Value of "no lock" 642

[Mr. Vito]

My 642 has long been one of favorite guns, lightweight, easy to carry and capable of +p ammunition. But the arthritis in my hands has gotten so much worse that even firing 5 rounds at the range, of the lowest power 38's that I could find, was too painful to continue shooting. So I have decided to give this up as an EDC and plan on selling it/trading it in on something else. It is in excellent condition and has a Crimson Trace laser. I'm looking for estimates on what I should expect to get for it if I trade it in at a licensed gun store.

 

[Valmet]

For a modern 642 I can’t imagine it would bring any significant amount more than a model with a lock, maybe $350-400?

 

[Hapworth]

Really depends on what you're trading in to. If it's an item they've had a hard time moving, they may be motivated to deal a little more than usual, but the house always wins.

I'd say you'd be lucky to see half the private sale value of your gun. Street price on a new 642 with Crimson Trace grips is approximately $750. In good shape but carried and used puts you perhaps in the $500 range for private sale.

It's a common gun, so little attraction for a gun store. As trade, maybe see $250 to $300 toward whatever you buy from them. As an outright sale to a LGS, likely less, maybe 30% to 50% private sale value.

Have you tried 148gr match wadcutters? They're good defense rounds and about as low recoil as you can get in a J-frame and still be effective. If you haven't given them a run, try before you sell.

 

[Rock185]

Selling to a LGS, I'd be surprised if they'd offer more than about $200.00; perhaps a little more as a trade in. I've had a no lock 642 for years. IMHO, my 642 is more useful as a carry gun than the small $$$ it would be worth as a sale or trade.

I would second trying the 148 grain wadcutters. They are very low recoil...

 

[Bob512]

Ironically, I was at the range Friday and shooting my 642 and 442. For the first time, the recoil bothered me

I am going to change to some different grips first to see if that helps

 

[dubshooter]

Wish you were local. Could work something out.

Good luck

 

[Marshal Tom]

I suggest that you sell it and look at either the 432UC or the 632UC from Lipsey's and S&W. They are very pleasant to shoot and have six rounds vs. five. The .32H&R Mag is quite capable as a SD round. Some say it is the ideal caliber for a J frame. You could also go with one of the several .22Magnum offerings from S&W, Ruger and Taurus.

 

[Squarebutt]

If you don't reload, perhaps a friend would be able to reload some low-recoil practice rounds for range use. Then load your normal carry cartridges for everyday use. If you ever have to fire in self defense you won't even notice the recoil. Maybe the Crimson Trace isn't the most comfortable grip. There are plenty of alternatives to try before you get rid of the revolver.
I also love my 642, but my old paws are beginning to complain, too.

 

[Bekeart]

For a modern 642 I can’t imagine it would bring any significant amount more than a model with a lock, maybe $350-400?

I would pay less for a locked one.

Bekeart

 

[Compass Will]

They still sell the 642 without lock. And it has a performance center trigger.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Try some ‘fatter’ grips. Recently put Compacs on mine.
Mostly shoot 125-130 grain Ammo.
By all means try a box of 148 Wadcutters.

 

[Rock185]

Mr. Vito, FWIW I have arthritis in my hands and wrists too. Hogue makes a grip for J-Frames and others called the "Tamer". It is a bit different than other rubber grips in that it has a blue material inside the back strap that seriously moderates felt recoil. I tried this grip on a 10mm revolver to help moderate felt recoil with heavy loads. Whatever that blue material in the grip is, it really works..

 

[Birdhunter6]

I have Ergo Delta grips on all my round butt J frames, including my 642P edc.

They are Glock Ugly, but really help with recoil control. They improved both my accuracy and speed on follow up shots.

I'd give them a try before I sold a proven carry pistol.