642 Club Part Deux
- Thread starter fiVe
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doc540
Member
I experimented with a SmartCarry on the side and found it difficult to draw due to the fact that it is inside my beltline.
You have to be able to easily pull your waistband out far enough to reach in with your fingertips and grasp the grip.
In front that's less of a problem because you can suck in your stomach for extra room.
On the side it becomes difficult to reach inside your waistband unless you're wearing pants or shorts with an elastic band.
Understand what I mean?
You have to be able to easily pull your waistband out far enough to reach in with your fingertips and grasp the grip.
In front that's less of a problem because you can suck in your stomach for extra room.
On the side it becomes difficult to reach inside your waistband unless you're wearing pants or shorts with an elastic band.
Understand what I mean?
jfh
Member.
"...In front that's less of a problem because you can suck in your stomach for extra room....
Well, may for you it's less of a problem. I have to go on my post-holiday diet.
Jim H.
Camjr
Member
Hey guys. As I've stated before, I'm still new to wheelguns and just picked up a new 642. I've got a stupid question about something that may be completely obvious that I'm just missing.
I see a lot of pics on this thread of how folks carry their reloads in a speedstrip. Many of you carry only 4 rounds in the speedstrip -- 2 on each end, with an open space in the middle. What is the purpose of this? Why not carry all 5 rounds?
I see a lot of pics on this thread of how folks carry their reloads in a speedstrip. Many of you carry only 4 rounds in the speedstrip -- 2 on each end, with an open space in the middle. What is the purpose of this? Why not carry all 5 rounds?
rdrancher
Member
With practice you can load two at a time and the space between the rounds makes it faster.
rd
fiVe
Member
Gary C: Very interesting. Please keep us posted on how well those "gold-leafed" sights perform.
Gary C, joev, stellacotton - Welcome one and all to the 642 club. We are happy to have you here with us and look forward to hearing from all of you often.
Gary C - The posts on sight paint are interesting. We have covered it before and we keep getting new ideas and different applications. My thoughts about this are quite different and I am really considering having my front sights milled down to the level of the rear trench (or perhaps removing them completely) from both my 642 and 442. During aimed fire the 158gr Buff Bore I am using takes up most of the front sight anyway and it just obscures the target. This just slows things down on followup rounds as I have to descend down through the target and then back up to the POA. As most of my engagements are point shooting this is really not much of an issue with me, but I think I will be better able to engage in aimed fire with the front sights regulated to lay just under the POI. Another mod to add to the list.
joev - The 642 has a clearcoat over the anodized aluminum frame, This clearcoat will wear with age and can peel under some conditions, and may be harmed by some solvents and cleaners containing ammonia. There is no coating on the stainless steel cylinder and barrel. It is actually quite durable for general use and will last for a very long time under normal conditions. S&W will refinish the clearcoat at no charge at you request if it becomes damaged. I would not let this be a deciding factor in your selection. The 442 has no clearcoat and has a black anodized aluminum frame and blacked carbon steel cylinder and barrel.
DA - After seeing the M29 conversion the other revolving carbine offerings just are not going to make the grade. You have spoiled us
.
Camjr - On pocket holsters, I use both the Mika and Nemesis. The Mika has a looser fit and allows a full combat grip while still completely holstered, and always stays secured in your pocket during the draw. It has a reinforced mouth that allows easy one handed reholstering (an important consideration). The only drawback is that due to the above mentioned qualities it has no gun retention at all, therefore I like it when wearing heavyweight or tight fitting pants that provide good support. The Nemesis is more of a tighter fitting holster that provides fair gun retention, but will not always stay in your pocket and requires you to "push off" with your trigger finger to draw, this precludes a full combat grip and it is a bit slower than the Mika and is harder to reholster. I do prefer the Nemesis when wearing very light dress pants. If I had to pick one it would be the Mika.
About the 2+2 speedstrip, here is one of the OP's: http://thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3323146&postcount=2722
stellacotton - That's a good looking EDC set-up you have, add a good quality flashlight and you will be well prepared.
