The 642 club

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jfh on the 340 Club Site posts the following:

FWIW, the hard rubber speedloaders from speedloaders.com are clearly the best speedloader I have used. Takes a bit of practice, like any other defensive skill, but they work, and work fast. IMO, 'way better than a Speed Strip. Here's a link to the 'factory' page--http://www.speedloaders.com/ Brownell's and other places carry them.
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MK4 for J Frames $11.95 at Brownells.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?P=1461

Anyone else tried these out?

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One-piece molding of soft, rubber compound holds cartridges firmly without rattling. Ring handle is offset to clear grips and cylinder latch. Can be worn on the finger before/after reloading. Stair step design allows fast, positive alignment; lets you line up just two rounds and the rest follow into the cylinder. A quick sideways pull releases ammo without spilling
 
INDY 5000

I have a set of LG205s Pic is of my Mdl 36. Wife presently uses them on her Mdl 642.

They are hard "plastic or nylon." They are a little thicker through the palm area than a regular boot grip. They are not grabby like rubber grips.

They work well with 38's but are a little tough with mag loads in a J frame.

The on button is directly in front and depressed by solid grip on the gun.

I bought mine used several years ago and have no complaints.

View attachment 304184

If I were to buy another set of CT's I would investigate the 405's for a magnum, but the 205's work well for pocket carry with .38 rounds.
 
Sweet, thanks for the photo there jt1 I do appreciate it. As well that website link has a large group of info, including some nice shots of other grips.

Can't wait for mine to get here. Just called in payment/FFL for my NIB 642, it should be on it's way soon. Then of course the fun of adding it to my CCW (required for ANY handgun) and waiting the 4-6 weeks before that goes through :barf:

I still just cannot believe the price differences. I held a 642, 638 & 637 at Gander Mtn but they wanted $450 NIB... a bit of shopping and I found one $100 cheaper and got a free pair of extra grips from the salesman :D

....now it is all in the waiting. :banghead:
 
ALL - I just posted this in the revolver section, anyone here have this?

I am thinking of having my 642-2 converted to accept full moon clips. Anyone have this set-up? Any input you may have is requested. This is my 24/7 CCW gun with standard grips. I have found several 'smiths that do this work but I want to be sure I am doing the right thing. What are the good and bad points. Will this degrade the use of speed strips or loading single rounds in any way?
 
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Question on Mika Pocket Holsters
Based on all the good reviews here on Mika holsters, I ordered 2 pocket holsters, one round bottom and one square bottom. They arrived today and I'm not sure I like them all that much.

My previous pocket holster I made myself. It's a single layer of medium thickness cowhide from an old briefcase I bought at a thrift store. The holster added very little thickness, but the revolver outline did print very slightly. The Mika holsters seem to added a lot of thickness. There's no printing but my jeans pockets seem pretty "puffed out".

Do the Mika holsters flatten out more with a little use? (I hope so.)
 
+1 For Speer...

Nematocyst-870 said:
That's $11.50/50.

What can I hock to get some extra cash?

(Looking around the house ... )
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It's a great deal. I received mine as promised in a factory sealed carton with regular 50-round boxes, as opposed to the 20 count boxes. I know it's buying in bulk and all, but it illustrates the mark-up on ammo at the local shops. In some places, these puppies are $1.00 a round! :eek: it's great to be able to affordably train with the rounds you carry. :cool:
 
ranger7 - I know what you mean about the Mika. Yes, it will get better after a little wear. I had the same issue with both my Mika and Nemisis, after a while they start to conform to the gun and the "puffiness" will go away to a large degree. These holsters will not disappear in most pockets, it will look like you have something in there but it will not be a gun "print". You will get used to it quickly and soon forget about. The average person will never notice anything.

MassMark - How is your 642 holding up to all those +P's? What are you up to now, around 500 or so? Give us a little report. Any FTF or FTE or any other issues?
 
jt1: You must be psychic - I am exactly 500-rounds deep into the Speer GDHP +P 135's. I have been shooting then exclusively, but can't afford another case yet, so when I get down to my last 100, I'll be back to using them sporadically. It has been a joy being able to train with the rounds I'm carrying - what a bonus.

