bwarner
Member
Anyone have experience with this firearm? Reviews please.Pros-Cons.Hows the trigger pull.My wife likes the way this gun fits in her hand.Maybe an X-mas gift.
Model 642
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IMHO the Model 642 is possibly the best pocket revolver. However, it is not easy to shoot well, especially with +P loads.
IMHO the Model 642 is possibly the best pocket revolver. However, it is not easy to shoot well, especially with +P loads.
I don't think you can go wrong with one.
As TinMan points out, the J-frames take practice to shoot well. I would start with a standard pressure load and build proficiency, then work up to +P if that suited you (or your wife).
You can also start your wife out with an extended grip and then move her back to a boot grip once she develops proficiency.
The trigger pull can easily be improved with the Apex drop-in trigger kit if you feel the need.
I think the most common complaint I read about is the finish. The clear coat tends to wear quickly from most reports. However, this doesn't affect function or rust resistance.
As TinMan points out, the J-frames take practice to shoot well. I would start with a standard pressure load and build proficiency, then work up to +P if that suited you (or your wife).
You can also start your wife out with an extended grip and then move her back to a boot grip once she develops proficiency.
The trigger pull can easily be improved with the Apex drop-in trigger kit if you feel the need.
I think the most common complaint I read about is the finish. The clear coat tends to wear quickly from most reports. However, this doesn't affect function or rust resistance.
bootsdeal
Member
It's a great revolver. I've had mine about 2 years and about 800 rounds through it. Trigger pull is long (as it should be), but smooth even new. Gets better and better as you shoot it. If you want a real good trigger real fast, you can either do a whole bunch of dry fires or take it to a gunsmith. I don't feel either is necessary because it smooths out perfectly on it's own with use. I'm going for a second one as soon as I can, cause they can't be beat. I also have a 30 or 40 year old model 36 that is even better, but the 642 is my daily carry.
photoman
Member
The 642 is an excellent personal defense handgun given certain conditions!
1. Large rubber grips are a must for beginners.
2. Standard pressure ammo only until the shooter is used to the recoil of the lightweight 642. That includes carry ammo too!
3. 1000 dry fires as soon as possible. This will smooth up the action quite a bit and make trigger control much easier.
4. The Apex spring kit is a good option if you are handy enough to install it or can afford to have a gunsmith install it. This will do wonders for trigger control (especially when combined with the 1000 dry fires).
5. Practice firing at distances less than seven yards. Anything beyond that will likely frustrate the beginning Airweight shooter.
6. Use silhouette targets at the range. Airweights are fighting guns, not target guns! Trying to shoot small bullseye groups with an Airweight is not the mission of this handgun (although you might find it most rewarding later on).
7. A good pocket holster is a must for your new 642. It's like peanut butter and jelly! They just go together so well.
I highly recommend that everyone have at least one Airweight. They are excellent guns for self defense if one is willing to invest the time and effort to master them.
1. Large rubber grips are a must for beginners.
2. Standard pressure ammo only until the shooter is used to the recoil of the lightweight 642. That includes carry ammo too!
3. 1000 dry fires as soon as possible. This will smooth up the action quite a bit and make trigger control much easier.
4. The Apex spring kit is a good option if you are handy enough to install it or can afford to have a gunsmith install it. This will do wonders for trigger control (especially when combined with the 1000 dry fires).
5. Practice firing at distances less than seven yards. Anything beyond that will likely frustrate the beginning Airweight shooter.
6. Use silhouette targets at the range. Airweights are fighting guns, not target guns! Trying to shoot small bullseye groups with an Airweight is not the mission of this handgun (although you might find it most rewarding later on).
7. A good pocket holster is a must for your new 642. It's like peanut butter and jelly! They just go together so well.
I highly recommend that everyone have at least one Airweight. They are excellent guns for self defense if one is willing to invest the time and effort to master them.
white cloud
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i have several older j frames but the 642 is my carry gun. it is not real expensive and can be easily replaced. in my opinion it is the best pocket revolver available now days. i certainly prefer it to any pocket auto pistol. as pointed out, the trigger will smooth out a lot with use. the finish is not durable. i removed the clear coat. i wipe the gun down after carry. it looks just fine with no little spots.
photoman
Member
white cloud: What method did you use to remove the clear coat?
gr7070
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You have any pictures? I'm very interested to see what it looks like!
Ashlander
Member
I have both a Model 60 and a 640 -- same basic size as the 642, but they are stainless steel frames rather than an aluminum alloy. While they are heavier, that weight helps to manage the recoil. There are pros and cons for everything....
dubhelix
Member
642
Also, all the other J-Frame Centennials will fit in her hand in a similar manner. The triggers, I think will be very similar on all, a perfect heavy DA that strongly discourages any accidents.
