Just purchased a 642 - want some info

[mugsie]

I was torn between the 642 or the Ruger LCR. My local gun shop said the 642 would be a better gun. I own other Rugers and love them, but nothing like the LCR. The fear was sonce Ruger has had problems in initial releases, to wait until the LCR was out there and proven. Consequently they talked me into the 642 for about the same price. I get it next week. Only problem I hear on the 642 is the trigger leaves a lot to be desired. What say ye about this little gun?

thanks....

 

[dirtygrunt95]

They are firm at first. I would consider purchasing a set of snap caps for it. Then you can dry fire it safely for 1k rounds or so. This will also help you practice you trigger squeeze with the 642 and it will smooth it out some. or at least that's what I did.

 

[Brian Williams]

My 642 is a sweet trigger, I have probably dry fired it a couple of thousand times and shot about 500 rounds through it. Use it it will break in to a very nice trigger. I do not know how adept you are in taking things apart, if not have a gunsmith open the sideplate and just double check for burrs or rough spots.
Oh, dry firing will strengthen your trigger fingers.(you do shoot with both hands)

 

[ArmedBear]

My 642 trigger was entirely acceptable from the box, though it's not a worked match DA.

I was shooting NRA bullseye targets at 25 yards the other night with the thing. Not all 10s, but on paper. Given the sights and radius, I don't think the trigger was getting in my way.

Dry firing it with spring caps is good advice, both for practice and to break it in. Hold the sights on a known point, and you can practice holding the gun steady while pulling the trigger.

 

[Gardien]

The 642 is great as is. No issues with the trigger out of the box. I would definitely suggest replacing the grips with the crimson trace LG405 if you plan to CC. Also, see if you can find a 642-1 (no ILS) and avoid the 642-2 (ILS).

 

[Jim K]

I can't compare the 642 to the LCR since I have never seen an LCR, but the 642 should serve you very well. DA only may take some getting used to, but the principle - keep the sights lined up and squeeze the trigger - still applies.

The 642 (and S&W's other concealed hammer revolvers) is made so the trigger can be "staged." Use a quick first pull to turn the cylinder into lockup, then the last and shorter part of the pull is used for careful aiming.

Jim

 

[Clarence]

642 is a great revolver. Dry fire the heck out of it like others have suggested and you'll be happy.

 

[gwlammers]

If you can even find an LCR and it is all you hoped for, it still won't surpass the S&W 442 / 642.

 

[OregonJohnny]

I can't believe that no one has yet suggested the "642 Club" threads here on THR. That's where I got all my inspiration to go get one. I carry the 642 with me every single day. It's a fantastic piece of equipment, the perfect "tool" if you will. It's not really that beautiful to look at, it won't outshoot a tuned 1911 at 25 yards, it can't slip into a vest pocket or a sock quite like a Ruger LCP or NAA Mini Revolver, it doesn't have the intimidation factor or the brute force of a Redhawk .44 Magnum, it can't throw 19 rounds of lead down range like an XDM, but it just WORKS. It works every time. It packs a time-tested caliber. It has nice round edges and snag-free lines. It is enough gun to be comforting, but also a small enough gun to be comfortable. Stoke it with your favorite load (many highly recommend Spear Gold Dot 135-grain HP .38 +P), dry fire it 1,000 times, practice with at least a few cylinders worth of ammo each time you take it to the range, get a good pocket holster if that will be your method of carry, and don't leave home without it. Oh, and check out the "642 Club" and "642 Club Part Deux". Enjoy!

 

[Edubya]

Every reply that I read on here is right on! I put the CT laser on mine for the dry fire practice and still do a lot of dry firing, after 15 months. I also got a gunsmith friend to smooth out any and all of the rough spots. I did not want a lighter trigger, mine is carried daily for SD.
I loaded up a couple thousand 158 gr. LWC and I have used them all up. I love the security of a 135+P load and will shoot ten or so of them with each range visit. They do have more recoil than my target load but I don't mind that anymore. In other words, Yes, it does take practice and you must practice often if you're going to be a responsible concealed carrier.

 

[mugsie]

thanks everyone

Thanks for the replys. I'm looking forward to when this gun comes in (can't wait). don't worry about firing it enough, my other snubby goes to the range with me on every trip no matter what else I bring. I hand load and hand cast for it (as I do all my ammo) and it's very accurate. I'm anxious to see how the 642 feels and shoots.

Oregonjohnny - thanks for the info on the forums. I'll be sure to look them up.

Stay well everyone - remember, when your stimulus check gets there, use it to buy a new guy (oh wait, $7.32 will probably only buy me a 6 oz bottle of Hoppes!). At least the ground squirrels in california are getting 16 million each.

 

[XD9WBT]

If you can accept the 642 for what it was made to do then you will love it. If you want it to be a target gun forget it.

 

[jad0110]

Use it it will break in to a very nice trigger.

Brian is spot on.

The action on my NIB 642 was a little gritty/stiff at first, but after putting a couple hundred rounds through it and dry firing the mess out of it things started getting better. Things really got better when I removed the sideplate (with proper gunsmith screwdrivers and the right technique - don't pry it) and cleaned out the internals and relubed it.

Today, it has what I'd call a decent DA trigger pull. Not as nice some of my other Smiths (namely my Model 15), but better than my 686. It is still a little gritty just before letoff and there is a hint of stacking (true of all J-Frames), but it is entirely useable. I may have the action polished up professionally one day, but it is good for now.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have never seen a Ruger that could top a Smith for smoothness and overall workmanship for a similar sized gun. I have some Rugers, so I buy them. Have not seen a LCR. If it is like the LCP, 6 months form now you may still not have seen one or been able to buy one.

 

[Eightball]

Seems to be one of the most popular carry snubs ever; I would be surprised if you are disappointed. Follow the advice above, and post some pictures!