Is a 642 Enough for Carry?
- Thread starter MarkAlt
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MarkAlt
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Excellent comments, all. Each of us live in different environments and situations. Threats vary.
I refused to CC in my former area because of population density, relatively low crime rate and blazing quick LE response times and presence. I couldn't look more than a few degrees each way without seeing a school. For me, the liability was too much, so my carry piece in that situation was a smartphone. But, it didn't keep me from range time. Ranges were close by too and practice never lapsed.
Now, I'm back in a rural area where response times could be double-digit minutes. I perceive a higher (dangerous) crime rate. It's also a hot, humid shorts/t-shirt climate.
Given my above current situation, I will go back to the decades old j-frame/pocket holster and train with a Shield .40 for eventual IWB carry.
I refused to CC in my former area because of population density, relatively low crime rate and blazing quick LE response times and presence. I couldn't look more than a few degrees each way without seeing a school. For me, the liability was too much, so my carry piece in that situation was a smartphone. But, it didn't keep me from range time. Ranges were close by too and practice never lapsed.
Now, I'm back in a rural area where response times could be double-digit minutes. I perceive a higher (dangerous) crime rate. It's also a hot, humid shorts/t-shirt climate.
Given my above current situation, I will go back to the decades old j-frame/pocket holster and train with a Shield .40 for eventual IWB carry.
A J-frame is enough for John Doe CCW.Your not on a L.E.job or swat team. Most cop's carry a J-frame it's the Gold Standard get-off me gun!! And many carry them on and off duty. Sleep tight and learn to shoot your J-frame.
I prefer the 2.5 inch version for its separate, pinned front sight.
Five rounds of plus P defense ammo in the pocket or waistband is enough for most social uses.
Five rounds of plus P defense ammo in the pocket or waistband is enough for most social uses.
HarrishMasher
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I prefer the 2.5 inch version for its separate, pinned front sight.
Five rounds of plus P defense ammo in the pocket or waistband is enough for most social uses.
Which other Air Weights has SW made with a 2.5" barrel? I might have to keep an eye out for one.
Awhile back I had a 2" Chief's Special along when out shooting. It was loaded with 125gr +P ammo. I placed a full size pig silhouette target at about 20 yards and fired a couple of cylinder fulls at it. Anybody that ever shot silhouette knows that the pig is about the easiest to knock down as it sits on 2 inch wide feet and is top heavy. So I was a little surprised when the first shot hit center and didn't knock it over. Neither did the second. Only when I placed my shots on the very top of it, would it fall over and even then not every time. Sure the bullet would cause a wound and let the air out of an assailant eventually, but is there a reasonable expectation that it would fail to stop someone quickly? Not very confidence inspiring. The Glock 23 (a fine firearm) put the pig down right now no matter where the bullet struck. Scientific? Naw. Did it convince me which one I'd rather have along if shooting in self defense was necessary? Yep.
gunhobbit
Member
I find it easier to stay away from places where pig silhouettes are known to hang out and that sort of solves the problem.
You do see what you're saying there, right? "Shot placement matters." A hit in the toe with a .500 Whompenstomper ++P++ is not going to do much to slow a determined attacker. A .22 Short into the cranial vault may well do it (though admittedly I'd like something a bit oomphier than .22S) perfectly.
I do not feel undergunned with a .38 J frame and a couple of reloads. Any (reliable) gun is better than no gun, and if I *know* there's going to be a problem, I ain't reaching for a handgun. A handgun's what I carry when I'm not expecting trouble, at which point certain factors of convenience and work conditions come into play.
For the folks playing cliche bingo, did I miss any?
getoff
Member
for the neighborhood weekend walk about stuff, a 442 is my pocket carry friend. its light, packs plenty of punch and a speed strip handles the reload if need arises. 10 rounds of .38 better be enough or i'm headed home for my AR...
Actually what I was saying is the .38 125 +P is a wimpy load. Of course the .40 Short and Weak is too, but demonstrably less so.
Shorty 45 MK2
Member
I find it easier to stay away from places where pig silhouettes are known to hang out and that sort of solves the problem.
You do see what you're saying there, right? "Shot placement matters." A hit in the toe with a .500 Whompenstomper ++P++ is not going to do much to slow a determined attacker. A .22 Short into the cranial vault may well do it (though admittedly I'd like something a bit oomphier than .22S) perfectly.
