Torn between Shield 9 or 642?

[b.guggenmos]

I am finally thinking about a carry gun. I have had a CWP for almost 30 years but never actually carried. I am a revolver guy with mostly .357 and .44 calibers.

I have never actually fired or even held on to a pocket gun. I have been reading reviews and also watching some on YouTube.

I like the idea of the Shield because it is small and flat. The reviews have been very positive. The 442/642 no lock is a classic and well proven.

I have no intension of going to the range and shooting a carry gun other than to break in and make sure all is in order. I will target shoot with others.

Help! Thank You, Brian

 

[rayban]

Torn? Get them both and try them both out for your self...just like being torn between two girl friends.

 

[Lost Lake]

I've got them both and the 642 carries easier. The curved grip just fits anywhere. OWB, IWB or in a pocket, the 642 is an easy to carry gun.

 

[sipowicz]

I have no intension of going to the range and shooting a carry gun other than to break in and make sure all is in order. I will target shoot with others.

Help! Thank You, Brian

Practice with what you carry is more important than practice with range guns...

 

[M3Stuart]

I picked the 642 pro; no ILS, cut for moon clips.

Though you can't go wrong with either one.

IMHO; I reload and think that the .38 special has more loading options. From wadcutter target loads to screaming JHP +P's.

A big factor for me: the 642 fits easily in my front pocket while the Shield's only option is IWB or 'other' - again, in my opinion. YMMV.

 

[USAF385]

If you're thinking about pocket carry I'd say the 642.

If I had to pick between my 642 and .40 Shield, I honestly don't know which one I'd chose. The biggest carry advantage I have found with the 642 is that it can be carried and fired in a coat pocket.

Of course the Shield has more rounds and a caliber I'd rather carry.

I agree with Sipowicz... You'll want to practice with what you carry more than just making sure it works. Who cares if you're a great shot with your target guns if the time comes to use your carry gun.

 

[b.guggenmos]

Thanks for the quick and very good advice. My gut was telling me the 642 but I was trying to be open minded to a semi auto?

The 642 is more available right now or at least it was than the Shield.

I will take the advice of practice seriously for a pocket gun. What I really meant was that it would not be a gun just to go plinking.

I don't post alot here but I read everynight. I really enjoy this forum.

Thank You, Brian

 

[Alnamvet68]

Get both...well, instead of the Shield, get the gun that the Shield almost became, a Walther PPS.

 

[BananaDoc]

for a few dollars more...

You seem like a magnum guy, let me direct your attention to the 640 Pro... about 200 more than the 642--but a solid .357 delivery platform....


Grabagun.com Smith and Wesson 640 Pro 2.125 inch 357 Stainless Moon NS Online Gun Store

 

[MichiganScott]

Semi-autos are easier to shoot accurately than revolvers. Snubbies take extra practice.

My usual dress is business casual. A 642 in a Mika pocket holster works best for me. I occasionally carry a M&P9C in a Kingtuk in my off time, but untucked with a cover garment.
I think your dress and when you will carry needs to be considered also.

 

[Old cop]

A good way to practice with your carry gun is to use a standard paper plate at 3 and 5 yards. Shoot your gun as fast as possible until it's empty, combat reload (speed loader or speed strip for a 642) and repeat. The goal is to keep all your rounds on the plate.

Next I use a man sized target at 7, 10 & 15 yards slow fire for accuracy and to boost my self confidence.

 

[snubbyfan]

I'd say, go with the 642 but then I'm a revolver guy. With a snubby practice is very important, both dry fire and live fire. I begin every range session by putting at least 100 rounds through my 442, practicing point shooting, shooting with both eyes open and using the laser before bringing out the range guns. I practice trigger control every night by putting a red laser dot on my wife's favorite stuffed Pooh bear and keeping it there while I pull the trigger.
My snub's my everyday carry and I want to be able to handle it in an instinctive manner, the range guns are just for fun.

 

[Hapworth]

You seem like a magnum guy, let me direct your attention to the 640 Pro... about 200 more than the 642--but a solid .357 delivery platform....

I'll second that and add get it for the moon clips since this is to be a carry piece.

If .357 isn't in the offing, I strongly suggest the 442 Moon Clip.

 

[timn8er]

I have to admit that I don't consider wheel guns for CC. I pocket
carry an M&P40c currently, & i am awaiting delivery of a Shield 40.
After reading this thread, out of curiosity I popped over to the S&W
site to compare the two. When I looked at the stats on both, I
realized that the 642 compares favorably to the Shield, & is in some
ways better. Which tells me that I need to keep an open mind about
CC weapons.

 

[Harry58]

Another vote for the 642. I am comfortable with it in a front pants pocket with a pocket holster, or IWB with a molded holster. The 640 is also a great choice for IWB, but I find it a too heavy for my liking in a front pants pocket.

 

[b.guggenmos]

You seem like a magnum guy, let me direct your attention to the 640 Pro... about 200 more than the 642--but a solid .357 delivery platform....


Grabagun.com Smith and Wesson 640 Pro 2.125 inch 357 Stainless Moon NS Online Gun Store

Yep. I am a magnum guy with my S&W's being a 27-2 and 29-2. I think the 640 is a bit heavier than what I want for a carry gun?

Picking both the Shield and a 442/642 would be great but not the route I am looking to head at this time. So far the wheel gun is winning the battle.
Thanks again, Brian

 

[Donn]

My Tuff Products pocket holster will accomodate my Shield as well as my snubby. I like both the auto and wheelgun and am well drilled with both. That said, I take the Shield most days. Much more user friendly IMHO.

 

[cmort666]

How do you plan to carry?

Either is suitable for IWB or OWB.

The Shield is probably not going to work out for pocket carry.

My most commonly carried handgun is a 36 "no-dash" in a pocket holster. It's just far more convenient for me than anything else, although some of the advantage has disappeared along with the ban on carrying in liquor serving establishments here.

 

[Deputy Dawg Gone]

Like Rayban, I have one of each. But, the 642 will fit into the front pocket of my blue jeans without a problem, with just a Mika holster.
Tried the Shield when I got it. It will go, but it's a tight fit, and I feel if I needed to draw it in a hurry, it'd be a disaster, on my part. The Shield is going into a Remora IWB. Or possibly in the DeepConceal shoulder holster, but definitely not in my jeans pocket. Both are an excellent choice, and I alternate back and forth between the two.

 

[Jhp147]

I have carried a 642 on my ankle and in my pocket for years, and it is great for that. I recently started carrying a Shield. The Shield is a tiny bit long for many of my pockets and probably too big for an ankle gun, but carries much flatter on a belt and is much, much easier for me to shoot well...better sights, trigger. Not to mention more rounds and easier to tote a reload. Still wouldn't part with the 642/no dash...best coat pocket gun made.