MassMark
Member
Iggy: Thanks for posting those - Option#2 from Andrews is within my budget, (as far under $100.00 as possible). In looking at the FIST system, I like the way it rotates to belt carry for wandering outside the car....
The 642 club
- Thread starter fiVe
- Start date
- Status
MassMark,
I'll be real interested in your evaluation of the Fist #42.
I am looking for something in leather to use as driving, cross-draw and appendix carry.
The fist might just fill all the requirements, IF retention is adequate.
I'll be real interested in your evaluation of the Fist #42.
I am looking for something in leather to use as driving, cross-draw and appendix carry.
The fist might just fill all the requirements, IF retention is adequate.
MassMark
Member
Iggy: I think I may bite the bullet and order it. I need something and like the idea of rotating it up for better concealment. Anything has to be better than sitting on my 642 or risking it in a messenger bag....
MassMark
Member
I never do well with choices.... 
electrode1998
Member
Hey Jt,
I LIKE IT. When funds allow I will have to get one since I need a car carry holster and I was about to buy a SOB holster for about 50 bucks.
Thanks,
e'trode
I LIKE IT. When funds allow I will have to get one since I need a car carry holster and I was about to buy a SOB holster for about 50 bucks.
Thanks,
e'trode
Moccw
Member
Kramer pocket holster, and kramer iwb holster also, works for 642 and also model 60, very comfortable holsters
Moccw - Welcome to the 642 Club. We are glad you have joined us and are looking forward to your input. Yes, Kramer makes some of the finest leather available no question about that. We are currently looking at holsters designed especally for driving. Kramer makes a nice crossdraw but not one specifically for driving that has an extreme cant to facilitate setting in a car and dealing with seatbelts and also provides for short term use and concealment for in and out of car activities. Our search continues....
electrode1998
Member
Hey jt,
It is made by DeSantis and is formed to fit the S&W J frames. I don't remember the model number but it is on the website and at Cabelas. I think the local Cabelas had it for about $48. I'll try to post a link--something I have not tried yet--later.
e'trode
It is made by DeSantis and is formed to fit the S&W J frames. I don't remember the model number but it is on the website and at Cabelas. I think the local Cabelas had it for about $48. I'll try to post a link--something I have not tried yet--later.
e'trode
DAdams
Member
Bianchi
Finally got around to picking up a pack of two Model 580 Bianchi Speed Strips for 38 or 357. Came from CTD.
The Quadratic Equation is now complete: 642 + CT + Mika + Bianchi = 642 Head.
Note the 2~2 split as recommended by jt1.
Finally got around to picking up a pack of two Model 580 Bianchi Speed Strips for 38 or 357. Came from CTD.
The Quadratic Equation is now complete: 642 + CT + Mika + Bianchi = 642 Head.
Note the 2~2 split as recommended by jt1.
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New Owner
Hello Everyone!
I just bought my 642 a little over a week ago. I've only taken it to the range once so far. I have found the trigger too difficult to pull with one finger and have ordered a spring kit for it. But, as some posters have observed, it seems to be getting easier with some dry firing. Not to mention the 70 rounds at the range.
I had heard that dry firing was not good for guns, but the S & W website says it's fine for the 642.
I should probably mention that I'm a middle aged female, 5'1" and about 115 lbs, and that I'd never shot a gun in my life until 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'm sure the trigger action is not a problem for most men, as well as women who are used to it.
I was able to find it on sale at Vance's in Columbus, OH for $569.98 (with CT) plus tax. I checked online at several sites and find that without even considering shipping, I found a great deal.
I've enjoyed reading all your posts and knowing that my FIRST gun is a much respected, much carried model.
Hello Everyone!
I just bought my 642 a little over a week ago. I've only taken it to the range once so far. I have found the trigger too difficult to pull with one finger and have ordered a spring kit for it. But, as some posters have observed, it seems to be getting easier with some dry firing. Not to mention the 70 rounds at the range.
I had heard that dry firing was not good for guns, but the S & W website says it's fine for the 642.
