308win
Member
This issue of "Shooting Times" has an article that arrives at the same conclusion vis a vis the best 38spl carry load based on a study that was conducted for the Dallas PD some years ago. It is interesting reading.
642 Club Part Deux
- Thread starter fiVe
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Stainz
Member
Jad,
Nice job! Always great to find out that the round wheel works as well as ever... those corners jar your teeth. The Remi's have a home here in all of my .38/.357Ms for CCW/HD - and the GA Arms +P 158gr LSWC(HP) is still a cheaper, but ballistically equivalent, practice round. The range targets won't know the difference, either.
Titegroup... a couple of pounds is too much, please!
Okay, my meds kicked in. Everyone knows you can't get that much in a .38 case, anyway. I have loaded a poop-pot full of cases with 4.5gr Titegroup in brass .38 Spcl cases over Fed SP primers with a Zero 125gr JHP slightly roll-crimped in the provided crimp serrations, for an OAL of ~1.435". They make 790 fps - normal .38 Special range - from a 642 - up to 882 fps from my 5" 686+. They, launched from a 642, are entertaining when hitting a 2L pop bottle full of water. Not as entertaining as an FBI load round, of course.
My soft plate plinker load in .357 Magnum cases is the same bullet over 4.3gr Titegroup - for a very soft, and suitably loud, plinker. I need more Zero 125gr JHPs...
BTW, just reloading, admittedly mostly lead, for 5.5+ yr, my lead level was up to 9 ppm. If you shoot, reload, cast, etc - or any combination of those, have your doc run a blood test for lead level on your next visit.
Stainz
Nice job! Always great to find out that the round wheel works as well as ever... those corners jar your teeth. The Remi's have a home here in all of my .38/.357Ms for CCW/HD - and the GA Arms +P 158gr LSWC(HP) is still a cheaper, but ballistically equivalent, practice round. The range targets won't know the difference, either.
Titegroup... a couple of pounds is too much, please!
Okay, my meds kicked in. Everyone knows you can't get that much in a .38 case, anyway. I have loaded a poop-pot full of cases with 4.5gr Titegroup in brass .38 Spcl cases over Fed SP primers with a Zero 125gr JHP slightly roll-crimped in the provided crimp serrations, for an OAL of ~1.435". They make 790 fps - normal .38 Special range - from a 642 - up to 882 fps from my 5" 686+. They, launched from a 642, are entertaining when hitting a 2L pop bottle full of water. Not as entertaining as an FBI load round, of course.
My soft plate plinker load in .357 Magnum cases is the same bullet over 4.3gr Titegroup - for a very soft, and suitably loud, plinker. I need more Zero 125gr JHPs...
BTW, just reloading, admittedly mostly lead, for 5.5+ yr, my lead level was up to 9 ppm. If you shoot, reload, cast, etc - or any combination of those, have your doc run a blood test for lead level on your next visit.
Stainz
Stainz
Member
I just caught these things in another arguement.
"He shot me a lot yesterday - and I took a while to clean. He also changed my springs. I hold eight rounds - .357 Magnums, too! Does this grip make my butt look big?"
"Well... I went to the store - and dinner - and the mailbox - and he cut the grass with me in his sopping wet pants pocket... 8 rounds of .357 Magnums $#@&*% you big round-butt!"
I probably need to keep them separated for a while.
My newbie... had to gloat - now I need another JM grip, my 625JM is nude!
Stainz
"He shot me a lot yesterday - and I took a while to clean. He also changed my springs. I hold eight rounds - .357 Magnums, too! Does this grip make my butt look big?"
"Well... I went to the store - and dinner - and the mailbox - and he cut the grass with me in his sopping wet pants pocket... 8 rounds of .357 Magnums $#@&*% you big round-butt!"
I probably need to keep them separated for a while.
My newbie... had to gloat - now I need another JM grip, my 625JM is nude!
Stainz
Camjr:
"For those of you not from around here, state parks in Texas list firearms as prohibited items in their posted rules, however the head of the department has issued a clarification letter indicating that those licensed to carry in Texas are exempted and welcome to carry in the park."
Can you give me any link to this ruling or letter?
"For those of you not from around here, state parks in Texas list firearms as prohibited items in their posted rules, however the head of the department has issued a clarification letter indicating that those licensed to carry in Texas are exempted and welcome to carry in the park."