Gary C - The posts on sight paint are interesting. We have covered it before and we keep getting new ideas and different applications. My thoughts about this are quite different and I am really considering having my front sights milled down to the level of the rear trench (or perhaps removing them completely) from both my 642 and 442. During aimed fire the 158gr Buff Bore I am using takes up most of the front sight anyway and it just obscures the target. This just slows things down on followup rounds as I have to descend down through the target and then back up to the POA. As most of my engagements are point shooting this is really not much of an issue with me, but I think I will be better able to engage in aimed fire with the front sights regulated to lay just under the POI. Another mod to add to the list.
joev - The 642 has a clearcoat over the anodized aluminum frame, This clearcoat will wear with age and can peel under some conditions, and may be harmed by some solvents and cleaners containing ammonia. There is no coating on the stainless steel cylinder and barrel. It is actually quite durable for general use and will last for a very long time under normal conditions. S&W will refinish the clearcoat at no charge at you request if it becomes damaged. I would not let this be a deciding factor in your selection. The 442 has no clearcoat and has a black anodized aluminum frame and blacked carbon steel cylinder and barrel.
DA - After seeing the M29 conversion the other revolving carbine offerings just are not going to make the grade. You have spoiled us
.Camjr - On pocket holsters, I use both the Mika and Nemesis. The Mika has a looser fit and allows a full combat grip while still completely holstered, and always stays secured in your pocket during the draw. It has a reinforced mouth that allows easy one handed reholstering (an important consideration). The only drawback is that due to the above mentioned qualities it has no gun retention at all, therefore I like it when wearing heavyweight or tight fitting pants that provide good support. The Nemesis is more of a tighter fitting holster that provides fair gun retention, but will not always stay in your pocket and requires you to "push off" with your trigger finger to draw, this precludes a full combat grip and it is a bit slower than the Mika and is harder to reholster. I do prefer the Nemesis when wearing very light dress pants. If I had to pick one it would be the Mika.
About the 2+2 speedstrip, here is one of the OP's: http://thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3323146&postcount=2722
stellacotton - That's a good looking EDC set-up you have, add a good quality flashlight and you will be well prepared.
AStone
Member
Point shooting 101
Nominated for point shooting tip of the year:
Nominated for point shooting tip of the year:
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MassMark
Member
Merry belated Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year everyone!
First, welcome to all new posters here on The 642 Club! I made my very first post here and one day, (hopefully a long way away) - I'll make my last. This is perhaps the premier thread anywhere on the Internet and "Part One" was a joy to be a part of and is great reading for those who want to brush up on their "642 Club History"
Gary C: I do believe that is the first time I've seen gold leaf used on a 642, (or any gun for that matter). It constantly amazes me how creative 642 Club members are and your gold sights are no exception. They not only look practical, but also bring some bling, bling to your pride and joy...
I however am with the honorable jt1 on the sight issue and actually spoke to some techs at Smith and Wesson about producing a 642 with no sights or channel at all. I initially bought my 642CT and began immediately to use both the Crimson Trace and the front ramp - with marginal results. Now, I am unaware of the front ramp at all and the CT grips have become more of an aide than a sight. I removed my desire to target shoot with my 642 and have taken to strictly point shooting. It's been freeing really. I have lost my desire for tight groups in the X-ring and have focused solely on draw, point, fire, follow-up - from 0 to 10-feet. What's amazing to me is that my groups have actually gotten better than when I was trying to aim traditionally. The CT's have aided as a trigger control barometer and have the added benefit of intimidation factor and a sighting tool for awkward shooting positions. For me, the front blade has become a memory, but I am anxious to read how the addition of gold to yours has improved your sight picture. It's a neat idea.
