Revolver Ocelot
Member
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- Dec 4, 2006
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- 1,470
just wondering, how durable is the finnish on the 442? does it hold up well in humid climates?
642 Club Part Deux
- Thread starter fiVe
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Ammo question
I have here some American Eagle (made by Federal) and some Winchester ammo. Both are FMJ, 38 special. Both 130 grains. As I look at them, the Winchester has a flat nose and the Eagle is more rounded. Just trying to learn here and VERY inexperienced, so be gentle with your answers, but what are the differences that result from this different configuration if any? I do notice that my Winchester says "target/range" on the box and the American Eagle does not.
Lagniappe.
I have here some American Eagle (made by Federal) and some Winchester ammo. Both are FMJ, 38 special. Both 130 grains. As I look at them, the Winchester has a flat nose and the Eagle is more rounded. Just trying to learn here and VERY inexperienced, so be gentle with your answers, but what are the differences that result from this different configuration if any? I do notice that my Winchester says "target/range" on the box and the American Eagle does not.
Lagniappe.
A few range questions
I took my second trip to the range. Was excited to go, but also nervous. First time to just be on my own, no instructor. Shot 45 rounds (duh thought I had shot 50 which was my goal, but just miscounted how many empty holes in the box. Never thought I would lose the ability to count...).
Anyway, I was pleased with the result. I got most of my first 25 rounds in the 6x6 square mostly at a distance of 9 to 11 feet, but any that missed the 6x6 did hit the torso. On my next 20 on a different target, got some in 6x6, most others in torso but 2 completely out of the torso. The main differences between the first 25 and the second 20 were distance and fatigue setting in.
One of the fellas from the range came over and asked how I did when I was finished and I said, well you look at my targets and you tell me. Then I told him what distances I shot from. His assessment was that I was doing very well - especially for a [old] woman with a 38 revolver with a bit of a punch. I liked hearing it, but of course want to get them all in the 6x6!!!!
Here are my questions:
Would I would be better starting out at the furthest (for me now) distance of 15 feet for my first few rounds then move the target in closer as I get more fatigued? Or do I just stay at 9 -12 feet until I always hit the 6x6?
How do you keep track of what your results were at what distance? I find myself thinking maybe I could get a marker or a red pen and before I change distances, bring my target in and mark what I have shot so far. Or should I use separate targets for each distance. I hate to do that because it seems nice to be able to move the target at will.
When you go to the range, do you pretty much just go in, shoot your rounds and then leave? I wondered if it is common to maybe put your empty gun at your counter, go out and have a coke or some water and take a little break or if most people just shoot straight through.
I would love if some folks just wrote a "walkthrough" of what they do at the range and how they keep track of progress, etc....
Thanks for all the support from this group for a complete neophyte. I REALLY love shooting my little 642. But still looking for a little 22 too, but that's another story for another time....
Lagniappe
I took my second trip to the range. Was excited to go, but also nervous. First time to just be on my own, no instructor. Shot 45 rounds (duh thought I had shot 50 which was my goal, but just miscounted how many empty holes in the box. Never thought I would lose the ability to count...).
Anyway, I was pleased with the result. I got most of my first 25 rounds in the 6x6 square mostly at a distance of 9 to 11 feet, but any that missed the 6x6 did hit the torso. On my next 20 on a different target, got some in 6x6, most others in torso but 2 completely out of the torso. The main differences between the first 25 and the second 20 were distance and fatigue setting in.
One of the fellas from the range came over and asked how I did when I was finished and I said, well you look at my targets and you tell me. Then I told him what distances I shot from. His assessment was that I was doing very well - especially for a [old] woman with a 38 revolver with a bit of a punch. I liked hearing it, but of course want to get them all in the 6x6!!!!
Here are my questions:
Would I would be better starting out at the furthest (for me now) distance of 15 feet for my first few rounds then move the target in closer as I get more fatigued? Or do I just stay at 9 -12 feet until I always hit the 6x6?
How do you keep track of what your results were at what distance? I find myself thinking maybe I could get a marker or a red pen and before I change distances, bring my target in and mark what I have shot so far. Or should I use separate targets for each distance. I hate to do that because it seems nice to be able to move the target at will.
When you go to the range, do you pretty much just go in, shoot your rounds and then leave? I wondered if it is common to maybe put your empty gun at your counter, go out and have a coke or some water and take a little break or if most people just shoot straight through.
I would love if some folks just wrote a "walkthrough" of what they do at the range and how they keep track of progress, etc....
Thanks for all the support from this group for a complete neophyte. I REALLY love shooting my little 642. But still looking for a little 22 too, but that's another story for another time....
Lagniappe
Revolver Ocelot
You can't much more humid than Houston/Galveston. The 442 finish will be fine with proper care.
