642 Club Part Deux
- Thread starter fiVe
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Oh...pretty! 
I get my 442 on the 18th!
Now I just have to find some ammo for it.
Speaking of ammo any of you try magtech in your x42s?
This looks good. Its the +P stuff they make non +P also.
http://www.magtechammunition.com/si...tails&templateId=14&pageId=103&search=details
I'm not sure why they call this sport shooting ammo...
Under uses it says " Suggested Use: Target & Match, Range, Plinking "
We need a SJHP going almost 900 FPS for the range? Well Okay.
I get my 442 on the 18th! Now I just have to find some ammo for it.
Speaking of ammo any of you try magtech in your x42s?
This looks good. Its the +P stuff they make non +P also.
http://www.magtechammunition.com/si...tails&templateId=14&pageId=103&search=details
I'm not sure why they call this sport shooting ammo...
Under uses it says " Suggested Use: Target & Match, Range, Plinking "
We need a SJHP going almost 900 FPS for the range? Well Okay.
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DAdams
Member
Diggers, the MagTech will run in your 642-2 make sure your X42 is rated for Plus P if you are going to shoot the plus P version. For "plinking" you may want to run the standard non plus P round, a bit easier on the hand.
Range and plinking vs. personal defense is probably the differentiation. The SJHP is not going to expand, but at 158 gr in Plus P I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a carry load if necessary but I would prefer something with some expansion capability.
If you look at Brassfetchers test with a snub, and 135 gr SGDFSB plus P the gelatin tests showed about 10 inch penetration with slightly over .5 inch in the path.
Range and plinking vs. personal defense is probably the differentiation. The SJHP is not going to expand, but at 158 gr in Plus P I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a carry load if necessary but I would prefer something with some expansion capability.
If you look at Brassfetchers test with a snub, and 135 gr SGDFSB plus P the gelatin tests showed about 10 inch penetration with slightly over .5 inch in the path.
Orange-Crush
Member
642/442 training gun
FYI, lapolicegear is having a closeout sale on blackwater training guns - available in both high-viz 'safety' orange and grey. Not only are they great for training aids (I use them for training staff on prisoner searches, etc as well as retention, etc) but I also found them to be excellent to keep the shape of my various leather holsters for my 642; being all plastic, you can leave them in without any fear of moisture, etc. Only $24! and they happen to be running a 15% off sale right now.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/bldegun.html
Just thought I'd pass it along! (No, I'm not affiliated with them at all, just a happy customer who bought from them recently).
FYI, lapolicegear is having a closeout sale on blackwater training guns - available in both high-viz 'safety' orange and grey. Not only are they great for training aids (I use them for training staff on prisoner searches, etc as well as retention, etc) but I also found them to be excellent to keep the shape of my various leather holsters for my 642; being all plastic, you can leave them in without any fear of moisture, etc. Only $24! and they happen to be running a 15% off sale right now.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/bldegun.html
Just thought I'd pass it along! (No, I'm not affiliated with them at all, just a happy customer who bought from them recently).
DAdams, yeah I saw brassfetcher test on a similar bullet by remington, and yeah probably won't expand.
Though penetration seems more important to me with a snub .38 I too would like both if I can get it. Alot of the ammo that does expand often seems to reach around 9 or 10 inches. I guess thats not that bad but I would like a little better.
Remingtons 158 grain lead HP +P is probably the best out there it seems, expands and has pretty good penetration.
Plus 50% again the price of magtech at 32 bucks a box, but hey I guess thats the way it goes.
I'll just find some cheap practice ammo that has the same felt recoil I guess.
BTW I've heard some people say this remington ammo will lead the barrel. Will it in a x42? I thought leading happened at a higher FPS then is produced in snubs.
Any one have info on that?
Though penetration seems more important to me with a snub .38 I too would like both if I can get it. Alot of the ammo that does expand often seems to reach around 9 or 10 inches. I guess thats not that bad but I would like a little better.
Remingtons 158 grain lead HP +P is probably the best out there it seems, expands and has pretty good penetration.
Plus 50% again the price of magtech at 32 bucks a box, but hey I guess thats the way it goes.
I'll just find some cheap practice ammo that has the same felt recoil I guess.
BTW I've heard some people say this remington ammo will lead the barrel. Will it in a x42? I thought leading happened at a higher FPS then is produced in snubs.
