Replace my S&W 642 with LCP???

[fastbolt]

I generally avoid trying to make specific firearm recommendations to folks who are looking for off-duty/CCW weapons. I explain that just because I've chosen to use a specific handgun, that doesn't mean it would be a good choice for them.

I prefer they consider their skillset, experience, anticipated circumstances in which they plan to be armed ... and spend some range time trying out examples of each type of revolver or pistol that seems to interest them.

How well can you manipulate & use either handgun?

How well can you actually shoot either handgun?

How about if placed under demanding circumstances, at least within a training venue that presents you with an unknown set of circumstances and some level of physical stress?

Care to try using either the 642 or LCP at a local IDPA match? Might be an eye-opening experience. Does "pocketable convenience" mean so much more than actually being able to accurately & effectively use it under demanding conditions? (I can't tell you where that line gets drawn, though.)

Now, although I've spent the last 20+ years being a LE firearms instructor working with folks mostly using pistols, I also happen to be a fairly experienced revolver shooter who's kept my revolver-based skillset fairly current.

So, for me, I'd go with the 642 ... and I have, owning a pair of 642-1's. I also own a pair of M&P 340's, a 649 (older .38 model) and a 37-2. I guess I like J-frames.

I also spend a fair amount of time running them through both off-duty and duty courses-of-fire (intended for full-size/compact service pistols), as well as continuing to use them on threat targets and metal popper targets out to 50-60 yds (if only to keep my foundation skills from rusting too much).

Small "pocket holster" type revolvers & pistols come with their own inherent advantages & disadvantages.

Each shooter probably has their own advantages & disadvantages when it comes to their skillset, experience and carry convenience preferences. (And this doesn't begin to take mindset into consideration.)

Striking some sort of balanced compromise is probably up to the individual.

Personally, I'd rather have one of my J's than a diminutive .380 if faced with an actual imminent threat.

That's me.

I won't presume to make such a choice for anyone other than myself. Not my business.

As a LE firearms instructor, I feel it's my place to focus more on the shooter's skillset, experience and mindset than their specific choice in equipment (meaning gun & caliber).

Suit yourself.

 

[rhinoh]

I own both, 642 hands down. But actually I carry my CM9 Kahr all the time...

 

[fishjar]

I sold my 637 after 3 years and bought an LCP as the 637 ended up not fitting my work attire and I found myself not carrying more than I was, especially once spring hit the Carolinas. I can now carry all the time.

That's my story

 

[smitty704]

Get the LCP!!!!! The 642 is a great little pocket gun, but it's not as concealable or as shootable as the LCP. My LCP has 200 rounds down the pipe with no issues what so ever. I carry mine everyday in my right pocket in a nylon Blackhawk size 1 pocket holster. A 642 just doesn't conceal as well, and if it did, it wouldn't be nearly as comfortable. My 2 cents....l

 

[BADUNAME37]

I just realized one thing I like about the LCP (among a lot of other things, that is). When I get up and throw a flannel shirt on, the LC just goes into my left flannel shirt pocket in the Robert Mika Pocket holster! It just fits into the shirt pocket, I know I couldn't do that with my 642!

I do have to be careful bending over as the gun will fall right out and land on the floor. If I am bending over, flushing the toilet, I would sure hate to have the LC go down to the septic tank. That would be a real messy, smelly job retrieving that from there, especially in the cold of winter!

I hope it never falls out and decides to go bang on me (in me).

One thing with LC.
The slide is really hard to rack!
In order to chamber a round you really have to pull all the way rearward and let her fly, otherwise the cartridge may get caught half way (then it needs a bit of a push). Let the slide go full-speed and there are no problems!

 

[smallbore]

You mentioned that you 'held' the LCP. Have you test fired one yet? My suggestion would be to go to a range, rent one, and 'test drive' it before you decide.

 

[1KPerDay]

I pocket carried a J frame for a year before I got the LCP. I've only carried the J-frame once since. The LCP disappears. The J-frame feels huge by comparison.

HOWEVER

If I had to pick between the two, I'd take a hot .38 Special over a .380 in a gunfight. I have no illusions about the .380's performance.

But to live with every day? I choose the LCP. Flatter, lighter, smaller, quicker reloads, more shots. And I shoot it pretty accurately.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

NO, for 2 reasons.

I prefer a revolver over a semi-auto and I think the .38 Special is a better SD round than the .380 Auto.

 

[Bigtime Sexy]

I second the Kahr CM9. If I had to go with the Ruger, I'd get the LC9-C, not the LCP.

 

[wankerjake]

I'd take a 38spl over a 380 any day. And I just don't see what the big deal is with size. I carry a Sp101 on my hip, in AZ, even in the summer. It's concealed with shorts and t-shirt. Why would I carry a 380?

 

[OldMac]

The lcp is smaller & flatter but compromises on accuracy and power.

 

[larryh1108]

The lcp is smaller & flatter but compromises on accuracy and power.

Yep, there's always a trade off when you go smaller. I still believe that if you are ever needed to produce a weapon in SD that the presence of a gun usually stops the assault and the chicken chit goes running. At least that's what I've read. Now, if 3 guys strung out on Mesc come a callin, .380, .38 Special +P, etc... well, you hope to survive it and any handgun is too small. Of course, a .357 Magnum or .45ACP gives you the best chance but it's all a cr@p shoot at that point anyways.

