Model 42 "classic" for carry?

[aplomado]

I'm looking for a lightweight carry gun, and was considering the Airweight revolvers carefully. I've very little experience with revolvers, so I borrowed an old airweight (model 37 I think), shot it a little, and carried it around in my pocket for a while. I liked it pretty well, so was planning on getting a 642.

Now- I saw the new "classic" model 42s that S&W is selling, and am interested in getting one of those instead. I have only semiautomatic pistols now, and am more comfortable with a gun with some sort of safety, so I like the idea of a grip safety. (I know the heavy double action of a good revolver is quite safe, this is for my irrational mind's benefit).

I don't mind the cost difference between the two revolvers, but I want to know if getting a revolver with a grip safety for carry is a dumb idea or not.

Looking around here, I see that some folks, apparently those with larger hands might have difficulty with the grip safety, and try to fix that by altering the grips. My hands wear a medium surgical glove (or a little smaller) it that tells you anything.

Unfortunately, there aren't any in the stores in my area for me to try out.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

My guess from your hand size is that you are not going to have a problem with the grip safety. If you do, a Tyler will probably solve it, although in a rare (?) case (mine), it can introduce a new problem of positioning your middle-finger knuckle to get rapped every time you fire. If all else fails, you could put some heavy rubber bands around the grips, which would solve the safety problem, help keep the gun in your pocket without hindering the draw, and probably improve the performance of the grips.

I think that a grip safety in a pocket gun is a great idea, which is why I like Centennials. However, if that gun is going into a holster at any time, a gun with a hammer, particularly a bobbed one, can be faster and safer to holster, because you have a hammer you can press forward on while holstering, in order to prevent the kind of surprise that occasionally happens to a Glock owner.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

I have the model 40, which is the steel-framed version of the 42. I had no trouble with the grip safety, but the stock grips are too small for me so I had to add a Tyler T-grip in order to shoot it accurately. Another option are the Secret Service grips made for the model 40/42 from Eagle Grips.
If the grip safety makes you more comfortable with the gun, then I say go for it.

 

[aplomado]

Keep your comments coming, please.

Another question- about how much pressure does it take to depress the safety?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Keep your comments coming, please.

Another question- about how much pressure does it take to depress the safety?

Certainly more than on a 1911, but not like you're actually using muscles or anything. IFF you actually have a grip around the grip, you will easily depress it. I think that the problem for some is that the grip of the 40/42 is rather small, and there is no physical law that says that you have to grip the front of the grip frame firmly. You can practically hold it by the trigger and the rear of the frame. If your hands are smaller, or the grip is larger because of a Tyler, then it is natural to hold on to the gun with three fingers and a thumb, and there will be no problems. Think holding a pencil the same way you hold a baseball bat. It works better on the bat than on the pencil.

The force that it takes to depress the grip safety will not be a problem. The size of the grips might, but it is less likely with smaller hands.

 

[one eye joe]

IMHO, the 642 is the finest small revolver for CCW in existence. It's been the biggest selling S&W revolver for several years. The grip safety is a needless accoutrement that in reality is useless. As previous posters point out, if you are gripping the pistol correctly you are depressing the safety. It's all in your inexperienced mind. ( NOT an insult--just the reality of it. We were all new to revolvers at one time ) Best wishes, whatever you decide.

 

[Marshal Tom]

You do not need the safety as stated above. If it makes you feel better or more secure for having it, then go for it. I think that you would be well served with any of the hammerless models such as the 442 or 642. I found that in handling the 40 classic, that the grip safety felt sharp against my hand. Love the gun but it is an answer to a non existent problem, as Jeff Cooper used to say.

Tom

 

[adwjc]

Aplomado,

I have a "classic" model 42, from 1974. I also have a 442, the modern version sans safety as well as a 640.

If you really, really want the safety, by all means get one, but be prepared for a lot of abrasion on the web of your hand.

The new designs took care of that little problem, and you don't actually need that back strap safety on a DAO revolver

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

If you really, really want the safety, by all means get one, but be prepared for a lot of abrasion on the web of your hand.

Since that was your experience, he should certainly be aware of the possibility. However, I have several 40s and have owned a few others and a few 42s, and I have never had that problem. I took Ayoob's entire LFI-1 course witha Model 40 with stock grips and a Tyler, and had no problems. Granted, that course is less shooting than some, but I have put thousands of rounds through Centennials, and done a lot of dry-firing, too.

Different hands are different, and it certainly helps if you can try out a friend's gun before purchasing the same model.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

Mine doesn't abrade my hand with standard pressure ammo. It will start to abrade after about 5-6 cylinders of +P ammo (or 2 cylinders of the Buffalo Bore +P that feels almost like a .357).
Of course, everyone's skin is different, so it may abrade some people more than others...
To the OP; the 642 is an excellent alternative to the 42 if you have any concerns about the grip safety, and I believe that they can still be had without the lock.

 

[BreakerDan]

Carry what makes you feel comfortable. The Model 42 is a fine gun
but the safety really serves no purpose. You want a weapon that will work when you pull the trigger. In a bad situation you
can not count on the perfect grip, fine motor skills, etc.
You might not have full hand strength or both hands; think
being hurt or scared. I can see having a shrouded/bobbed hammer as it will not snag or accidentally get cocked in your pocket (never even heard of that.) but the grip safety is not going to make the gun any safer in your pocket or elsewhere. Also, having a thumb break on your holster
is another way of making the gun safer should you choose to use a holster.

 

[Old cop]

If the grip safety makes you feel better than go for it, but it is not necessary with the S&W small frame guns. While I don't own one with the grip safety I have looked at them. My hands are large and I had no problem with the grip (I'd use a Tyler T too) or the safety device. S&W makes quality revolvers so you really cannot go wrong.

 

[RPD20]

The grip safety on the model 42 is completely unnessasary and silly. I will say the following as a retired police firearms instructor, this is not a flame or a dig. If you have such a serious advertion to a DA revolver without a safety, you need to attend some serious firearms training. This will give you confidence in yourself and knowledge of how your gun operates.

I have handled a 42 and found it to be the most uncomfortable of the J Frames. Im 6' 3" & 210 lbs. I could not reliably or naturaly engage the grip safety upon presentation.

I would look into the M&P line of snubbies.

 

[aplomado]

Thanks everyone, you all are a great resource. I've found a place with model 40, I'll try and check it out asap, and see if I like the grip safety or not.

 

[aplomado]

I did like the model 40 I looked at, but ended up buying a 642 instead while I was there.

 

[Timber Wolf]

I did like the model 40 I looked at, but ended up buying a 642 instead while I was there.

Welcome to the 642 Club, you have aquired a fine revolver.

 

[tacreload]

Not trying to be a pain,but how do you borrow a revolver to carry that is not registered to you.I know not all states are the same,I'm just curious.

 

[aplomado]

No registration required in my state. I do have a carry permit.