I should probably mention that I'm a middle aged female, 5'1" and about 115 lbs, and that I'd never shot a gun in my life until 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'm sure the trigger action is not a problem for most men, as well as women who are used to it.
I was able to find it on sale at Vance's in Columbus, OH for $569.98 (with CT) plus tax. I checked online at several sites and find that without even considering shipping, I found a great deal.
I've enjoyed reading all your posts and knowing that my FIRST gun is a much respected, much carried model.
jfh
Member.
welcome, ardito40.
I'm impressed that a MAF would wade into a crowd of gunnies like this one is. You'll find, I think, a willingness to help another 642 / j-frame shooter in this group, and in the THR forums as well.
Have you seen the "cornerdcat" site yet? There is a wealth of good advice for shooting from a woman's perspective. Its author is one of our (emiritus) moderators, and she is an excellent source of tips and advice. Here's the link--http://www.corneredcat.com/
My own two-bits' worth of advice: I would NOT worry about changing out the springs yet. It will probably not reduce the pull enough to deal with your problems--and it is possible it could lead to unreliable ignition as well.
Instead, I would focus on building your hand strength. This can be easily done by order one of those spring / finger exercisors; they come in three different strengths, and maybe you should buy at least the two lower-strength ones. Here's an amazon link for you--
http://www.amazon.com/Gripmaster-Exerciser-Tension-5-Pounds-Finger/dp/B0006GBDZY/ref=pd_sim_sg_shvl_title_2/104-7317027-6055169
When I started shooting my j-frames this spring, I found my hand tired easily, so I got one of these and started "working out." Five months later--with only intermittent 5 minute 'workouts' for a couple of months (but with LOTs of practice--literally, 1000s of rounds), finger and hand strength and trigger pull is no longer an issue.
And, if you have not done it yet, since you are an older novice shooter, I would advice doing at least a "Basics" handgun course, and a second one that provides more range time and some instruction. Bad shooting habits are easy to pick up early, and any help in avoiding that will make you a better shooter much quicker.
So, what prompted you to get going with handguns--and a specialty item like this one?
Again, welcome to this group and to THR. Any questions, just ask....
Jim H.
I'm impressed that a MAF would wade into a crowd of gunnies like this one is. You'll find, I think, a willingness to help another 642 / j-frame shooter in this group, and in the THR forums as well.
Have you seen the "cornerdcat" site yet? There is a wealth of good advice for shooting from a woman's perspective. Its author is one of our (emiritus) moderators, and she is an excellent source of tips and advice. Here's the link--http://www.corneredcat.com/
My own two-bits' worth of advice: I would NOT worry about changing out the springs yet. It will probably not reduce the pull enough to deal with your problems--and it is possible it could lead to unreliable ignition as well.
Instead, I would focus on building your hand strength. This can be easily done by order one of those spring / finger exercisors; they come in three different strengths, and maybe you should buy at least the two lower-strength ones. Here's an amazon link for you--
http://www.amazon.com/Gripmaster-Exerciser-Tension-5-Pounds-Finger/dp/B0006GBDZY/ref=pd_sim_sg_shvl_title_2/104-7317027-6055169
When I started shooting my j-frames this spring, I found my hand tired easily, so I got one of these and started "working out." Five months later--with only intermittent 5 minute 'workouts' for a couple of months (but with LOTs of practice--literally, 1000s of rounds), finger and hand strength and trigger pull is no longer an issue.
And, if you have not done it yet, since you are an older novice shooter, I would advice doing at least a "Basics" handgun course, and a second one that provides more range time and some instruction. Bad shooting habits are easy to pick up early, and any help in avoiding that will make you a better shooter much quicker.
So, what prompted you to get going with handguns--and a specialty item like this one?
Again, welcome to this group and to THR. Any questions, just ask....
Jim H.
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straight-shooter
Member
ardito40, I just picked up a S&W 649 for the wife. Basically the same as the 642 just all stainless. My wife is about your size also and is having trouble with the trigger. I ordered the Wolff spring kit and hopefully it will be here tomorrow.
My other suggestion was to her is to buy one of those items in the exercise dept. that she can squeeze and strengthen her hand and fingers up.
