642 Club Part Deux

Status
Not open for further replies.
Just got back from the shop with a new 642 no lock. Damn you 642 club and your sirens call!:p

Just a quick question though. The current 642's are dash 2. Mine is a 642-1. How long ago did they start making the 2s and is it odd at all to buy a NEW -1?
 
Hi all,

I've found some gold dot 135 grain short barrel .38s for my 442. Anyone have any ballistics test info for this round? I've heard good things about this ammo BUT I like to see tests.

NEM

I like snakes too man. I saved a 5 foot southern pacific rattler last week from the campground host and his shovel. :uhoh:

Beautiful snake. We need it around to keep all those damn ground squirrles under control. :)
 
Nematocyst said:
In the interest of peace in the club, and because I respect you both, I'm going to restrain my professional ecologist self from saying what I think about killing snakes. (I'll just say that if you have to shoot rodents over running your barn next, remember shooting the snake.)

Instead I'll say that I've moved across the country - from as far as you can go west to as far as you can go east - and could not carry my 642 (long story with multiple reasons why). Same goes for two rifles and a 65.

Suffice to say, I miss them, and hope to have them shipped soon.
Click to expand...
This. Plenty of other targets without killing snakes, lizards, spiders or other beneficial critters. If I was shooting at tin cans and a snake wandered by....I'd go back to shooting the cans. Even for the poisonous ones, it's the one you don't see that gets you.....
 
Just got back from the shop with a new 642 no lock. Damn you 642 club and your sirens call!

Just a quick question though. The current 642's are dash 2. Mine is a 642-1. How long ago did they start making the 2s and is it odd at all to buy a NEW -1?
Click to expand...

The -2 came out in '03 or so with the introduction of the ILS, IIRC. I know S&W has been selling lots of NIB x42s, sans lock. I've not actually seen one locally, but from what I understand at least some of these are -1 frames that S&W is clearing out. I could be wrong on that though.
 
Good to see you in the house, Jad.

Somebody call FiVe, JT, DA and a few others, we'll have a reunion party.

Sure miss my 642. Had to leave it back on the west coast when I moved here, not knowing what my living situation was going to be like (getting settled now, but it's been a dicey 2 months), no cc permit here ... yet. Hope to have it shipped out soon, at least before snow flies.

Starting to lust after a mod 60 2" to replace my 65, also.
 
Upper New England, Dig. At least that's where I am now. Still moving around a bit. Mostly in Maine right now, but that's still subject to change.

Job? Well, not really. Mostly just wanted to get away from the west coast. I have some close friends up here, too.

I've got to earn a living, but I'm working on that. (Independent consultant, so I make my own job.) Going to explore NH and VT a bit before settling in. Maine seems way more gun friendly, though.
 
I've a good friend in Maine, he loves it there. Good seafood AND good flyfishing rivers too. :D

Its interesting that alot of those far eastern states are very gun friendly, and then theres Mass. :rolleyes:

Isn't VT pretty free of any carry regulation? Anyhow enjoy the change, I'm sure you and your 642 will find a nice new home.
 
Good to see you in the house, Jad.

Somebody call FiVe, JT, DA and a few others, we'll have a reunion party.

Sure miss my 642. Had to leave it back on the west coast when I moved here, not knowing what my living situation was going to be like (getting settled now, but it's been a dicey 2 months), no cc permit here ... yet. Hope to have it shipped out soon, at least before snow flies.

Starting to lust after a mod 60 2" to replace my 65, also.
Click to expand...

Good seeing you too Nem!

I don't carry my 642 as much as I used to, but I still love it and it sure is great to have around when I'm not up to carrying my heftier guns. I was taken to the hospital a few weeks ago because I passed out due to chronic dehydration, work stress and low potassium and sodium. I'm doing great now, but for a week or two I could just not be bothered to carry even my comfortable to pack 2.5" S&W Model 66. But my trusty 642 was always with me in my Mika pocket holster. Very comforting.

You sold your 3" 65? Oh, say it aint so! :)
 
Would be interesting to inspect one of the new 642-1 and a 642-2 side by side to see the differences.
I have a personal opinion on that: currently 642-1 frames and the 642-2 frames are the very same. I don’t belive they have a stock of “old” 642-1 frames they are using to build “new” no-lock revolvers. I do belive, instead, that, during production, they put a number of frames out of the lines just before workmanshipping the lock seat inside the frame and the two little holes (IMO the lock seat and the holes are the last workmanships they do on the frames and the only differences between a 642-1 and a 642-2 frame). Only after that, they stamp 642-1 or 642-2 and the serial number on the frames. That’s what I really think.
Anyway the real question is: if they can sell no-lock 642/442 revolvers, why don’t they allow us to choose if buy a lock or no-lock one regardless of the model? Have you ever seen a lock on a “new” Ruger SP101 or GP100? On a “new” Charter Arms? On a “new” EAA Windicator? I mean, if they can sell no-lock 642/442 (and they do), there’s no gun law I know that force them to put a lock on their revolvers. There’s a State that allows only lock guns? Good, let’s sell only lock guns there and allow the other customers from the other States to choose what version they want, a lock or a no-lock one.
Maybe I’m totally wrong but that’s my honest opinion. I apologize if I bore or offend someone.


Best regards, 5-SHOTS.
 
Last edited:
Top of my wish list

I think I've found this revolver before, and probably even listed it here.
But it's at least been a while.

I've been reading reviews (again) about mod 60s, pining for one.

