[TRIDENT]

I have decided to buy a J-frame for pocket carry. I have been reading here and old TFL threads and it seems that the S&W model 642 would be a good choice with a decent pocket holster. I am looking for a deal on one in the Houston area. I am always looing for deals ;) Any shops around here that I should check with? It does not have to be brand new, but I want one that works perfectly and takes +p. Many thanks!

[M1911]

Trident: When you look at a 642, open the cylinder. On the crane, you will see some numbers engraved. If the numbers are 642, then it won't take +P. If it says 642-1, then it can take +P.

[461]

They are quite nice, I used to own one. My problem was in the firing of it, it felt liek a bomb going off in my hand and I just couldn't get used to it. I now have a Ruger SP-101 and can fire magnums through it with no discomfort at all. Fire one first, if it fits go for it. Good luck.

-Tim-

[Serpico]

I have the 442, same but in blue (but now hard chromed)...great carry gun...not the most fun to shoot but wasn't designed for weekends at the range....nice trade off between all steel and those feather guns....

[ACP]

After going through a Seecamp LWS 32 and a Walther PPK/S, I settled on a S&W 642 about three years ago. You can't go wrong with it. I'm not quite 5'10" and weigh 180 lbs. and std. pressure 125-gr. bullets are pussy cats, and 158-gr. LSWCHP+P's aren't that bad, either, IMHO. You'll be amazed how easy that gun is to carry, and how quickly it can be brought into action. Get two!

[arizona]

Yes, great J-frame. I agree a pair would be excellent. Go with the 158 gr LSWCHP +P.

Add a set of Lasergrips and you are set to go. Very intimidating when the little red dot pops up on the chest of the bad guy. Perfect for up close and personal.

[Albert Shear]

Its been my BUG for 5 years now. Cant say enough good things about it. I use a Safariland #25 pocket holster.

[Kahr carrier]

Great revolver .good for pocket carry.

[TRIDENT]

My thinking is that this will be a nice piece to carry a lot and fire a few cylinders of my +P carry ammo every time I hit the range. Corbon? Gold Dot? I do have a 1911 that I love to shoot at the range, but I want something small, potent, easy to operate, etc. that I can leave with my wife when I am away. Also to bring on walks and hikes. I am not confident that she could put one of my autoloaders into play quickly in the dark. My other thought was a Kahr PM9, but I can only afford one of the two this year. Perhaps my wife will "inherit" the j-frame and I will get the Kahr next year, (or perhaps another j-frame). The 32 Mag snub seems nice, too. Maybe my wife will get one of those if she doesn't like how the 642 shoots?

[stephen_g22]

I have a 638 that I really enjoy.

I live in Houston also and I saw a 642 at Academy of all places. They started selling handguns a few months ago. The price seemed really good.

Fountain Firearms might be a good place to look as well.

Good Luck

[rgc]

but the Academy Sports here has the 642 for $399.99, should be the same in Huston.

Good luck and happy hunting,
rgc

[Kentucky Rifle]

Yeah. I almost chose the 642 also. It's a REALLY nice looking snubbie. But, I finally went with the 638 too. A little "hump-backed" in profile, but a completely shrouded hammer that you can cock if you need to. I've been pleased. I carry my 638 almost every day.

KR

[TRIDENT]

Thanks for all the info, guys. This place rocks! I like the 642 for the looks, SS for the hot, humid weather down here, and fully shrouded hammer (I might as well get used to shooting it like I will in an emergency). I think five .38 +p will have enough to get me out of a jam... This will be my first snubbie. I am going to Academy at lunch to check their stock. Do ya'll think it would be worth waiting for the next gun show? I am in purchasing, so I am always looking to save a few bucks!

[MikeJ]

I've always been able to do better in my area by shopping the gun stores than I can at the shows when it comes to new guns. The 642 is a great gun; very versatile and well made.

[stephen_g22]

If it's at Academy for $399 you'd probably be able to get one at a gun show for $450 or so.:D

Don't wait. Unless you want to track down a used one.

[TRIDENT]

Confirmed that Academy has them for $399. They let me check it out with a trigger lock installed, so no idea about the trigger. They also had the 342 for an extra hundred, but not in stock. Would it be worth the hundred for 3 oz less? About how much do used 642s go for?

[rgc]

the guys at the store near me will let you hold it without the triger lock if there are no other customers around (and no managers). The story they gave me was that someone in Texas went into an Academy, asked to see a gun and then proceeded to load it at the counter. However, as the old guy behind the sales counter said to me, "it's a little silly to hold a 15oz gun with a 16oz triger lock on it."

[TRIDENT]

I got the 642 today at Academy for $399. Everyday low price. Carters Country has it on advertised "sale" this week for $432. I bought ammo with my savings. ;) Hope to make it to the range this weekend.

[ChristopherG]

You're gonna love it. It's not for nothing people speak so fondly of their little j-frames, as you'll see. Start with some easy going 125 gr.--like Winclean, gentle on the hands and wrists. Don't try shooting a bunch of defense ammo for a while. When I got my 340 (at about 3 oz. under your 642) I made the mistake of shooting a box of Fiocchi 38 first thing: 158 gr. FMJ at an advertised 960 fps. You wanna give yourself a little easy trigger time to get on good terms with your new piece, and it'll be the start of a beautiful relationship.
cg

[rgc]

Check out the Barami Hip-Grip at http://www.baramihipgrip.com/ and do a web search for the Tyler T-Grip to go with it. Together they will set you back around $50, however, you now have the option to just shove it in the waist band of your shorts with out a holster and no worries of lossing it. Great thing that Hip-Grip.