Holster wear on the 642?

joepa150 · Jan 26, 2011

I realize firearms are tools BUT I really like keeping them in great condition. I have been carrying for over a year with my Glock. I use a custom all leather holster and a Crossbreed Supertuck. While I can notice a little holster wear, I would say the condition is about 97% .

I have owned the 642 for several weeks and have been using a Mika pocket holster without any problems. I just started making holsters for myself. They seem really rough on the inside and tight.

How has your 642 held up as far as holster wear?

Also when I mold my holsters, I stick my 642 in a plastic baggy/saran wrap and force it into the holster to stretch and mold the leather.
Is this detrimental to any part of the handgun such as the cylinder?

Sorry for being so anal, I just love my little friend so much that I dont want her to get messed up.

David E · Jan 26, 2011

sounds like you need an aluminum dummy gun for your holster making.

sixgunner455 · Jan 26, 2011

I have had a 642 for 7 years. The little guy has lots of holster and carry wear. Lots. The backstrap of the grip has almost no finish left. There is edge wear all over the trigger guard and frame by the crane. The sides of the muzzle are polished. The cylinder has polished spots.

I don't really care. I bought this gun new with the intent of carrying it every day until I die. I bought it so I could have a lightweight, rust-free gun in my pocket that would fire .38+p rounds, that I will never have to worry about whether it's going to work or what's going to happen to it. One of my kids will inherit it, and probably go, "eww, look at dad's ratty old gun."

I'll be dead before then, so, again, I really, really don't care. Mine sometimes wears a set of Goncalvo Alves banana grips. I love them. They are beautiful. And they have carry wear on them, too. And I won't sand the scratches out, or refinish them.

You may care more than I do what your 642 looks like. If so, don't carry it in a leather holster. It will get holster wear from the leather. I carry in a Galco horsehide pocket holster. If you carry in the Mika, it will minimize the wear. Your rubber grips are going to get wear on them from the inside of your pockets, unless you only wear slacks with soft fabric pockets. Don't carry anything else in the pocket your revolver goes in, including your speed strip of reloads. It's dumb (because stuff could get in the action/trigger area) and will damage the finish, as well.

Good luck, and enjoy that little bugger. I love mine. Wear and all.

DAdams · Jan 26, 2011

My 642 is 5 years old. It lives its life as a nightstand revolver and is mint

Now, let me tell you about my M&P 340 which is 4 years old and has resided in a Mika Roundcut. It has been in and out of the holster about 1200 times. I take it out nightly check the laser power status and put it in its "special place". The DLC finish shows very little wear, just a slightly polished appearance at the contact points.

frank c · Jan 26, 2011

sixgunner455 said:
I have had a 642 for 7 years. The little guy has lots of holster and carry wear. Lots. The backstrap of the grip has almost no finish left. There is edge wear all over the trigger guard and frame by the crane. The sides of the muzzle are polished. The cylinder has polished spots.

I don't really care. I bought this gun new with the intent of carrying it every day until I die. I bought it so I could have a lightweight, rust-free gun in my pocket that would fire .38+p rounds, that I will never have to worry about whether it's going to work or what's going to happen to it. One of my kids will inherit it, and probably go, "eww, look at dad's ratty old gun."

I'll be dead before then, so, again, I really, really don't care. Mine sometimes wears a set of Goncalvo Alves banana grips. I love them. They are beautiful. And they have carry wear on them, too. And I won't sand the scratches out, or refinish them.

You may care more than I do what your 642 looks like. If so, don't carry it in a leather holster. It will get holster wear from the leather. I carry in a Galco horsehide pocket holster. If you carry in the Mika, it will minimize the wear. Your rubber grips are going to get wear on them from the inside of your pockets, unless you only wear slacks with soft fabric pockets. Don't carry anything else in the pocket your revolver goes in, including your speed strip of reloads. It's dumb (because stuff could get in the action/trigger area) and will damage the finish, as well.

Good luck, and enjoy that little bugger. I love mine. Wear and all.

I am sure glad to hear you like your S&W 642.I just ordered a S&W 642LS should be here this week.

joepa150 · Jan 26, 2011

I am not worried about holster wear using the Mika, just the leather.
Maybe I will just stick with the Mika for now and maybe buy a kydex holster for IWB. I know Kydex will cause wear but from my experience, not as much.

Old Fuff · Jan 26, 2011

It is hard to avoid wear caused by metal rubbing on leather, but when you are making a pocket or IWB holster, cut the pattern so that the leather's smooth side is inside, and the rough side out. The rough outer surface helps hold the rig in position, while the smooth side is easier on the gun.

joepa150 · Jan 26, 2011

Thanks Old Fluff. I probably will do that on my next holster.

bhk · Jan 27, 2011

I have carried my 641 in a Nemesis pocket holster on and off for years with no wear whatsoever. I do, though, coat the aluminum frame of my 642 with an occassional coat of Johnson's Paste Wax. I believe this protects the finish a great deal. Wear is a sign of use, but I don't mind doing what I can to protect the gun. Kind of like putting rust preventive on the steel parts. Easy to do, so why not do it?

Holster wear on the 642?

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