First, welcome to all new posters here on The 642 Club! I made my very first post here and one day, (hopefully a long way away) - I'll make my last. This is perhaps the premier thread anywhere on the Internet and "Part One" was a joy to be a part of and is great reading for those who want to brush up on their "642 Club History"
Gary C: I do believe that is the first time I've seen gold leaf used on a 642, (or any gun for that matter). It constantly amazes me how creative 642 Club members are and your gold sights are no exception. They not only look practical, but also bring some bling, bling to your pride and joy...
I however am with the honorable jt1 on the sight issue and actually spoke to some techs at Smith and Wesson about producing a 642 with no sights or channel at all. I initially bought my 642CT and began immediately to use both the Crimson Trace and the front ramp - with marginal results. Now, I am unaware of the front ramp at all and the CT grips have become more of an aide than a sight. I removed my desire to target shoot with my 642 and have taken to strictly point shooting. It's been freeing really. I have lost my desire for tight groups in the X-ring and have focused solely on draw, point, fire, follow-up - from 0 to 10-feet. What's amazing to me is that my groups have actually gotten better than when I was trying to aim traditionally. The CT's have aided as a trigger control barometer and have the added benefit of intimidation factor and a sighting tool for awkward shooting positions. For me, the front blade has become a memory, but I am anxious to read how the addition of gold to yours has improved your sight picture. It's a neat idea.
Camjr
Member
I got my first range time with the new 642 today. I ran 50 rds of Win White Box 130gr FMJ just to get used to the gun. As stated before, I don't have any revolver experience, having done all my handgun shooting with either my XD40 4" or one of several .22LR bottomfeeders.
Physics told me beforehand that the lightweight 642 would have pretty snappy recoil, so no surprise there. At 7 and 12 yards, all center of mass with progressive improvement as I became more accustomed to the trigger pull and break. Very pleased with the results. I still shoot the XD much more accurately, but sheer accuracy is not what I wanted the 642 for. My wife put 25 rounds downrange with the 642 as well, and had no problem handling it, other than to comment on the sharpness of recoil. 100 rds through the XD, 250 through a Beretta Neos in .22, and back to the house for a gun cleaning session. 400 rounds downrange. It was a good day.
Physics told me beforehand that the lightweight 642 would have pretty snappy recoil, so no surprise there. At 7 and 12 yards, all center of mass with progressive improvement as I became more accustomed to the trigger pull and break. Very pleased with the results. I still shoot the XD much more accurately, but sheer accuracy is not what I wanted the 642 for. My wife put 25 rounds downrange with the 642 as well, and had no problem handling it, other than to comment on the sharpness of recoil. 100 rds through the XD, 250 through a Beretta Neos in .22, and back to the house for a gun cleaning session. 400 rounds downrange. It was a good day.
joev - You are welcome, let us know what you decide to get. BTW, I notice that your first post here happens to be post #642 of the 642 Club², that might give you some idea of what CCW is right for you!
MassMark - What kind of response did you get from S&W about a sightless X42? What I think I would really like is a flat top barrel/frame with a full trench sight, this would be very useful to me. When I start my mod process I will attempt to have something along these lines done, my list just keeps growing.
MassMark - What kind of response did you get from S&W about a sightless X42? What I think I would really like is a flat top barrel/frame with a full trench sight, this would be very useful to me. When I start my mod process I will attempt to have something along these lines done, my list just keeps growing
.
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hoptob
Member
Another gun nut coming out of the closet
Hi guys,
Discovered your amazing 642-2 thread and thought I too could pitch in once in awhile. Quite a clubhouse you got running here!
Along the lines of introduction. I am an avid shooter and reloader. Go thru some 10K+ rounds/yr in drills and matches. Mostly 38spl, 357mag and 9mm with some .40 S&W mixed in. My prefered carry guns are 640 and 686 when I can dress around them. Love magnums' buck and roar.
I do own 442 and carry it a lot especially in the summer months. Nice little gun. Yet have to find any more discrete and convenient gun for carry. I like shooting it too, but was told to save it for carry and practice with steel guns instead. So it only saw less than 100 rds through it. Reading your thread I am no longer sure 442 is really that fragile. Maybe I'll shoot it more now.
