642 Club Part Three

[BamaUmp]

From my research the Utah is valid just about everywhere the Florida is. Ontop of that Utah is only 67.50 for the first 5 years and renewals are 10. If my info is correct its just simple economics. Also I can take the Utah class about an hour from my house for 65.

[BamaUmp]

I want to make a trip to the range tomorrow. Any advice on distance to start with, grip of the weapon. Anything in general would greatly help. I will probably run to Bass Pro Shop to pick up some Ammo, suggestions there would help. Just want to hit some paper I was discouraged the other day buy I'm used to shooting a Glock 22. I know the 642 is an amazing weapon I just have to learn the weapon and how to handle it as opposed to auto loaders.

[DAdams]

From the for what it's worth department, here is the recommended grip by Jerry Miculek, but what does, he know?



A high and very firm grip is required.

Since the X42s and revolvers in general are not as fussy about what you put through them I would try a couple of the least expensive brands for practice until you find something you favor. Winchester White Box, Remington 130 gr 38 spl, Independence, etc.

Don't forget after you get halfway comfortable make part of your practice regime practicing with your carry load(s). This is expensive but necessary, since they may have slightly different characteristics. Especially if you start with standard pressure .38 spl for practice and then load
plus P for EDC.
I still favor Speer GDFSB and I have qualified COR BON and Buffalo Bore. I have some new Hornady CD but haven't practiced with it yet.

Hopefully you have been dry firing to begin smoothing out and wearing in the operational components.

I typically shoot from 7-8 yards. You may want to warm up with something closer. It certainly doesn't hurt to know where things will land at 10 feet.

http://www.google.com/search?source=...hooting+a+snub

Practice with the "man sized" B-27 Economy targets as you aren't going for bullseyes 9s, 8s are totally acceptable, you are looking to cease a life threatening act, not shoot out an eye. Center of mass in a pie plate size area.

You may want to peruse some of these articles above for suggestions.

Now go out there and get her dirty.

[Camjr]

Wow, I go away for a while, and we're on Part III now? Glad to see all the new members! My 642 is showing some nice "character marks" now from riding in either it's Nemesis or Mika (depending on the pocket of the pants that particular day...), and has truly become my EDC. I've tried the speed strips in 6, 3+2, and 2+2 format, and have decided to stick with the 2+2 format. The little 642 is the perfect tool for it's intended purpose. Practice practice practice

Cheers!

[308win]

The advantage of gripping as high as possible is that you place the plane of the recoil more in line with your arm (forearm) and that reduces the flip. You want to also focus on the grip pressure and work to get that consistent as it will have a big effect (at least for me) on your trigger technique. You need a firm pressure but you don't need to be applying too much pressure. That Jframe isn't going anywhere and it isn't going to jump out of your hand and beat you about the head.

[DAdams]

are key as-well. Any torquing will change your POA. The goal is straight back. You will see some individuals stop at the point of "stacking" the mechanism and reaquire the target then finish the follow through. That technique may help accuracy, but in reality you won't have the time or presence of mind to do that in a real life situation.

[Rob1109]

Jerry M has hands the size of a 1/4Back! I've tried with my 642....good concept though. Ammo? the cheapest at WalMart (Rem. 130Gr. FMJ). I'm trying real hard to like my 642 as much as I like my LCR....having trouble with that. Best.

[glockman19]

OK...I go away for a week or two post the club stats and we already have a part three, Trez, III?

I thought we woudl at least get the 5,000 post max...

Well time for the post count to start again.

[glockman19]

Wow. I leave for a few hours and we're on page 3 already.

Nem, how do you think I feel? Go away for two weeks and...new thread...already on page 5 and 100 postws into the thread?

As Official Club Secretary I will now post an updated member list and stats at post 1,000 of the 642 Club part Three, Trez, III.

A special thanks again to fiVe for starting what can only be describes as the BEST thread on the web.

Happy thanksgiving to all my 642 Brothers... and Sisters.

[glockman19]

Rob,

I sometimes hold my 642 with my left index finger in front of the trigger guard, I'm right handed. It sometimes gives me more control on follow-up shots. I'll take a picture and post ASAP.

[glockman19]

Welcome New Members:

_CY_
BamaUmp
Big_John1961
camsdaddy
LawofThirds
manthony4563
MIL-DOT
Rob1109
TheProf
whitecoyote
motorcycle-charlie

[BamaUmp]

Thank you for the warm welcome. Anyone here a Wofford fan that might be making the trip to Jacksonville State for the playoffs?

