rdrancher
Member
gunnar187! Where oh where did you get those grips?
rd
rd
642 Club Part Deux
- Thread starter fiVe
- Start date
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wjh2657
Member
"FireInCairo: could try a 640 since its a little heavier then the 642 it might do the trick"
I have both 640 and 642. With the 640 you are getting a lot more gun. 8 oz heavier and a a little over 1/3 an inch more sight distance (longer cylinder and barrel) the feel and shootability is a whole different ball game.
642 still reigns supreme as pocket carry choice however!
I have both 640 and 642. With the 640 you are getting a lot more gun. 8 oz heavier and a a little over 1/3 an inch more sight distance (longer cylinder and barrel) the feel and shootability is a whole different ball game.
642 still reigns supreme as pocket carry choice however!
First day at the range!
Hi Guys. I found this site after recently purchasing my 642. I've read practically everything posted in "the 642 Club", and it has made me feel confident about my decision to get this handgun. Today I had a chance to try out my 642. After 500 dry-fires, I finally got to run some lead through it. I used 158 gr. Lawman target ammo, 130 gr. Winchester White Box (WWB) FMJ target ammo, some Winchester 110 gr. Silver Tip HP's and a box of +P Speer Gold Dot HP 135's. Total rounds fired was 198.
During the day I also switched grips from the Pacmayr Compacs to the Hogue Monogrip. I never tried the original equip. Uncle Mike's.
There was an immediate improvement in accuracy (and comfort) after switching to the Hogues. My best results today were with the SPG 135 Gold Dots, followed by the WWB 130. They had similar groupings. I fought with the Speer Lawman 158's that wanted to go high and left.
Just thought I'd post my thoughts....
Hi Guys. I found this site after recently purchasing my 642. I've read practically everything posted in "the 642 Club", and it has made me feel confident about my decision to get this handgun. Today I had a chance to try out my 642. After 500 dry-fires, I finally got to run some lead through it. I used 158 gr. Lawman target ammo, 130 gr. Winchester White Box (WWB) FMJ target ammo, some Winchester 110 gr. Silver Tip HP's and a box of +P Speer Gold Dot HP 135's. Total rounds fired was 198.
During the day I also switched grips from the Pacmayr Compacs to the Hogue Monogrip. I never tried the original equip. Uncle Mike's.
There was an immediate improvement in accuracy (and comfort) after switching to the Hogues. My best results today were with the SPG 135 Gold Dots, followed by the WWB 130. They had similar groupings. I fought with the Speer Lawman 158's that wanted to go high and left.
Just thought I'd post my thoughts....
Attachments
UpTheIrons
Member
I was over in the "DOB of S&W Revolvers" thread and may have stumped the experts. I was pointed here, so I'll ask y'all for some help. Here's what I posted there:
I'm looking at buying a no-lock 642, and am curious about its DOB:
a) caliber: .38 spl (+P rated)
b) bbl length: 1 7/8 inch
c) grips shape: checkered rubber
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 5
e) type of sights: fixed
f) serial number is BMA645x
g) Model number is 642 (May be a 642-1, as it is a no-lock version)
Found online, so I don't have a full serial #.
Radagast said this about it:
Between September 1992 & February 1993. Introduced in 1990, discontinued 1993, reintroduced on the J-Magnum frame in 1996 as the 642-1.
I didn't think the X42s were +P rated back in '92-'93, so I wasn't sure of the dates he offered. Or am I possibly being sold a bill of goods? Can anyone here help? The pictures are here, at the bottom of the page:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372213&page=26
I can't figure out how to move them over as an attachment here, so I posted the link to that page of the thread.
I'd read over all the pages to try and find an answer, but time is short at the moment. Thanks!
I'm looking at buying a no-lock 642, and am curious about its DOB:
a) caliber: .38 spl (+P rated)
b) bbl length: 1 7/8 inch
c) grips shape: checkered rubber
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 5
e) type of sights: fixed
f) serial number is BMA645x
g) Model number is 642 (May be a 642-1, as it is a no-lock version)
Found online, so I don't have a full serial #.
Radagast said this about it:
Between September 1992 & February 1993. Introduced in 1990, discontinued 1993, reintroduced on the J-Magnum frame in 1996 as the 642-1.
I didn't think the X42s were +P rated back in '92-'93, so I wasn't sure of the dates he offered. Or am I possibly being sold a bill of goods? Can anyone here help? The pictures are here, at the bottom of the page:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372213&page=26
I can't figure out how to move them over as an attachment here, so I posted the link to that page of the thread.
I'd read over all the pages to try and find an answer, but time is short at the moment. Thanks!
Resto Guy, oldman357, UpTheIrons - Welcome to the 642 Club. Good to have some new friends...
UpTheIrons - Here is some info on your gun:
Serial prefix BMA produced between Sept 92 - Feb 93, Likely towards the end of the range as the production stopped during the BMB prefix series.