But tonight, during dinner (burrito and chips), I searched SW site for snubs with 2.5" barrels.
3" is probably optimal, like my 65 (mod 60 also comes that way or 2.1"), but feels a tad long for ccw, where as a 2" (+/-) may not squeeze all the power out of a .38 rnd. (??)

Found several, but two of interest:

642 2.5"
637 2.5"

The latter with a set of Hogue Monogrips is my (current) dream revolver.

Yes, I understand all the arguments for "hammerless", but I don't pocket carry (OWB), and I like the SA for target shooting. (Yes, I understand they're not really designed for that, but the fun of it ...)

Anyone have any info on prices for those ("street" v msrp)?
(ABE: finding them for $450ish.)
 
Last edited:
Hey Nem!

I saw a gorgeous used S&W Model 36-1 (blued .38, square butt) with a 3" barrel recently priced at around $439. That's pretty good for a 3" .38 J Frame in my area, but many other THR members stated that was about $100 too high for where they lived. NIB 2.5" 642s seem to be selling for around $450-ish around here. I've not seen a 2.5" 637, but I assume it would be about the same.

Take it all with a grain of salt, I'm not too familiar with J Frame prices.

As for reductions in power based on barrel length, I myself have considered switching to wadcutters in revolvers with barrel lengths under 2.5" to ensure sufficient penetration. Problem is, now that I thought of doing this all .38 wadcutter ammo has suddenly dried up in my area!
 
Anyway the real question is: if they can sell no-lock 642/442 revolvers, why don’t they allow us to choose if buy a lock or no-lock one regardless of the model? Have you ever seen a lock on a “new” Ruger SP101 or GP100? On a “new” Charter Arms? On a “new” EAA Windicator? I mean, if they can sell no-lock 642/442 (and they do), there’s no gun law I know that force them to put a lock on their revolvers. There’s a State that allows only lock guns? Good, let’s sell only lock guns there and allow the other customers from the other States to choose what version they want, a lock or a no-lock one.
Maybe I’m totally wrong but that’s my honest opinion. I apologize if I bore or offend someone.
Click to expand...
S&W made a deal with [STRIKE]the devil[/STRIKE] Clinton to put locks on their guns. They did it all on their own, that's why a lot of people I know have been boycotting S&W ever since then.
 
Somebody call FiVe, JT, DA and a few others, we'll have a reunion party
Click to expand...

Present and accounted for.

Just returned from White Water Rafting section IV of the Chattooga River (Deliverance fame, paddle faster I hear banjos). Quite a different thrill at low water.

newcorkscrew.jpg

We then headed for quasi wilderness island camping in the Smoky Mountain National Park (trip III) Lake Fontana. It was nice to be able to carry legally in the National Park this time.

IMG_0665-2.jpg

Nem I guess you are in residence limbo so purchasing iron may be a challenge.....
Don't forget S&w has the $50 snub rebate though October.

Best Regards to all
 
Last edited:
We then headed for quasi wilderness island camping in the Smoky Mountain National Park (trip III) Lake Fontana. It was nice to be able to carry legally in the National Park this time.
Click to expand...

I was in that area about 10 to 15 years ago. When I'm in the NC Mountains, I'm usually further north though. I was up on the BR Parkway in July and was able to CCW their for the first time. Yep, I had my 642 with me, but it was as a BUG (primary was my 4" Ruger Police Service Six). Actually, I tended to avoid the Parkway prior to Feb '10 for that reason.

I'm hoping to head up their for Columbus Day weekend. My folks have place in the Banner Elk NC area. Truly a place to go to rejuvinate and take everything in, I love it.
 
Anyone have any experience with Georgia Arms? I just ordered their 124 gr hollow points and the 158 gr lswchp +p

While I wait for them I was wonder how they were?
 
Georgia arma

I have heard only good about GA Arms quality but have no first hand experience.

How much for the LSW and are these reloads?
 
Been a little too quiet here for a while. Just checking in.
My 442 sits in my pocket as i type. Haven't been to the range in FOREVER but I just got some more Speer GD 125gr +P for my next trip. Monday is my brother's birthday, maybe I will take him shooting for a gift! Or is that a gift for me?!
 
I love pocket guns and have enjoyed following this thread. I have several ultra lite guns ranging from NAA 22mag to kel-tec P3AT but the alloy frame S&W are my favorite. The SP101 and 640 are fine guns but too heavy for true pocket guns. I almost got the 642 but found a used 360 for the same price and never looked back. The local gun shop had the S&W gunsmith in for a free checkup and I had him check its timing and fit and he commented on the excellent shape it was in. While I don't carry it full of 357's I do keep the last 2 rounds 357 just in case. (First round shot shell followed by 2 38+p). I find this just about the perfect hiking gun in warm weather. I never feel under gunned here in the Mid-Atlantic. While not tack driver it is able to hit 8inch target 25yd with no problem. Now if I was expecting multiple targets and couldn't carry a rifle or shotgun I would opt for my Glock 19 but it is too much gun to carry concealed in summer clothing. Anyway how many times have you heard of a private citizen needing more than 5 rounds.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

F
  • Locked
642 Club Part Three
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
Replies
2K
Views
289K
defjon
D
O
  • Locked
642 Club?
Replies
2
Views
521
exgun
E
MonRiver
  • Locked
Not all 642's shoot +P
Replies
10
Views
3K
cfullgraf
cfullgraf
S
  • Locked
Any disadvantage to the 638 compared to the 642?
Replies
13
Views
1K
Essex County
E
B
  • Locked
642 questions
Replies
2
Views
564
sixgunner455
S
Back
Top