Just got a 642 CT

[ksharp99]

Hello everyone,

I'm a newbie to the discussion here. Just got a new 642 CT...never shot before making the purchase--hubby went with a Sig. Just feel like we need personal protection now.

Any suggestions for someone just getting started? Concealed purses? Pocket holsters? How often should I try to practice at a shooting range?

I have really enjoyed the gun so far, and I seem to be reasonably accurate with it; we took the CHL class last week.

Thanks for any advice. I look forward to doing some research here.

 

[Phydeaux642]

Welcome to THR and you got a great gun. I have a couple of them myself.

I would practice as often as I could afford to. Ammo being as expensive as it is now has limited my larger caliber shooting. I have been shooting a lot of .22 lately, though, and it is helping me with trigger control. I want to start reloading to be able to shoot more .38 and .45 sometime in the future.

I use a Safariland pocket holster that works real well. A lot of folks here use the Mika pocket holsters and have high praise for them. I'm not too keen on the idea of putting my gun in something that could be separated from me like a messenger bag, or maybe a purse as you mentioned. YMMV.

 

[JCMAG]

Since you said you had a husband and you're from Texas, I'm going to assume you're female.

I don't know much about female shooters and pocket carry, but if how most women dress these days is any indication I'd say it's not as common as for men.

Other options include belt holsters, purse carry, fanny pack carry, "thunder-wear," ankle carry, shoulder carry, etc. etc. ....

How you carry will depend upon your style of dress. I personally pocket carry and sometimes use an inside-the-waistband holster.

What is comfortable for you will be the deciding factor.

How often you practice will depend on your level of proficiency and how much maintenance that level needs to be maintained. Once a week for a while might be a good idea. Then you could taper that time off as the skills learned in shooting become more permanent in your mind. But by then you will no doubt have other guns and will still shoot once a week to shoot them.

And enjoy the wee thirty-eight. I love my model 442 (black variant of 642).

P.s. Be sure to practice with the CT grips turned off as well. Those are damned fine grips, but learning to point-shoot is a definite boon for any shooter of small handguns. It just might save your life someday.

P.p.s. Also be sure to check out the thread titled "642 Club Part Deux," a thread that dilleneates just about everything you've ever wanted to know about the 642 revolver:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=314422

 

[Guillermo]

642 is a nicely made gun. It is outstanding for a "newbie".

If it does not have the evil, dangerous lock I would not consider ever getting rid of it. It could be a new member of your family. (if it has the lock, swap the grips and trade for a pre-lock model. Put the Crimson Trace grips on the "new" gun)

Please practice often and get as familiar as you can with your 642. There is no such thing as shooting too much.

Down the road, as you get more experienced, you may want a gun with which you can use double action. Until then shoot lots, shoot often.

Most of all, have fun.

 

[Purple95]

Welcome ksharp99,

I'm pleased you and hubby are accepting responsibility for your safety, but please stop, take a deep breath, and regroup.

First and foremost make arrangements for both of you to get COMPETENT professional instruction in the use and carry of your new firearms. Typically, a CHL class deals with legal aspects of carry but not the marksmanship or carry methods to make one competent at personal protection carry.

A professional instructor will tailor a training program for you. Then, practice and train, practice and train.........repeat.

As you progress and learn, equipment selection will sort of fall into place as you see what might work for you.

Your 642 is an excellent firearm for your chosen purpose. I have two of them.

Get to the range as often as schedule and finances allow.

Lots of knowledgeable people around here and other forums. Read and use information wisely as it may pertain to your needs. There will be a multitude of what I call "try this, try that" posts to follow.

Good luck, stay safe.

Cheers,
dan