-The 640 is practically identical, but with a stainless steel frame instead of aluminum. The finish is practically wear proof, and the added weight is actually a benefit, particularly for the new shooter.
-The 442 is another airweight, but with a black coated frame that, in my experience, wears better than the 642's clearcoat. The 442 does have a blued cylinder and barrel, instead of stainless, so it's a trade-off.
-The 340 m&p is a very similar frame, rated for .357 and with a big 'ol night sight in the front. It's also pretty spendy.
For what it's worth, I like Hogue Bantam's on an airweight.
Federal 125 gr Nyclads and Hornady 110 gr FTX are two loads that are easy to manage with an airweight.
Also, all the other J-Frame Centennials will fit in her hand in a similar manner. The triggers, I think will be very similar on all, a perfect heavy DA that strongly discourages any accidents.
-The 640 is practically identical, but with a stainless steel frame instead of aluminum. The finish is practically wear proof, and the added weight is actually a benefit, particularly for the new shooter.
-The 442 is another airweight, but with a black coated frame that, in my experience, wears better than the 642's clearcoat. The 442 does have a blued cylinder and barrel, instead of stainless, so it's a trade-off.
-The 340 m&p is a very similar frame, rated for .357 and with a big 'ol night sight in the front. It's also pretty spendy.
For what it's worth, I like Hogue Bantam's on an airweight.
Federal 125 gr Nyclads and Hornady 110 gr FTX are two loads that are easy to manage with an airweight.
ContinentalOp
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I'm a big fan of the 642, especially the no-lock version. I have one that is well-used; it's my primary carry gun. It does take some practice to become proficient with. Photoman44 gave some good tips for starting out with a 642, or any airweight J-frame.
For low recoil I've always liked the Federal 125gr Nyclad combined with any of the commonly available 130gr FMJ loads for a good carry/practice combination.
If possible, you might want to see if you and your wife can rent or borrow one to see if it'll work for either of you. While an airweight J-frame is an excellent self-defense gun, it isn't for everyone.
If you can afford it, it might be worth it to get a steel frame Centennial and a matching airweight Centennial. You can do the bulk of your practice with the steel gun, practicing occasionally with the airweight gun you carry. Or you may find that the steel frame gun by itself meets your needs.
And yes, the finish is the 642's weak spot. The finish on mine is particularly bad, but I've put about 800 rounds through it since I got it in January and perform dry-fire practice drills fairly regularly, so that may be a factor. There are people who have 642s with little to no wear, so it may be a bit of a coin toss as to whether or not you'd have finish issues.
Oh, and despite the finish problems I've had, I'd still get another one. The finish doesn't affect the gun's functioning, and I bought it to use as a tool, not a showpiece.
For low recoil I've always liked the Federal 125gr Nyclad combined with any of the commonly available 130gr FMJ loads for a good carry/practice combination.
If possible, you might want to see if you and your wife can rent or borrow one to see if it'll work for either of you. While an airweight J-frame is an excellent self-defense gun, it isn't for everyone.
If you can afford it, it might be worth it to get a steel frame Centennial and a matching airweight Centennial. You can do the bulk of your practice with the steel gun, practicing occasionally with the airweight gun you carry. Or you may find that the steel frame gun by itself meets your needs.
And yes, the finish is the 642's weak spot. The finish on mine is particularly bad, but I've put about 800 rounds through it since I got it in January and perform dry-fire practice drills fairly regularly, so that may be a factor. There are people who have 642s with little to no wear, so it may be a bit of a coin toss as to whether or not you'd have finish issues.
Oh, and despite the finish problems I've had, I'd still get another one. The finish doesn't affect the gun's functioning, and I bought it to use as a tool, not a showpiece.
white cloud
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i just got back from my hunting lease so no pictures tonight. i will try tomorrow.
the finish on my gun was headed south so i went nuts one day with opps (a type of cleaner). i wrapped the gun in a few paper towels. soaked the whole thing in opps an inserted the whole thing in a walmart bag. then i left it set for 24 hours. i pulled off the paper towels the next day and the clear coat was coming off pretty well. i then washed the frame in hot soapy water and dried throughly. i know i will never get into the gun smith hall of fame with this technique but it worked.
i also replaced the plug with one of mr bullseye smith's plugs and put on some faux ivory service grips. i think the gun looks great, shoots great and is easy to carry. i live in s.c. it gets hot here so sweat is a way of life. still no issues with the corrosion everyone talks about.
i like 649s the best (especially with executioners) but nice 649s are getting tough to find and to be honest i think the 642 is a much better pocket revolver because of the light weight.
