Should I pick up a 642 or 442?

[AC_32]

I've been reading lots of posts praising the 642/442 as an EDC. The logic makes since to me, regarding the inclosed hammer. I currently own a 638 & am pretty new to firearms.

I try to consider Mr. Murphy when it comes to EDC. This may seem odd, but I chose the 638 some time ago, due it's SA/DA capabilities. Also, I have some comfort in being able to visualize the working components of the firearm. After reading many, posts I definitely appreciate the value of an enclosed hammer with regard to preventing debris within the mechanism. My problem is that I still have some concern regarding malfunction, & not being able to visually inspect the hammer.

I would appreciate any opinions & expertise.

 

[Dragon88]

I don't think anyone today teaches to cock the hammer for a single action shot in self defense. The gun being DAO will force you to train with it as you would actually use it for personal protection. Also, there's no need to see an exposed hammer. It's in their doing it's job, what is there to inspect? I carry a 642 daily.

 

[Class III]

I generally don't leave the house without either my 642CT or 442 as a BUG to something else.

The DAO has forced me to become a better DA shooter.

Simple to operate, little to nothing to get snagged on. "It don't get much better than this."

On rare occasions the 442 or 642CT serve as my primary while picking up the newspaper, mail, grocery store for milk...

As I'm at the farm right now (and LEO is only 20 - 30 minutes away) the 642CT is in my pocket and the Mossberg 500 Cruiser is right next to the desk which is right next to the CAR15.

The 442/642 is like AMEX. "Don't leave home without it!"

Class III

 

[jessegpresley]

I definitely appreciate the value of an enclosed hammer with regard to preventing debris within the mechanism.

The main reason of the enclosed hammer is so the gun won't catch on clothing when presenting.

I'm not sure what "visually inspecting" the hammer is gonna do for you. There are still all the critical internal components you can't visually inspect under the sideplate whether it be a 642 or a 638.

 

[ContinentalOp]

The J-frame Centennial in all its forms, 642/442/640, is my top choice for an EDC gun. I have a 642 and can shoot fairly well with it in DA. They're defensive guns so I have no need for SA capability. They're non-snag and generally don't accumulate lint, dirt, etc. With the right set of grips you can get very high on the recoil shoulder.

At the same time, I see nothing wrong with the Bodyguard (the true Bodyguard series, that is) guns. Several months ago I came very close to buying a 649. I think the "lint trap" concern is somewhat overblown. Clean out the shroud at the end of the day and there shouldn't be any issues. I know of one instructor who prefers a Bodyguard converted to DAO because the exposed hammer nub allows the user to check for high primers (which can be done with the Centennials, it just requires a bit more work).

I do think that the idea of being able to grip the Bodyguard as high as a Centennial is not accurate. If I hold a Bodyguard with the same grip I use on a Centennial, the hammer nub will hit the web of my hand.

In the end you have to figure out if getting a 642/442 is worth it to you. If possible, either rent or borrow one, bring your 638, and shoot them both, side by side with the same ammo, and see what conclusions you can draw as you compare them.

Or you can just buy a 642/442 and be happy with two great EDC guns.

 

[Avery11]

I carry the 642CT confidently.

The 442 is sharp whith its black finish but I want the BG to SEE that sucker.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I prefer the all black of the 442 to aid with concealment. Under no circumstances would I want a CCW to be seen until it is hopefully never needed. The carbon steel may try to rust on you before the stainless will though. I bought a 637 years ago and I think the hammer snag is a bit over blown. If you set yourself up for failure or success then you will get one or the other. Hide a exposed hammer in a way that it will snag and funny thing here, it will snag. Set up your draw so that it won’t and guess what? It won’t. I would never pocket carry the 637 but a good IWB clipped to the waist band and thumb sweeping off the hammer while being drawn will prevent a snag. And the problem with the Bodyguards and the “lint trap” is that most people are knuckle heads and don’t keep their CCW as clean as they should, especially autos. So while I will be buying a 442, it isn’t because I feel it has some superior carry ability, I just want to support S&W making no ILS guns. For what it’s worth, I think the steel frame 36 may be the perfect balance of weight, size, and firepower ever created. I hate to think of it as a “classic” and would rather see them just stay in the regular production line up. But they seriously need to rethink that new rubber non-speed loader friendly stock they are using. I’m preferring the Altamont boot grip for mine but that may just be the feel in my hand. A black oxide coated stainless 36 (not the now overly bulky 60) might be my version of a perfect carry weapon. But this whole post is very much my own personal preference and not what I think everyone else should fall in line and agree with.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I had thought the “visually inspect the hammer” bit to be about seeing if primers all clear. I do that with a touch of a finger tip to the primer in the pocket. I feel a slight amount of depth then it passes. Not depth then it gets set aside. But you can surely feel a raised primer with your finger tip. It feels kind of obvious to me.