I must be eating my Wheaties, because recoil issues are all but completely evaporated. I used to be able to manage 25-50 rounds at a session before my hand went numb, but no more. I sailed through 135 rounds on Sunday - no bubbles, no troubles. I still haven't tried a 158, so recoil comparison is an almost moot point. These rounds have heap big bark, but suprisingly low flash and are absolutely the heaviest recoiling round of any I've tried, (and I've tried plenty)... ;) Still, with the recoil comes amazing control. Follow-up shots are natural and quick. Out of all the defensive and non defensive rounds I've tried, my groups with the GD 135's are the tightest - especially since I've settled down and settled in to the 642CT. So far, no issues regarding flame-cutting - though areas around the cone are cooked fairly medium well... ;) Thanks BTW for the Lead Away Cloth suggestion, (whoever made it) - works like a charm and the 642 still looks great. The trigger is as smooth as butter - those newbies who are put off by the heavy, long DA pull, rest assured - it will smooth out nicely. It's still a long pull, but it's sweet...

All in all, the Speer GDHP 135's have been a joy to shoot and were a welcom addition to my learning curve. I've sort of come to a Zen point with my 642CT. After years of shooting, I found myself having to learn all over again - periods of frustration over poor groups, (especially with the laser), have given way to a sense of confidence in this revolver and how I train with and utilize it. I won't be knocking clays off a post at 25-yards any time soon, (but it's nice to know it's possible). However, 2-feet to 15-feet and I'm center mass all day long, which is ultimately where I wanted to be in the first place... ;)

I hesitate at telling someone what a good choice for a defensive round is for their firearms - it boils down to a personal choice. What I will say is that anyone looking for a powerful, potent factory round for their 38 Snub, should do some reading, research and pick up a box or two of Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P GDHP and see for yourself....There's a lot of "fancy pants" choices to make out there, but this is one I'm confident protecting my life and the lives of my family with....
 
jt1: You must be psychic
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MassMark - Well, some might say psychotic... Thanks for the excellent report. Glad to hear it is holding up and keeping you happy. I have just about 475 rounds downrange now with no problems. I am currently shooting 10 to 15 twice a week just to stay in shape. Never had much problem with recoil and the BB158's I'm using now sure let you know they are there but but follow-ups are manageable. My trigger was real nice at 200 and seems to be about the same now. Overall I am very happy with the 642, real close to getting my second one! How about a little report from the rest of you 642'ers.
 
Good discussion on the trigger. I was very unhappy with my 642's trigger when i first bought it, but I noticed the trigger on my 642 smoothed out massively after (1) about 700-900 dry fires and then (2) again after about 800-900 rounds downrange. My 642's got about 1200-1400 rounds through it now, just over half were +P. How the heck do you guys get the top strap clean just above the forcing cone? Mine is permanently blackened there :p
 
Phat

Originally Posted by Flak Jakett
I guess holding the gun sideways is "viewed" as "phat" kinda like wearing a hat tilted to the side like or wearing baggy bants or saying "izzle".
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I think that in certain "hoods" this would be considered the preferred protocol for brandishing and or firing. Remember, firearm must be held overhead/on its side and at a downward angle. Firing is done in three round volleys while loudly yelling, "Yo, Yo, Yo" with each discharge. :cool: Revolvers would not qualify for such actions me thinks. Blinged out 9s. As in "Cap yo azz wiff my nine".

Great reports Mark and jt. I wish my priorities allowed trips to the range that frequently. I'm still at around 200 rounds and holding on the 642. My trigger and action improved radically following a trip to S&W when they replaced the sear. It ain't a 686 but it is smooth and long. I'm all over the stack point which allows me to settle just before the release.

Shizzle Out. :D
 
Firing is done in three round volleys while loudly yelling, "Yo, Yo, Yo" with each discharge :cool:.
Revolvers would not qualify for such actions me thinks.
Blinged out 9s. As in "Cap yo azz wiff my nine".
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I nominate that for entry into The 642 Club "outside the box" annals.

Nice one.

