(Updated - Range Report) Ordered a 642 (no lock) at my LGS today

[Bud11]

Will get it in two days, and now that I'm living in CO (from CA), get my CCW with it. Got my first Smith about 7 months ago, a model 67 that has been fun to learn on. Got my eye on a couple more already, a model 60 3" and a model 63 .22 for my girlfriend to learn on. It is so darn easy to buy guns here, it could be trouble for my bank account. Bud

11/11 - Picked up the gun last night, cleaned it this morning and off to the range I went. Eveything I heard is true - this is a gun you definitely feel after firing. I used some mild 130 grain FMJ's and didn't get through 100 hundred rounds. Could have done more than my 75, but my grip must have been a little off, as I wore a hole in the right side of my thumb knuckle. Was hitting the cyclinder release with it. Hand is now a little sore in the area between my thumb and index finger also, but not real bad.

That said, I actually shot it pretty well from about 6-7 yards. But, I can see where practice, practice, practice is going to be the key for this gun. My only other gun was purchased 7-8 months ago, and is a Smith 67, which has a 4" barrel and weighs about 36 ounces. Big difference.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the gun and look forward to my next range visit. Also looking into a 3" model 60, which may bridge the gap between my 67 and the 642.

Will definitely look into some better grips - suggestions guys? Bud

 

[Dragon88]

Congrats on the new gun, and welcome to Free America. A 642 no lock is a great choice for CCW. I visited a big shop in Colorado Springs while I was TDY there last year, lots of nice guns and definitely trouble for the bank account.

Next step after enjoying the gun on the range a little is deciding on a holster and a way to carry extra ammunition.

 

[Rugskipper]

You're gonna love it. In case you didn't know, the action will slicken up with use. Dry fire it about a thousand times, and you'll notice quite a difference in the feel. I carry mine strong side front pocket with a Mika pocket holster. No one has ever guessed that I carry, and I carry whenever my pants are on. Speer +p 135 gr. gold dots shoot point of aim for me and pack plenty of punch.

 

[jimmyjoe]

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[cal45]

Congrats - I just ordered a 442 no-lock today.

 

[Bud11]

Congrats - I just ordered a 442 no-lock today.

Cool. I pick my up tomorrow.

 

[photoman]

The 642 is an excellent personal defense handgun given certain conditions!


1. Large rubber grips are a must for beginners.


2. Standard pressure ammo only until the shooter is used to the recoil of the lightweight 642. That includes carry ammo too!


3. 1000 dry fires as soon as possible. This will smooth up the action quite a bit and make trigger control much easier.


4. The Apex spring kit is a good option if you are handy enough to install it or can afford to have a gunsmith install it. This will do wonders for trigger control (especially when combined with the 1000 dry fires).


5. Practice firing at distances less than seven yards. Anything beyond that will likely frustrate the beginning Airweight shooter.


6. Use silhouette targets at the range. Airweights are fighting guns, not target guns! Trying to shoot small bullseye groups with an Airweight is not the mission of this handgun (although you might find it most rewarding later on).


7. A good pocket holster is a must for your new 642. It's like peanut butter and jelly! They just go together so well.


I highly recommend that everyone have at least one Airweight. They are excellent guns for self defense if one is willing to invest the time and effort to master them.

 

[Bud11]

The 642 is an excellent personal defense handgun given certain conditions!


1. Large rubber grips are a must for beginners.


2. Standard pressure ammo only until the shooter is used to the recoil of the lightweight 642. That includes carry ammo too!


3. 1000 dry fires as soon as possible. This will smooth up the action quite a bit and make trigger control much easier.


4. The Apex spring kit is a good option if you are handy enough to install it or can afford to have a gunsmith install it. This will do wonders for trigger control (especially when combined with the 1000 dry fires).


5. Practice firing at distances less than seven yards. Anything beyond that will likely frustrate the beginning Airweight shooter.


6. Use silhouette targets at the range. Airweights are fighting guns, not target guns! Trying to shoot small bullseye groups with an Airweight is not the mission of this handgun (although you might find it most rewarding later on).


7. A good pocket holster is a must for your new 642. It's like peanut butter and jelly! They just go together so well.


I highly recommend that everyone have at least one Airweight. They are excellent guns for self defense if one is willing to invest the time and effort to master them.

Thanks, good advice. Bud

 

[wheelyfun66]

I like the 442/642 revolvers...and just bought a no lock 340 M&P for concealed carry.

I cannot give a report on it yet...as I have not been to the range since getting it.

It sure has super fit and finish, and a pretty decent trigger.

J-frames are so handy for carry....and it sure beats a semi auto .380 for stopping power!

 

[Bud11]

I like the 442/642 revolvers...and just bought a no lock 340 M&P for concealed carry.

I cannot give a report on it yet...as I have not been to the range since getting it.

It sure has super fit and finish, and a pretty decent trigger.

J-frames are so handy for carry....and it sure beats a semi auto .380 for stopping power!

Picked mine up last night and will take it to the range today. Will report back. Bud

 

[Bud11]

Just updated my original post with a range report. Bud

 

[TACC1]

You Guys....

You guys are getting Great firearms. If you can pick up some Snap-Caps, that's be nice, but Forum members have had zero problems with
just dryfiring. My 642 got better over time, the 442 I dealt with in three sessions/three days. At around 500-600 dryfires, trigger had really smoothed up enough to notice.
I shoot a lot of LRN 158 gr., as I'm more worried about delivery of
ammo as opposed to stopping power.
At one time, I had C-T laser grips, and found them more comfortable
than stock grips.
Just as an aside, I like to shoot other handguns at 25 yds., and so
I'll run a few cylinders from 442/642 at that distance. A little concentration, and you'll find your Airweights to be pretty accurate.
Please post shooting impressions. I'm a big fan of these. TACC1
P.S. Mika Pocket Holster, Lobo, and BellCharter Oak holsters. Great, priced right.

 

[Bud11]

You guys are getting Great firearms. If you can pick up some Snap-Caps, that's be nice, but Forum members have had zero problems with
just dryfiring. My 642 got better over time, the 442 I dealt with in three sessions/three days. At around 500-600 dryfires, trigger had really smoothed up enough to notice.
I shoot a lot of LRN 158 gr., as I'm more worried about delivery of
ammo as opposed to stopping power.
At one time, I had C-T laser grips, and found them more comfortable
than stock grips.
Just as an aside, I like to shoot other handguns at 25 yds., and so
I'll run a few cylinders from 442/642 at that distance. A little concentration, and you'll find your Airweights to be pretty accurate.
Please post shooting impressions. I'm a big fan of these. TACC1
P.S. Mika Pocket Holster, Lobo, and BellCharter Oak holsters. Great, priced right.

Yes, got my snap caps in the gun already so I can get the trigger to lighten up a little. Sure needs it. Bud

 

[photoman]

Will definitely look into some better grips - suggestions guys? Bud

Get some large, three finger rubber gips like the ones in my picture (at least for range work). Your hands will thank you.

If your range will let you shoot lead bullets, buy a few boxes of 148gr wadcutter target ammo. Less recoil than 130gr FMJ.

FYI... Dry firing will not lighten the trigger pull but will make it smoother. The Apex spring kit will lighten the trigger pull.