Any one have info on that?
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CombatArmsUSAF
Member
Just put a 642 on layaway today so go ahead and sign me up as a member of the club.
Quick Question: Is it reasonable to assume that any 642 with a lock can safely shoot +P ammo??
Quick Question: Is it reasonable to assume that any 642 with a lock can safely shoot +P ammo??
308win
Member
Depends on the date of mfg. If a new model yes; older models, no. Reality is that any model should handle +p but if the gun isn't rated for +p I wouldn't shoot a steady diet of them. A few rounds occasionally isn't going to cause any problems. You could always be unlucky enough to get a model not rated for +p with a weakness in the cylinder metal and ruin your day; on the other hand, you could have the same experience with a +p rated model.
CombatArmsUSAF
Member
Couple more questions:
First off where can I get the Uncle Mike's boot grips? The pair that's on the 642 I put on layaway are pretty beat up.
Second, I am wondering what you all do to your front sight blade, do you guys leave it plain, paint it, drill it and insert night sights? or what???
First off where can I get the Uncle Mike's boot grips? The pair that's on the 642 I put on layaway are pretty beat up.
Second, I am wondering what you all do to your front sight blade, do you guys leave it plain, paint it, drill it and insert night sights? or what???
thesecond
Member
just enough to 'pop' against the background, I guess, is the short answer. For some it's less than half of the serrations, for others even less. Choose your color (fingernail polish, luminescent modeling paint). sm related that some have installed a gold bead for contrast. If you paint, you can always remove it. trial and error.
There are 442/642's (early models, early 1990's?) that are not +P rated. But I'm fairly certain the lock models (post 2000) are all +P rated. You'll have to check the side of the barrel to see if it's designated for +P. I'd just give the shop a call and have 'em read it to you.
There are 442/642's (early models, early 1990's?) that are not +P rated. But I'm fairly certain the lock models (post 2000) are all +P rated. You'll have to check the side of the barrel to see if it's designated for +P. I'd just give the shop a call and have 'em read it to you.
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Chester32141
Member
I have Hogue combat grips on my Model 37 ... would they fit on my new 642 ?
Chester
Chester
indiandave
Member
I don't think they make Uncle Mike's grips any more. The S&W website has grips that are similar but not exactly the same.
Orange nail polish works for me on the front sight.
Orange nail polish works for me on the front sight.
thesecond
Member
Chester: If the model 37's a round butt.
Chester32141
Member
It is a round butt ...
Chester
Chester
Range Report - My First 642 Shoot
OK, I've been sitting on this snubbie for weeks, waiting to get out and shoot it. This is the first time I've ever shot a revolver. Actually, I've only pulled the trigger on any gun maybe 50 times in my life, until yesterday.
The data:
- S&W 642-2 with factory rubber grips
- WWB 130gr FMJ
- Hornady Critical Defense (non +p).
- Off-hand, except for the very last pic. (If there aren't 5 holes on the paper, then I missed
Here are the target pics:
15' WWB, slow fire:
http://tinyurl.com/p2w4av
http://tinyurl.com/qs63ds
15' WWB, rapid fire:
http://tinyurl.com/qsmhya
http://tinyurl.com/opxr5n
15' Critical Defense, slow fire:
http://tinyurl.com/ohm97p
30' WWB, slow fire:
http://tinyurl.com/pmnd3z
http://tinyurl.com/o56uta
This last one is WWB, at about 75', resting on a rock. I tried twice just to hit the paper. I hit it the second time (see where the bullets are pointing):
http://tinyurl.com/o553nc
The big question mark, and concern, in my mind while waiting to get this out and actually shoot it, has been the recoil. How bad was it going to be? Was I going to wish I'd never bought this thing? I'd read so much about others' opinions, so there were reports ranging from "I sold it the next day" to "what recoil?". I'm happy to say, I fall squarely in the "What recoil?" camp. OK, I have almost no experience shooting. So maybe I don't know how nice it could be. But, I could have shot this thing all day! Seriously. I started out with gloves on. After 2 cylinders, I took them off and kept going.
Even when I moved on to shoot the carry ammo - I thought, OK, this is going to be the big kicker here. But it felt exactly the same as the FMJ. So cool. I think I'll pick up some +p Critical Defense, if this is going to be the case.
