642 Club Part Deux

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Anybody try Ed's Red for cleaning the 642?

I use it on all my other guns, swab everything down and let it soak for a half hour or so before scrubbing. I'm careful not to let it get on stock finishes because of the acetone. I'm just not sure how it would react with the aluminum finish.

To be on the safe side I used Break Free with a mineral spirit rinse while I had the piece completely apart (didn't have the guts to rinse with brake cleaner either) followed by a light coat of BF on all internals and lubed with TriFlow.

Hoppy
 
The Oneandonlyhoppy: I did the same thing last saturday and again today. Put about 300 rounds through my 642 with Laser Grip. I've got to do something to get my backstrap padded a bit and perhaps widened. I also need to get shooting gloves.

I wish I'd photographed my right hand last week. it was black as pitch and I had a hole rubbed into my thumb right above the webbing tween my thumb and forefinger.

The gun was a blast to shoot last week, but it really hurt this week. It was still very accurate to be so short-barreled. After 2 boxes of ammo, I grabbed the Ruger LCP and 'tried' to shoot it. It just plain hurt. If I hadn't had my Glock 22 out there, i've have had to stop. Thank God for Ibuprofen.

Any semi permanent grip solutions for the Laser Grips?
 
What is a good SD ammo for the 642?

I bought a 642 last week and am shopping around for a good SD ammo for it.
I'm considering Federal's 125 gr Nyclad, but the ballistic data is a little weak compared to other stuff out there.

Has anyone tested this ammo?
Is it a good choice for the short barrel gun like the 642?

Thanks,
Bill
 
Federal 125 grain

I've gathered from reading that +p ammo is not really much of an improvement over standard 38 special when shot from a revolver such as the 642. The recommended self defense ammo is a good semi-wadcutter standard pressure round. I shot some of that today and it hits like a brick. That is not my opinion but it seems highly reasoned.

Shoot several types of ammo and make sure that it's accurate - that's number 1. If you can shoot iron targets and get a feel for the impact - thats number 2. Either that or you can purchase your own pork shoulder and see for yourself what kind of damage the bullet does. I've always thought that several bound together water-soaked phone books were a good test of penetration. They are fun to shoot nonetheless.

The main thing you want in a 38 special round from a snub-nose type pistol is accuracy.

Enjoy your revolver! I'm certainly enjoying mine other than my bruised hand. My particular gun is very accurate, even when compared to my Glocks 22 and 26 (though they are not known as competition quality).
 
Thank You Nematocyto for the welcome.
I know how to clean a barrel and cyl. What I'd really like to know is what not to get on the Frame
during cleaning! Clear Coat!!!!
Hope this thing shoots as good as the old 442, and not like the 640 I had that shot about a foot to the right at 21 ft.no matter what ammo or who tried it (two range masters and three LE's. BTW I have a mod. 19, 2 629's, 2 BHP's, P-13 and Colt 1911. I'm not new to guns, only this forum. Oh and by BTW, Viet Nam, 67/69.
As Steve Camp says;
Best
PS: To Steve Camp are you the person that Jim Wilson refered to in the July 1997 Shooting Times magazine page 42 Guns "I Should Have Kept"???
 
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New Member

Hello I am new here. My wife and I both have 442s and Texas CHLs being processed. I also have a SA-XD9 service model. We got the 442s for CCW and are loaded with Gold Dot 135+p (short barrel). SimplyRugged IWB/OWB and Mika Pocket. I have also ordered the classic Remington FBI load.

I really want to know how to do more than cleaning. So where do I get the proper tools and instructions? For instance a prior message mentioned left-hand tightening the ejector rod screw to help cylinder open smooth. Mine needs that but without "help-info" I would not know this fix.

Any info is a great help.
 
