Well, after 6 months of my 642-2 as the everyday carry, it's time for a detailed report.
First off, like so many of my colleagues in the club, I started with a Nemesis holster while waiting for the Mika Round Cut. Once the Mika arrived, it was my daily holster. However, I found myself coming back to the Nemesis more and more, especially if the pockets are a little shallower. Both do a great job of breaking up the outline of the 642, but I found that the Nemesis puts the butt of the grip farther forward in a shallower pocket, thereby doing a better job of hiding the silver backstrap from those standing behind me (A Mika Square Cut will probably do the same thing as the Nemesis). Probably nothing to worry about, but that's the one identifier that bugs me more than any printing that may occur through the pocket. The Mika continues to serve when I'm wearing pants with deeper pockets. When I go to a Hogue Bantam grip or maybe a darker wood grip and the silver backstrap is no longer visible, I don't think it will matter. I will probably go with a wood grip. The recoil doesn't bother me, but I think I want the grip to be less "sticky" in the pocket.
At the range, I usually just run 130gr Winchester White Box through it and mix in defense rounds; for carry, I stuff it with Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P. I've tried most of the popular defense loads including the FBI load, Golden Sabres, BB, and most others. I find I shoot the Gold Dots the best. Of course, your results may vary. I carry 2 speed strips in the 2x2 format. Carrying 5 just slows down the reload too much, and brings too much "thinking" into the equation. God forbid, if I need a reload under pressure, the fewer hangups-the better. Range practice includes normal stance, one hand, off hand, and pretty much all point shooting, and much of it while moving. I usually get to the range every two weeks or so. Cleaning is relatively easy.
I'm starting to get some "character marks" on the frame of the 642 from holster wear as it rides in the Nemesis. The back-right of the top strap/rear sight channe, and the bottom left of the frame where the cylinder swing arm attaches are much shinier than the rest of the 642. As I examine the holster with the 642 in it, they're definitely friction points. No big deal--it means it's adapting to me
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I do also have an evil bottom feeding XD40 Service that will probably get more carry time once it cools off here in North Texas. My changing attire will make it easier and more comfortable to conceal. Having said that, the 642 will always be there. It's so light and comfortable to carry, you really do forget it's there. There is something very comforting to be able to walk across a dark parking lot with my hand on the grip, nobody being the wiser.
I'm currently shopping for both an IWB and OWB holster for the 642, and am relying on this thread (as well as the first 642 Club thread) for the recommendations and personal experience of everyone.
I hope this helps others that are starting their relationship with this fantastic little revolver.
Cheers!
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