But I’m still some crazy guy who would love to see a modified 642 hammer put into a 637. I want a S&W version of the Colt non-spur but still exposed for thumbing back the hammer kind of design. I know, I’m just full of crazy talk…

 

[VaRecon]

My edc is a 638-3, a great small frame.
I have yet to find any malfunction with it at around 500 rounds through it.
As far as 642 vs 442, all the used blue j-frames we see at the store come in far rougher then the stainless counterparts. The resale price will typically reflect that.

 

[Roadranger]

Both the 642 and the 442 are at the lowest dealer price they have been at lately and both are available with out the lock as is the M&P 340, which is what I use. It don't get any better than this. Bob!

 

[ADP3]

I went with the 442 over the 642 for the simple reason that I can see the sights MUCH better on the 442. Stainless sights pick up more glare and are tougher to pick up. The 442s (I have several-all no locks) are my only handguns right now and I use them for concealed carry, home protection, car carry, hiking, fishing and plinking. I shoot mine at least once a week and after adding the Apex kits I like them even more. Mine all have factory magna style grips and for most carry applications travel in a Kydex pocket holster from ahoster.com

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Babalooie]

But I’m still some crazy guy who would love to see a modified 642 hammer put into a 637.

I did that. The 642 hammer has a smaller striking surface and only hit half of the internal firing pin. It worked but I felt I was taking a chance and ended up selling the 637. I bought a Centennial instead and never looked back.

As far as choosing between a 642 and 442, I'd look for one without the internal lock. There's not much difference between the two.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I did that. The 642 hammer has a smaller striking surface and only hit half of the internal firing pin. It worked but I felt I was taking a chance and ended up selling the 637. I bought a Centennial instead and never looked back.

As far as choosing between a 642 and 442, I'd look for one without the internal lock. There's not much difference between the two.

I looked at the hammer in my 640 once thinking about this. I know it wouldn't be a straight drop in. That's why I said modified. But I'm talking factory modified. Not me in my man cave...

 

[photoman]

Your 638 is a fine gun. Put it in a good pocket holster and carry every day.

 

[AC_32]

Thanks for all of the great responses. As I suspected, my concerns about being able to visualize the open hammer was false (still learning folks). To be honest, I think my answer is to hold onto the 638, save my beans and pick up a 442.

Thanks again for all the help for a newbie.

 

[turnejm]

American Series 442 or 642!

Couldn't go wrong on either of the these!
38 Special w/158gr Hollow Points makes a nice package!
If you are going to carry, Carry with Pride!

 

[Dragon88]

To be honest, I think my answer is to hold onto the 638, save my beans and pick up a 442.

You won't have to save up too many beans! 642/442s are are some of the best deals in the CCW handgun market right now. Make sure to have a shop order you a no lock model if they don't have one already.

 

[white cloud]

Thanks for all of the great responses. As I suspected, my concerns about being able to visualize the open hammer was false (still learning folks). To be honest, I think my answer is to hold onto the 638, save my beans and pick up a 442.

Thanks again for all the help for a newbie.

there has been some real wisdom here and i think you have the correct solution in owning both. i have a 649 and 642. i would not trade either. both are among the best pocket guns out there. there are relative strong and weak points between them but either one will do the job very well.

 

[jimmyjoe]

Should I pick up a 642 or 442?

AC 32, Whichever one you get make sure it doesn't have the key lock.

 

[mattallamerican]

324$ for a no lock 642 in madison ohio i might buy another for a spare