Can you give me any link to this ruling or letter?
Marvin KNox
Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 244
jad0110
Have you looked here -
http://www.streichers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?Catalog=Guns and Ammo&Category=AMMO_DHAND&Prod=CCI-38GD
for SGD 135gr. Short Barrels?
MARV
Have you looked here -
http://www.streichers.com/ProductDetail.aspx?Catalog=Guns and Ammo&Category=AMMO_DHAND&Prod=CCI-38GD
for SGD 135gr. Short Barrels?
MARV
Hi everyone! I bought a NIB 642 a couple months ago, and picked up a lot of great info from this thread. At some point or another, I've probably read the majority of part 1 and part 2.
I have a pretty vanilla setup... carried front right pocket in a mika or nemesis depending on the pants or shorts, and loaded with Speer 135 GDHPs.
For those that wonder how/where to carry a speed strip, you may find what I do interesting. First, I cut off that little extra tab on the end because I find it just gets in the way. Then it's loaded to 2/0/3, where the 2 will be coming off first. Face down, by itself, in the rear right pocket.
When you reach to reload, the index finger goes into the groove where there's no round. Pull the first 2 off, don't change hand position, rotate the cylinder a bit, then pull off the next 2 off in the opposite direction. You can easily slam the cylinder shut here on the empty cylinder (which is what I used to do when I just loaded it to 2/0/0/2), or put the 5th one in.
I've tried so many different ways of carrying a reload but this is by far my favorite. I've tried different improvised pouches, watch pocket, thrown in with the holster, speed loaders in lower cargo pocket (when wearing cargo shorts) but none of them really worked for me.
One question I do have is with the LG-405 CT grips. I've thought about ordering them separately or getting a M&P 340 with them. I did *not* like the stock uncle mike grips because the thumb rest was way too pronounced. I'm using the hogue bantam grips right now which are basically the same size, only lighter and softer. They also seem to fit my hand a little better.
I have fairly big hands but nothing massive. I'm just wondering if I'd still be able to get a good grip on the 405's, and if the covered backstrap worsens concealability. I don't want to spend $250 and end up not using them, so any advice on that would be appreciated.
I have a pretty vanilla setup... carried front right pocket in a mika or nemesis depending on the pants or shorts, and loaded with Speer 135 GDHPs.
For those that wonder how/where to carry a speed strip, you may find what I do interesting. First, I cut off that little extra tab on the end because I find it just gets in the way. Then it's loaded to 2/0/3, where the 2 will be coming off first. Face down, by itself, in the rear right pocket.
When you reach to reload, the index finger goes into the groove where there's no round. Pull the first 2 off, don't change hand position, rotate the cylinder a bit, then pull off the next 2 off in the opposite direction. You can easily slam the cylinder shut here on the empty cylinder (which is what I used to do when I just loaded it to 2/0/0/2), or put the 5th one in.
I've tried so many different ways of carrying a reload but this is by far my favorite. I've tried different improvised pouches, watch pocket, thrown in with the holster, speed loaders in lower cargo pocket (when wearing cargo shorts) but none of them really worked for me.
One question I do have is with the LG-405 CT grips. I've thought about ordering them separately or getting a M&P 340 with them. I did *not* like the stock uncle mike grips because the thumb rest was way too pronounced. I'm using the hogue bantam grips right now which are basically the same size, only lighter and softer. They also seem to fit my hand a little better.
I have fairly big hands but nothing massive. I'm just wondering if I'd still be able to get a good grip on the 405's, and if the covered backstrap worsens concealability. I don't want to spend $250 and end up not using them, so any advice on that would be appreciated.
jad0110
Member
If you are using a Lee ProDisk Powder Measure, Winchester W231 meters very precisely. A little dirty/smokey, but I've gotten good solid results with it. I don't recall the charge weight I use, but IIRC, 3.2 grains of W231 driving a 148 grain double-end wadcutter makes the 642 feel more like my 686 shooting 38 +P. Very pleasant.