I just took my Kentucky CCW class (20/20 in the 5" Black) with my new 642 Ct.
By the way, our instructor gave me some 38 special reloads of his to qualify, and I have to say the were like throwing marshmallows compared to the +p I have been using. I told him I thought they were so soft one bounced off the target lol.
Then I shot 5 of my Corbon carry ammo and missed the target twice.
O well.
 
So I saw a picture of a grip for the 642 that looked like it had a built in clip of sorts allowing the gun to clip freely to your belt inside your waist band.

Anyone know what grip this is and provide a link of where to find one? Interested in seeing what they are like.
 
armedgeek: Definitely not an expert here, but, for revolver tools and parts, Brownells. The shop has everything you need, from springs and pins to larger parts, complete tool sets (specific to Smith and Wesson revolvers) and individual tools.

Also, Jerry Kuhnhausen's book, The S & W Revolver: A Shop Manual.
 
SWG, theoneandonlyhoppy, Mr. Bill, armedgeek, - Welcome to the 642 Club...Glad to have you here...

So I saw a picture of a grip for the 642...
Click to expand...

Rawb77- There are a few along these lines, the most popular are the Barami Hip Grip and the Clip Draw. IMO they both have very limited application due to not providing any trigger protection at all and seem unsuitable for general carry. They should be very fast and provide good concealment in those situations that might require it, but there is the safety issue.

Barami Hip Grip

Clip Draw

An Observation - The 642 Club contains probably the most complete body of information about the X42's and snubs in general available on the net...some folks have been here forever and are familiar with all the data available in the original, Part Deux, and .US, others are new arrivals and are just getting up to speed. I have noticed lately some very basic questions being asked, and this is not a problem, that is part of the reason we are here, but I sense that the general membership has evolved a great deal from the level we were at a year or two ago and some of the basic inquires are not receiving the same amount of detail they once might have...this is probably to be expected and as we have seen the activity varies as we progress. I don't know were we are heading, but I have a feeling we will be around, in some form, for a long, long time...

I would recommend to the new members, and the veteran ones as well, to utilize the extensive database that has been compiled here. You will get faster answers to your questions, and answers you didn't think to ask as well.

Please do not take this as meaning we don't want questions...quite the contrary, ask away and answer what you can...but rather as another way to use the knowledge that is available to you here.

For those that have not seen it, when you are logged in you can goto the top of the page and click "search this thread" and your search will be confined to the current thread you have opened.

This is a great thread with great members, I'm happy to be here and I look forward to the future of the 642 Club...Thanks fiVe...
 
What is a good SD ammo for the 642?
Click to expand...

This is what I carry: 135 grain +P Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel

This hollowpoint was specifically designed to be shot out of a 2" barrel and provide uniform and reliable expansion. The part number you are looking for when ordering this stuff is 23921 for a 20 round box or 53921 for a 50 round box.

You can also do a search for the FBI load, I know alot of people carry that also. I just prefer a load that was built around a snub nose revolver.
 
Plus P Rated Snubs

Feeding of Your X42. Here are some good quality (albeit pricey) suggestions for personal defense ammunition.
It has been suggested, and I concur, you run 5-10 rounds from each box and assuming good performance and consistency keep the rest to charge the mule for carry.

SGDFSB 135 gr +P. Speer Gold Dot for Short Barrel.

http://www.speer-ammo.com/products/short_brl.aspx

Here is a link to the Speer website, describing said round.
It will work well until you find something that suits your needs better.

You may also wish to consider...

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

Buffalo Bore

or COR BON DPX. I have not tried the Brand Labeled "Thunder Ranch" but I have run the 110 gr before and have a couple boxes around.

https://www.dakotaammo.net/shop/product_info.php?cPath=163&products_id=357

I think at one point I qualified two boxes of Remington Golden Saber 125 gr .38 spl way back when, since there are two boxes half spent in the larder.

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/handgun/golden_saber_HPJ.asp

I would try a box of each and see what you like best.

