S&W642

[old_sarge]

Had to turn in my badge at the Dept. of Corrections, 55 with a knee replacement just not cutting it chasing, tackling & cuffing inmates anymore. Currently volunteering with local police in Stolen Firearms Records until something turns up. Pulled my LEO profile icon, don't think volunteer positions qualify.

On a happier note, just traded my Glock 27 for a nice used Model 642-2. Was having difficulty loading mags & racking the slide anymore - getting old is a pain! Anyway, it was a good deal, came with Hogue grips, an HK speed loader & Uncle Mike pocket holster. Test firing at 7 yards was about what I expected, it's not a tack driver - go figure - but quite adequate for personal defense. I'll spend some time with it to get more effective.

 

[cjtraining]

Great carry gun. I like wood stocks on mine. With smooth stocks there is no drag on clothing.

My carry guns

 

[old_sarge]

Wow! Those black grips are sweet! Are they actually from S&W?

 

[oneounceload]

I also have a 642-2, no lock. Had to go back to S&W for some barrel adjustment but now shoots straight. I find the +p loads a little much for blast and recoil and as a result, the accuracy suffers somewhat compared to regular 38 reloads I made up.

Try some regular loads and see if that works for you as well

 

[photoman]

Welcome to the Forum Sarge. That 642 will do you a good job and I look forward to hearing the good news when you find a new position in LE.

 

[jessegpresley]

I also have a 642-2, no lock.

A no-lock 642 is a 642-1

 

[Old cop]

First congrats on your retirement. I had a knee replacement that did not cut it but retirement is great. My 442 is an EDC, you did well.

 

[johnsonl]

Congratulations on your retirement. You earned it.
Now put your badge back up on your profile. You earned that, too.

 

[cjtraining]

Sarge, to answer your question. The grip on the M649 is black micarta, I bought it on ebay and would like to have another one. GB had an ivory colored one, but I didn't like the color or price. The grip on the M638 is a Barami Hip Grip.

 

[snubbiefan]

First of all....ditto's on what the others have said, congratulations.

We all have out little pet-peeves and mine is the wear in the recoil shield of the current Smith AirLites/Airweights. Smith elected to use the same center-pin spring in all of it's j-frames. I know why they want a strong spring in there and it's obvious you need one strong enough to guarantee a positive lock-up under +P, +P+ and magnum loads. But, we don't all shoot +p or magnum loads. These lightweights are just not meant to be range guns and suffer frequent use. There is simply no need to have a center-pin spring as strong in these lightweights. I'm not bashing...I have a few, but I have reduced the spring strength in mine to prevent the production of a gash in the recoil shield the size of the Grand Canyon over time. It starts getting ugly the closer you get to 1500-2000 rounds. May not matter a twit to most folks, but it does to some I know.

Keep the area of the center-pin-to-recoil-shield well lubed. Every time you open and close the cylinder....you're plowing a furrow.

 

[GF]

Same deal with me, traded a Glock for a 642. No lookin' back as it goes places the Glock just didn't fit in.

Put the badge icon back.

GF

 

[BobsSmith]

Congrat on retirement! Hoping I can someday as well!

I have a 642-2 and love it! I find when I fire mine, helps me to keep a very tight grip on it, my groups are much better. This is one gun I will not part with!

Best

Bob

 

[oneounceload]

A no-lock 642 is a 642-1

absolutely correct! I was thinking about my 66-2 and another thread when I responded - stupid multi-tasking gets you every time!

 

[TAROMAN]

Congrats on retiring - that work thing is much overrated! More time to play with guns and hot rods.
As the others have said, rubber isn't the best choice for CC revolvers.
I "retroed" my new 442-1 and it feels and hides just fine now:

 

[rayban]

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is grips just like the ones above for my 442