Should be a J-frame owner but not! Update II New owner

[71velle]

I saw a 642 no lock at the local store, went back to buy it and it was sold!! The sales person said let me check in back and came out with a box I was excited... Opened the box and it was the lock model. I probably shouldn't care but I dont want to have regrets down the road.

 

[TucsonMTB]

Bummer! You showed remarkable self restraint, sir.

By the way, if you search for 642-1 on GunBroker, there is at least one listing for this no lock version, "factory new" and priced with a buy-it-now of $469 plus $50 for overnight shipping.

That price seems a little high to me. But, sometimes the auction prices with transfer fees and shipping are not very different from the local purchase price with sales tax. YMMV

 

[lowercase]

Good call on waiting for the no-lock model.

 

[71velle]

I figure that this will be the gun I will always keep. I do have a shield in 9mm but that wont work as a pocket gun. Also, down the road I may not be interested in maintaining an auto. I guess I should have started with the J frame but the shield is fun at the range.

Question does one of the finishes hold up better than the other? I dont have a preference and most likely jump at the next available, but if I have a choice.

 

[caryg]

I just don't understand the lock thing. If you don't like it take it out. Just don't understand it. This is the way of the future, people have to learn to deal with it. If not, keep driving up prices, the future is in your hands.

 

[chud333]

Can't speak for anyone but myself but.....
Because the lock is Ugly, and we don't want a gun with a hole
in the sideplate where the lock used to be. It usually means
MIM internal parts as well. Why "settle" for completely unnessecary.
Good call on waiting for a no-lock model.

Chuck

 

[Edmo]

I think S&W is now starting to "get it".

These are my two "post lock" 642-1 snubbies. Current production, but the old style no lock version.

Hopefully they will add more models without the lock in 2014.

Edmo

 

[chief38]

Just have patience - there are plenty out there for those who look and are selective about their purchases. There are many reasons that I would not buy a I/L that I won't go into for the "millionth time", but IMHO you are FAR better off with a vintage J. You are NOT looking for a needle in a haystack!

 

[caryg]

I have to agree, bought a Model 37, Nickle, what more could you want . Its all up to how much you will put out for.

 

[71velle]

After checking all the local shops and nothing, all of them telling me no clue and check back every week. A found a local dealer who sells out of his house who said he would look around for me. The next day he called and told me he has one on the way for me, a 642 without the lock. I told him I was surprised because of what the other shops told me. He said when he ordered it the guy asked him "how many do you want?" Seems like the local shops dont want my money.

My questions are, remember I am new to handguns so any extra advice would be great.

What would be good ammo for me to practice with?
I would like to get a pocket holster, would a desantis nemesis be a bad one to start with?
Is there anything else I should consider getting?
Are there any other questions I should be asking?

Thanks

 

[TucsonMTB]

The next day he called and told me he has one on the way for me, a 642 without the lock.
. . .
What would be good ammo for me to practice with?
I would like to get a pocket holster, would a desantis nemesis be a bad one to start with?
Is there anything else I should consider getting?
Are there any other questions I should be asking?

Thanks

Good news, sir! Congratulations!

In my experience, a Nemesis is a great way to pocket carry. Uncle Mike's has a similar product. Both last a long time, work well, and are available at a reasonable cost.

You will probably find 125 grain and/or 130 grain, normal pressure, .38 Special ammo available at reasonable prices. That would be a good choice for your practice purchases.

My wife and I seem to experience better accuracy with offerings from Federal and Remington than the cheapest Winchester. But, all of the US manufacturer products seem to be more accurate than the imported stuff.

Even though it is +P, if you can find it, this stuff works really well and the recoil is not much greater than normal pressure rounds. YMMV

 

[andyo5]

I have he lock model. It works just fine.
If you are scared of the lock I say "***?"
The lock model will shoot as well as a no lock model.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Wait for the no-lock.

 

[ryxlyx]

Down the road, no matter what transpires regards legislation etc, which do you think would be viewed as the most desirable? Lots of folks have no issues w/ locked guns, but there are many who do. On the other hand I have never heard anybody complain that a gun they were considering DIDN'T have a lock.

All things being equal I'd get no-locks when I could.

 

[71velle]

Thanks guys, and keep any small revolver info and experience coming.

It is a no-lock coming and didnt cost any extra. If no-locks were not available I would have I would eventually gotten one with the lock. I am not in a big hurry and when having a choice I always try to be patient and get my first choice. I guess I was lucky because I only waited a week and it was $10 less. The only hold-up is the guy is heading to the shoot show and I have to wait for him to get back.

I dont plan on carrying right away because I want to practice and get comfortable with it first. I dont see wanting to carry a HKS style re-loader but have herd that extra ammo with a 5 shot is important, is this true. What are the thoughts on the strips?

 

[TucsonMTB]

. . . What are the thoughts on the strips?

I believe they are the most commonly used method for carrying a reload. Although I have a couple of JetLoaders, usually the only thing in my pocket is a speed strip with 5 rounds.

At least in my neck of the woods, the chances that a reload would be needed are vanishingly small. The JetLoaders are great toys. We have a cold range, so I take one along to reload before driving out the gate. But, it really is mostly for entertainment value in my case. Yeah, there are plenty of guys who would feel poorly equipped without them. They are probably in more serious situations than I will ever be. So, a speed strip is more than enough.

You will have to make your own decision. If you can borrow a speed loader to experiment, so much the better. Speed strips are inexpensive enough to just buy one and not feel guilty if you don't ever use.

I like your unhurried approach, sir.

 

[71velle]

I know mine looks like yours but It lighter than the advertised 15 oz or the scale is off. Cant wait to shoot!!

 

[Doug M.]

It's 15 if you round up.

I'm a dinosaur, and prefer the standard velocity, roughly 158 grain lead SWC or 148 grain WC for .38 snubbies. No worry about whether there will be enough velocity to expand, cuts a full caliber hole, not unpleasant to shoot. If you are dead set on a HP design for carry, the winner there is the .38 +P gold dot short barrel 135 grain. I find it unpleasant compared to my .44 special snubby, but experiences and opinions on that issue vary and yours may not match mine.

 

[TucsonMTB]

Very cool! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

 

[psjoe]

Hey guys with new production 642s, just curious how is the fit and finish? I went to pick one up at my LGS but the only one they had looked like it was machined and assembled by a drunk monkey so I passed on it. The side plate fit was horrible, rough with a big gap and the barrel was canted.

They also had a 638 that was excellent in fit and finish. I will try again when they get another 642 in.