New 642 snub nose carry

[diyj98]

I have been carrying for about 2 years and I've tried everything from Shields to Glocks to whathaveyou. I have settled for just a 442 that I've been carrying for many months now. No more rotations. Just one gun. Same gun each time. Everything else have become range toys.

A guy at my local gun shop who used to be either a SEAL or some type of special forces, and is an expert on all things guns and combat related, tells me that you won't stand a chance when it comes to the the government taking us over or a zombie apocalypse. Besides, anyone who's ever watched a Steven Segal movie knows real men only carry 1911's!

Actually after owning just about everything under the sun, I've come to pretty much the same conclusions as you.

 

[tomfromhull]

What everybody said. Love my 642

 

[exdetsgt]

Went to the local LGS today and traded my well used 637-2 and $100 for a new 642-1. Reading on this forum I became intrigued with the idea of pocket-carry which most of you folks do routinely. So I tried it with the 637 but the exposed hammer kept snagging on the draw from the pocket. Not good. Precious seconds lost. A deal breaker. Even if I got a pocket holster (which I intend to do) the hammer would still be there. Probably going with either a Mika or a DeSantis Nemisis.

Second reason is that the 637-2 had a lawyer lock; the 642-1 does not.

Between my three EDC guns: Ruger SR1911cmdr, Glock 26, and the snubbie - all carried OWB - it's hot in the AZ desert for 7 months and as I don't open carry the three either stayed home or resided in my car or motorcycle. It's just too hot to wear a jacket. Frequently I'd carry the 637 hidden under an untucked shirt.

The hot weather EDC problem will soon be solved!

 

[jack the toad]

Sounds like you made a wise decision. I think you'll enjoy most everything about the 642. I do mine with the Mika (1st choice) and a Nemesis (2nd) for pocket carry plus a cheap kydex for IWB.

 

[T. McIntyre]

This one has been my BUG for years. Works perfectly in its role. Crimson Trace grips enhance the practical application in low light...

 

[exdetsgt]

I got the Nemesis. Works well. Nice pic of a trusty BUG, T. McIntyre. I'll trade mine in a heartbeat for a blued one. Just like them better. I'm not really sure why, but probably my LEO background (way back) in CA when we all carried blue revolvers could explain the preference. Nothing like holster shine to identify a trusted weapon. With stainless appearing alloy it seems that it always looks like you just took it out of the box. Maybe I should just get over this hangup.

 

[Joelssteinbach]

I have been with my 442 in my front pocket for about 5 years now. I won't leave home without it

 

[dhtwalden]

Hi, I've never carried before but I'm trained and efficient with all types of guns. I chose the 642 airweight because is light and can handle +p loads. Another reason I like it is because its safe to carry in the front pocket because of the long trigger pull. Just wondering besides this being an awesome looking gun why others might choose this as their carry gun.

342ti
Carry it because of the weight, not because it's a joy to shoot.

 

[billj47]

I 642 pocket carry also.

Also in waistband in a Remora holster

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173072&stc=1&d=1415914284

 

[yashua-p]

I carried the 642 for several years until my daughter moved to Atlanta. I thought she needed it more than I did. As a substitute I carry a nickled M36, no dash, with a 3 inch barrel.

regards,

yashua

 

[Joezilla]

I carry the 642 or my 638 99% of the time. I think it is a great ccw and believe you will be very happy with that choice.

I've got that EXACT gun. Love this thing. It is IWB almost everywhere I go.

Joe

 

[Just Jack]

Great thread - Great Gun

Love my 642 - It's been my constant companion for over 6 years now. I put a set of the Barami Grip Clips on the gun and it's ready to go when I am.
Jack

 

[huntrfishr1]

Hi, I've never carried before but I'm trained and efficient with all types of guns. I chose the 642 airweight because is light and can handle +p loads. Another reason I like it is because its safe to carry in the front pocket because of the long trigger pull. Just wondering besides this being an awesome looking gun why others might choose this as their carry gun.

Probably the same reason you chose it, hard to find anything more reliable and easy to conceal, I never leave the house without my 642 Pro or my 340 PD!

 

[lwr_]

A J-frame hammerless is all the carry weapon you will ever need. I carry a 640 .357 in my right front pocket in a pocket holster. I am very used to it being there and feel naked without it. My wife started carrying about a year ago. I introduced her to several types and calibers and she decided on the 642. She wears it either IWB under her blouse on in a flashbang, under the blouse of course.

 

[yankee2500]

I carrying my 640 Pro in a snap on OWB and never notice the weight but it makes a big difference shooting full power 357s.

 

[Jim1392]

I carried a 60 snubby no dash stainless as a backup and off duty for years. I still have it. Started carrying a 642 until I happened to see a 640 Pro. Now I carry the 640 Pro full time in a Remora IWB holster. The weight is noticable for me since I'm older (over 60) but it's worth the difference in weight as far as shoot ability. Both with 357's and 38's. When the weight really gets to me I'll go back to the 642 since I have no intention of selling it. It's just such a perfect pocket gun. And after awhile you really forget it's there.

 

[DHBuckeye]

I have three, 2 with Crimson Trace Lasers (wife, self, & safe). It goes bang when you pull the trigger yet it feels safe in a Nemesis pocket holster. Surprisingly accurate, dependable. The CT grips allow you to fire accurately from waste level. You can fire while in your pocket/purse if necessary. Be Careful. I love all S&W, especially revolvers though Sigs are also a favorite. Shields are also excellent.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Shared Leather

I bought this 642 NIB in 1997. I carry it often as is obvious by the wear on the finish. It usually rides in a Wild Bill's horsehide pocket holster I bought about the same time.

At times the 642 rides in this Galco holster that it shares with the pictured model 36.

Then again the 642 shares this Blackhawk IWB holster that the Charter Arms is wearing.

 

[dhtwalden]

A bit of thread drift here. This discussion peaked my interest, so I went to S/W website to look at the 640 Pro as the .357 intrigued me. Anyone else notice that their photos don't show the left side of the gun so you can determine if there's an internal lock? Regardless, looks like a nice handgun. Wonder if it does have IL?

 

[The Rattler]

Choice of 642

I selected the 642 for my carry gun because it is light weight and its size makes it easy to carry. Since it has these characteristics, however, I wanted a well built gun that could best weather +p cartridges. all of these characteristics of the gun, however, work against accuracy.The trigger pull is long and has a heavier pull than most revolvers. That is a big plus for safety in your pocket, but that together with the 1.8 inch barrel has a negative effect with me for accuracy. One must keep in mind, however, that if this gun is used in a defensive situation, it will more than likely be at close range somewhat minimizing the bad effect of poor accuracy.