Is there anyone who doesn't own a S&W 442/642?
- Thread starter 1BLINDREF
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A 642 Airweight. Before I bought it, I would've prefered a steel version, but the lighter gun is starting to grow on me. I also have a 36. it's getting less and less toting time. If I can find one that won't bust my budget, I'll get a steel Bodyguard. If I can't swing that, a 3" 36 would be nice. But then so would a Colt Viper (4" version of the wonderful Cobra).
hornsmoker
Member
Don't have one. Don't want one. Too light and IMO, only good for pocket or ankle carry. I prefer a larger steel revolver with more capacity...such as the Taurus 617. If they came out with a six or seven shot .327 mag and > 16oz, I might take a second look.
OregonJohnny
Member
I find pocket carry the most convenient, comfortable, frequent and reliable method of carry for me. The S&W 642 is the perfect option for me, as it's small, lightweight frame, rounded, snag-free lines, and positive grip surface make it very easy for me to put in and pull out of my front pants pocket quickly and easily. And as far as reliability, I'd trust a revolver long before a tiny plastic semi-auto.
Old Dog
Member
Have a 637. Have a mint 37. Lookin' hard at the new run of bobbed-hammer 37s (w/firing pin on the hammer & NO LOCK).
If I picked up another S&W snubby, it'd be a Bodyguard over the Centennial. Just like the SA option.
If I picked up another S&W snubby, it'd be a Bodyguard over the Centennial. Just like the SA option.
machinisttx
Member
I don't care much for J frames and only own one, a 3" M31-1 that my wife laid claim to.
Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
I just don't have one yet.
nero45acp
Member
432PD here.
nero
nero
Muddflap
Member
Had one, did not enjoy shooting it. Sold it and got a PM9. It doesn't come out of the pocket as easy as the 642, but I carry it IWB most of the time anyway.
orionengnr
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I had five j-frames at one time... one steel, one alloy, and three(!) Scandium.
Bought a PM9 about three years ago, and pretty soon, all those j-frames went bye-bye
I'm probably $1500 ahead now, and much happier. My PM9 is smaller, far more accurate (in my hands anyway) and perfectly reliable. Shoots anything from mild FMJ to hot Ranger 127+p+ carry loads.
I keep thinking I want a pre-lock 342, but then I remember that I had a 340 and sold it (it was no fun even with 38 Spl+p).
Bought a PM9 about three years ago, and pretty soon, all those j-frames went bye-bye
I'm probably $1500 ahead now, and much happier. My PM9 is smaller, far more accurate (in my hands anyway) and perfectly reliable. Shoots anything from mild FMJ to hot Ranger 127+p+ carry loads.
I keep thinking I want a pre-lock 342, but then I remember that I had a 340 and sold it (it was no fun even with 38 Spl+p).
gidaeon
Member
Never owned a revolver... let alone such an esteemed popular model(s)! So if anyone has too many to clean I guess you know what to do
AK103K
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- 7,610
I have a couple of 642's, and a couple of other J frames. I've had a bunch of J frames over the years, lock and no lock versions. Never had any trouble with the lock versions, and never understood all the crying. I did have a couple of new, no lock 940's that neither made past the first 200 rounds, and when they quit working, I had to take them apart to get the remaining loaded rounds out, so they all can be a problem when they want to be.
The J frames are OK, and I shoot them on a regular basis, with hot reloads mostly, to stay on top of them, but I have a bunch of other things I feel better with. There are more than a few good autos out there these days that are about the same size as them, and you get better performance, a longer barrel, higher capacity, and faster, easier to carry reloads, and they are usually easier to shoot well with to boot. About the only thing the Airweights have going for them is their weight.
My SIG P239 in 357SIG gives me 7-8 rounds of 357MAg performance in a gun about the size as a 2" J frame (it is heavier). It has another 1.5" of barrel length and is easier to shoot than the Airweights, or even the heavier 60's using .38's. My P245 in .45acp offers the same thing.
