That amazing little 642

[wrangler5]

+1 for the form factor, but I like the extra round in my 632, which has been the daily carry for several years now. Most times I forget it's there, in its Lobo Enhanced Pancake holster. (Which also works perfectly for a 442, 638 and 640, and even the old bright blue 49 which I never actually carried, should the need ever arise.)

The Buffalo Bore 100g +P rounds in 32H&R actually have a bit more energy than Remington's 158g +P 38 Specials, so I don't feel like I'm giving up anything with the smaller caliber. Sadly, physics being physics, they kick just as hard as the 38s, but light 32H&R, or even hot 32 Longs, are more tolerable practice rounds (in my old hands) than anything I ever made up in 38 Special.

 

[Old cop]

I've been carrying/shooting a J Frame since my 1968 rookie year, & my current EDC is a 340PD w/a speed strip in my off pocket.

 

[HorizontalMike]

I've always thought about a paddle holster, but never used one with the J frame. What brand is that one and how does it carry?

Galco... Very light weight and easy to remove/mount. I also have one for my J-Frame equivalent 2in Kimber K6s (six rd). The only issue is to occasionally re-tighten the paddle screws, as they occasionally work loose.

 

[stansdds]

I do not have an airweight, but I do have a Model 640-1. I use it when I need deep concealment. These days, I stoke mine with Speer's 135 grain Gold Dot 38 Special +P Short Barrel loads.

 

[Cellar Hound]

642

Like putting on a glove......

 

[rincar]

Any J frame S&W make a great carry gun. I have carried a lot of them such Models 32, 36, 042, 638, 640 . I might have missed one or two

 

[gunny4053]

Well the 638 is gone, but there's another 642-2 in it's place. At $450 they want too much for it in my opinion. The hunt is on, 638, 38, or another 49 will be just fine.

 

[Valmet]

I've ccw'd Glocks for a long time and still do, but sometimes in the warmer months I go with my 442. While they aren't as "tactical" as many of the new polymer guns out there, it's still hard to beat a classic J-frame when it comes to cc.

 

[Teep]

I used to carry my 642CT everywhere 24/7, but have slowly drifted toward carrying a full size 9mm 2.0 w/17+1mag most of the time. BTW, I really should go ahead and dye my little paddle holster...

I would leave it as is, it shows a lot of character plus you don't need to worry about it getting a scratch.

 

[Rock185]

No argument out of me about this. I carried a model 640 as second weapon while still gainfully employed, then the 642 because of the lighter weight. After retirement, the 642 continued to be carried. I have other J-Frames, and an SP101, but consider the 642 to just be about as simple and practical as it gets for small concealed carry revolvers.

 

[Red Tex]

I've been carrying my 642 for a dozen years. For my purposes, it's just about perfect.

 

[minden]

I just thought i would add this, The Ultimate Carry Package | Day At The Range

 

[jag1954]

Just picked up my 642 at the LGS today. Fits like a glove. Can't wait to get some range time with it.

 

[chief38]

After owning pretty much every J frame model made up until 1996 my all time fav was my model 60-7. I carried it with either Buffalo Bore 158 grain +P or Speer GDHP 135 grain +P's BUT always liked the option of an aimed single action shot.

Once I shot a friends Sig 9mm P365 - I was sold on it! Went out the next day and bought one - LOVE IT! 10+1 rounds, a lot less recoil than the J Frame, more than double the ammo, lighter, easier to shoot, and now my beloved J Frame became a seldom shot Revolver. In fact I must confess, since I got the Sig 2 years ago I have not shot the J Frame. I intend to hold onto it for several reasons....... If I ever have to send the Sig in for work or the powers that be succeed at taking away all semi autos, the J frame will come out of retirement.

I love all my vintage J Frames and have many of them, (no intentions on parting with them) but they have been superseded as a SD handgun - at least for me.

 

[Frankie2blue]

I also am a lover of the 642. Love the original 640 also. Surprised to see pics of so many of the 642's in here with oversized grips for a deep concealment type gun. I lean to the Spegal or Altamont boot grips myself or the Uncle Mikes rubber boot grips on these myself. But they definitely hit the sweet spot with these 642's, and especially the ones they put out with no locks.

 

[SS57]

I used to just carry my 642 in the pocket. Then I bought an AIWB holster. I never will carry a striker fired auto in a manner which points it at the family jewels. But the 642 is safe, fast, and comfortable there. It seems to move with my body when bending over or sitting. If I go with an OWB holster the G23/27 gets the nod. Long live the J's.

 

[JohnRippert]

It has some Altamonts on it now so I can get all my fingers on the grip, but with the Side Guard AIWB it is like nothings there on my belt.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Gotta admit the 638 has an inexplicably better trigger and carried more.
But the 442 is just plain bad ***

 

[washerman]

Gotta admit the 638 has an inexplicably better trigger and carried more.
But the 442 is just plain bad ***

Your 638 looks like it has an angle on the hump. My 638 is all rounded on the hump. Did it come that way new or was it modified? Could just be the way the picture was taken too

 

[slabside2]

I agree with all the above posts. All the J frames are great guns now if S+W could only figure out how to do a durable finish on them that would be great that why I bought the 442.