MikeR
Hi guys,
Discovered your amazing 642-2 thread and thought I too could pitch in once in awhile. Quite a clubhouse you got running here!
Along the lines of introduction. I am an avid shooter and reloader. Go thru some 10K+ rounds/yr in drills and matches. Mostly 38spl, 357mag and 9mm with some .40 S&W mixed in. My prefered carry guns are 640 and 686 when I can dress around them. Love magnums' buck and roar.
I do own 442 and carry it a lot especially in the summer months. Nice little gun. Yet have to find any more discrete and convenient gun for carry. I like shooting it too, but was told to save it for carry and practice with steel guns instead. So it only saw less than 100 rds through it. Reading your thread I am no longer sure 442 is really that fragile. Maybe I'll shoot it more now.
MikeR
hoptob
Member
J.I.M.
I painted front sight red and rear notch black. It really improved sight picture for me. Used touch-up paint from local automotive supply. Paint is durable, easy to apply with a toothpick and if desired it can be removed with organic solvent.
MikeR
I painted front sight red and rear notch black. It really improved sight picture for me. Used touch-up paint from local automotive supply. Paint is durable, easy to apply with a toothpick and if desired it can be removed with organic solvent.
MikeR
rxraptor02
Member
I would like to stop in and say hello to all the J-frame fans. I joined the club last week, but not with a 442/642. I snagged a 37-2 from my local gun shop.
I have only put about 10 rounds through it and so has my g/f. It was cold out...lol but of the 20 rounds we put through it, the 37 was great.
I have only put about 10 rounds through it and so has my g/f. It was cold out...lol but of the 20 rounds we put through it, the 37 was great.
hoptob, rxraptor02 - Welcome to the the 642 Club², we are pleased to have both of you here with us, come on in and get comfortable.
hoptob - Doubt you will wear out that 442 anytime soon, but you can have fun trying
rxraptor02 - That is a very interesting gun you have there. There were actually two 37-2 models produced, one was a special assembly of DAO with bobbed hammer on the J Magnum frame made in 2005, the last production change before the model 37 was dropped from the catalog in 2006. At first glance I though this was your gun, since it looks as new in the box, but upon further examination it appears it has a forged trigger and hammer and is built on the original J-frame (not the J Magnum). From the marking configuration it looks like the first model 37-2 made from 1990 to 1997. I would say based upon info from SCSW 3rd. it was made between 1994 (when the airweight inscription was moved from the barrel to the sideplate) and 1997 (when the change was made to the J Magnum frame, floating firing pin, and MiM parts). If I am correct about this you have got yourself a really fine little CCW, that, while not rated for +P ammo, was made with forged and machined internals and a bit more attention to detail than the current offerings. My French is a little rusty but that appears to be +P ammo in your photo. Loaded with Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158gr. LSWCHP (20C) ammo, this will be an awesome addition to your family
hoptob - Doubt you will wear out that 442 anytime soon, but you can have fun trying
rxraptor02 - That is a very interesting gun you have there. There were actually two 37-2 models produced, one was a special assembly of DAO with bobbed hammer on the J Magnum frame made in 2005, the last production change before the model 37 was dropped from the catalog in 2006. At first glance I though this was your gun, since it looks as new in the box, but upon further examination it appears it has a forged trigger and hammer and is built on the original J-frame (not the J Magnum). From the marking configuration it looks like the first model 37-2 made from 1990 to 1997. I would say based upon info from SCSW 3rd. it was made between 1994 (when the airweight inscription was moved from the barrel to the sideplate) and 1997 (when the change was made to the J Magnum frame, floating firing pin, and MiM parts). If I am correct about this you have got yourself a really fine little CCW, that, while not rated for +P ammo, was made with forged and machined internals and a bit more attention to detail than the current offerings. My French is a little rusty but that appears to be +P ammo in your photo. Loaded with Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158gr. LSWCHP (20C) ammo, this will be an awesome addition to your family
AStone
Member
JT, where do you learn this information?
dR fiVe, I nominate JT for a seat on
the club historical consultants board.
