I bought my 642 when they first came out, but >>

[Slugo]

I never really liked the gun. I know they are very popular here, I just wasn't happy with mine. Here are some reasons; I don't care for the DAO trigger at all, the weapon doesn't fit me well, and I have average sized hands. Also, it wasn't all that thin given the diameter of the cylinder. Yes, I could group 5 shots pretty well at 5 yards, I just felt very uncomfortable with the thought of having to use it in a real-time/real-life situation. I much prefer the heavier Model 36 which I can fire much more accurately with the hammer cocked.

As I indicated, my 642 was one of the original issues from S&W and was not certified for anything other than standard pressure 38's. I kept it full of Federal Nyclads which were hard to shoot out of the little lightweight. Anyway, it's gone and I've replaced it with a compact Glock 19. If I had a chance to pick up a nice Model 36, I would possibly. Will I miss my 642, absolutely not, especially after using the G19. Just my opinion folks...

 

[aspen1964]

everytime I go shooting with my oldest brother..he always gets out his 642 for me to shoot...mid-range 38s are enough for me..and they are not too confortable...gun stings the hand and is too light...bulky grips...he says it's only for self-defense but I would prefer a gun I want to practice with and enjoy it...

 

[Slugo]

Amen brother...

it wouldn't even make a good paper weight! I really don't understand its popularity at all, really...

 

[jayp]

I love mine.
Fits in the front pocket, 100% reliable. I find the trigger pull acceptable.

 

[The Good]

its not hard to shoot well at short range where most encounters occur and its extremely concealable. being as light as it is and being a durable revolver with a simple design, its extremely reliable and also always there with you when you couldnt bring out the clunker

 

[Slugo]

To each his own >>

I wouldn't trust my life with one of them. I'd feel more confident with a 4" .22 stoked with Remington Yellow Jackets...

 

[dhoomonyou]

Me 2

I had one, traded it towards a GLOCK 26.

To each his own, but this was not for me.

 

[Headless]

I actually prefer the DA trigger pull on my brothers model 36 over the DA trigger pull on my 642 also. After some range time with the 642 and with some new grips (hogue monogrip with the extra finger groove) I've gotten used to the trigger pull and don't find it stinging or painful to fire at all. With the stock grips, firing many +P's hurt

 

[kentucky_smith]

personally, I prefer a 637 and having the option to cock it. I have yet to have it snag in a pocket, even though I have tried.

 

[timothy75]

Tiny guns are hard to shoot well and so are DA revolvers expecially at 10 yards weak hand only. I can do this with my 642 and so can anyone with enough practice. I dont think its an ideal primary gun but as a BUG its hard to beat.

 

[jad0110]

I myself love my 642. I get a little better with it each time I go out to the range. I don't find the recoil to be too bad. Not a pussy cat like my 686 firing 125 grain .38s, but not at all objectionable. I do need to work on my weak hand though.

Just me though. Sorry to hear this nice little pocket blaster hasn't worked out for you.