DOH, jfh beat me to it....
My other suggestion was to her is to buy one of those items in the exercise dept. that she can squeeze and strengthen her hand and fingers up.
DOH, jfh beat me to it....
fiVe
Member
jt1 said:
I believe this is the more accepted version among mathematical 642 professionals.
fiVe
Member
ardito40: Thank you for honoring us with your very first THR post and an extra special welcome to you. I'm sure gunwife (and any other lady members I don't know about) really appreciates your joining.
Regards,
fiVe
Regards,
fiVe
glockman19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,700
Moccw,
Welcome to THR & the 642 Club.
Welcome to THR & the 642 Club.
A40 - Welcome to the 642 Club. We are happy you to have you here with us. I will agree with all that has be said and will add a bit more.
If at all possible do not change to a lighter spring set. You might not have any trouble with them, but they can cause light primer strikes sometimes resulting in a failure to fire. This is not good for a self defense gun.
The issue is really with grip and trigger finger strenght and both these will be overcome with dry and live fire pratice in short order. The firing will smooth out the trigger action a great deal and help you establish a good hand position that will also help. While it may seen you get a lighter pull after awhile, the spring weight does not change, you are just getting stronger.
One the issue of dry fire, although S&W says its ok, those who know about such things (Old Fuff, et al) recommend the use of snap caps to insure no damage results as you are firing without any support under the firing pin and with no primer to hit the other parts of the action must take the impact they are not desgined for. They are also good for loading drills and many of us use them. They will be available at your gun store or on the net.
One of the best things you can do is change out the stock boot grips for a set of Hogue Batnam grips. These do not have the thumb shelf and are easier to establish a proper grip for smaller hands. While you do not mention it being as issue, a proper grip that fits you well will help in recoil management a great deal.
If this is to be a CCW have you given much thought to the mode of carry? Many females automaticaly opt for purse carry, however you may want to rethink this issue as off the body carry can present more problems than it solves.
Again, welcome and we hope to hear more from you here at the clubhouse.
If at all possible do not change to a lighter spring set. You might not have any trouble with them, but they can cause light primer strikes sometimes resulting in a failure to fire. This is not good for a self defense gun.
The issue is really with grip and trigger finger strenght and both these will be overcome with dry and live fire pratice in short order. The firing will smooth out the trigger action a great deal and help you establish a good hand position that will also help. While it may seen you get a lighter pull after awhile, the spring weight does not change, you are just getting stronger.
One the issue of dry fire, although S&W says its ok, those who know about such things (Old Fuff, et al) recommend the use of snap caps to insure no damage results as you are firing without any support under the firing pin and with no primer to hit the other parts of the action must take the impact they are not desgined for. They are also good for loading drills and many of us use them. They will be available at your gun store or on the net.
One of the best things you can do is change out the stock boot grips for a set of Hogue Batnam grips. These do not have the thumb shelf and are easier to establish a proper grip for smaller hands. While you do not mention it being as issue, a proper grip that fits you well will help in recoil management a great deal.
If this is to be a CCW have you given much thought to the mode of carry? Many females automaticaly opt for purse carry, however you may want to rethink this issue as off the body carry can present more problems than it solves.
Again, welcome and we hope to hear more from you here at the clubhouse.
DAdams
Member
This is true. I have been exercising my hand/grip on both hands when I drive. I just use a foam rubber Florida orange someone gave me at a trade show. I have been doing it for a year now. My grip is crushing and triggers even on the worst handgun are now like H&K LEM putty in my hands.
ardito 40 welcome. That indeed is a great price. You should be doing time for robbing Vance's.
Did yours come with the smaller CT 405s? They are a great grip and the Crimson Trace adds the "unfair advantage". And not to mention the Cool Factor if they have the S&W logo.
That would be the Quintatic Equation as postulated by jt1 seeking the long sought after evolution of the Quadratic Theorem 642 ~ CT ~ Mika ~ Bianchi = (Mass Marks) 642 HEAD Put forth by DAdams.
Yet?- Status