Nem
AStone
Member
{I posted the club roster here, but reposted it below after reading Glocker's "re-entry" post. No need for duplication.}
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Glocker
Member
I don't post much any more, I read alot. Most of my questions get answered by reading and using the "Search" button. I am from the first 642 club, still loving the little beast. Thought I would ring in so the "Glocker" name is on part 2 as well. It will be on parts 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,.... so on and so on. This is a GOOD thread to be part of.
AStone
Member
Who's hung out in da' new house?
In alphabetical order:
1BLINDREF
308win
3ci
aguyindallas
Ala Dan
alaskantinbender
AR-G23
ardito40
AZGlock13
BassPlayer
bglz42
bhp9mm
bkastel
blackwind
Boatman
Brassman
Brian Williams
BuzzInTx
Camjr
CC Bob
Checkmate
colubrid
cpalmer777
DAdams
DawgFvr
deputy tom
Diggers
Dirtypacman
Dollar An Hour
DouglasW
Down South
Eagle103
electrode1998
fastbolt
FireCaptDave
firemedic4
fiVe
FLA2760
Gary C
Glocker
glockman19
Gunfight
gunwife
Harvster
hoptob
hunter55
Iggy
J.I.M.
jad0110
jamz
Jeff
jfh
JIMNSC
jmt1271
joev
JonSmith
jt1
kingpin008
lanternlad1
lssable97
magnumcarry
Malodorousroadkill
Marshall
MassMark
MAURICE
Mongo the Mutterer
Navy joe
Nematocyst
P97
pdevi
perrytrails
Photoman
phreeq
Phydeaux642
ranger58
rdrancher
revamp
RichieT
roundtop
RTFM
Running
rxraptor02
S.O.D.
ShootinDave
ShowMeState1977
silverking
sixgunner455
skarpenz
skeezix
soloshot
Stainz
stellacotton
Tarwater
theNoid
TonyB
ugaarguy
ultralightbackpacker
velcro8ball
Waldo Pepper
welldoya
YZR
In alphabetical order:
1BLINDREF
308win
3ci
aguyindallas
Ala Dan
alaskantinbender
AR-G23
ardito40
AZGlock13
BassPlayer
bglz42
bhp9mm
bkastel
blackwind
Boatman
Brassman
Brian Williams
BuzzInTx
Camjr
CC Bob
Checkmate
colubrid
cpalmer777
DAdams
DawgFvr
deputy tom
Diggers
Dirtypacman
Dollar An Hour
DouglasW
Down South
Eagle103
electrode1998
fastbolt
FireCaptDave
firemedic4
fiVe
FLA2760
Gary C
Glocker
glockman19
Gunfight
gunwife
Harvster
hoptob
hunter55
Iggy
J.I.M.
jad0110
jamz
Jeff
jfh
JIMNSC
jmt1271
joev
JonSmith
jt1
kingpin008
lanternlad1
lssable97
magnumcarry
Malodorousroadkill
Marshall
MassMark
MAURICE
Mongo the Mutterer
Navy joe
Nematocyst
P97
pdevi
perrytrails
Photoman
phreeq
Phydeaux642
ranger58
rdrancher
revamp
RichieT
roundtop
RTFM
Running
rxraptor02
S.O.D.
