Just Purchase 642 Airweight

[Bell2]

Hi just joined the forum, I bought a 642 Airweight and will be getting my Concealed Carry permit. I used to shoot a lot but have not for years. I had a Ruger Bearcat .22 which my wife used, a Ruger Blackhawk .44 and a S&W Model 15.3 all of which were stolen in a break in many years ago. If anyone has any tips on the 642 and it's care and cleaning I would appreciate it. I know it is not a target shooter and I am thinking about getting another model 15 for that purpose as I really like it for shooting at the range.

 

[loc n load]

642

I also own a 642 and have been shooting J frames since the early 70's.....some people are of the opinion that the J frame is a "seldom shoot & carry a lot" revolver....I am of the "shoot it a lot if you are gonna carry it" school.....your J frame is capable of very respectable accuracy in skilled hands....invest in a steady diet of 38 target loads for your J and train with it and shoot it....also shoot it with your designated carry load so you will know where the rounds impact at the various ranges you feel comfortable shooting at.....as far as cleaning & maintainance....treat it just like any other revolver and any other piece of potential life saving equipment. You have a great little gun. enjoy it.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn Bell2

Hey, Bell. loc n load is very knowledgeable when it comes to firearms so if you follow his thoughts, you are on the right track. Would just like to add that these small J-frame revolvers are set up for close range defense. S&W has been making them since the 1950s and know what they're doing. The J-frames were improved back in the 1990s: sights were made larger, trigger pulls were made smoother, and the lightweight guns like your 642 were strengthened, IMO. I would not get into the vicious cycle of aftermarket parts, with the exception of grips.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of regular meaningful practice, with the help of a qualified instructor if possible. Good shooting.

P.S. Sorry, I forgot: Welcome to the Forum. Great to have new members!

 

[PatAz]

Practice dry firing it a lot too, it will loosen the trigger pull.

 

[n2cycles]

I have a S&W 360 that fits the ultralite category 11oz empty. While it is a 357, I typically shoot 38+Ps but carry the last round in 357 just in case the 4 38s dont do the job. Invest in a trigger spring kit for it. Apex and Wilson make them for around $25.YouTube will show you how to do it or get a gunsmith to do it if you like. I did mine in about 30 min. With a decent trigger pull this is about the best carry gun for the guy who doesnt expect a gun fight. Most self defense shoots are over in 2 or 3 rounds if any shot at all is fired. The 380 mouse guns are less accurate and dependable. When I feel the need to carry anything that small I shift to my NAA22mag. Anything you carry in your pocket its going to be subject to dirt and dirt causes auto loaders to jam. I had a kel-tec, LCP and Bodyguard. All of them jam once in a while. If I was going into dangerous territory I would rather have my G27 with a full mag of 40 cal with a spare mag or 2 but for a EDC you cant beat the ultralite. The G27 footprint is similar to the jframe but full of ammo it is 26oz compared the Js 15oz. That 10 or so extra oz really loads you down unless you carry it on a belt. +P recoil will be a consideration though. I would get some target loads and work up to the hot stuff. Carry what you can shoot well because a hit with low power 38 is much better than a miss with anything else.

 

[Worshipbass12]

Welcome to the forum, i recently bought a 642-2 and carry it every day, i have found that the gun is capable of great accuracy it's only limited by your ability with it. As far as maintenace lots of people suggest not using hoppes #9 something about it is a harsh cleaner and will cause the finish to flake. Also i can't seem to get the scorch marks off of the cylinder but the general consensus here was don't worry about it. Dry fire practice to get comfortable with the trigger and shoot the heck out of it. I personally use hornady cd 110gr as my carry ammo it's designed for short barrels and the recoil isn't bad at all

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[snubbyfan]

Welcome from the panhandle of West Virginia.
What can I say? The others pretty much got it covered. I carry a 442 which is the blued version of the 642. Great little gun, enjoy.

 

[skrazo]

Welcome to the Forum. Ditto to all said above. Lots of good folks here with good experiences to draw from.

