Model 642! Talk to me

[Arik]

Stopped by one of my favorite LGS today. Just randomly to see what they have. They deal in a lot of police trades. Spotted several cool things. .. Beretta 92 for $385, a S&W 4046 for, $280....both police guns, both good condition BUT....I have plenty of duty guns. So while browsing one salesman says take a look at these.....brand new factory, in box, unfired, 642 in silver and black for $350 and 38spl bodyguard for $380 w/laser. There were Shields as well but I don't care for them. So I look at the BG and it's ehh..feels and looks flimsy (probably just me) and I don't need/want a laser. I settled on the silver 642 due to it not having a lock. The black one did.

I'm not a fan of little J frames as daily carry but they do have a purpose. ..when I can't carry a,duty sized semi auto. Soo...what can you tell me about reliability with 38+P? Is it like the old J frame where it's used only sparingly or can I run them normally? Will it digest steady street of lead? (Poly barrel)

 

[GF]

That's a good price on the 642.

They're great CCW guns, you'll take it with you often because it's easy to stash almost anywhere.

I changed out the grips on mine and I carry it in a few different holsters, these two are used the most.

I shoot those Critical Defense standard velocity and it doesn't punish me or the revolver & shoots it minute of "paper plate" at 7 big steps!


GF

 

[colin1230]

That li'l sucker will take as much +P ammo as you can stand. If you plan to slip it in your pocket occasionally, check out a Bianchi #152 holster for it. I'm getting along well with mine and highly recommend it. Anyway, congratulations on your choice and enjoy.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I love the 642. It's a great, versatile gun. It's been my primary carry gun for most of the 4+ years I've had it.

However, the aluminum-framed guns aren't quite as durable as the steel guns, but any difference isn't likely to be noticed unless you practice with it a lot. I just sent my 642 back to S&W with a broken hammer pin, but that occurred after ~1400 rounds (including ~500 rounds of +P) and (conservatively) ~8000+ dry fire "rounds" over ~4.5 years. I did dry fire practice drills an average of 1-2 times/week (drawing, "firing," reloading, etc.). In nearly every instance I've read about this happening S&W replaced the gun under warranty.

One thing to check for is any frame cracking under the forcing cone where the barrel threads into the frame. It sometimes happens on new guns, likely due to overtorquing the barrel during installation. If there's no crack when new or after the first couple of range sessions it's not likely to ever happen, at least until the gun nears the end of it's service life. When I had my 642 I checked for it whenever I cleaned my gun and never found a crack. Again, nearly every time I've read about this happening S&W took care of it under warranty.

The finish can sometimes be an issue. I know the finish on mine looked horrible. However, it didn't affect function or reliability so I left it as is. I will likely be trying wax on my next 642 to see if that helps with finish durability.

Knowing all this, I'd still buy a 642-1. Even if S&W replaces my gun under warranty I'd still buy a second 642, or even a third. While I would like to get a steel 640 no-dash, or even a 640-1 (no lock), for the extra durability given the amount of practice I do and that I carry IWB the vast majority of the time, I wouldn't hesitate to get another 642-1 if that's all I could afford. It's still a better choice than a steel J-frame for pocket or ankle carry, IMO, and those are options I'd like to have for times when IWB carry isn't a viable option. I think I'd rather have a pair of 642s than just a single 640 if those were my only two choices.

 

[Waywatcher]

Lead ammo shoots fine, great actually. No polygonal barrel here.

I think they're a dandy daily carry and do so regularly. In my hands, all 5 rounds on an 8.5x11" is easily accomplished at 20 yards double action. Probably about 3 seconds but I haven't actually timed it.