I do not feel undergunned with a .38 J frame and a couple of reloads. Any (reliable) gun is better than no gun, and if I *know* there's going to be a problem, I ain't reaching for a handgun. A handgun's what I carry when I'm not expecting trouble, at which point certain factors of convenience and work conditions come into play.
For the folks playing cliche bingo, did I miss any?
Just the one about how ammo capacity doesn't really help and maybe the one on what type of bullet.
Oh, and if I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want a M1A1/2 main battle tank. Don't be afraid to dream big.
gunhobbit
Member
Just the one about how ammo capacity doesn't really help and maybe the one on what type of bullet.
Darn it! I always forget those ones that I don't really believe in:
"The typical shooter only needs 2.5 shots."
"High capacity is only useful if you plan to miss a lot."
I think the "type of bullet" one is more of an incitement to flame wars rather than cliche bingo.
Oh, and if I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want a M1A1/2 main battle tank. Don't be afraid to dream big.
If I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want to be somewhere else. There's a reason I was a scout in the Army - what other job there is specifically NOT supposed to fight, but to run away and tell others where to go fight?
By preference, if I were dreaming big I'd want a battery of 8" guns on the other end of the radio I was carrying.* They are, however, somewhat impractical for things that go *bump* in the living room at 2AM....
For purposes of avoiding too much thread drift, the bottom line cliche remains: "better the .38 you have than the .500 Whompenstomper in the safe at home." OP, if you've got a .38, and you're comfortable carrying it because you have a reasonable amount of skill with it (and tactics in general), then have at it.
*I guess in these modern times it'd be a drone pilot or something.
My edc is a 442 and it is always in my pocket. I feel plenty confident with it and a speed strip.
at_liberty
Member
You ask a philosophical question that will get answers all over the spectrum.
Is a 642 Enough for Carry?
What answer were you hoping for?
What does Carry really mean?
What does Enough really mean?
Carry has a generational element. One who dresses to conceal more than a pocket gun may tend to be part of an older generation. The shorts with crotch down to the knees, *** out; tee shirt, and flip flops set are going to be forced to consider what is actually a backup gun to be their primary carry. The 642 is well designed and well liked as a pocket gun, being ugly as sin notwithstanding.
The Enough question is a different can of worms. When you don't dress to conceal a combat revolver, you have compromised in how much power you will bring to a gunfight and how much your wardrobe and mode of dress take priority over your well being. In the end though, one must be commended for having the gun that is better than none.
BTW my latest carry is a pair of cowboy style 38 Colt/38 Special, so I am not saying the 38 is inherently inadequate, although it might well be. My most secure feeling carry guns are a Kimber CDP II Pro or a Smith & Wesson 696, .44 Special.
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eveled
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I like my 442 a lot, but I like my 340pd more. Not because it is a .357, but because of it's other features. It is a little lighter, better sights that can be changed easily, and the ejector rod is shrouded.
I never shoot .357mags out of it, but it is nice to know that it matches my primary gun if I need to share ammo.
If I were you I would not upgrade just because of the .357 aspect, but if you want the other features on the gun go for it.
As stated a second 442 is not a bad idea either. Ed
Jim1392
US Veteran
I carried a Model 60 stainless off duty for years. As of a week or so ago I replaced my 642 with a 640 Pro. for everyday carry. I didn't think I would feel the weight difference but it is noticeable. But I must say after taking my 640 Pro to the range I'll live with the extra weight difference for now. Since I'm retired and not in the situations I was in while I was on the job. I think my 640 Pro. with Critical Defense FTX 110 grain 38's, and my speed strip is enough right now for any trouble that comes my way.
I don't always carry two guns, but when I do, they are both j-frames.
I always carry one j-frame, wherever it is legal.
To the fellow shooting the pigs at 60 feet: in my estimation, the j-frame
.38 special is a 10 foot gun. In most instances, if the threat isn't actually
shooting at you, and the distance exceeds 20 feet max, one is better off
changing positions, finding cover, or just generally getting the Hell out
of Dodge. That's assuming one isn't a police officer.
I always carry one j-frame, wherever it is legal.
To the fellow shooting the pigs at 60 feet: in my estimation, the j-frame
.38 special is a 10 foot gun. In most instances, if the threat isn't actually
shooting at you, and the distance exceeds 20 feet max, one is better off
changing positions, finding cover, or just generally getting the Hell out
of Dodge. That's assuming one isn't a police officer.
Kid44
Member
Here's my take on it. All these guys who think they need high capacity autos and carry extra mags for c/c and home defense
in reality in any given situation probably will never fire more than a couple of shots, God forbid should they ever need to shoot at all.