Thanks DA. Yeah, sounds like you did have the same thing I had. I really came close to going to the hospital. I was thinking about that IV drip like I'd normally think about a mouth water 9 oz medium rare filet from Outback. Really incidious virus, and extremely contagious. Literally one hour after I came out of "quarentine", my wife went in. Then last night at 9 pm right after making my earlier post (and after spending all day disinfecting our home), I heard a sound over the baby monitor that was all too familiar. My 19 month old boy had vomited all over himself in his bed
. My mother-in-law has offered us help several times, but I graciously turned it down. I don't want to drag her or anyone else down into Hades with us. In fact, my parents (who live 2 minutes down the road) have been bringing us groceries (leaving them on our doorstep) so that we don't spread that awful stuff around.A word of warning to those who haven't had it: if you start to experience sickness out of both ends, go home immediately and don't expose anyone else to it if at all possible. I work at a large DoD facility, and entire teams/office areas are out sick with this vile thing. Once you are well, you might consider burning your house down if you can afford it
- just kidding. Seriously, lysol EVERYTHING and launder anything that'll fit in a washing machine. According to the CDC, this is a virus that can survive about 2 weeks in the open, as long as it isn't exposed to direct sunlight.I know that wasn't gun related, but this isn't something I'd wish on anyone. Call it a friendly service announcement to my fellow 642 Clubbers. Most miserable time of my life, other than my grandfather passing.
Bad stuff.
jad0110
Member
Hey, thanks Marv! I hadn't ever seen that sight, it has been duly bookmarked for future use.
New 642 Member
Well, I finally broke down and bought a NIB 642. Have been a THR member for a while, and lurking in the background, reading all I can on the 642. It will be a good companion for my BHP with it's IWB. I have a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 ordered for it as well. Thanks for all the good info posted here. :)
Well, I finally broke down and bought a NIB 642. Have been a THR member for a while, and lurking in the background, reading all I can on the 642. It will be a good companion for my BHP with it's IWB. I have a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 ordered for it as well. Thanks for all the good info posted here. :
)Thanks to all posters in this thread which is a superb resource for x42 wannabes and newbies. My first trip to the range with my 642 was a delight. I had already smoothed out the trigger with a light polish and lube and practiced dryfire...and had no problem making acceptable groups. It's also fairly easy to stage the trigger and make even tighter groups. Double-taps also went well as sight picture recovery seemed very natural and quick. The 642 is a great fit to my hand. I can't get enough of it. (Others with big hands have complained, but it's perfect for me.)
Based on comments here, my Mika holster is on order (Mika phoned 20 minutes after I sent the paypal to confirm the order, advise on back order status, and pleasantly converse about other gun topics.)
Thanks again to all here.
Based on comments here, my Mika holster is on order (Mika phoned 20 minutes after I sent the paypal to confirm the order, advise on back order status, and pleasantly converse about other gun topics.)
Thanks again to all here.
MoreCowBell
Member
Here's a question then: We've put about 90 rds through the 442 I bought last Saturday. I'm noticing a band or scrape mark coming around the cylinder through the points where it locks in to shoot. Is this normal?
Further to post #2002: I decided one Airweight was enough for the family. Found a good condition 4" Model 65 and brought it home tonight. It passed all the Jim March tests, barrel/cyl gap about .0065". Great shooter, really tame after the 442, especially with 148g WCs.
I put all the autos except the KT P11 away. Our security system is now S&W, Corbon, HKS speed loaders and Bianchi strips. Well, plus the Remmy 12ga Tac lol.
So what about the scratch around the cylinder wall?
mcb
Further to post #2002: I decided one Airweight was enough for the family. Found a good condition 4" Model 65 and brought it home tonight. It passed all the Jim March tests, barrel/cyl gap about .0065". Great shooter, really tame after the 442, especially with 148g WCs.
I put all the autos except the KT P11 away. Our security system is now S&W, Corbon, HKS speed loaders and Bianchi strips. Well, plus the Remmy 12ga Tac lol.
So what about the scratch around the cylinder wall?
mcb
AZAndy
Member
Cowbell, the rule on that scratch is that when you can put a penny in it up to the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for a retread. ;-)
Fear not, it's normal (though perhaps mildly unsightly).
A.
P.S. Mountain's "Mississippi Queen," in response to your user name.
Fear not, it's normal (though perhaps mildly unsightly).
A.
P.S. Mountain's "Mississippi Queen," in response to your user name.
MoreCowBell
Member
Thanks Andy, that's reassuring. Adds character eh?
Yes, they definitely put the bell to that tune. But imo we can all use MCB.
b
Yes, they definitely put the bell to that tune. But imo we can all use MCB.
b
Camjr
Member
DryFly:
Sure. Here's the link from the Texas State Rifle Assocation detailing both the regs as written at the state parks, as well as the text of the letter clarifying the stance for CHL holders in Texas.
http://tsra.com/index.php?p=page&id=88
Cheers!
