Smith & Wesson 642 recoil

[willydd]

When I added the Crimson Laser grip, the recoil was a whole lot better.

 

[lagavulin62]

today I shot for the first time my new 442. was using 158gr target rounds and with the same load in a 36 I felt very little difference in kick. actually the 442 probably felt better because those stock rubber grips absorb much of the recoil. I did not have a problem with the trigger guard smashing my fingers either. but as one poster above stated the key is griping low.

as far as shooting, the 7 yard area was full so had to start on the 18 yard targets(not sure why they have yardage). I didn't shoot much but I did manage to find the paper at that distance. tended to want to go high but that was me, not the gun. .... saved 35 rounds for the 7 yard later and after 50 rounds was able to keep em in the 1st and 2nd ring area the last 15-20 rounds. I am going to need lots of dry firing with the snap caps.

to sum it up, at least with the 158 gr load the kick is not bad. I shot a few one handed and the gun snaps straight back and the recoil was all felt in the palm of the hand. so can't complain.

next time will try some +p and see how that does. I'm not one who feels I need that for defensive ammo. will probably stick to reg def loads. but I do want to see how it feels. wish i had thought of that this afternoon.

 

[Jtlow]

I have a 442 that I traded in my 637 on, and I love to carry it. Somehow at the range I always favor a heavier 4 inch 38 or a 22. I guess the airweight is a great pocket gun, I think you should get one, plus have a heavier model - to shoot both at the range. There's your solution: you need a 642 and a model 10. Problem solved.

Didn't read this post before today, but I couldn't agree more. I bought a 642-2CT yesterday and shot 50 rds today. With the CT grips this is a very nice feeling gun, Not as nice as my mod 10-5 but I can't conceal that one to easily.

 

[Poohgyrr]

The answer is to find the magic combination of grips and ammo. These lighter revolvers kick more and that is just the nature of the beast.

I'm using Pachmyer Compacs, not the Pro version, for grips. These cover the backstrap and absorb recoil. Grips can really make all the difference, and the only way to know what works for you is to try them.

 

[corgiS&W]

I got the Hogue Monogrip 60000, which also cover the backstrap. This did reduce the felt kick. With 148 gr range ammo it's not bad, but I still shoot 10 rounds of +p so I won't get surprised.

 

[airman]

I put a Hogue Monogrip on my 642-2. That gives me a much better grip and as a result much better shooting. About 25 rounds of standard pressure a week is enough.

 

[Harry58]

I put CT LG-405 on mine. 100 rounds at the range is not an issue.

 

[xaztec]

I have a 642 and don't think it kicks at all. I know the .357 airlights are obnoxious but I've never had an issue with the .38 caliber. It does jump a little when I shoot it one-handed, but it's very mild compared to my 681 and it's unbelievably accurate for a snubby. It's also very concealable and light. I sometimes forget it's there. Go to a range and rent one and try it out before you buy one. Try a few different kinds of ammo too. I carry Federal's in mine. The FBI load.

 

[TNDave]

A 642 can be a little gnarly with top loads. I get around the cylinder release cutting my thumbs by shooting with both thumbs up like I was shooting a Govt Model. It works fine.