I do prefer the steel frame but the aluminum frame is absolutely fine.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Excellent Choice for CCW

The 642-2 has been my "go to" around town CCW gun for quite a few years. Here in Central Florida, the heat and humidity determine your wardrobe (mostly shorts and t-shirts) and gun's finish. I usually just toss the revolver in a soft holster (Uncle Mike's No. 36 or Blackhawk No. 8), and then slip it into my front shorts pocket or cargo shorts pocket- it just disappears! I've also got a Galco horsehide IWB holster, but rarely use it. I don't worry at all about the finish on the 642, it won't rust so I just give it an occasional wipe down. From 7 yds and closer this little shooter is dead on with practice rounds or Hornady Critical Defense rounds. I have no problem with only 5 rds, although I usually carry a Tuff Quickstrip with an additional 5. The 642 is like a fire extinguisher- to get me out of trouble in an emergency, not to hunker down and have a gun battle. Great gun, and I think you're looking at a good price.

 

[ralph7]

The only downside to the 642 is the finish as has been discussed above. It soon gets to looking pretty bad as the clear coat wears off. I have the 442 and it still looks good despite me carrying it in high 90 degree weather while doing manual labor (mucho sweat)!
That is a great price for a reliable, potent little revolver. I think it will last longer than you are tolerant of the heavy recoiling plus p rounds.

 

[MaxS]

I don't know if it makes a difference.... but I've cleaned my 638 exclusively with CLP Break Free and my finish is still like new. I've been carrying it and shooting it twice a month for about the last year and a half.

 

[haywood]

The 442 is my favorite pocket gun. It's One of Two guns I carry daily.

 

[Squarebutt]

Another 642 fan here. They're handy little grab-and-go numbers that disappear in pants pocket or IWB holster. Mine has been carried quite a bit and still looks good. It's usually in a pocket holster or Alessi IWB.

 

[CajunBass]

I use a -2, as my EDC. I don't even think about carrying anything else anymore. Good little guns IMHO. I don't shoot it a lot, but I've had no problems with it. The finish on mine looks like new in spite of being carried in a Don Hume J.I.T. holster.



I did replace the standard grips with Hogue recoil tamers. Hated to do it, but I've got a fairly big hand.

 

[Terry]

That's a good price on the 642.

They're great CCW guns, you'll take it with you often because it's easy to stash almost anywhere.

I changed out the grips on mine and I carry it in a few different holsters, these two are used the most.

I shoot those Critical Defense standard velocity and it doesn't punish me or the revolver & shoots it minute of "paper plate" at 7 big steps!


GF

Your Bianchi holster is a real antique. I have one I bought in the early 70's which I carried a S&W model 36 & 60 in it as a backup and off duty. I was surprised they still make it. I have attached a photo of mine well worn and used. I still carry a 642 Talo and a 340PD in it.

 

[KSDeputy]

I just bought a 637-2. I like exposed hammers. Have not been to the range yet, but it loaded up fine. I only carry it around my farm, until I shoot for qualification next year. I may change to the wood grips as I really want a pocket gun, I will see if it will fit. If not I will look for another PPK. I love the weight of the revolver. I miss my model 60 a lot but a new one is too expensive for me right now. This one was on sale for $ 309. I tried many different types of holsters through the years. I ultimately used a Safariland IWB soft leather holster for every gun I had. It was inexpensive, and worked well.

 

[Helderberg]

I have this with me more than any other carry gun I own. I have boot grips for pocket carry and larger rubber grips for iwb. Really a great gun and accurate if I do my part. I do not run +p stuff because my old hands will not take it. The gun is in much better shape than I am.
Be safe and enjoy it. This is a gun you really can bet your life on.
Frank.

 

[Atonal]

Here's my setup:



I practice with regular pressure hardball mostly and use +P for carry. These are great little guns for CC.

 

[GF]

"Your Bianchi holster is a real antique."

Terry, ME & most of my stuff is antique!

GF

 

[Kframerbluvr]

Newer Smith air weight J-frames are GTG with +P ammo. That being said, my 442 gets about 50 rounds a month of standard velocity .38 reloads for practice and 158 +P LHP for carry. Mine has the IL and with about 600 rounds down the pipe, there have been no issues or problems. Buy one with full confidence. There is, in my opinion, no better pocket or deep cover gun than a airweight Smith .38...

 

[Terry]

My favorite 642 Talo Edition

I love this 642 Talo Performance Center. The action on it is super slick and the grips fit me like they were custom made.