The rapid fire went better than I thought also. At 15 feet, hitting 4 or 5 of the shots onto the 8.5 x 11 inch paper made me feel good, knowing I'll surely get much better with practice.
If (when) I get out and see major improvements, I'll post another range report.
Tommy610
NRA Member
OK, I've been sitting on this snubbie for weeks, waiting to get out and shoot it. This is the first time I've ever shot a revolver. Actually, I've only pulled the trigger on any gun maybe 50 times in my life, until yesterday.
The data:
- S&W 642-2 with factory rubber grips
- WWB 130gr FMJ
- Hornady Critical Defense (non +p).
- Off-hand, except for the very last pic. (If there aren't 5 holes on the paper, then I missed
Here are the target pics:
15' WWB, slow fire:
http://tinyurl.com/p2w4av
http://tinyurl.com/qs63ds
15' WWB, rapid fire:
http://tinyurl.com/qsmhya
http://tinyurl.com/opxr5n
15' Critical Defense, slow fire:
http://tinyurl.com/ohm97p
30' WWB, slow fire:
http://tinyurl.com/pmnd3z
http://tinyurl.com/o56uta
This last one is WWB, at about 75', resting on a rock. I tried twice just to hit the paper. I hit it the second time (see where the bullets are pointing):
http://tinyurl.com/o553nc
The big question mark, and concern, in my mind while waiting to get this out and actually shoot it, has been the recoil. How bad was it going to be? Was I going to wish I'd never bought this thing? I'd read so much about others' opinions, so there were reports ranging from "I sold it the next day" to "what recoil?". I'm happy to say, I fall squarely in the "What recoil?" camp. OK, I have almost no experience shooting. So maybe I don't know how nice it could be. But, I could have shot this thing all day! Seriously. I started out with gloves on. After 2 cylinders, I took them off and kept going.
Even when I moved on to shoot the carry ammo - I thought, OK, this is going to be the big kicker here. But it felt exactly the same as the FMJ. So cool. I think I'll pick up some +p Critical Defense, if this is going to be the case.
The rapid fire went better than I thought also. At 15 feet, hitting 4 or 5 of the shots onto the 8.5 x 11 inch paper made me feel good, knowing I'll surely get much better with practice.
If (when) I get out and see major improvements, I'll post another range report.
Tommy610
NRA Member
thesecond
Member
Tommy610: Thanks for posting results. Dry-fire (buy a set of snap caps, e.g., A-zoom or triple K) practice in-between range sessions, and you'll see marked improvement each time you go to the range. That's the 'special' advantage of the revolver platform, building finger strength and trigger-pull consistency, without having to spend hours upon hours there. Of course, minus the recoil, but it's not a prob for you, or the rest, here, so that's good.
ReadyRob
Member
I'm going to paint a bright dot on my front sight, do you prepare the metal in any way, like light sanding or use a solvent so the paint will adhere better?
I would not sand! You will damage the finish. Just be sure the surface is clean and apply your paint. On mine I wiped the ramp with lacquer thinner. Then I outlined the sides of the ramped site with 3M pinstriping tape, masked and covered the rest of the gun, and sprayed the exposed area with several coats of flourescent Safety Orange.
Hi, Im new here, and wow, you've answered many of my questions already.
Been wanting to buy a lightweight snub-nosed revolver, and after some research, narrowed it down to the S&W 642.
Will read more here, as I think all my questions have been addressed.
Thanx!
Been wanting to buy a lightweight snub-nosed revolver, and after some research, narrowed it down to the S&W 642.
Will read more here, as I think all my questions have been addressed.
Thanx!
ReadyRob
Member
Hi sierraman
I don't have the original packaging, but it seems to me that the HKS part number was/is 10A for S&W 642 5 shot. Is there something special about the HKS 36A?
I don't have the original packaging, but it seems to me that the HKS part number was/is 10A for S&W 642 5 shot. Is there something special about the HKS 36A?
indiandave
Member
I use the HKS 36's with my J frames. You have to practice a little to get the knack. You can reload pretty fast with a little practice.
The HKS 10 is for the K frames. I have one on my belt in a Simply Rugged case along with my trusty model 12.