 

[Dr_B]

The 642 is a nice option, but I have been burned by quality control problems on two airweights that affected their functioning. Nothing should be leaving the factory of a manufacturer like S & W with flaws. But they do carry nicely. You can sweat all over them and hide them most any place. However, I think the LCP fills a niche the 642 cannot in terms of ease of carry. And the one I have is just as reliable.

 

[RevDerb]

I just replaced my LCP with a 642.

 

[TrailWolf]

Guys...

THANK YOU!!!

A ton of great information and its pretty obvious which direction I should head in.

The 642 will stay and this is what I was hoping would be the answer

.

 

[Jim PHL]

If it has to be one or the other my vote is the 642. I have both. (Actually the revolver is a 342.) I know the .38 is a better SD round but there are times my mode of dress or other circumstance dictates the LCP or nothing at all. Those are times I'm glad I have the LCP! I also feel the .380 is more effective than people give it credit for.

 

[Bullz]

I agree... my dad has a 642 and it's a nice piece. I'm a skinny guy and I can conceal that gun real easily... obviously, the LCP is easier though. I had the chance to shoot a guys LCP and it just isn't the same. Someone else said it here... it's an apples to oranges thing. There are a lot of 9mm options out there in comparable packages that would make for a good substitue for the 642.

The LCP is a fine supplement but a poor substitute. That's my opinion. If you like the 642 you will likely regret swapping to the LCP.

 

[ArthurDent]

642!!!

I have one in my pocket right now. (I just got back from a late-night shopping trip.)

I'd stick with the 642, but I do think the LCP is one of the nicer .380s out there today, especially on a budget. You could own both and keep the LCP for those rare occasions where you just can't take the 642.

 

[joepa150]

Keep the 642 and buy the LCP. I havce the 642 and 3 months ago bought the LCP.

Things I like more about the 642:
-Hard double action pull. I never feel like I could have a possible negligent discharge.
-More realiable than the LCP

Things I like more about the LCP:
-Less Felt recoil
-Slimmer, smaller, lighter
-Cheaper
-A bit more accurate

These two guns I will never trade or sell (unless I had to). Both are surprisingly accurate. More accurate than my Glock 19 at 10 yards.

IMO the 380 and the 38 special are close in stopping power. Shot placement is key anyway.

I like my bigger handguns but I love the LCP and 642. They seem more like tools that I use everyday. I appreciate them much more than the larger safe queens.

As much as I love my 642, I haven't carried it since I bought my LCP

 

[wlewisiii]

I far preferred my 642 over an LCP but in the end shooting sufficiently powerful loads in the 642 was just unpleasant enough that I wasn't willing to do it enough. I replaced my 642 with a Glock 19 that makes shooting high powered loads pleasant. There is not all that much difference in the two rounds (127 gr JHP @1250fps = 440 ft/lbs vs 158gr LSWCHP @ 1040fps = 379 ft/lbs.). There is a big difference, though, in 5 shots vs 16.

 

[shootniron]

642

 

[Maia007]

I much prefer the alloy snubby revolver in .38 to any of the LCP class of .380 autos.

Not to say that the LCP doesnt have its advantages in terms of being small and flat and light and so forth. But on those rare occasions when I feel I must have something that small and that flat and that light, I go for the Kahr P380. I have owned the LCP and the Kahr and I find the Kahr is far superior to the LCP in every regard except for price.

Consider also the small, flat, polymer 9mm single stack subcompact autos as an alternative to the snubby before you decide for sure on going with any of the micro .380's for primary carry.

The final analysis should include actually shooting every alternative under consideration.

 

[mavracer]

The LCP is a fine supplement but a poor substitute.

Couldn't agree more. If I were gonna replace my snubs It'd be with a Kahr CM9 or PM9.

 

[nls1]

Keep the j- frame! Save for the LCP!

I carry everyday, for over 8 years now.

I have carried both my LCP and my 640 full stainless for several of those years when my 1911 was too big for my attire.

Even though the 640 is much heavier, it is much more comfortable for me to carry. Rounded and smooth makes a difference. Plus .357 mag is nice!

Both shoot EXTREMELY well with hornady critical defense ammo. Both function totally reliably, with no cycling issues ever. Hundreds of rounds each year through both without a single issue.

I prefer to carry appendix IWB with both little guns, but the LCP is very uncomfortable in this role.

I tried pocket carry with the LCP, but unless you have significant strength pants material, it was very irritating to have it there, as it was floppy, and not very subtle appearance wise.

Another thing I disliked about LCP in pocket carry, was that occasionally when I would sit, the slide would be slightly pressed out of battery, even in the holster, which I would later find when I would stand up.

I also carry two knives regularly, one in each front pocket. Several times I found that the handle of the knife had pressed the mag release
Although if I were right handed I don't see how this could happen.

No more pocket carry for me with that gun! And the LCP pretty much sits now. I have decided that I will only carry the LCP on my hip IWB now, and for that role, my Kimber 1911 is my choice for that.

The 640 is by far the most comfortable for me, and reliable as a rock. When I need deep concealment, I grab the j frame for appendix carry with extra speed strips for reloads.

Just my .02
Great forum!
Dan

 

[Salty1]

If you have not shot an LCP I suggest you do so, I put 3 rounds through one and put it down and would never shoot another one. The trigger is horrible, virtually no sights are on it unless you call a trough and a bump on the front sights. I know that a lot of people like them, this is just my personal opinion. If you really want something smaller in 380 I would look at the Sig P238, of course it is $200 + more than an LCP but you get what you pay for...........