New 642-2

[edkato]

So picked up a new in the box 642-2 today. Production is 6/17. I know the dreaded lock, but plan is for this as a spare to a couple of 442 pro moon clips...and it was dirt cheap, so couldn't pass it up. Anyway...noticed at the shop it was a bit stiff. Really tight, which isn't the worst thing. Also, dirty. They'd apparently used a couple rounds of crud to test fire it. But...when I get it home I realize how stiff it is...really tight. Trigger, cylinder, and thumb piece ...like it's been in a box for 30 years. After a few shots of brake free CLP and and few hundred dry fires with snap caps, it's finally smooth enough to take to the range. Wow. I know Smith has some issues, but never had a new j frame like this. Hope all goes well at the range!

 

[kaaskop49]

Over the past few years, I've encountered sideplate screws loosening on some of my 642s and 442s during range sessions. These can result in FTFs with the cylinder rotating, but the hammer remaining immobile. Not good or desirable. My gunsmith uses some version of LocTite to remedy this. Of course, it's preferable for this to happen during practice and not when SHTF. You may want to check for this. Good luck and good shooting.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[RGVshooter]

S&W J frames do not have issues.... It's a new gun. of course it's going to be tight and stiff until broken in.... I know... I own a 642-2 purchased new.
I think you'll find in time that by shooting it, it will get smoother & smoother. I would suggest changing the grips to maybe a set of Pachmayr compacts unless you hate your shootin hand. lol.

 

[ABPOS]

My 442's trigger was over 13# when I got it. It was very lightly used. After I put some clp down the trigger hole, dry fired it, shot it, it's now registering high 11's-12# right now. I think in another few years it will be like 10# if I keep it as my main carry gun and keep dry firing it and shooting it. And so on... They do seem to get better with time and I've heard that from other people.

I fondled a 640 the other day that looked well used and the trigger was really nice on it. I'm guessing it was 9-10#.