Just Bought a 642/no lock; what's the scoop?

Gold dot 135 grain short barrel seems to be good ammo in the 642. Paint a dot of bright paint on the front sight and then concentrate hard on that when you shoot. I installed an Apex trigger kit and stoned the mating surfaces. Makes for a really nice trigger. I have several carry guns, but the 642 goes with me most of the time. I'm an old revolver guy though. Your mileage may vary.

Practice dry-firing to help mate the action surfaces and to strengthen your trigger finger and grip, especially if you are not used to shooting a DA revolver with it's 12# trigger.

Practice a lot and be patient with yourself.

Dry fire practice while aiming at a smale object. When you can pull the trigger without the front sight moving, you are good to go.

Another dry-fire tip - I've found it very helpful to both pull, and release, the trigger without moving the front sight. I can't say why it would matter, some sort of subtle muscle training I guess, but I got much better results after I started paying attention to both phases of the trigger action.

As with all SW revolvers the trigger is brutal. Order a a lighter rebound spring from Wolff or Midway. It will lighten the trigger pull a lot and not change detonation of the primers. Don't mess with the main or hammer spring. I use the lightest 12- 13lb and have done many many of them. You do not need a special tool. Just use a small flat blade screwdriver.

If you need a video let me know I can link a good one.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolvers/SMITH & WESSON/J FRAME/cID3/mID58/dID263#444

Cheap and effective Desantis pocket holster Nemisis.

I carry mine both strong side (owb) and pocket but as has been pointed out many times before, if you pocket carry use a pocket holster; unless of course you don't value your junk. I'd also add, snub nose revolvers aren't meant for 25 yrd shooting. Great for close in self defense. I use 110 Corbon.

I think you will be quite happy with your 642!

This is my favorite every-day-carry. It is almost always with me when I can legally carry.

I use an Uncle Mike's #3 in-pocket holster, in my front pocket. It is easy to carry everywhere, and is amost invisible this way. It is easy to get a good grip any time you want without being obvious.

DO NOT EVER put keys or pens in the same pocket!!! You want to be sure that there is nothing that could snag the trigger.

For reloads, I like a "speed strip."

There's no need to change how you dress, no need to worry about being found out when hugging or in other incidental contact.

I've only had to explain it once when a young lady started to put her hands in my pockets. I had to stop her and let her know that she was getting close to something that was dangerous in an entirely different way than she was expecting. In other "close personal encounters," the revolver has never been noticed.

In other words, a 642 can pocket-carry VERY well. Enjoy!

I prefer to use the AZOOM practice rounds (aka snap caps) for dry firing - just me

Just like Jewish Chicken Soup, it may or may not work, but it can't hurt either...

Congrats on the new "642" they can (at first) be a little frustrating, but as others have said practice with the dry fire, I always use "Snap Caps" ( I, Know, some do, some don't) just my personnel preference, I don't think any trigger work is necessary, given use, the trigger smooths out nicely, & given practice you will be surprised how well they shot, (at first you are going to call me a liar) but with a lot of practice & concentration you will find they are more capable than most think. However I think it is intended for "Up & Close" encounters, but it is fun to put it to its limits, It always goes to the range with me. Enjoy!!
JMOP
As someone pointed out a little reflective paint helps, The "Plus" can sting a little (I rarely use them)

Galco pocket holster. Had a Desantes Nemisis. Slid out when in a vehicle.

I have a no-lock 442.

Mine likes Gold Dot 135 Short Barrel .38 + P rounds.

Tips?

Might be good to wear a pair of shooting gloves if you are doing extended range work. It sure beats up my hand. But you'll want to fire it without gloves as well so you know what it feels like.

I like a high grip - keeps me on target.

I used to wear CT grips on the 442 but found out I was more accurate with a firm grip and some Altamont boot grips - just filled my hand better.

I pocket carry in a pocket holster by Robert Mika - these are some of my favorite holsters, and Bob is a genuinely nice guy and excellent craftsman.

Will take you some time to smooth out the trigger through use, but it gets better.

Make sure that the ejector rod doesn't unscrew on you

Other than that - keep shooting and carry on. Make sure to join the 642 club here on THR.

Happy new year!

Just my experience...

Range time.

Mindful dry fire -- learning the characteristics of aim and trigger control on this specific model.

A gentle smoothing of the contact points in the lockwork narrowed my already decent groupings noticeably. This should be done only after you've learned the proper technique, or by a qualified S&W revolversmith.

Leave all springs alone.

More range time. Should be at least a couple hundred rounds down range for familiarity and to determine reliability.

Alessi Deep Cover is a superb inside the waistband holster designed specifically for J-frames; don't expect them to deliver it on time, but they will deliver it and it's worth it. Alternately, Lobo Gunleather's Offset Belt Clip in horsehide is a close second.

Skip pocket carry.

Carry the 642 unloaded around the house to acquaint yourself to the feel, and practice unloaded drawing, aiming and firing drills adhering strictly to the four cardinal rules of safe firearm handling.

Once you're acclimated to carrying, drawing, and shooting (range style) a small snubby, seek as much as you can comfortably afford of one or all of these rounds:

1) Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr .38 Special +P hollow point
2) CorBon DPX 110gr .38 Special +P hollow point
3) Buffalo Bore 158gr .38 Special Standard Pressure lead semi-wadcutter hollow core
4) Remington HTP 158gr .38 Special +P lead semi-wadcutter hollow point
5) Hornady Critical Defense 110gr .38 Special +P hollow point.

Send these rounds through your 642 at the range to determine the best balance between what your gun and your hand like vis-a-vis accuracy, reliability and comfort.

Select a favorite, buy more of it.

Carry.

And consider investing in a good self defense focused shooter's course.

With the high price of self defense ammo I practice with cheap RLN or wadcutters, whatever is cheaper.

I finish the range session at least 3x a year with 5 rounds with the +p high tech hollow points. I shoot the +p seldom due to cost and the possibility of messing up the top strap. The model 60 was passed down to me and was bought used when it entered the family. I do not know how many +p+ ammo has been run through it. The trigger is smooth as glass on ice. I carry the +p (LEO Only Winchester?) when I want the best out of a 2" barrel and it is going to be short range. Will switch to +p Ranger when I find some.

I think range time and making the snubbie second nature a massive plus along with dry firing. Revolvers are simple to use IF you train with them just a little.

Dry fire - holster drawing - correct grip can all be done at home with no ammo cost or range time. So just do it! Do not skimp on a good holster.

ps: If you pocket carry then do it in a pocket holster that covers the trigger

Congrats on your 642. Like others have said do lots of dry fire practice. The Pachmayr compac are very nice, they are a little bigger than the factory stocks, but you can still pocket carry with them. Also get some good training, Massad Ayoob is very good. The snubbie revolver by Ed Lovette is a very good read.

Dry fire.

Galco Horsehide pocket holster, open top leather OWB strong-side holster, and Smartcarry is how I carry it, depending on clothing and situation. Had a curious kid climb up on my lap and ask me what was in my pocket.

Ammunition - I usually shoot 125-130gr ammo through it, but 158gr isn't bad. I avoid +p, but with practice, it's tolerable, too. I like standard pressure 125gr Gold Dots, but in the past year, I just take whatever I can find.

I have a S&W banana grip that makes it even nicer to shoot, but very difficult to pocket carry. Carries very well in the belt holster that way.

I like pocket carry. You can put your hand in your pocket any time you want, and have your hand on your gun's grip, and no one has any idea. It's terribly convenient and comfortable. Friends of mine who don't have little guns don't carry nearly as much as I do.

pocket carry with holster. many out there.