This is a 642 no dash and is NOT rated for +P ammo. It is built on the earlier JA frame. If you compare your pictures with the J-Magnum frame of the current production you will see several differences, the most prominent being the cylinder stop on the left side at the bottom rear of the cylinder on the frame, the JA is a small protrusion and the J-Magnum runs up into the recoil shield. The cylinder latch and the trigger is also different, with the earlier production guns having forged/machined bits and internals and the current guns made with MIM parts.
This is both good and bad, depending on what you are looking for. On the plus side the gun has no lock, no MIM parts and the fit is probably superior to current production.
The negative is of course no +P.
We have been all over the merits of ammo selection and have covered it from A to Z...If you read back through the 8000 or so posts or ask anyone in the clubhouse you will find I am a proponent of large bullet weight and max loads, specifically the the BB 158gr +P LSWCHP .
However, having made my obligatory bigger is better pitch we can now talk about real world.
If I were in the market for a new X42 and had the chance to get a no dash in good condition for a good price I would take it, load it with standard pressure BB or gold dots and never look back. Nowadays I mostly carry BB SP (20C) in my X42's anyway and I doubt any bad guys will notice the difference between SP and +P...
UpTheIrons - Here is some info on your gun:
Serial prefix BMA produced between Sept 92 - Feb 93, Likely towards the end of the range as the production stopped during the BMB prefix series.
This is a 642 no dash and is NOT rated for +P ammo. It is built on the earlier JA frame. If you compare your pictures with the J-Magnum frame of the current production you will see several differences, the most prominent being the cylinder stop on the left side at the bottom rear of the cylinder on the frame, the JA is a small protrusion and the J-Magnum runs up into the recoil shield. The cylinder latch and the trigger is also different, with the earlier production guns having forged/machined bits and internals and the current guns made with MIM parts.
This is both good and bad, depending on what you are looking for. On the plus side the gun has no lock, no MIM parts and the fit is probably superior to current production.
The negative is of course no +P.
We have been all over the merits of ammo selection and have covered it from A to Z...If you read back through the 8000 or so posts or ask anyone in the clubhouse you will find I am a proponent of large bullet weight and max loads, specifically the the BB 158gr +P LSWCHP .
However, having made my obligatory bigger is better pitch we can now talk about real world.
If I were in the market for a new X42 and had the chance to get a no dash in good condition for a good price I would take it, load it with standard pressure BB or gold dots and never look back. Nowadays I mostly carry BB SP (20C) in my X42's anyway and I doubt any bad guys will notice the difference between SP and +P...
UpTheIrons
Member
jt1,
Thanks so much for the info. I wasn't looking to learn that much, but I'm glad I did!
I'm looking for a pocket gun/BUG, and this 642 looked like it might fit the bill. Glad to find out earlier rather than later that it's not +P.
Keep up the good work guys, us noobs appreciate it!
Thanks so much for the info. I wasn't looking to learn that much, but I'm glad I did!
I'm looking for a pocket gun/BUG, and this 642 looked like it might fit the bill. Glad to find out earlier rather than later that it's not +P.
Keep up the good work guys, us noobs appreciate it!
twoclones
Member
Buying a Mika
Just in case winter ever ends, I ordered a Mika holster for pocket carrying my 642 in cargo pants. I really liked the looks of the K&D Pocket Defender but the Mika gets a lot more recommendations here.
Just in case winter ever ends, I ordered a Mika holster for pocket carrying my 642 in cargo pants. I really liked the looks of the K&D Pocket Defender but the Mika gets a lot more recommendations here.
Hello all and a quick question for you 642 enthusiasts.
After lurking on this thread for some months, I finally got my 642 and DeSantis holster today. Unfortunately, I have terrible luck with lemons. the sight is misaligned.
(With very slow, supported shots, it shoots about 2 inches to the right at 15 feet. Tried multiple brands of ammunition, and multiple shooters confirmed this.)
Any suggestions? Is this something I could have fixed locally, or should I just contact S&W? I don't believe this sort of thing would be covered in the warranty....
This is too bad, since the gun would otherwise be the perfect CCW for me.
- Sriracha
After lurking on this thread for some months, I finally got my 642 and DeSantis holster today. Unfortunately, I have terrible luck with lemons. the sight is misaligned.
(With very slow, supported shots, it shoots about 2 inches to the right at 15 feet.
Tried multiple brands of ammunition, and multiple shooters confirmed this.) Any suggestions? Is this something I could have fixed locally, or should I just contact S&W? I don't believe this sort of thing would be covered in the warranty....
This is too bad, since the gun would otherwise be the perfect CCW for me.