The HKS 10 is for the K frames. I have one on my belt in a Simply Rugged case along with my trusty model 12.
wjh2657
Member
I prefer the Bianchi Speed Strips. I pocket carry and concealment is the big priority, speed strips disappear in the left pocket a lot easier than Speed Loader.
fireman69
Member
Add me to the 642 club
Please add me the 642 club. I bought my 642-2 for the role as a BUG/pocket gun. It won't be my primary ccw, that is reserved to my Glock 23 or Glock 30. As a secondary ccw I feel it will be a perfect fit.
Brian
Please add me the 642 club. I bought my 642-2 for the role as a BUG/pocket gun. It won't be my primary ccw, that is reserved to my Glock 23 or Glock 30. As a secondary ccw I feel it will be a perfect fit.
Brian
wjh2657
Member
Systems approach to CCW
Being a retired Marine, I am used to the “system” approach to any equipment I or others may have to operate. Simply stated, the training equipment should be as close to the real equipment as possible. Also, if multiple platforms are needed for delivery, they should be designed to be as close to the same as possible for ease and familiarity of operation.
When I decided to carry concealed I found that I did indeed need two platforms to match my attire. I needed in the pocket carry with a lightweight weapon for hot weather and belt carry OWB for colder weather, utilizing a somewhat more powerful delivery system to overcome the possibility of the target wearing multiple layers of clothing also.
I decided on the S&W Centennial J-Frame as the basis of my system.
For carry, I deploy a 640 (.357 Magnum in SS) for colder weather and a 642 (.38 Spcl +P) in the warmer weather. I actually carry .38 Spcl +P in the 640 and .38 Spcl SP in the 642. In case of extreme circumstances the .357 Magnum in the 640 would be a viable option for upgrade of response.
My training system includes a S&W 317 in .22 CB for frequent shooting in my indoor garage range (bullet Trap and backdrop) and in .22LR outside in woods. I utilize a Blackhawk demonstrator (plastic copy) S&W Centennial as a trainer in practicing weapon retention with my #2 son who is a martial artist. I also use the trainer to practice draws from different attire and positions.
Every two weeks I fire the seasonal carry weapon at indoor range with practice ammo that has characteristics matched to my carry ammo.
Thus my delivery system and training systems are in synch and allow for a full spectrum of training.
Just off the top of my head, I believe that the 1911 and Glock systems would lend well to this approach. Others probably would too, but I know for sure that those two have .22LR adapters and plastic trainer guns made for them.
http://photos3.pix.ie/93/14/9314CC5E787D4E96BE2418A10DB75030.jpg
Being a retired Marine, I am used to the “system” approach to any equipment I or others may have to operate. Simply stated, the training equipment should be as close to the real equipment as possible. Also, if multiple platforms are needed for delivery, they should be designed to be as close to the same as possible for ease and familiarity of operation.
When I decided to carry concealed I found that I did indeed need two platforms to match my attire. I needed in the pocket carry with a lightweight weapon for hot weather and belt carry OWB for colder weather, utilizing a somewhat more powerful delivery system to overcome the possibility of the target wearing multiple layers of clothing also.
I decided on the S&W Centennial J-Frame as the basis of my system.
For carry, I deploy a 640 (.357 Magnum in SS) for colder weather and a 642 (.38 Spcl +P) in the warmer weather. I actually carry .38 Spcl +P in the 640 and .38 Spcl SP in the 642. In case of extreme circumstances the .357 Magnum in the 640 would be a viable option for upgrade of response.
My training system includes a S&W 317 in .22 CB for frequent shooting in my indoor garage range (bullet Trap and backdrop) and in .22LR outside in woods. I utilize a Blackhawk demonstrator (plastic copy) S&W Centennial as a trainer in practicing weapon retention with my #2 son who is a martial artist. I also use the trainer to practice draws from different attire and positions.
Every two weeks I fire the seasonal carry weapon at indoor range with practice ammo that has characteristics matched to my carry ammo.
Thus my delivery system and training systems are in synch and allow for a full spectrum of training.
Just off the top of my head, I believe that the 1911 and Glock systems would lend well to this approach. Others probably would too, but I know for sure that those two have .22LR adapters and plastic trainer guns made for them.
http://photos3.pix.ie/93/14/9314CC5E787D4E96BE2418A10DB75030.jpg
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