 

[Rush_Fan]

Welcome. Speer makes a good 135 grain self-defense cartridge designed for short barrels, too.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi just joined the forum, I bought a 642 Airweight and will be getting my Concealed Carry permit. I used to shoot a lot but have not for years. I had a Ruger Bearcat .22 which my wife used, a Ruger Blackhawk .44 and a S&W Model 15.3 all of which were stolen in a break in many years ago. If anyone has any tips on the 642 and it's care and cleaning I would appreciate it. I know it is not a target shooter and I am thinking about getting another model 15 for that purpose as I really like it for shooting at the range.

Hi:
DO NOT USED HOPPES #9 for cleaning !
Check the finish frequently. If black pin point spots start to appear-contact S&W Customer Service as the finish if coming off. I had three(3) Model 638s replaced in a two year time frame for "Finish Issues". Each replacement required a FFL fee as the replacements were new guns and new serial numbers. My Wife has used a Model 642 as EDC for years with negative problems.

 

[bronconagurski]

Welcome to the forum. I, too, just bought a 642. Plan on shooting when the range opens. I hope they have more than 1 kind of ammo as I want to try different ones.

 

[Goldstar225]

Welcome to the forum! You've made a great choice in the 642. Small enough to always be carried, big enough to keep body and soul together. Mine has been a back-up/off-duty gun for a long time. They are capable of far better accuracy than most give them credit for if you put in the time and effort.

 

[Jim1392]

Hi:
DO NOT USED HOPPES #9 for cleaning !
Check the finish frequently. If black pin point spots start to appear-contact S&W Customer Service as the finish if coming off. I had three(3) Model 638s replaced in a two year time frame for "Finish Issues". Each replacement required a FFL fee as the replacements were new guns and new serial numbers. My Wife has used a Model 642 as EDC for years with negative problems.

What do you suggest to use for cleaning ? I have a new 642 that I haven't taken to the range yet, or cleaned it. Thanks

 

[Worshipbass12]

I'm curios as well i've always used hoppes #9 its what my dad taught me with i've only used it 3 times on my 642 so far

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[jimmyj]

I'm curios as well i've always used hoppes #9 its what my dad taught me with i've only used it 3 times on my 642 so far

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk

Any cleaner without acid, This warning came from S&W Customer Service

 

[b_san]

I've pretty much quit using #9 and just use CLP on my guns for routine cleaning/lubrication. Every once in awhile I'll still send a patch of #9 down a barrel but CLP seems to work well enough.

 

[ridgewalker]

I have been using the M-Pro 7 line of cleaners and I feel real comfortable using it and recommending it. I use the M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner Spray and Gel. They are the same formula according to the website, just different in their viscosity. Some applications favor the use of one or the other. I finish up with the M-Pro 7 gun oil. Have used all for lots of cleanings and no problems. They claim it conditions the metal so subsequent cleanings are easier and I have found this to be true. I have recently bought the M-Pro 7 copper cleaner but haven't tried it out yet. They claim it is ammonia free so it shouldn't harm guns with sensitive finishes.

 

[Bell2]

I sent an e-mail to S&W about cleaning the 642 and this is what they said.

Dear Customer,

Hello Anthony, just make sure whatever solvent you purchase, there is no ammonia in it.. Some good examples would be, M Pro #7, Hoppe's Elite or Break Free.

So I got some of the Elite and will try that, I used to use Hoppe's in the past and always thought it did a good job.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

642 is my carry gun. I shoot Buffalo Bore 125 grain JHP standard pressure load. Very controllable, not hard on hands (mine have been operated on several times), will get the job done. A big fireball does nothing to deter an attacker (unless you are close enough to singe his eyebrows).

I vary between a Hogue rubber grip and a smooth wood boot grip when I am concerned about "printing." I use a Safariland 527 holster.

I have seen more guns harmed by over cleaning than by running dirty. Break Free is a great product to use on it.

 

[bronconagurski]

Gunslinger, how does someone damage a gun by over-cleaning? Are you taking about using things that would take off metal? Also, I saw a video where the man said that he didn't clean the cylinder face nearest the front sight as he wanted to limit the gap there so he didn't lose pressure. Is this like when you leave a few ashes in your fireplace or grill for a buffer?