New present for the wife...questions (642)

[therealsmithfan]

Want to get my wife a smaller concealed carry weapon for warmer weather and lighter clothing, etc. She has been carrying her beloved S&W 3rd gen semi-auto 3913 for years (current Lady Smith version) and shoots it very well. She is very comfy with this gun. But when she is wearing just jeans and a T-shirt, not carrying a handbag, etc., sometimes I catch her leaving the house without it. As sleek and thin as it is, it's a bit heavy and can print through tighter shirts, etc...mainly due to longer grip. My warm weather gun is a walther PPK that fits nicely in cargo shorts or khaki shorts front pocket in my pocket holster. But it's kind of my baby (I've got two 3913's for me too that are my regulars).

So...I want to get her a smaller gun for small handbags, possible pocket carry, IWB, belly band, etc. I really like the idea of getting her a small J frame like 642. They even make a 642 Lady Smith, so both her guns would have that engraving on them (she would dig that). I've been eyeballing 642-1 models that are the pre-lock. Alum frame, stainless cylinder/barrel. This gun would be at least 10 oz lighter than her 3913 unloaded, and boot grip would tuck in tight I think. Not really interested in small plastic/striker guns in 9mm or .380, just to get smaller size. I know they take up less real estate than 642, but not fond of them...or shooting them (shield, LC9, etc). I like idea of long DA trigger, since she's used to that.

Concerns:
I've been reading that these little J frames are hard to shoot well, or learn to shoot well. The indoor range we shoot at has 50' fixed range unfortunately. We do get out in the woods, but not during crappy weather. I can set targets at 7 yards or so out there, to simulate more real world self defense situations. But not nearly as often as practicing at the shooting club. I'm afraid it would be a bit of a challenge (and maybe frustrating) for her to hit targets well at this distance. I've also read many people find the recoil quite uncomfortable. I'm thinking she would shoot maybe a box of lighter loads at a time, max. And carry +P self defense loads.

So sound off please. Would a 642 LS be a good carry gun for smaller/lighter piece? Is the recoil really that bad? What are your thoughts about learning this gun at 50' (17 yards)? Do you have one? Carry it regularly? Love it? Hate it?
Thanks!

 

[kaaskop49]

Is there some way she can try out a 642/442, maybe a rental at a range? In so doing, she will provide the answers you are looking for. Each individual provides a different viewpoint, but it is safe to say the 642 (or 442) is one of the most popular handguns for concealed carry. How she will react to it, recoil, etc., that can be determined at the range. Good luck and good shooting!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[vytoland]

before you put your money down....have her pick up the gun and fire a round.....

 

[PALADIN85020]

I bought my wife a 442 (no lock). I have trained her to shoot it using .38 special wadcutters. Recoil is not an issue with these rounds, and it's actually a fairly decent defense loading, as the bullet chops rather than sliding through flesh.

She either carries her gun in her purse, or in her waistband, using Barami Hip-grips.

I use the same gun or a 642, but loaded with +P stompers - I'm used to and expect recoil in this lightweight gun.

John

 

[Flattop5]

I've also read many people find the recoil quite uncomfortable. I'm thinking she would shoot maybe a box of lighter loads at a time, max. And carry +P self defense loads.

Yes, .38 snubbies can be very snappy. It's best to use wadcutters in a .38 snubby. Plenty of stopping power, yet mild recoil. Forget +P loads. You don't need them in a .38. The bad guy won't really notice the difference.




-------------

 

[MichiganScott]

It is sometimes necessary to dress around the gun. My wife carries IWB when when she is not carrying in her purse. A loose dark t-top over her jeans covers her M&P 9C 1.0 just fine.

I have owned, carried, and shot a 642 since about 2001 and have shot DA revolvers since 1972. I can hit what I aim at. However, after about half a box of 158gr lswchp +P my thumb has a hole chewed through the skin. It is not pleasant.

 

[gnystrom]

You say she prefers DA guns. She obviously knows how to handle a semi auto. She needs something small, light, and easily concealable. All I have to do is convince you to have her shoot a Kahr PM9 or CM9. It meets all the criteria you seek except the polymer frame which does help absorb recoil. As an added bonus, you get two extra rounds.

 

[Rpg]

Airweight j frames are among the most difficult guns to learn to shoot well.

Use classic 148 gr wc target ammo.

Ultimately, let her pick her gun if you want her to carry it.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I am just happy to see that my opinion on Airweights is shared by so many.

There is NO DOUBT that lightweight J frames are hard to shoot well. They are designed for up close, personal self defense, where target shooting skills are somewhat irrelevant. The only way to tame recoil is as described above - wadcutters. Recoil is definitely uncomfortable and, accordingly, getting a second shot off is not fast. Not if you want to hit something. Plus P is out of the question except for masochists. YMMV, as always.

The biggest problem is training - they hurt after awhile which is why Massad Ayoob said they are to be "shot a little and carried a lot".