DAdams
Member
Shoot-N-C
Lagniappe-
I like to break for a refreshment, but our ranges are usually so busy and since we pay by the hour, I don't take one. I usually try to shoot with someone else and split the time and the $$. A bit more entertaining razzing each other a bit.
On the targets, go to Wal Mart or any sporting goods store and get Shoot N. See Targets. Like black crayon over a color, so when the round penetrates it is very visible even from a distance. They also come with sticky dots so you can cover the previous rounds.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...40621&cm_ite=0011319221772a&_requestid=116621
They come in various sizes and colors. I'll bring a full body size target or COM size and, put these over
as holes require.
Glad you are enjoying the 642.
Lagniappe-
I like to break for a refreshment, but our ranges are usually so busy and since we pay by the hour, I don't take one. I usually try to shoot with someone else and split the time and the $$. A bit more entertaining razzing each other a bit.
On the targets, go to Wal Mart or any sporting goods store and get Shoot N. See Targets. Like black crayon over a color, so when the round penetrates it is very visible even from a distance. They also come with sticky dots so you can cover the previous rounds.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...40621&cm_ite=0011319221772a&_requestid=116621
They come in various sizes and colors. I'll bring a full body size target or COM size and, put these over
as holes require.
Glad you are enjoying the 642.
Last edited:
308win
Member
lagniappe - One of the best techniques you can use is to practice at home by dry-firing. Concentrate on your front sight and note how much the sight moves as you pull the trigger. Experiment with your trigger technique until you get the least front sight deflection. If you haven't' noticed it yet, the 642 trigger can be staged so that you can reacquire your sight picture. Both of these techniques will produce smaller groups.
A word of caution - don't equate small groups with good defensive shooting. In high stress situations, small muscle motor control goes out the window and small muscle motor control is the biggest factor to achieve small groups. Small groups are a lot of fun and provide instant gratification but without hours of practice to develop techniques that can be carried over to high stress situations small groups shouldn't be the goal you focus on. If you are shooting COM consistently from a variety of positions at different distances you are on your way to developing good defensive shooting techniques.
A word of caution - don't equate small groups with good defensive shooting. In high stress situations, small muscle motor control goes out the window and small muscle motor control is the biggest factor to achieve small groups. Small groups are a lot of fun and provide instant gratification but without hours of practice to develop techniques that can be carried over to high stress situations small groups shouldn't be the goal you focus on. If you are shooting COM consistently from a variety of positions at different distances you are on your way to developing good defensive shooting techniques.
DAdams
Member
308
Well put.
308win said:
+1…This is 100% correct…
Lagniappe – A few more things to consider. While distances of ten to fifteen feet and beyond are reasonable you should also be conducting drills at zero to five feet every time you practice….these contact range engagements are very real world and more often than not are what you can expect when things go bad. It is not likely you will be engaging static targets, and you should be moving as well, seeking cover, creating distance between you and you attacker, or closing to reduce the threat. I am not suggesting you try these techniques at this time, only to make you aware of them. Obviously, engaging in close combat is quite different than bullseye shooting and when we are talking X42’s we are talking close combat most of the time. As I have stated here many times, tight groups are great for paper and basic marksmanship training is vital as basic skills training, but the ability to point shoot and hit center of mass consistently is the skill that will make the real difference. A little spread is a good thing in the real world…more chance of hitting something important. So mix it up as much as you can at the range, get in close, move around if the range allows it, and find someplace else if they don’t. Practice with the laser, but don’t become dependent on it, in some cases it will be the very best thing you can have, in most cases you won’t even be aware of it or the sights and you will revert instantly to instinctive point shooting. After you have mastered the basics and have learned how to run the gun you can get a bit more serious about it, for now relax, have fun and find what works best for you. Keep safe and keep in touch.
devildog66
Member
WOO-HOO! I am now an owner of a 642-2. I have had a M49 for years but wanted a pocket gun that I didn't have to wipe after every time carrying. Not to mention, the 49 has a lot of sentimental value and is much heavier relative to the 642. My current carry load is the Federal defense 110 gr (hydrashok design) or the white box Winchester 125 gr HP. Has anyone else tried the Tuff strips for 5 shot revolvers? Great way to carry a reload or two in a flat pocket friendly way.
Insofar as shoot-n-see targets go, Midway or Brownells had a great sale on some blemished ones and the price was pennies on the dollar. Makes the range funds go even a little further.
Insofar as shoot-n-see targets go, Midway or Brownells had a great sale on some blemished ones and the price was pennies on the dollar. Makes the range funds go even a little further.
DaveB357
Member
642 & OWB leather holsters...lined or unlined
Is the lining advised or does only the fit matter in regards to wear?
Dave
Is the lining advised or does only the fit matter in regards to wear?