P4280043-1.jpg

P4130004.jpg
 
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One

of you mentioned Ammo to Go had some "FBI Load" in stock albeit it a bit pricey. I thought I would check it out. Sometimes these days, it comes in and goes out before you get to the website. That wasn't the case with these two rounds. They have some COR BON Thunder Ranch 110 gr Plus P, but at $29.95 for 20 it was too boutique for me (overpriced).

I look at ammuntion like investment funds, dollar cost average, and in that I haven't purchased any in awhile, I thought it was time to raise the cost per round average a bit in the ole larder :rolleyes:; particularly since I haven't seen these two around in awhile.

fedhydrashokonbox.jpg

50rds - 38 Special Federal LE Tactical Hydra-Shok 147gr. +P+ HP
[P38HS2G] $34.95

This is 38 Special Federal LE Tactical Hydra-Shok 147gr. +P+ Hollow Point Ammo. The Hydra-Shok Hollow Point remains the most popular choice for accuracy and overall ballistic performance. Its notched copper jacket controls penetration and a unique center-post hollow point design provides controlled expansion and efficient energy transfer for incredible performance. This ammo is packed in 50rd. Law Enforcement boxes, 1000rds. per case.

This one is NOT going in the X42 due to the +P+ rating.
But it is going to be qualified for the J Frame Centennial M&P 340, rated for
.357.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

This is suitable for the X42.

federal38G2.jpg
50rds - 38 Special Federal LE 158gr. +P Semi-Wadcutter HP Ammo
$24.95

This is 38 Special Federal Law Enforcement Classic 158gr. +P Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Ammo (aka FBI load). The Classic line of ammunition has served law enforcement officers for generations. It has proven itself as a consistent, dependable performer at a reasonable price. The Hi-Shok bullets hit hard and expand reliably for effective energy transfer. Typically this ammo is only available to law enforcement and military agencies through Federal, that is a Federal rule, not a law. We got this ammo, because we ordered it for a police department and they cancelled the order, so we can now sell it to anyone. This ammo is extremely hard for us to get and we have limited supplies. This ammo is packed in 50rd. law enforcement boxes.

Both of these may be relegated to the S&W 3 inch 686 .357 if they don't behave in the 2 inch barrels. The 686 likes anything in .38 spl.

You may wish to read this excellent article.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm
 
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50rds - 38 Special Federal LE 158gr. +P Semi-Wadcutter HP Ammo
$24.95


I'm new to ordering ammo on line
Where is the web site to purchase this ammo.
 
ammo to go

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/ here is the exact page...

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/catalog1/index.php/cName/38-special-hollow-point-ammo

I have ordered ammunition from these guys three times now with no problems and good service. It has taken up to just under two weeks for orders to arrive but I just received notice via email today that they are processing my order. I suspect 7-9 days may be the case on current orders.

I have never tried the

50rds - 38 Special Federal LE 158gr. +P Semi-Wadcutter HP Ammo
$24.95

Hence I cannot vouch for its performance or applicability of service. Worst case...expensive range ammo.

Here is Brassfetcher's test using a 642 and five rounds of said ammunition with the same weight but not Plus P. Heavy clothing.

http://www.brassfetcher.com/index_files/Page2291.htm

15.5 inches penetration, .05 path, very little weight loss. 900 fps impact approx.

Here is the link for the SGDFSB 135 gr +P test, in general about 10 inch penetration, slightly larger diameter "wound path".

http://www.brassfetcher.com/index_files/Page2291.htm

My apologies to jt1 for the redundancy of information. ;) I think we beat this up pretty good a couple of years ago and other than the reintroduction of the Nyclad, not much has changed all in all.

Nem, where's that survey?
 
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(Dual post) I drank the Kool-aide. (I'm a big fan of S&W J frames and have two 642s and a 442 among others.)

A dealer who I visit frequently got a Ruger LCR in recently. I looked/fondled it several times and was somewhat attracted to it. I was a littlle surprised that it didn't sell quickly as I thought it was priced fairly. The same dealer was at a gunshow this weekend and he had a second LCR. He offered me another $20 off the LCR as a frequent customer reward.

