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

[two-bit cowboy]

I'll offer my two bits.

Yes, the 642-1 LS would be a good carry piece if the shooter can get beyond the recoil.

Whether the recoil is "that bad" is each shooter's perspective -- there's no-one-size-fits-all answer.

Caveat: the right grips make all the difference in the world for the two previous answers.

I can't imagine why any run-of-the-mill shooter would buy the 642 with plans to shoot it at 50'.

Yes, I have one. No, I don't carry it, ever. Yes, I like it! What's not to like?

As so many others have said: Let your wife choose.

 

[therealsmithfan]

What the heck...email hasn't been telling me about replies to post! Figured I'd pop in and check anyway. WOW! What a great bunch of info, suggestions, awesome photos, feedback. I really appreciate it folks! Biggest take-away so far is "let her hold and shoot one first", and "don't decide for her". I guess a new gun isn't a good "gift" if the intended recipient hasn't previously expressed an interest in having one. (my wife knows of at least 3 or 4 guns I'd love to own, and could add 10 more to the list by talking to her dad!). Our range is private club and doesn't rent anything. I could take her to LGS to hold one, after that one of the "pay to shoot/rent" ranges if she likes the way it fits her hand, looks, etc. I hate ranges that charge hourly lane fees, make you buy their ammo (always overpriced), etc. BUT, that is probably better than buying a new gun that turns out not to be liked, or worse, used. Thanks...and keep it coming if any additional thoughts.

 

[sdb321]

THE WIFES J FRAME

When my wife and myself went to pick our carry pieces, she chose this one. She said it "looked cute"!!!!

 

[one eye joe]

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.

YOU MAY NOT BE WEIRD, BUT YOU MIGHT BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN A MINORITY OF FIRST TIME, AIRWEIGHT, J-FRAME SHOOTERS......

 

[Edmo]

Other than the heavy trigger, short sight radius with minimalistic sights, snappy recoil, and limited capacity, the 642 is a great pick for a self defensive handgun.

I currently own a 642 and have owned several. I found I have to bear down and grit through range sessions of +P ammo to maintain proficiency with this model.

As others have said, have your significant other fire one before you buy. You dismissed the striker fired options, however both my wife and daughter have chosen GLOCK Model 26s as their handgun of choice. I also have a thin, single stacked GLOCK G43 which is also a favorite.

The best advice out there is to get to a range with rentals so she can see how each of the guns actually shoot.

Edmo

 

[Rock185]

I'd definitely second letting your wife decide if she would like, or consider carrying, anything other than what she currently has. FWIW though, several women in my extended family chose S&W 642s. They could have had about anything they wanted. I haven't heard any complaints about recoil, etc. The Airweight J-Frames with standard pressure ammunition don't seem to display significant recoil IMHO. Recoil seems much less to me than,say, a steel framed J-Frame in 9MM. But, your wife may have no interest in, or actually dislike, a J-Frame or similar revolver. As to the 50' range, why not? It is a greater range than most SD situations take place, but it is still practice......ymmv

BTW, I have several little guns suitable for carry to choose from, including a 3913. But I most often carry a 642 myself due to the lighter weight.

 

[wrangler5]

If she's comfortable with the semi auto manual of arms, check out the S&W Shield or Walther PPS. I rented a Shield once, just to prove to myself that shooting 9mm from a gun that small and light would be even worse than 38s out of the lightweight J frames I had been carrying for years, so I wouldn't have to think about 'em again and could just concentrate on learning to better ignore the pain of shooting a J frame.

I was shocked - SHOCKED - to find that after 50 rounds through the Shield I just wanted to keep shooting. It was only the ongoing cost of range ammo that made me stop. But I went home and ordered a Shield that day, and have been carrying it regularly since. With 8 rounds of 124g 9mm it weighs only a bit more than a 642 or 638 with 5 rounds of 158g 38+P, in a thinner package. And like I say, I can shoot it all day - I have ended a range session because I ran out of ammo, but never because it hurt too much to keep shooting.

 

[Walkingwolf]

My wife carries a NAA with a neck lanyard, it is her BUG. Probably the best carry option, IMO for a lady, unless she tucks her shirt. The 642 is a heavier than the NAA but some gals use the flash bang for all steel j frames.

I use one also when I am in the car, I just leave one button loose on my shirt. I stick in my pocket, and button my shirt once out of the car.

If your wife likes her pants tight she may be uncomfortable with a gun pushing against her thigh especially sitting. Or bottom side if carried in the back pocket. I know mine does not like anything in her pockets, never figured out why though.

 

[Vern]

The 642 is a great little gun. I can shoot mine fairly well, but I'm 6'2" and 245. I'm getting older, but I still have a pretty fair grip. How good is your wife's grip? Those little guns are hard to hang on to after you pull the trigger.