Dave
308win
Member
A lined holster will be kinder to the finish and will draw smoother; you may give up some retention.
mastering the basics
jt1, I think you got where I am right now when you said:
I am just learning to do very basic things. Hold the gun, aim, shoot at a target. Not ready to move around yet. But paying close attention to the things you folks are saying about not confusing shooting at targets with the ability to defend self in a real-life situation. But for now, just getting down the basics. I am of the "stand before you walk, walk before you run" school of learning new things.
Thanks for all the knowledge you folks share every day on these forums!
Lagniappe
jt1, I think you got where I am right now when you said:
I am just learning to do very basic things. Hold the gun, aim, shoot at a target. Not ready to move around yet. But paying close attention to the things you folks are saying about not confusing shooting at targets with the ability to defend self in a real-life situation. But for now, just getting down the basics. I am of the "stand before you walk, walk before you run" school of learning new things.
Thanks for all the knowledge you folks share every day on these forums!
Lagniappe
AStone
Member
Good to remind ourselves constantly of that.President JT said:
I don't have a laser, and am probably unlikely to put one on.
However, I continue to think about the idea of (someday) picking up a 317
for point shooting practice (seems a bit short for small game even with a 3" barrel).
But for the moment, I've become distracted by the allure of AR's.
308win
Member
AR's are like Pringles - you can't have just one. I have an Armalite M4gery that is the weapon I would grab if I could only take one.
DAdams
Member
Lever action AR in 45/70.
AStone
Member
Aw, now, who's leg you pullin'? That ain't no AR.Lever action AR in 45/70.
I may wind up w/ a .45/70 eventually, but for now,
I'm looking at .223/5.56, and it ain't gonna be a lever gun.
I still think my x42 will match it nicely, although even more now,
I've either got to switch to 442 or get this one coated:
gonna have to have an EBR' (*) to match my EBR.
(*) EBR' = Evil Black Revolver
In regards to holster lining click on the link below and scroll down and read what MR. Leahy from Simply Rugged has to say about linings.
http://www.simplyrugged.com/leather_goods/index.html
http://www.simplyrugged.com/leather_goods/index.html
devildog66, DaveB357, 336A - Welcome to the 642 Club...If you get a lined holster you want one lined with top grain leather, just like the outside..suede or other open grained unsealed products will collect dirt and grit and act like sandpaper after awhile, just as Rob says...308win is correct about smoothness, the one fully lined crossdraw I have is the smoothest holster I have ever had...(hey 308, I haven't forgotten you...be patient)
EBR²/EBSG
Nem - When you get your AR you'll need this to go with it...
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cmmg-ar-15-m16-22-conversion-kit.aspx?a=556300
EBR²/EBSG
Nem - When you get your AR you'll need this to go with it...
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cmmg-ar-15-m16-22-conversion-kit.aspx?a=556300
DaveB357
Member
What a great day...
What a great day...got welcomed to the infamous 642 CLUB & later checked the mail...got my Utah permit a few weeks sooner than I had expected! 71 days instead of 90. Going out legal for the first time today @ the Wooden Boat Show...& IT"S A BEAUTIFUL DAY (Can you tell I'm STOKED!). Pocket carry in cargo shorts.
Dave
What a great day...got welcomed to the infamous 642 CLUB & later checked the mail...got my Utah permit a few weeks sooner than I had expected! 71 days instead of 90. Going out legal for the first time today @ the Wooden Boat Show...& IT"S A BEAUTIFUL DAY (Can you tell I'm STOKED!). Pocket carry in cargo shorts.
Dave
DAdams
Member
DaveB357
Welcome...some days are just like that. Makes up for the ones where nothing goes right...the Karmic Balance. Enjoy.
Which Wooden Boat Show in Idaho? That too must be quite an event.
Welcome...some days are just like that. Makes up for the ones where nothing goes right...the Karmic Balance.
Enjoy.Which Wooden Boat Show in Idaho? That too must be quite an event.
308win
Member
Boats built of wood - what a concept. My dad had a SpeedLiner that he got off the show floor of the St. Louis Boat Show in 1953 I believe it was. Had a 40hp Mercury Quicksilver four cylinder (1952 model I believe it was) with tuned dry stacks; the Mercs were hard to get as I believe they were used to power the pressurization systems on B29's or something like that. He sold it and didn't think to ask me if I wanted it; he never said what he got for it but somebody got a deal because it was like new.
DaveB357
Member
Twice per year on Lake Coeur d'Alene...@the Coeur d'Alene Resort's Boardwalk Marina (worlds longest floating boardwalk). We keep our cruiser there, it's quite a treat & only 10 minutes from my house.Welcome...some days are just like that. Makes up for the ones where nothing goes right...the Karmic Balance.
Which Wooden Boat Show in Idaho? That too must be quite an event.
DAdams
Member
Beatiful place. We lived in Boise for awhile and then Parma, ID for four years.
Almost made Sandpoint home.
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