I decided to take the bait and bought it. I've shot about 150 rounds through it, some of it +P. So far I like it. Compared to the 642, it's a little larger but 1.8 oz lighter. The trigger pull is definitely smoother. The Hogue tamer grips are a little bulkier than the UM boot grips I have on the 642. Felt recoil on the LCR is definitely less on the LCR. I plan to shoot the LCR alot more and carry it in my Mika pocket holster.

I think some of my attraction to the LCR is that it's new and different in a pleasant way. I'll have to see if the attraction holds. Hopefully there won't be any recall issues with this one. (I've been throught the LCP recall and I have to say that Ruger handled that well.)
 
Chuck Hawks

Is a good read, from some guys with a great deal of real world experience.

Take a look at Brassfetchers results non plus P, through heavy clothing vs plus P out of a 642. Penetration is better with Plus P there is no doubt, but if you can't control your revolver with plus P or can't or won't tolerate practice with plus P I would stick with something like BB standard pressure. Again, shot placement is King and penetration is right up there next.
 
Nem, where's that survey?
Click to expand...

Nem the Great's Ammo poll ...from the original 642 Club...199 posts and 732 votes...where is that Nem anyway...:scrutiny:

You may wish to read this excellent article...My apologies to jt1 for the redundancy of information
Click to expand...

DA - That is a good article...I'll be reading it a few more times before I comment...BTW, great posts on the ammo issue...apologies :confused: not required, just trying to help the new folks and get the vets involved a bit more :cool:

As for me, I'm still using buff bore for carry and whatever I can get for practice. I have kind of settled on the 20C Standard Pressure load and that is generally my carry and reload in both guns. On occasion I will go with the 20A+P when I get the feeling, but mostly the 20C. I will always go with the 158gr over the lighter bullets but that's just me and I know that some of the newer short barrel loadings are at least as effective, and I would not feel sorry for myself if that is what I had but given the choice I will go with the proven 158gr LSWCHP...

P6290002-2.jpg

For those still looking for a carry round I would say the FBI in standard or +P or the Gold Dot Short Barrel are the two rounds you can choose and be confident with while you continue to search for your own pick..

Personally, I would not care to be on the non-primer end of any of them :eek::eek:

ranger7 - (Dual) We will need to be seeing some photos of that LCR and your X42's together to see how they are getting along...:neener:
 
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Ammuntion Continued

In case you are interested in Federal Nyclad 125 gr.
a box of 50 is about $38 plus shipping. It appears to be in stock.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM361-5.html

Nem the Great's Ammo poll ...from the original 642 Club...199 posts and 732 votes...where is that Nem anyway...
Click to expand...

I did a BTT on the thread to see if there were any additions since it started in :what: 2007!!
Seems that SGDFSB is still at the top. Although any of the top 3-4 would work. Good commercial ammunition today is very high quality. Heck I wouldn't have a problem loading up 5 rounds of WWB or UMC ball and hitting the street.

DA - That is a good article...I'll be reading it a few more times before I comment...BTW, great posts on the ammo issue...apologies not required, just trying to help the new folks and get the vets involved a bit more
Click to expand...

apologies not required, just trying to help the new folks and get the vets involved a bit more
Click to expand...
I was feeling magnanimous about delving into the ammunition issue AGAIN. My thinking has evolved a bit over the past few years, as has my reading and stored resources.
When you put things in a time line perspective nothing in ammunition has changed over the prior few years. Low flash powder, maybe some better metallurgy through technology.

Although we would hope recent visitors would use the "search function" human nature requires up to the minute instant gratification. Heck I even tried to use the search function last night and it was hosed for some reason. I had to Google up a thread I was seeking and it actually worked.

Chuck Hawks by Anonymous.
I don't quite know what to make of that article. No plus P, and I think that is the article that blasts 9mm 147 grain.
 
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