ShootinDave
ShowMeState1977
silverking
sixgunner455
skarpenz
skeezix
soloshot
Stainz
stellacotton
Tarwater
theNoid
TonyB
ugaarguy
ultralightbackpacker
velcro8ball
Waldo Pepper
welldoya
YZR
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rxraptor02
Member
JT1 , QUOTE>>That is a very interesting gun you have there. There were actually two 37-2 models produced, one was a special assembly of DAO with bobbed hammer on the J Magnum frame made in 2005, the last production change before the model 37 was dropped from the catalog in 2006. At first glance I though this was your gun, since it looks as new in the box, but upon further examination it appears it has a forged trigger and hammer and is built on the original J-frame (not the J Magnum). From the marking configuration it looks like the first model 37-2 made from 1990 to 1997. I would say based upon info from SCSW 3rd. it was made between 1994 (when the airweight inscription was moved from the barrel to the sideplate) and 1997 (when the change was made to the J Magnum frame, floating firing pin, and MiM parts). If I am correct about this you have got yourself a really fine little CCW, that, while not rated for +P ammo, was made with forged and machined internals and a bit more attention to detail than the current offerings. My French is a little rusty but that appears to be +P ammo in your photo. Loaded with Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158gr. LSWCHP (20C) ammo, this will be an awesome addition to your family
Thanks for the info. The serial number is DAC12xx. It is the non magnum frame with the firing pin on the hammer. The boxes of ammo in the photo's are UMC 9mm for the back ground and 38spl WWB 130gr FMJ target stuff. I know to avoid the +P stuff in this gun, but thank you again for looking out for a fellow shooter. I will look for the BB 158gr stuff.
Thanks for the info. The serial number is DAC12xx. It is the non magnum frame with the firing pin on the hammer. The boxes of ammo in the photo's are UMC 9mm for the back ground and 38spl WWB 130gr FMJ target stuff. I know to avoid the +P stuff in this gun, but thank you again for looking out for a fellow shooter. I will look for the BB 158gr stuff.
YZR
Member
Good News/ Bad News
Bad news first: Went to the range Saturday and dirtied up my 642. I seem to shoot consistently high/left at 7 yards.
The good news is I can now justify lots and lots of practice
I think I'm going to try the front sight paint job that's been mentioned here too. The sights were difficult for me to pick up.
Bad news first: Went to the range Saturday and dirtied up my 642. I seem to shoot consistently high/left at 7 yards.
The good news is I can now justify lots and lots of practice
I think I'm going to try the front sight paint job that's been mentioned here too. The sights were difficult for me to pick up.
rdrancher
Member
I had the same problem with the 642 at first - high and left. For me it was a grip thing and anticipating recoil.
'Course it may have been that the only previous snubby experience I had was with a Too-Lite model and full house .357 loads. I'd rather spend a day with my mother in-law than fire one of those loaded with magnum rounds again. For that I'll take the SP101 anytime.
rd
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doc540
Member
I'm looking for a snub with a heavier frame than my 642. Unfortunately, its light weight is proving to be more of a challenge to my shooting skills than I anticipated.
It's a great carry gun, and even with the factory trigger it's performing better than my ability to shoot it. Went to the range yesterday, and it doesn't appear that I'm going to master this little booger no matter how much I shoot.
btw: The Hogue Monogrips worked better for me than the factory Uncle Mike's.
So, I'm looking to buy a Smith 60 or an SP101, thinking the extra frame weight will prompt me to shoot it more accurately. At Gander Mountain this morning I made sure the SP101 fit's the SmartCarry small size and conceals well. The extra weight isn't a factor at all.
Years ago I owned a 3" Speed Six and after a little work on the action, I shot it better than any gun I've ever owned.
Keep your eyes peeled, I may have the 642 for sale here soon. This forum and this thread in particular has been a great resource!
It's a great carry gun, and even with the factory trigger it's performing better than my ability to shoot it. Went to the range yesterday, and it doesn't appear that I'm going to master this little booger no matter how much I shoot.
btw: The Hogue Monogrips worked better for me than the factory Uncle Mike's.
So, I'm looking to buy a Smith 60 or an SP101, thinking the extra frame weight will prompt me to shoot it more accurately. At Gander Mountain this morning I made sure the SP101 fit's the SmartCarry small size and conceals well. The extra weight isn't a factor at all.
Years ago I owned a 3" Speed Six and after a little work on the action, I shot it better than any gun I've ever owned.
Keep your eyes peeled, I may have the 642 for sale here soon. This forum and this thread in particular has been a great resource!
- Status
