New 642- Thoughts?

[hoghunter]

THURSDAY EVENING UPDATE: I went to the shop to pick up my Glock and 642. Had a discussion with the salesman about wanting a 642 without the lock. Since I did not actually take possession of the gun I felt I might be in luck. I learn what I can from these forums and this internal lock deal really seems to be polarizing. After consideration and taking all comments to heart, I doubt there would be any problems with the lock. But doubt is not a comforting word when you are talking about your loved one's safety. I am not trying to make a political stance (although I think the lock is stupid- especially when you see them on those giant 44 magnums!) rather a decision based on what I think is right for us. I stopped back in later in the day and the shop told me that they would be exchanging my 642 w/ lock for a 642 w/out the lock, but it won't be here until Monday. The salesman said the owner (who was no present) made it seem that there is no extra charge. I hope this is the case. I want the 642 without the lock, but if they hit me with a huge upcharge I will be aggravated. My original price on the 642 was $399. Not sure if I got hosed on that or not. I will report back Monday.


Picking up the new 642 for the wife tomorrow. She never liked the SP-101 due to how heavy it was. Is there anything I need to know about this particular gun- good / bad / ugly? I must admit I bought it sight on scene without any research. Planned on buying the Ruger LCR but something about the 642 just made me feel better. Hope I made the right call. Haven't owned a S&W in nearly 20 years.

PLEASE SEE MY COMMENT BELOW ON THE LOCK. Thanks

 

[panamajack310]

Hi, I bought a 642 for my wife as well. It is not to heavy and it is very controllable shooting the 38 special round. I went a step further and bought the gun witha CT laser so my wife only has to piont the laser at the target and pull the trigger.

 

[2K7]

Here's my 3 inch 642....

the problem with them is, once you have one, you'll never sell it. They are just that great!

 

[Dragon88]

I bought a 642 no lock last week and I could not be happier with it. The trigger is great out of the box and getting even better with dry firing. Accuracy is good, weight and balance is perfect. This is easily the finest small carry piece I have owned.

 

[warrconn]

I just bought a 442 and my wife has no problem at all with the trigger. Some people have said it's a bit heavy, but my wife, who is small, had had no problems.

 

[billj47]

642

I've had my 642-2 for over 5 years. Pocket carry with Crimson Trace grips.
Find it very accurate at 20 feet and smooth trigger. Practice about 50 rounds a session. Has been a great gun. Great weight for carry.

 

[hoghunter]

After reading all this mess about locks I am a bit concerned. I do recall when I purchased it I saw that arrow and hole. I figured it was just a silly arrow showing you to push forward on the chamber release. Now I understand it is the dreaded lock. I pick it up tomorrow. Should I think twice about this purchase? If I haven't actually taken possession will they give me flack about not wanting it? Or am I just buying into the pre-lock only hype. That's what I get for not reading the S&W forum before buying.

 

[PointOfImpact]

After reading all this mess about locks I am a bit concerned. I do recall when I purchased it I saw that arrow and hole. I figured it was just a silly arrow showing you to push forward on the chamber release. Now I understand it is the dreaded lock. I pick it up tomorrow. Should I think twice about this purchase? If I haven't actually taken possession will they give me flack about not wanting it? Or am I just buying into the pre-lock only hype. That's what I get for not reading the S&W forum before buying.

Is it used, or new?



If it is new- tell them you made a mistake and bought a lock one, I am sure the FFL wouldn't mind if you have him call RWS and order you a no-lock model. The DAO revolvers- including the 642- are being made new on special order without the lock.

 

[Dragon88]

I had to wait a few weeks for my shop to get a no lock model in, but it was worth the wait. Besides aesthetics, the lock can apparently unintentionally engage under recoil and lock up the gun. To me this is a horrible "feature" to have on a carry revolver. If you do get the lock model you can remove the lock and plug it up, but the ugly hole will still be there.

 

[hoghunter]

It's new. I purchased a Glock 27 for myself at the same time, so it will be interesting what they say when I pick it up. I'm not saying I don't want the 642, but reading these forums makes you a bit paranoid.

 

[gbelleh]

I haven't bought a new S&W in years because of "the lock". But I just picked up a new no-lock 442 today, and so far I'm very impressed with the quality. Let us know what happens.

 

[Dale53]

My daily carry is a 642 with Crimson Trace. It had a lock. I replaced the lock with "The Plug" - no longer a consideration.

It is perhaps the most practical pocket revolver available. I had my pick of a variety and, for me, anything lighter is TOO light. The 642 is about the perfect platform for the .38 Special +P.

Dale53

 

[blujax01]

I know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy ...

who heard that the lock failed.

I am not an expert nor have I been at this for decades but the IL stories appear to be greatly exaggerated. My M36 and my M64 both have the lock, I put between 50 and 100 rounds a week through both of them, have been doing so weekly for a year, and have had no hint of a wisp of an issue. Nor have I had any issue with any other part of these guns, including the metal injection molded (MIM) pieces.

There have no doubt been IL failures as there are incidents of failures of every other part of a gun. The IL flack is mostly political, shaded by the reason it was put on the guns in the first place.

If you want to take a political stance against the former Clinton Administration on an 18 year old issue, demand the gun without the IL. If you're not of that ilk, I say buy the gun.

 

[Dragon88]

I think I've seen a couple people post on this forum that they have the IL lock up on them in a lightweight. Hopefully one of them will post if that's true. Either way, the lock is ugly and socialist. I will not own a S&W with one and only recently got this 642 when I found out no lock models were available.

It's a good thing too, because this is a well made little revolver.

 

[andyo5]

It is fairly easy to disable the lock, if it really worries you. The gun will look the same, but the lock will not engage. This has been discussed on this forum before.
I have a 642 and carry it frequently. It has the lock.

 

[26Ford]

One of the hottest topics here IMHO

Personally, I have to be very, very careful when discussing my 642 experience. I prefer not to be banned here. Mr. Jarrett has been very nice and I have made a few accomplices, uh I mean friends. 26

 

[InTheWoods]

I have a 642 with a lock and don't worry the least about it. It has been problem free for years.

 

[white cloud]

the 642 is a really handy thing to have. i am de-locking mine with the help of mr. smith. there are a ton of holsters for it so you have lots of options. there are few places where it can't go with you.

 

[hoghunter]

Update posted on original message on page one.

 

[Dragon88]

There should be no extra charge for the no lock. If they try to charge you extra, go to a different store, assuming you haven't already paid. I think you made a good decision.