[Hboy828]

hey guys im looking for a s&w revolver but want single action.
what would be the best choice?
637?

[BamaUmp]

My trip to the range today was much better. I think it was due to installing the Houge Bantam grips. The stock grips just seem too hard or maybe its all in my head but I was able to punch holes in paper much better today and even backed it up a bit. I doubt I will ever be able to hit from the distance I am able to with my Glock 22 but I know thats not the purpose of the 642. I feel confident enough that if needed I could stop someone or something in their tracks in the 1-20 foot range now. Thats all I really can ask for right?

Has anyone here ever used 158 gr semi wad cutter hollow point +P for as a defense round?

[Big_John1961]

Thanks for the welcome glockman19. I still haven't had a chance to get to the range, but I have a set of Hogue Bantam's on the way.

[John Wayne]

Tried the Miculek grip and absolutely hated it. Recoiled straight into my hand and made me hate shooting the gun. Felt slower and unnatural to me too.

I shoot the gun most effectively with both thumbs off to the left side, not even touching the gun. This is the only place I've found to keep them that doesn't interfere with me pulling the trigger. Doesn't look pretty or sound practical, but it works for me. My accuracy with this grip seems to average in groups that are roughly 2x the size of a group at the same range shot from a full-sized gun. Not too bad considering the platform though.

[Nematocyst]

hey guys im looking for a s&w revolver but want single action.
what would be the best choice?
637?

If you want SA in an airweight, then yes.

[readingbill]

Regarding the lead time for a Mika holster - I ordered one on-line Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon I received a call from Bob that he was processing the order, and yesterday I received an e-mail that the holster was shipped.

I'm just waiting for the mail!

Incredible service.

[BamaUmp]

Thats incredible. I hope to order mine after Christmas.

[DAdams]

Thanks for stopping by and the Mika update. Times sure have changed. There was a time a couple years ago when it would take months to get a Mika!
I think earlier this year Robert said he was going to get some assistance to reduce the backlog.

BamaUmp-glad your second trip to the range was better, what roundage were you throwing? I'm sure the Bantams did help. The standard grips....well they just suck.

[BamaUmp]

Just some cheap 158 gr lead balls from wally world. I do believe the new grips made all the difference. Its amazing they dont come with better grips. New ones only added $20 but I dont feel like I should have to spend extra on a NIB gun to be comfortable shooting it. I'm very pleased now though and would recommend the 642 to anyone looking for an EDC.

[Camjr]

I put 100 rounds of Speer Lawman 135gr fmj downrange yesterday, followed by 20 rounds of my preferred carry ammo (Gold Dot 135gr +p). I started very simply-- dumping all 5 rounds into COM at both 3 and 7 yards as quickly as I could pull the trigger (front sight and GO). I later moved to double taps to COM, reassess, and one to the head on a B-27 sillouhette target at the same ranges just to change things up a bit. Repeated both drills with the Gold Dot +p. I didn't really notice too much of a difference in recoil with the Gold Dot's from the Lawman range ammo.

COM drill results--3" grouping at 3 yards, 5-7" groupings at 7 yards (again, as fast as I could pull the trigger to dump rounds into the threat). Very pleased with the results. Other drill, the 2 COM shots same result at same distances. Head shots most of the time. More practice on that one... I also ran 100 rds through an XD40 (same drills, but limiting to 5 COM at a time with the normal great results), and 50 rds each through my fathers Sig P238 and 80+ yr old Colt 1908 pocket hammerless in .380. I found I was more accurate with the 642 than the P238 (but that's a sweet little pistol) and the Colt 1908 (VERY minimal sights, but what a great shooter with a great history--it was my Grandfathers gun issued by the US Postal Service when he flew the mail in the 1920's).

It took a while to become confident in my accuracy from this little snubbie, but over the last 6 months, I feel very proficient using it. I've never felt undergunned, but knew I needed to become more accurate. I feel I'm there now, and just need to keep practicing, practicing, practicing. I did all my snubbie reloads from speed-strips as well. The Lawman 135gr fmj shoots to the same point of aim as the Gold Dot's with similar recoil. It is now my new practice ammo.

Happy Thanksgiving evereyone. Cheers!

[Camjr]

Regarding the lead time for a Mika holster - I ordered one on-line Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon I received a call from Bob that he was processing the order, and yesterday I received an e-mail that the holster was shipped.

Now THAT is something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season!!!

[BamaUmp]

Any opinions on this as a defense round?

http://georgia-arms.com/38special158...intp100pk.aspx

[TSmith49]

I shoot them and they are dead on point of aim in my 3" model 10.
TS