A 642 LS is a "good carry gun for smaller/lighter piece" - I carry a standard 642 more often than I care to - and it's only for convenience of clothing or some other unusual consideration. Otherwise, I carry a 2" K frame or a compact (subcompact, perhaps, is a better term) 9mm. I actually dislike the 642 for anything other than if I gotta have a gun then it will do.

I wrote earlier this week that unless you plan to be a Jerry Miculek or the late Bob Munden, who get paid well to shoot everything and FAST
, you are NEVER going to be any good with that gun at fifty feet and it isn't worth your time. At fifty feet you can run away from danger.

So I carry a 642 here and there and don't like it and leave it at home generally and rarely if ever fire it. I understand its limitations and I dislike the pain it causes; my shooting hands want to remain my shooting hands so I don't abuse them with shooting lightweight J frames.

 

[oneounceload]

I really like the idea of getting her.....

STOP right there

Go to a rental range and let HER decide what SHE wants...........

Happy wife = happy life.............

 

[kthom]

My wife's choice for herself is an early model 442. She learned to shoot with my revolvers, and she learned with wadcutters. She shoots this revolver with up to +P loads without complaint. (she only shoots the +P for familiarity and enough to satisfy herself that she can hit where she aims with them). Your wife needs to try one for herself. A lot depends on her hand size and strength, but I say most of all depends on the particular grip on the gun. It must fit her hand! And it must be comfortable shooting for her!
I am also one who says that good wadcutters are no slouch at all for personal protection. I actually carry a cylinder full of the harder cast and slightly higher velocity wadcutters made by Buffalo Bore (and so does my wife!). They shoot very well, and they make a full caliber hole! Penetration is sufficient for the purpose. We both carry the Speer Gold Dots made for short barreled revolvers for a backup reload, simply because they are a bit easier to load in a hurry without fumbling.

Bottom line is that your wife must like the revolver and find it comfortable for her to shoot, and she must be able to shoot it well. The 642 and the 442 are basically the same revolver with the exception of looks. We both find the Centennial style of these revolvers to be our choice among all of them. When I carry a J Frame, it' a Model 640-1, which has the magnum frame and a 2 1/8" barrel because I just like it. I don't carry or shoot magnum rounds in the gun because I don't find it necessary or much fun. I can do it, but the extra muzzle blast and increased time for shot to shot firing is not worth the gains provided by the magnum ammo. Either the 442 or the 642 are plenty fine IF your wife likes them. Both are lighter weight for carry which makes them a bit more difficult to shoot but not impossible with practice.

Bottom line is that she needs to be the one to decide what she wants. If she gets that, chances are that it will be a good choice. I bought our 442 for me. After shooting it a few times, my wife declared that she wanted it or one like it. She got it!

 

[one eye joe]

Want to get my wife a smaller concealed carry weapon for warmer weather and lighter clothing, etc. She has been carrying her beloved S&W 3rd gen semi-auto 3913 for years (current Lady Smith version) and shoots it very well. She is very comfy with this gun. But when she is wearing just jeans and a T-shirt, not carrying a handbag, etc., sometimes I catch her leaving the house without it. As sleek and thin as it is, it's a bit heavy and can print through tighter shirts, etc...mainly due to longer grip. My warm weather gun is a walther PPK that fits nicely in cargo shorts or khaki shorts front pocket in my pocket holster. But it's kind of my baby (I've got two 3913's for me too that are my regulars).

So...I want to get her a smaller gun for small handbags, possible pocket carry, IWB, belly band, etc. I really like the idea of getting her a small J frame like 642. They even make a 642 Lady Smith, so both her guns would have that engraving on them (she would dig that). I've been eyeballing 642-1 models that are the pre-lock. Alum frame, stainless cylinder/barrel. This gun would be at least 10 oz lighter than her 3913 unloaded, and boot grip would tuck in tight I think. Not really interested in small plastic/striker guns in 9mm or .380, just to get smaller size. I know they take up less real estate than 642, but not fond of them...or shooting them (shield, LC9, etc). I like idea of long DA trigger, since she's used to that.

Concerns:
I've been reading that these little J frames are hard to shoot well, or learn to shoot well. The indoor range we shoot at has 50' fixed range unfortunately. We do get out in the woods, but not during crappy weather. I can set targets at 7 yards or so out there, to simulate more real world self defense situations. But not nearly as often as practicing at the shooting club. I'm afraid it would be a bit of a challenge (and maybe frustrating) for her to hit targets well at this distance. I've also read many people find the recoil quite uncomfortable. I'm thinking she would shoot maybe a box of lighter loads at a time, max. And carry +P self defense loads.

So sound off please. Would a 642 LS be a good carry gun for smaller/lighter piece? Is the recoil really that bad? What are your thoughts about learning this gun at 50' (17 yards)? Do you have one? Carry it regularly? Love it? Hate it?
Thanks!

I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS, AND I THINK THAT I CAN HELP......

IMHO---THE 642-1 IS A GREAT CHOICE FOR FOR YOUR PURPOSE. THE ISSUES THAT CONCERN YOU, CAN EASILY BE ADDRESSED, TO YOUR SATISFACTION, BY THE ADDITION OF CRIMSON TRACE, LASER GRIP......

THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS AVAILABLE. THE ONE THAT I FAVOR IS THE LG-405. THIS MODEL FEATURES A MOLDED IN AIR CHAMBER, HIGH UP IN THE COVERED BACK STRAP AREA. IT IS VERY EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING FELT RECOIL.......

THE PROJECTED DOT IS VERY BRIGHT, AND IS VISIBLE EVEN OUTDOORS, LONG PAST 17 YARDS. THE LASER NEGATES THE NEED TO USE SIGHTS. ONCE THE WEAPON IS ZEROED, POI WILL COINCIDE WITH POA. EFFECTIVE FIRE CAN BE DIRECTED ON A TARGET, FROM ANY DEFENSIVE BODY POSITION THAT A PERSON MAY BE FORCED TO ASSUME. NO MATTER THE ANGLE, ETC---WHATEVER THAT DOT LIES ON, WHEN THE WEAPON FIRES, IS TOAST ! ! !

THE LG-405 AFFORDS AN EXCELLENT GRIP, AND CONTROL OF THIS SMALL REVOLVER. YOUR WIFE WILL BE ABLE TO DRY FIRE, IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME, WHILE WATCHING THE DOT, DURING HER TRIGGER PULL. SHE CAN PRACTICE AT REALISTIC SD DISTANCES, AND GAIN A LOT OF SELF CONFIDENCE IN HER GUN HANDLING, WITHOUT EVER FIRING A SHOT.......

MY 642-1, WEARING A CT LG-405, IS SEEN BELOW......

 

[wood714]

I must be weird. Bought a new 642-1 a couple weeks ago. Picked it up ran a brush and swab down the barrel and went to the range.

Put 100 rounds of 130 grain white box ammo thru it and 20 rounds of +P. I never felt any pain or discomfort at all.

As far as accuracy, I was pleased with my first time ever shooting an airweight. It aint no target gun, but I think it's gonna work great for what it was designed for.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Howdy!

As a guy who has tried to pick out guns for others, I can testify as to how difficult it can be. Because of my fondness for guns, I have had many opportunities to take women to our local range so that they may try out different kinds of handguns.

I generally start them with a soft shooting full size 9mm to get them over the initial fear of the gun going bang and to show that the recoil doesn't hurt.

As we work down the selection of guns I take with us to the range, at some point we get to my 637-2. I warn them that a small, light gun will have a stouter recoil, and am constantly amazed when their favorite of all the guns they shoot is that little Airweight!

My wife, on the other hand was considering getting her License To Carry here in Texas. I was very excited that she was considering this, and knowing that she is recoil sensitive, I picked out and purchased a 640-1 for her. My thinking was a somewhat heavier Centennial in a purse might be just the ticket. I was wrong again, she didn't care for it at all.

The point is, as some of the others have said, is to let her try as many guns as she needs to, so that she can make her choice based on her own criteria. Hope this helps!

 

[kthom]

All the above advice is good! I love the Crimson Trace Laser grips for these guns. There is a choice for a boot style grip as well as a longer one that affords a better grip for me. I could talk a long time about why I like these accessories. Suffice to say, the laser does not replace my sights, but it certainly enhances them, especially when light gets low. All my EDC guns have laser sights from Crimson Trace. And they can help a lot with dry fire practice to see what's happening with your grip and trigger press that may need correction or attention.

But if the shooter cannot reach the trigger, or they do not have the hand strength to allow a decent trigger press, the laser sight will not correct those problems. That's why the fit of the gun and the proper grips to allow the above are so important. There are a great many very good guns, but not all of them fit any of our hands to allow us to do our best work with them. A gun that fits my hands well is a far better choice for me than any other, regardless of other considerations and regardless of the quality or popularity of that firearm. A lot of time and trouble can be saved by finding a gun that will allow the shooter to do good work with it. The rest is correct and good practice!

 

[Rpg]

J frame triggers are notoriously bad out of the box.

Having a good gunsmith do a trigger job, combined with target wadcutter ammo, make airweight j frames nearly fun to shoot.

 

[Sol-Invictus]

I rubber grip is a must. The LCR from Ruger is a popular choice for women. Bottom is the 642 PC offering with a rubber grip. It is hard to beat the LCR trigger for new and infrequent shooters.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[adwjc]

You fell for the trick question - back to husband school for you!

Don't, repeat don't pick what YOU think is a good gun for her, that is the path to ruin!

Many of us like airweights, myself included (I have 8 and 1 airlight, a 342) but it doesn't matter, its like falling for the question, "does this make me look fat?"

Let it be her decision from the get go, just be supportive...

BTW, lots of nice .380s out there these days, if she likes semi autos.

 

[silentflyer]

Valentines Day gift????

Roses,chocolates and dinner will set you back a couple of hundred bucks,
the gun seems more practical to me ....unless she want's the gun and the goodies
Don't ask me how I know...

 

[rd97]

I have found the diamond pro grip from pachmayr to really help reduce the felt recoil as well. Put them on all my j-frames.