The J frames are OK, and I shoot them on a regular basis, with hot reloads mostly, to stay on top of them, but I have a bunch of other things I feel better with. There are more than a few good autos out there these days that are about the same size as them, and you get better performance, a longer barrel, higher capacity, and faster, easier to carry reloads, and they are usually easier to shoot well with to boot. About the only thing the Airweights have going for them is their weight.
My SIG P239 in 357SIG gives me 7-8 rounds of 357MAg performance in a gun about the size as a 2" J frame (it is heavier). It has another 1.5" of barrel length and is easier to shoot than the Airweights, or even the heavier 60's using .38's. My P245 in .45acp offers the same thing.
CajunBass
Member
I not only don't have one, I don't even know what they are. Smith & Wesson snub's I guess?
I've never looked at a Smith that had more than two didgits in the model number.
I've never looked at a Smith that had more than two didgits in the model number.
rico700
Member
I own a 642 that never leaves my vehicle but I have a 19 that almost never leaves my side (a guy has to shower).
I would prefer the K frame if I had to choose one over the other- but I dont!
Its all good!
I would prefer the K frame if I had to choose one over the other- but I dont!
Its all good!
doc2rn
Member
Had one didnt like it after the lock engaged on its own durring a practice round then out the door it went. The model 10-4 I bought with the proceeds is a keeper though.
10-Ring
Member
Have had a mod 60 for years & picked up a 442 just this year. The j frames makes for the perfect carry gun
MICHAEL T
Member
I only buy older J frames the 2 number kind with real blueing and no lock I have a model 49 Bodyguard if I wish to carry a J frame.
fastbolt
Member
Not everybody likes revolvers, nor is there any requirement that they do.
I grew up on revolvers, mostly single actions. Then single action pistols. Didn't get interested in double action revolvers until I was an adult. Didn't get really interested in them until I entered LE and was issued a revolver as a service weapon.
As I became interested in shorter barreled revolvers I remained with steel models (Ruger Security & Speed-Sixes and S&W J-frames).
It wasn't until I'd been a firearms instructor for a number of years that I became interested in aluminum framed 5-shot revolvers. My first Airweight was a 642-1. I kicked myself for not having tried one sooner. It quickly became one of my favorite off-duty weapons.
Fast forward to the present and I find I own a few 5-shot revolvers ... an older 649 Bodyguard .38 Spl, a pair of 642-1's, a 37-2 DAO, a M&P 340 Centennial and a Ruger SP-101 DAO 2 1/4" ... and one or another of the J-frames are my commonly chosen off-duty weapons. Might add another one or two to my collection. I anticipate one or another of them will continue to be my daily choice upon retirement, too.
Doesn't mean they're for everybody, though.
Doesn't mean I'll get rid of any of my full-size, compact or subcompact pistols, either.
I grew up on revolvers, mostly single actions. Then single action pistols. Didn't get interested in double action revolvers until I was an adult. Didn't get really interested in them until I entered LE and was issued a revolver as a service weapon.
As I became interested in shorter barreled revolvers I remained with steel models (Ruger Security & Speed-Sixes and S&W J-frames).
It wasn't until I'd been a firearms instructor for a number of years that I became interested in aluminum framed 5-shot revolvers. My first Airweight was a 642-1. I kicked myself for not having tried one sooner. It quickly became one of my favorite off-duty weapons.
Fast forward to the present and I find I own a few 5-shot revolvers ... an older 649 Bodyguard .38 Spl, a pair of 642-1's, a 37-2 DAO, a M&P 340 Centennial and a Ruger SP-101 DAO 2 1/4" ... and one or another of the J-frames are my commonly chosen off-duty weapons. Might add another one or two to my collection. I anticipate one or another of them will continue to be my daily choice upon retirement, too.
Doesn't mean they're for everybody, though.
Doesn't mean I'll get rid of any of my full-size, compact or subcompact pistols, either.
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