Sure. Here's the link from the Texas State Rifle Assocation detailing both the regs as written at the state parks, as well as the text of the letter clarifying the stance for CHL holders in Texas.
http://tsra.com/index.php?p=page&id=88
Cheers!
I just joined today. Bought a 442, went out shooting, had some standard rounds and some +P, the difference was noticeable, but not uncomfortable. Shoots great, accuracy is acceptable, nice and light... yep, its my new carry gun
DAdams
Member
j642
I have CT 405s (smaller of the two and not to be confused with 305s, the larger) on a 642 and a 340.
I don't have any problem with concealing while pocket carrying in any of my slacks or shorts.
Here they are for $229. Free shipping.
http://www.discoveryoptics.com/ctclg405.html
Purchasing a set of S&W official logo CT 405s mounted on a M&P 340 is one way to do it and I highly recommend your thought process.
I have CT 405s (smaller of the two and not to be confused with 305s, the larger) on a 642 and a 340.
I don't have any problem with concealing while pocket carrying in any of my slacks or shorts.
Here they are for $229. Free shipping.
http://www.discoveryoptics.com/ctclg405.html
Purchasing a set of S&W official logo CT 405s mounted on a M&P 340 is one way to do it and I highly recommend your thought process.
Thanks for the link. That's the best price I've seen on them yet. Order sent.
I've gotten really good shooting +P's out of the 642 and it's been 100% reliable so far, so I have a hard time justifying buying the M&P right now when it would fill the same role. Knowing me though, I'm sure I'll talk myself into it within the next week or so.
I've gotten really good shooting +P's out of the 642 and it's been 100% reliable so far, so I have a hard time justifying buying the M&P right now when it would fill the same role. Knowing me though, I'm sure I'll talk myself into it within the next week or so.
Also, I know there's been a lot of debate on this, but I don't find shooting +P's out of the 642 to be punishing at all. I know it's not mild, but I don't have any problem shooting 5 quickly, reloading, then shooting another 5 quickly. Whether or not I'd be able to do the same with light .357's in a slightly lighter package I don't know, but I'm willing to guess with a little bit (ok, a lot) of practice, the answer would be yes.
DAdams
Member
j642
Have you checked out the M&P 340 site? I am certain many of your questions would be answered. I would be willing to hazard a guess that amongst the 340 carriers over half load it with +P for carry (myself included). I'm sure all have tried .357 just to get that burning question answered. Am I man enough Or....sufficient glutton for punishment. :banghead:
Most carry the 340 because it is 3 ounces lighter than an X42 and up to 6 ounces lighter than a steel J Frame. For day in day out long term carry, lighter is better in my book.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=282173
There is a gun shop in Jacksonville, FL that has had good prices as of late on 340s.
http://www.shootersjax.com/default.aspx
They have 642s for $390 shipped. The M&P 360 is $625. They are out of 340s but I bet they will have more soon.
Call these guys and check their prices. I got my 340 through them and they were low at the time.
http://www.randyshuntingcenter.com/guns.htm
Excellent to deal with.
Have you checked out the M&P 340 site? I am certain many of your questions would be answered. I would be willing to hazard a guess that amongst the 340 carriers over half load it with +P for carry (myself included). I'm sure all have tried .357 just to get that burning question answered. Am I man enough
Or....sufficient glutton for punishment. :banghead:Most carry the 340 because it is 3 ounces lighter than an X42 and up to 6 ounces lighter than a steel J Frame. For day in day out long term carry, lighter is better in my book.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=282173
There is a gun shop in Jacksonville, FL that has had good prices as of late on 340s.
http://www.shootersjax.com/default.aspx
They have 642s for $390 shipped. The M&P 360 is $625. They are out of 340s but I bet they will have more soon.
Call these guys and check their prices. I got my 340 through them and they were low at the time.
http://www.randyshuntingcenter.com/guns.htm
Excellent to deal with.
Evyl Robot
Member
Sadly, yes. It's worth every penny, though!
In other news, we rented a 640 at the range last weekend. I love it. The wife thinks she likes it. She's going to rent a few autochuckers for the sake of argument, but it looks like we are going to be in the market for two of those soon!
