Fryerpower
Member
Don't let the lock dissuade you. It takes less than 15 minutes to remove it. Google it. There are multiple videos out there on how to do it.
Jim
I have a compelling urge for a hammerless J-frame...
- Thread starter sidheshooter
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Jim
Hondo 60
Member
browningguy - I LOVE those grips! drool-drool 
To the OP, how about something a bit more vintage???
Here's my 1969-1970 Model 38
To the OP, how about something a bit more vintage???
Here's my 1969-1970 Model 38
Deaf Smith
Member
So far my practice .38, a 642 J, has gone through maybe 2000 rounds. The lock has not been any problem and the gun runs fine.
Deaf
Fryerpower
Member
The issue was with some of the first ones built and it only happened with people using hot loads, IIRC. IMHO it needs to go away if there is even the SLIGHTEST chance the gun could lock itself when it is most needed.
Jim
sixgunner455
Member
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- Aug 25, 2006
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- 3,052
642. I've carried mine for most of a decade, almost every day. The finish is uglee now. But I can't imagine a better pocket gun. Reliable, accurate, no rust, light so it doesn't drag down my jammies. I even shoot it now and again in our club matches instead of a bigger gun.
I always come in close to last when I do that, but I get through the stages just fine.
I always come in close to last when I do that, but I get through the stages just fine.
sidheshooter
Member
^^^Ha! I've shot a number of classes with snubs or a P238 pocket auto. I don't think I've ever impressed anyone, including myself, but I always make it through fine. Better to know what's what in advance of need, I say.
Re, the lock: so long as no lock 442 and 642 are still easily found, it's probably a debate not worth having. Maybe later, so far as snubs, but not at the current time.
And, Hondo, I love it. I've got a 36, a 12 and a P n R 13 to hold down the blue and walnut end of things. I'm not opposed to matt black for this one.
I'm really leaning towards a 442, just cause I've never had one.
Re, the lock: so long as no lock 442 and 642 are still easily found, it's probably a debate not worth having. Maybe later, so far as snubs, but not at the current time.
And, Hondo, I love it. I've got a 36, a 12 and a P n R 13 to hold down the blue and walnut end of things. I'm not opposed to matt black for this one.
I'm really leaning towards a 442, just cause I've never had one.
Shienhausser
Member
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- Jul 1, 2011
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- 267
A model 640 with rosewood grips will always make me forget anything else I'm looking at.
Shienhausser
Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2011
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- 267
Disclaimer: except my wife who is probable reading this.
BigRugerLover
Member
I've carried a 442 for four years on my ankle and a 642 in the winter jacket pocket for three seasons. Great guns, not too heavy, I've practiced a lot and never had a problem. Watch out for the ammo, though, as I've read (from Mas Ayoob and others) that the +P load can push a bullet, especially RN, out of an unfired cartridge far enough to prevent the cylinder from turning. I use the Buffalo Bore +P 158 semi-wadcutter hollow point to prevent that...hopefully.
Resist Evil
Member
I have a 342 Airlite-Ti. It's rated for +P ammo in .38 spl. I mention this only to say that ever since I installed Crimson Trace grips on it, it is much much more pleasant to shoot. There is no reason to fear a lightweight .38 spl +P J-frame.
ChasMack
Member
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- Jan 13, 2011
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- 218
I had a 442?...not sure now of the designation, but it was very light, looked like a 442 only with a barrel almost 3" with XS sights. It was very accurate with some cheap WWB at 15 yds. I thought it was a very good shooter for DAO. Like a dope I sold it....geez, how many times have I kicked myself over selling a very nice gun!!! Now I carry a S&W 638-3 outfitted with a laser grip. My favorites to shoot though are my 2 Ruger SP-101's. One is 3", with XS sights, the other is 2"....comfy with 357's.
351 WINCHESTER
Member
Get the 640 and 642 or 442.
sidheshooter
Member
I appreciate all the input, folks. The bottom line on the thread is that I stopped by my friendly LGS today, and lo and behold, they had a new no-lock 642. That, plus a couple of 50-round boxes of 129gr +P Hydra shok, of all things. Suffice to say, it was an easy sale for them.
Resist Evil
Member
Congratulations on your find.
sixgunner455
Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2006
- Messages
- 3,052
50 round boxes!? LGS sold me a 20 round box last time I was in. Would have gladly bought 50.
Resist Evil
Member
Hondo 60
Member
Best price is your own reloads!
For those of you who think they can't do it, it's really not hard once you get the hang of it.
Reloading manuals are your best friend!
Lyman 49th Reloading Handbook is the perfect place to start.
For those of you who think they can't do it, it's really not hard once you get the hang of it.
Reloading manuals are your best friend!
Lyman 49th Reloading Handbook is the perfect place to start.
Free.
I've actually paid that for .38 ammo once. It was only half a box though.
Resist Evil
Member
I wish I could help you, but I haven't had the need for .38 spl ammo for quite a while. Good luck in your search, though!
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