I need a replacement for my 642

[SorenityNow]

I gave away my s&w 642 and I need a replacement pronto. Something in the same price range would be great under $ 450 I don't care what caliber I'm thinkin 9 mm or 380 only because I like Ruger lcp and lc9. I was lookin at the ruger lcr in 357 mag. Its an ugly gun compared to my old smith, but i guess it will do the job. What do you guys think? Is 380 ammo reliable for feeding and self defense. I need something that won't jam since this is gonna be my ccw.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Well, I always preferred the 442 anyway. Mine now has CT laser grips. Not sure why you parted with the 642 but you could get its cousin.

OTOH, a Kahr CM 9 should be in that price range. It's certainly a great piece.

 

[TNboy]

If you like wheel guns go ahead and try the LCR, I have a 642 that sees a lot of carry time. I went shooting with a friend recently and shot her .357 LCR and loved it, it really made me want to throw by beloved 642 in the lake. The 642 looks better but the LCR feels a lot better and has a very nice and smooth trigger. I would take that LCR over any .380 anyday.

 

[jon86]

Do you not want another 642?

 

[SorenityNow]

Theres somthing about a .357 that i really like. Ill get my 642 back, but its gonna be a at leasta year fom now. Its getting better use right now from a very close family member that i care about. my gun shop has the lcr to rent but its a 38 special. If i go that route it will be a 357. A S&W 357 is just out of my price range. If I were to spend that much $$ Id much rather spend it on a colt 1911. You know wat i mean??

 

[jon86]

I hear you. Very kind of you to lend out your ccw. Let us know what you pick up.

 

[Cards81fan]

My father had a LCR in 38 and it kicks pretty darn hard with +p. It's worse than 357 in my 3" steel Rossi.

I bet the 357 in that light of a pistol is ferocious. But, I wouldn't shy away from it because of that the gun is well made and carries well, and I prefer the trigger to a j frame out of the box. I would recommend one without reservation if the recoil is no issue, based on my experience with the 38 version.

I like my LCP but would would prefer the Ruger revolver IF I could pocket carry it (I can't so the 380 is my all the time gun).

 

[9mmepiphany]

My Kahr CW9 replaced my 642 in my CCW rotation...it's thinness really makes a difference. But if I were looking for another revolver in that size class, I'd really give the Ruger LCR a hard look

 

[Dr_2_B]

9mmepiphany,

Off-topic, but would you tell us what your epiphany was? I'm interested in hearing your story.

 

[GEM]

I've seen LCR and the SW Bodyguard revolver in that price range on sale in big box stores and gun shows. The LCPs are much cheaper

Depending where you live - Academy Sports and Cabelas. Check the local shows.

Can't beat a 38 snubby.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Either the LCR or another 642/442.

Unless you want a semi, in which case I think a Kahr is in order.

 

[9mmepiphany]

9mmepiphany,

Off-topic, but would you tell us what your epiphany was? I'm interested in hearing your story.

It is a long and rather involved (multilevel) story which would be far off-track for this thread.

The short version is that shot placement is more important, within reason, than caliber or magazine capacity...see, still thread related...also that know and understanding aren't the same thing

 

[skoro]

You can't really improve much at all on a j-frame airweight. The 642/442 have been doing their thing for decades and deserve their fine reputation.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If I gave my M442 away I would replace it with a S&W Bodyguard 38.

 

[chieftain]

For those folks wondering about 380 vs 38spl.

Doc Roberts, arguably the most knowledgeable and experienced terminal ballistics researcher in the United States today, has to say on the subject:

M4Carbine dot Net in the terminal ballistics forums you can find Doc Roberts reports on this subject and many others.

Good luck.

Fred

 

[antiquus]

I carry an LCP because my LCR disappeared into my wife's purse, and chances of getting it back are slim. The LCR is the best small revolver out there - light, handles well, accurate, and an outstanding trigger (I might say it's better than S&W's, and I own 3 S&W's and am buying a 4th). I much prefer the grips to J frame grips. My S&W's tend to end up with Hogue Monogrips, although the 632 I'm buying has factory grips that are very similar and well done.

The LCP is a fine small pistol, but it's snappy in .380, not as controlable as the LCR - being narrower and without a lot of grip surface. I expect most of the small .380's in the same weight and size to be similar.

 

[fxstchewy]

a 442........

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd be shopping for a nice Colt D frame. You get 6 shots in about the same size package as the other guy's 5 shooters.

 

[AEA]

Ruger SP101

 

[Dan Bear]

If you're thinking about a 9mm, you should find out if they've got a Glock 26. It is very concealable, reliable, 10 round mag, and is definitely a good shooter. The gereration 4 goes for about $500 new, but there are still new generation 3's out there that are going for about $450.

 

[igousigloo]

taurus 905 or M327

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

Another vote for the SP 101. I own a 642 but I'm going to retire it to an around the house gun after my SP gets a night sight installed.

 

[a36bill]

I really like carrying and shooting my .38 Special LCR with CT Lasergrip. I've shot the .357 LCR and I think it is too light for the caliber. I also have a .357 Ruger SP 101 and it much more comfortable when shooting .357 and .38 +P. Downside is it weighs about 13 oz. more than the LCR, but still a good CCW. If you want to spend about $500, look at the Kahr P380. Mine needed about 200 rounds to work out the bugs, but now functions well enough that I use it as my CCW when all else is too large.

 

[Remllez]

If classic looks are not on top of your list then it's LCR all the way. You mentioned being able to rent one I suggest you give it a try, the trigger will sell you the gun.

 

[SwampWolf]

I'd be shopping for a nice Colt D frame. You get 6 shots in about the same size package as the other guy's 5 shooters.

Yep-20% more ammo capacity in a revolver that weighs the same as a Smith Airweight and has a cylinder that's only 1/10th of an inch wider (when comparing the Cobra and Agent models). And no "lock" to worry about. What's not to like?