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!