:D ;) :evil: :cool:
 
Regarding the CT205s, I had a set on my Smith 360 and found them painful to shoot even with standard .38 special loads. They are hard plastic and the backstrap is exposed. I was about to sell the gun, but popped on a set of Pachymar Compac grips and the gun is now fun to shoot even with .38 +P loads. Even with the Pachys, the gun is still quite concealable in a large pocket. If you have to have laser grips, perhaps consider the newer cushioned model (I forget the model number).
 
Sup Y'all?

Nematocyst

Nice one.
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Thanks for the literary compliment. We actually practiced that during our range time during CCW training when the instructor wasn't looking. :D What a hoot.
He was the one who used it frequently in setting up scenarios..."whatcha gonna do when they come for you...yo, yo, yo.
Yep, put it in the archives, file under "Phat". :cool: Sup?

jt, thanks for heads up on the speed loaders, you may have just save me some money.
 
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642 update

Figured I would post an update on the 642 I got at the end of April. I have run about 350 rounds through it - mostly .38 special and a few +P rounds. The issue I had with the cylinder not locking has not returned since my first outing with the gun. I'm pretty convinced by now it was crud under the extractor star I should have cleaned prior to shooting the gun the first time.

Over all I'm still happy with the gun and am getting more accurate with it.


/Mike
 
DAdams said:
Great reports Mark and jt. I wish my priorities allowed trips to the range that frequently. I'm still at around 200 rounds and holding on the 642. My trigger and action improved radically following a trip to S&W when they replaced the sear. It ain't a 686 but it is smooth and long. I'm all over the stack point which allows me to settle just before the release.
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Thanks DA/etal...It's been as much a pleasure being part of this club as it has been owning my 642CT. I'm fortunate in a way, as I belong to a club with an indoor range. I work mental health outreach, so I find myself grabbing a sandwich and heading to the range for lunch - gives me an hour to unwind and inhale a little lead dust... ;)

To those who have PM'd - I got them and will be sending PM's out this weekend with info. I am building a list of names to send to the dealer and at the same time am walking in the Relay For Life this weekend, so I'll be a little scarce...Will catch up soon....Have a great weekend everyone!

MM
 
Nematocyst-870 said:
I nominate that for entry into The 642 Club "outside the box" annals.

Nice one.
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So noted and thusly recorded per the UC642CJ (Uniform Code of 642 Club Justice). Henceforth and heretofore officially available for all posterity.
 
Somebody earlier was wondering about painting the front site blade on the x42.

I painted the very top notch of the blade with gold hobby paint, using the tip of a toothpick. I have to reapply the paint whenever I clean it, but it only takes a few seconds and about 30 minutes to set. It does make front site acquisition quicker and easier. As a side note, I prefer the low profile/low drag sites on a pocket gun. Otherwise, the larger ramp/adjustable sites on my 686 or the partidge sites on my K-22 and M14 are much preferred!

I finally got to take my 642 out to the range last weekend, accompanied by my K-22, Model 14, and Springer XD9. Note to self - I may not mine cleaning 1 or 2 guns, but 4 is pushing it :eek:.

Despite not shooting the 642 in over 2 months, I still did relatively well with it. Relatively well because I was having somewhat of an off day - I'm not yet adjusted to 95+ degrees and 90%+ hummidity, so I tired early. But I still managed to keep most of my shots in a pie-plate sized circle at 7 yards, firing at a moderate-for-me pace. Heck, I outshot by just a hair my semi auto Springfield XD with it yet again. Downright embarrased the Glock 23 I shot last year :D.

As a result, I sold the XD. Great gun and all, but not for me. I think Nem feels the same way about his 686 (and his old 9mm). I just don't shoot it well for what it is and realized I didn't care much for the little trigger saftey bar/dingle berry digging into my finger.

As a result, my 642 (the only gun I CCW) will soon be joined by a second CCW piece that I'll start packin' this fall: A Springfield Mil-Spec M1911A1 Government Model. You would think the 642 would be sad :(, but it's not ... both the snub revolver and the 1911 have a long illustrious history. And both are so often lumped into the "antiquated" category by the un-edumacated (which we know just isn't true). They will get along just fine :)!
 
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