JayBird686
Member
I think someone needs to compile a J-Frame sticky!
I guess it shouldnt be a surprise that the gun gets a lot of questions asked, seeing how awesome it is and its Smith's best selling revolver.
To answer your question:
Pros: Ultra-reliable, light weight, durable construction, big cartridge power in a small cartridge size, inexpensive considering the build quality, fixed sight blade wont get bent/broke in pocket, can get with no lock
Cons: There is a learning curve to shoot it well, new 642 finish is not the best, I personally dont like the factory rubbers, fixed sight does not lend itself well to putting new sights
I have a 442, the black version of the 642. The only thing I would change is I would have got the pro model, cut for moon clips. I would have had to get "The Plug", but I think that I could have dealt with that to get moon clips. Oh darn, looks like I will have to buy another j-frame!
I guess it shouldnt be a surprise that the gun gets a lot of questions asked, seeing how awesome it is and its Smith's best selling revolver.
To answer your question:
Pros: Ultra-reliable, light weight, durable construction, big cartridge power in a small cartridge size, inexpensive considering the build quality, fixed sight blade wont get bent/broke in pocket, can get with no lock
Cons: There is a learning curve to shoot it well, new 642 finish is not the best, I personally dont like the factory rubbers, fixed sight does not lend itself well to putting new sights
I have a 442, the black version of the 642. The only thing I would change is I would have got the pro model, cut for moon clips. I would have had to get "The Plug", but I think that I could have dealt with that to get moon clips. Oh darn, looks like I will have to buy another j-frame!
Sonny Crocket
US Veteran
JayBird686
Member
FYI, the 442Pro only comes as a no lock.
Dang! Might have to look into upgrading!
642 PLUS LASER for New shooter
There is some great advice so far. First get the best ammo which is in fact the 110 or 115 grain HPs by Winchester and Corbon, which a well placed hit should stop the perp 65% of the time on first hit, not to mention follow-up shots shooting till the threat stops.
You can never rely on shot stops and is important the defender shoot until threat has ceased.
A green laser cost a bit more, but well worth it and this is for the wife. The beginner with a laser on the target squeezing the trigger, will alleviate the beginner with the J-frame.
If she can shoot the gun average before the laser, watch what she does with the laser. If you do not like that—Go with a controllable Glock 27 or 23. If not that, go with 9mm.
I have been carrying my 642 as a backup quite a bit for 2 plus years. However, I just switched to 357 mag rhino for backup. It conceals so nicely!
There is some great advice so far. First get the best ammo which is in fact the 110 or 115 grain HPs by Winchester and Corbon, which a well placed hit should stop the perp 65% of the time on first hit, not to mention follow-up shots shooting till the threat stops.
You can never rely on shot stops and is important the defender shoot until threat has ceased.
A green laser cost a bit more, but well worth it and this is for the wife. The beginner with a laser on the target squeezing the trigger, will alleviate the beginner with the J-frame.
If she can shoot the gun average before the laser, watch what she does with the laser. If you do not like that—Go with a controllable Glock 27 or 23. If not that, go with 9mm.
I have been carrying my 642 as a backup quite a bit for 2 plus years. However, I just switched to 357 mag rhino for backup. It conceals so nicely!
photoman
Member
Welcome to the Forum hgte2001. The laser grips are a fantastic training tool.
bassoneer
Member
Let your wife shoot one and see what she thinks. I love the 642, but thus far have not urged my wife to shoot it. She does well to handle my 640-1 with .38's (non +P). Some ladies can take more recoil than others...just ease her into it...if you have a bigger gun, start with it. With +P rounds, the 642 is downright uncomfortable, I don't care how tough you are. I'm pretty dang big and I don't like it (but I absolutely love carrying the gun - it goes everywhere with me). Best of luck, B
I sure love mine with 405 laser grips. I put Johnson's wax on the frame of my 642. I have carried it on and off for years without any noticable finish wear. Funny thing about the wax: it must wear through before the finish can wear at all. I usually put new wax on it two or three times a year. Works for me. Certainly easier than oiling a blued gun.
whtsmoke
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the little snubbie is a handful to shoot proficiently for the noob but can be mastered. i love the little things my first was a 36, i have a charter arms bulldog one of the first ones that came out in the 70's its fun also. i am tryingt ot get a 442 from a friend that dont like it he has in his mind an auto is better, oh well. he is so new to this that ive told him to give it a chance but hes not that. i am talking a trade for my little 9mm pt 709 slim, its nice shoots good but i do like a wheel gun.