- Sriracha
UpTheIrons - Keep in touch and let us know when you find the one for you.
techmike, Dloy - S&W, Nemesis, Benchmade, SA, whats not to like
Sriracha - Welcome to the 642 Club, sorry to hear you are having problems with a new X42 but it happens. 2" right @ 15' consistently from qualified shooters is not acceptable accuracy and is certainly a warranty issue. Is the sight bent, or the barrel overclocked? We have seen a fair amount of new X42's with varying issues and without fail S&W has corrected the problems. Contact S&W and they will take care of you. Please keep us informed of your progress...I am guessing you will get a new barrel at least..
And for good reason, it really is the best overall that I have had, and I always end up going back to it after trying something new...you think I would learn, but...twoclones said:
techmike, Dloy - S&W, Nemesis, Benchmade, SA, whats not to like
Sriracha - Welcome to the 642 Club, sorry to hear you are having problems with a new X42 but it happens. 2" right @ 15' consistently from qualified shooters is not acceptable accuracy and is certainly a warranty issue. Is the sight bent, or the barrel overclocked? We have seen a fair amount of new X42's with varying issues and without fail S&W has corrected the problems. Contact S&W and they will take care of you. Please keep us informed of your progress...I am guessing you will get a new barrel at least..
308win
Member
AStone
Member
New York Times headline:
Without a Pastor of His Own,
Obama Turns to FiVe
FiVe, has Barack called you?
Has he seen the light?
Is he seeking advice about airweights?
Does he want to add an X42 to his Blackberry?
Are we going to be rich and famous?
Are you finally going to get a free revolver?
Without a Pastor of His Own,
Obama Turns to FiVe
FiVe, has Barack called you?
Has he seen the light?
Is he seeking advice about airweights?
Does he want to add an X42 to his Blackberry?
Are we going to be rich and famous?
Are you finally going to get a free revolver?
rdrancher
Member
I was a bit worried, but now I realize my fears were for naught...FiVe's in charge!
rd
glassman
Member
thanks JT1
Thanks for that. A good read, especially the part about the laser grips. I was originally a nay sayer and saw them as an unnecessary toy. I saw a set in my gun shop in the 'used gun' case for $150 and knew that was about half price. I went home without them but began to think about it and did some research later that night. What I read made sense, especially about retention and having to shoot from awkward positions. I went back the next day and got them. I sighted them in parallel to the barrel and went through 100 rounds of ammo at varied distances with great results. I still practice using my sights(covering the light with a piece of tape) and switch off to the laser but now see the laser as an invaluable addition.
Thanks for that. A good read, especially the part about the laser grips. I was originally a nay sayer and saw them as an unnecessary toy. I saw a set in my gun shop in the 'used gun' case for $150 and knew that was about half price. I went home without them but began to think about it and did some research later that night. What I read made sense, especially about retention and having to shoot from awkward positions. I went back the next day and got them. I sighted them in parallel to the barrel and went through 100 rounds of ammo at varied distances with great results. I still practice using my sights(covering the light with a piece of tape) and switch off to the laser but now see the laser as an invaluable addition.
txgolfer45
Member
Took my 442 out to the range this afternoon for the first time. It was quite manageable with both .38 special 130 gr target ammo and .38 special 125 gr +P ammo. I was able to keep shots on an 8 inch pie plate out to 10 yds two handed and 4 of 5 shots on pie plate with one hand both left and right handed at about 7 yds. I definitely need more range time. But, it is getting dialed in. I used a Blackhawk Sportster holster on the range. I'll practice from pocket carry next time out. It's a keeper!!
duucfho
Member
Long time lurker here. I recently bought a new 642. Love it! I'd post pics, but I think you all know what it looks like at this point...pretty stock.
Anyway, I recently got the Safariland Comp-1 speedloaders for it, but it doesnt clear the grip very well at all. I know there are the HKS speedloaders, as well as Bianchi speed strips, but I really like the Safariland, and am quite used to the design since i use Safarilands for my other larger revolvers.
Any suggestions on grips that work well with the speedloader? I've read that Uncle Mike's has a grip that works, but I don't see it on their site currently.
Also, any clearance problems with speedloaders and Crimson Trace grips? Those are on my shopping list eventually, too.
Thanks
Anyway, I recently got the Safariland Comp-1 speedloaders for it, but it doesnt clear the grip very well at all. I know there are the HKS speedloaders, as well as Bianchi speed strips, but I really like the Safariland, and am quite used to the design since i use Safarilands for my other larger revolvers.
Any suggestions on grips that work well with the speedloader? I've read that Uncle Mike's has a grip that works, but I don't see it on their site currently.
Also, any clearance problems with speedloaders and Crimson Trace grips? Those are on my shopping list eventually, too.
Thanks
wjh2657
Member
It is my understanding that Uncle Mike's is out of the grip business. Anybody know different for sure?
BADUNAME37
Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 4,434
Your 642 didn't come stock with an Uncle Mikes rubber grip (left & right panels)?
Mine did, and my HKS #36 Speedloader clears the grip just fine.
Mine did, and my HKS #36 Speedloader clears the grip just fine.
- Status
