642 vs. SP101 or ??

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R.H. Lee

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For some unknown reason, I'm jonesing for a small pocket revolver. I've already got a blue Taurus 85, which is great except for the hammer horn. The local gunshop has a Smith 642 for $410, which I think is kinda high, but I like the hammerless idea. The SP101 looks real good, and may stand up to more practice shooting than the 642, but it's not hammerless. I also like the idea of a 3" bbl. So, I'm in a quandary of indecision and would appreciate any input. Thanks. :)
 
You get an SP101 3 inch, you'd better be sure that you have two things: DEEEEEEEP pockets and a good belt or suspenders. If you like the 642, you might consider getting that and a 640 so you could shoot the heck out of one and sparingly shoot the 642. Not that I don't think the 642 can take alot of shooting, I know for a fact that my hand cannot take alot of shooting with the 642. Look at the Taurus 650 (available in both steel and titanium). I got my stainless 650 for $290 new. The SP101 is nice, but I wouldn't try to pocket it (I have one and it is a 3 inch). BTW my 642 cost me $330 new and this wasn't the lowest price I could find but was with in $10-15 of it.
 
M649

RileyMc


Have you looked at the Model 649? It is a stainless steel shrouded J frame that is just about 8 ounces heavier than the 642 but shoots very nicely.

Gary
 
There is a SP101 2" shrouded hammer you may be interested in...
Click to expand...

That's simply a bobbed hammer. It will prevent a snag as you draw the gun. A Taurus 651 or S&W Bodyguard has a hammer that is protected through the course of it's travel to keep fabric and any other crap you have in your pocket from fouling the shot. There is till the opportunity for something to insert itself between the frame and the hammer from the top. That's why the fully enclosed Centennials (S&W) and 650/850 (Taurus) are an even better idea IMO.

You may be able to fire a gun with a bobbed hammer from concealment lots of times but you risk having something interfere with the hammer travel.

Now it's clearly not a good idea to fire a gun from concealment. You will set your clothing on fire (especially with a .357), but sometimes something like this is necessary.

Bobbed hammers and fully enclosed hammers are good for self defense b/c they force you to train with the gunas you would if you had to use it. With DA/SA "cockable" models, you'll find yourself thumbing the hammer on the range, something you dare not do during a defensive situation.
 
You might try to find a S&W Model 39 also known as the body guard.

The hammer is shrouded. This allows you the ability to cock the pistol while it is in your pocket and fire it reliable through your jacket.

Sounds a little unconventional at first but there is a lot too be said for the surprise factor.

At 15 ounces you forget it is there and it won't pull your shirt off or your pants down!
 
Colt Cobra and gain one more shot chambered, or add a little weight and there's the Colt Detective Special.
 
If it's strictly for pocket carry you can't beat the 642. It'll handle +p loads but it's not as pleasant to shoot as the heavier 85.

The SP101 is a great gun for belt carry. It handles .38 +P loads alot better than the 642 and mid range .357's aren't really to bad.

My SP101 sees far more range action than my 642. It's just alot more fun to shoot.
 
You could have a good gunsmith grind off the spur on your model 85's hammer, as long as he'll guarantee it won't affect ignition reliability.
 
This is another variant on the age-old question: choosing a handgun for ease of carry vs. ease of shooting. The Smith Bodyguard and Centennial Airweights are easy to carry but difficult to shoot well due to the light weight (which amplifies recoil) and small grips. The Ruger, because of its weight and larger cushioned grips, is far easier to actually shoot. Also worthy of consideration: the Colt Detective Special/Cobra/Agent (out of production for nearly 20 years but still abundant), particularly with the add-on hammer shroud. The concealed hammer is fine, but its only real advantage is the ability to fire from inside a coat pocket, through blankets, etc. I think this ability is a bit overrated.
 
i would add that another advantage of the fully enclosed hammers is that the sealed hammer channel prevents dirty/lint and other debris from collecting in the action.

the lack of a hammer spur also reduces the inertia for faster lock time...sure ;)
 
I have the 2 1/4 inch bobbed hammer SP101. I probably will always carry it in a holster, but I could see carrying it in a coat pocket during the winter. It is a heavy gun compared to other snubbies, but that's one reason I bought it. Rugers are built like a tank, and I know it will see alot of range use, including Magnum loads. I also got the bobbed hammer because it will be my primary carry piece, so I figured I may as well train with the DAO since that is most likely what would happen during an 'incident'.
 
I have a 2.25" barreled SP-101, with the regular hammer. I carry it IWB. I can't even stand having keys in my pocket let alone, a revolver.
 
I have both an sp101 3" and an Airweight 442 2 1/2". The sp101 is formidable the 442 is convenient. It takes 1000s of rounds of practice to get good with a snubby. If you are not dedicated shooter take the sp101. It has low recoil and points real good in the dark. This last feature is it's greatest asset.
 
Lots of good suggestions and I appreciate 'em. ;) The dealer will take $379 for the 642 so I think it's a deal. It has the "spider hole" on the left side of the frame (some sort of locking device?). I think the SP101, as good as it is, would be too big and heavy for pocket carry. I usually wear shirts tucked in, so IWB won't work. I have carried a 1911 weak side butt forward in a belly band, under a shirt, but it's hard to draw quickly :eek: and that mutha is heavy. I can shoot the Taurus 85 accurately after some practice at 7 yds, but the 642 will be more difficult to control. I think it and a good pocket holster are the ticket. :)
 
Riley

Look into getting a Milt- sparks pocket holster for it. i have one for mine after trying several different others and nothing compairs. My 642 is my most carried gun. search for my user name in firearms accesories. I did a write up about it with compairison pics against other holster I had at the time. The extra money was well spent.

Flip
 
OK I did it. Went to a different dealer who's ordering a brand NIB 642-no gouge marks around the cylinder, etc. Now I wait the obligatory 10 days while the feds check me out :scrutiny: and the state makes sure I haven't purchased a handgun within the last 30 days :scrutiny: , etc., et yada. Cost me $433 out the door, including tax and Californistan fee. I'm stoked.
 
You do know that CDNN is still selling them discounted at $314.99 and throwing in a holster with the deal?
 
That's a sweet deal. I worked out the numbers and with shipping, FFL transfer fee and PRK DROS (or whatever TH it's called), it still comes out over $400.
 
I got the SP 101 3" first, had the hammer bobbed and put a set of XS small Dot night sights on it and changed the springs to Wolfe. It is great to shoot but too heavy for the pocket so I wore it on the belt. I picked up a 642 for pocket carry but I found I did not practice as much with it. My wife liked the heavier SP for shooting over the 642 and uses it for carry. I added a 640 (same as 642 but steel and can handle 357). I use that for most practice and carry the 642.
 
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