./Michael
The LG-405 CT grips arrived this afternoon. Installation was VERY easy.
I had been carrying a M36 prior to the 642.
This pic shows the 642 in bone stock.
Here it is with the CT grips installed.
This pic show the 642, the Model 36, and my Colt Lawman MKIII .357 snubby.
AStone
Member
Ducking in again for a brief respite from a brutal time at work.
Still alive, making progress; could blow doors in my profession
(at least in my region) if I pull this off. Time will tell.
But enough about me.
______________
Sir Jad, fine report (#2021) on the SD ammo. One for the archives.
_____________
Turbo, welcome in.
Nice 36. Hope to own one someday.
_______________
He is nothing more than an insurrectionist in the x42 camp,
posing as an owner of x42, but really here only
to get you to change your user name to "j340".
Resist, resist with all your might!
Then, after minimal resistance, give in,
go get an M&P 340 to add to the 642,
and call it good.
That may be what I eventually do.
(Assuming I can pull this business out of the drink.
)
__________
OK, back to work.
At ease. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
Nem
Still alive, making progress; could blow doors in my profession
(at least in my region) if I pull this off. Time will tell.
But enough about me.
______________
Sir Jad, fine report (#2021) on the SD ammo. One for the archives.
_____________
Turbo, welcome in.
Nice 36. Hope to own one someday.
_______________
j642, don't listen to this rabble rouser named "DA".DAdams said:
He is nothing more than an insurrectionist in the x42 camp,
posing as an owner of x42, but really here only
to get you to change your user name to "j340".
Resist, resist with all your might!
Then, after minimal resistance, give in,
go get an M&P 340 to add to the 642,
and call it good.
That may be what I eventually do.
(Assuming I can pull this business out of the drink.
)__________
OK, back to work.
At ease. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
Nem
DAdams
Member
It Only
stands to reason that an X42 becomes ones first snubbie. Particularly with the 642 Club informational and experential activities.
Therefore it makes a great deal of sense once you have had one snubbie, it is simply not enough.
Graduating to a M&P 340 is just a part of growing up.
Once you have one of those, then maybe you go pick up one that started it all, something in steel and maybe with an exposed hammer even.
Maybe even a Colt. Gasp.
:banghead:
Snub nosed revolvers are addicting. I can't wait for my next one and the beauty is I don't know what it will be yet, perhaps a new Night Guard 625 in
.45 or maybe some relic from the past sitting on a pawn shop shelf in Nowheresville.
stands to reason that an X42 becomes ones first snubbie. Particularly with the 642 Club informational and experential activities.
Therefore it makes a great deal of sense once you have had one snubbie, it is simply not enough.
Graduating to a M&P 340 is just a part of growing up.
Once you have one of those, then maybe you go pick up one that started it all, something in steel and maybe with an exposed hammer even.
Maybe even a Colt. Gasp.
:banghead:Snub nosed revolvers are addicting. I can't wait for my next one and the beauty is I don't know what it will be yet, perhaps a new Night Guard 625 in
.45 or maybe some relic from the past sitting on a pawn shop shelf in Nowheresville.
Kind of a random question...
My 642 is incredibly loud.. definitely the loudest gun I own. How does it compare to some of the pocket auto's like the PM9 and KT P-3AT? Is the J-frame always going to be inherently louder to do the design (i.e. more open and short barrel)?
It's just something I've been thinking about. The only thing that I think would keep me from buying a .357 snub would be how loud it would be if I ever had to fire it indoors without hearing protection...
My 642 is incredibly loud.. definitely the loudest gun I own. How does it compare to some of the pocket auto's like the PM9 and KT P-3AT? Is the J-frame always going to be inherently louder to do the design (i.e. more open and short barrel)?
It's just something I've been thinking about. The only thing that I think would keep me from buying a .357 snub would be how loud it would be if I ever had to fire it indoors without hearing protection...
lg&m
Member
J642
I have never fired a gun in anger but I have fired many rounds with out hearing protection when hunting. I believe with everything going on should you need to shoot you would not even notice the report. Shooting occasionally with out protection should not do any permanent damage to your hearing.
I have never fired a gun in anger but I have fired many rounds with out hearing protection when hunting. I believe with everything going on should you need to shoot you would not even notice the report. Shooting occasionally with out protection should not do any permanent damage to your hearing.
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