 

[shouldazagged]

If you want more punch while still being small I'd look at a .44 Special like the CA Bulldog. (Shorty dons flame retardant clothing and hurriedly exits. )

No need to skedaddle, Shorty. From what I've seen a number of people here think highly of the Bulldog. I'd love to have one myself, and I'm a Smith fan to the bone.

On the other hand, I've carried a 1990-vintage 640, .38 Special, every day for fifteen or sixteen years (time flies when you're having fun) and have always felt well protected. I think you would have to enjoy heavy recoil and hellacious, potentially disorienting flash and blast to shoot .357 Magnum in a short-barreled revolver, especially a very light one.

But then I'm 153 years old, so what do I know?

 

[Mister X]

If the 642 is inadequate, then any revolver would be as well and there are scenarios where that very well could be the case although 5 rounds has been shown based on stats to be enough to resolve the majority(90% or so) of civilian self-defense encounters, but there is that other 10% one could consider. It really boils down to a personal decision you'll have to decide for yourself. Every choice has it'd strengths/weaknesses pros/cons and there is a trade off somewhere with just about anything and choosing a personal defense firearm is no different.

 

[OKFC05]

All pistols are inadequate. If sure there was going to be a gunfight, I'd want the swat team or at least a lot of friends with rifles.
But my 442 seems to always be there even just out on a walk or a quick trip to the store because it will fit anywhere, and there is no excuse for going unarmed. And 0.9 sec from pocket to center hit on IDPA target is somehow reassuring.

 

[JohnK]

I usually don't get involved in this type of discussion.

One reason, I very frequently carry a 642 (usually summer), and in light threat environments (is there one ?), I don't particularly feel naked, most of the time.

But, I am an NRA instructor, usually only do one on one stuff, and one thing I tell all my students, and it's true: If you have to draw that weapon, you have gone to WAR, where your life, or someone close to is threatened. Only one side will win.

Serious stuff indeed. Very serious stuff.

Live or die, it's as simple as that.

SO, I try VERY hard to stay in color code yellow, and if dress permits, usually carry a lot more effective things.

A Kahr P9, very close in size, and weight, to the 642, 8 rounds of much more effective firepower. Quick reload (we always carry one, don't we).

Glock 19, slim paddle holster, easy to conceal, at least in winter, a big boost in capacity. Also a reload.

I live in a city, that is rated at the top of crime stats, don't like it, but have to adapt. I find myself, unfortunately, slipping into color code white, really dumb. We shouldn't do that.

Stay alert............

 

[Pef]

Some feedback sure would be appreciated.

....
I know; practice and shot placement....

Lately, I've been thinking of trading up for a J-frame .357. Never shot one, but I know that little 642 can be a hand full at times. Wondering if the extra punch is worth it from a 2" barrel? Am I looking for more rounds or more punch? -yes

....

Thanks in advance.

I carry a 637, which is just like the 642 but with the exposed hammer. I have 640's and model 60's in .357 mag, and I can tell you that I cannot shoot them with the accuracy I can with the .38's. Shooting a .357 load to gain additional power over a .38 requires the load have a "big bark." That means my follow up shots when point shooting are not nearly as accurate as when I am shooting .38's.

For this reason I carry .38's.

And even when I carry the .357 j's, they are loaded with .38's.

Side note: To me, the best j-frame carry is the .38's special steel frame j's. Model 60-7 and earlier, original 640's. A couple of more ounces to further tame the recoil, but not nearly as heavy as the .357 j-frames now made.


If I were you, I'd keep that 642. It's light, it fits easyily in a pocket, and is super comfortable to carry. And finally, there are many bad guys that are pushing up daisies thanks to the pedestrian, blue-collar, and underestimated .38 special.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I have a 360PD Air Lite J Frame 357. I never shoot it with 357s and I never carry it with 357s. It is brutal to shoot and follow up shots are far between.

I think 357 in a small revolver is a terrible choice for a defensive firearm. The noise will probably do as much damage to your hearing as you will be doing to your attacker (obviously exaggerating, but you get the point). The recoil makes follow up shots very difficult. Given the advancements in modern ammo, 38 and 9mm are excellent choices for a carry firearm.

I would much prefer to carry your 642 than any of the heavier steel 2" 357s, or crazy light titanium air lites with 357s.

I have 5 J Frames in my carry rotation. I have 2 semi autos that I carry as well. The 9mm SW Shield is an excellent option. It is light, it is small, mine has been 100% reliable in 500+ rounds, extremely accurate, recoil is mild and follow up shots are a breeze. My other auto for carry is a Glock 19. Rarely carry this because of size and weight. My Shiled is actually more accurate for me than my G19.

I never feel under-gunned with my 38 J Frames. If you want something with a few more rounds and fast reloading potential, get a 9mm Shield.

 

[Arik]

Enough for what? An opportunist bad guy? Yes. More than one determined bad guy? I don't think so

 

[Harpman]

I usually don't get involved in this type of discussion.

One reason, I very frequently carry a 642 (usually summer), and in light threat environments (is there one ?), I don't particularly feel naked, most of the time.

But, I am an NRA instructor, usually only do one on one stuff, and one thing I tell all my students, and it's true: If you have to draw that weapon, you have gone to WAR, where your life, or someone close to is threatened. Only one side will win.

Serious stuff indeed. Very serious stuff.

Live or die, it's as simple as that.

SO, I try VERY hard to stay in color code yellow, and if dress permits, usually carry a lot more effective things.

A Kahr P9, very close in size, and weight, to the 642, 8 rounds of much more effective firepower. Quick reload (we always carry one, don't we).

Glock 19, slim paddle holster, easy to conceal, at least in winter, a big boost in capacity. Also a reload.

I live in a city, that is rated at the top of crime stats, don't like it, but have to adapt. I find myself, unfortunately, slipping into color code white, really dumb. We shouldn't do that.

Stay alert............

John K. Very sound advice. You sound like a wise person.

 

[petepeterson]

Life is a series of compromises.

I own several handguns, but it's usually a 442 that's with me. I personally don't feel that an upgrade to .357 is worth it, but again, that's a compromise. When I do carry a 60-15, it's loaded with .357s because the weight of the revolver makes them manageable.

Don't take lightly the 642s ability to operate from inside a pocket. There's no quicker draw than no draw at all.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've been carrying my 642 since 1996...........I don't care what anyone says..........Its enough for me.

 

[Highhawk1948]

I usually carry a Colt Commander .45 but a times due to clothing choices I carry my 642. I feel very comfortable with my and it's ability to protect me and my wife. If you shoot it well I'd carry it.

 

[Kanewpadle]

We should carry what we believe will be enough. Not what anyone else thinks we should.

Whichever choice we make, there will be pro's and con's. Knowing those pro's and con's is important. What are we gaining? What are we sacrificing? Is the gain worth the sacrifice? What are your chances of successfully defending yourself? What are your limitations? Your liabilities?

Asking yourself and answering those questions as well as others will reveal just how prepared you really are.

I carry a J frame during warm weather. I hate being limited to 5 rounds and a reload. But it is what it is. I can make do. If my ole man would give me back my other J frame, I'd carry that one too!