No offense to the guys who carry autos and extra mags, but in my opinion if you need more than the 5 or 6 rounds offered in a revolver you don't need more ammo, you need help!!
in reality in any given situation probably will never fire more than a couple of shots, God forbid should they ever need to shoot at all.
No offense to the guys who carry autos and extra mags, but in my opinion if you need more than the 5 or 6 rounds offered in a revolver you don't need more ammo, you need help!!
My EDC has been a small .38 for well over 40 years (currently either an older Model 38 or 442) and I don't feel under-gunned. In retirement my travels are relatively safe and I have complete confidence in the gun.
I was on the job in 1974, armed w/my issued Colt Detective Spl. (plain clothes detective), and became involved in a gun battle w/an armed robber. The little Colt served me well and I've had confidence in these little guns ever since.
If I were to go back on the job today then one of the large high cap. semi autos would make sense.
I was on the job in 1974, armed w/my issued Colt Detective Spl. (plain clothes detective), and became involved in a gun battle w/an armed robber. The little Colt served me well and I've had confidence in these little guns ever since.
If I were to go back on the job today then one of the large high cap. semi autos would make sense.
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shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Darn it! I always forget those ones that I don't really believe in:
"The typical shooter only needs 2.5 shots."
"High capacity is only useful if you plan to miss a lot."
I think the "type of bullet" one is more of an incitement to flame wars rather than cliche bingo.
If I knew I was going to need a firearm, I'd want to be somewhere else. There's a reason I was a scout in the Army - what other job there is specifically NOT supposed to fight, but to run away and tell others where to go fight?
By preference, if I were dreaming big I'd want a battery of 8" guns on the other end of the radio I was carrying.* They are, however, somewhat impractical for things that go *bump* in the living room at 2AM....
For purposes of avoiding too much thread drift, the bottom line cliche remains: "better the .38 you have than the .500 Whompenstomper in the safe at home." OP, if you've got a .38, and you're comfortable carrying it because you have a reasonable amount of skill with it (and tactics in general), then have at it.
*I guess in these modern times it'd be a drone pilot or something.
Gunhobbit, you have a way with words. And clichés.
As Old cop often says (and I tend to agree with a lot of things he says), my life is much calmer in retirement. I get out less, don't drive after dark, don't go to bars, and generally avoid unsavory places and people.
I'm content with a J-frame .38 Special. If you feel the need to carry a .50AE Desert Eagle with a .375 H&H derringer for backup, go for it.
How about this one, gunhobbit? "Different strokes for different folks."
By the way, I met a guy at a range years ago who was shooting a .50 Desert Eagle. He swore he carried it concealed. I had no further questions...
eyegots2no
Member
It is better than NOT having anything
I like the above concerning when to go to the store and when not to, etc.
A snubbie, and, good pair of running shoes is good
Use the running shoes first.
I like the above concerning when to go to the store and when not to, etc.
A snubbie, and, good pair of running shoes is good
Use the running shoes first.
A revolver is more than adequate if you follow the three S method
Stay away from Stupid places
With Stupid people
Doing Stupid things
Read my article on carrying lightweight, I elaborate on this:
Why My Carry Setup Is Lightweight | The Desert's Edge
Stay away from Stupid places
With Stupid people
Doing Stupid things
Read my article on carrying lightweight, I elaborate on this:
Why My Carry Setup Is Lightweight | The Desert's Edge
montague1981
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Sold all my Glocks and feel very good about my 638 and 60. Always have a speed loader in my pocket not that I need it.
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My 442 goes everywhere I go, either in my pocket or on my belt in one of my homemade holsters.
ginzo
Member
ibewbull
US Veteran
EDC 642 ported which was LNIB and $350 OTD 2 years ago. Someone won it and traded at my LGS.
Lucky me.Another J may be carried. Or a 19 or 66.
If on a long cycle ride or for other reason more may be needed I take 686 plus 3 inch with me. The speed strip is always on my belt with my Simply Rugged ammo pouch.
The 686 rides well IWB or OWB with a good belt. I am wearing it now and feel it a little, if I had the J on I would have to check to see it were there though.
Yes most times 5 should be plenty. BUT the father from home I go, the more iron I want with me. Like a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit. Better to have it and not need , than the opposite.
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redneckemt
Member
Everybody seems to be leaning towards single hostile. What happens if you are out walking the dog in your front yard and encounter three punks? 5 shots still enough?
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