The 642 club

[Nails]

Nice grips...

I was begining to think I was the only one left who actually prefers the original S&W "service stocks". I've been carrying j frames since the early seventies when those grips were all that were available. They are what I learned on and what I prefer. I've tried the newer style rubber grips and tried adding a tyler t but I always come back to the original setup. For me they are the most accurate and also the most concealable. Adding them to mine was the only mod I made when I picked up my 442.

BTW five bucks for a set of diamond grips in that shape is an unbelievable deal.

 

[bullfrog99]

Thanks Nails, I was pretty shocked when I spotted them too. While I have to say shooting +p LHP bullets is a touch exilerating with these grips, I still think they are the greatest thing since bread came sliced. I was debating with myself wheather or not to get a Tyler "T" grip adaptor, and I ended up talking myself out of it. Now my only problem is what pocket and IWB holsters to get, and whether or not to buy a Clipdraw...

PS, does anyone have an XS big dot on the front of their 442/642? If so, how does it work (pics appreciated also)?

 

[aguyindallas]

To my knowledge, you cannot put in an XS Big Dot on the 442/642 as the front blade is all part of the barrel. Not like others that are actually a pinned in seperate part of the barrel.

If I am wrong (and I hope I am because I want one!), somebody let me know.

 

[revolvergeek]

Here are some pics of the Big Dots for you!

My Sokol custom 640-1:


A buddy's 38 and 642-?. The gunsmith milled down the front site and cut a small dovetail.

Here's a bigger scan so you can see the detail of the work.

 

[AStone]

While the discussion is about grips...

I tried out a set of Hogue rubber grips yesterday, the full-sized version for J-frames, that I intend to replace my stock grips on my 642. They're only $19 (but I'm in a financial tight spot at the moment , so they'll have to wait another few weeks .)

Loved them. For me, with fairly small hands and small stature, I think they'll be just what I've wanted to improve my control with this little mule. I just like the idea of being able to get all of my fingers on the grip, even if it will reduce concealability. (But I'm planning on getting a OWB holster for this guy anyway - I just haven't warmed up to pocket carry or IWB...)

 

[RonJ]

Range Report

Got my 642 with CT Laser Grips today and went to the range. I shot 30 rounds of "range " ammuniton and ended with 5 rounds of Speer 125 +P Gold Dots. I was very happy with the performance of the revolver. The recoil was a lot less then I expected, and I did not do too badly with placement, shooting at 15 feet, considering it was my first time using the weapon. My hand was a bit sore afterwards, but I think that I could have easily shot the remaining 20 rounds of the range ammunition without too much trouble. All in all, a very positive experience.

As an aside, the Mika holster I got is fabulous. It comfortably fits into the side pocket of cargo shorts without any printing, and the draw is as smooth as could be with the holster staying firmly in place. I highly recommend it.

Ron

 

[bullfrog99]

Thanks for the pics Revolvergeek, That may be my next upgrade. I do have a question though. The model 60 looked like it had the rear sight channeled out to a U notch, Is that standard with XS dot installation?

 

[revolvergeek]

Bullfrog99,

Yep, the rear on the 640-1 was remilled to a U-shaped trench. I couldn't say if it is standard or not, but I prefer it to the factory notch. At the time that I had the gund one, Sokol had just had a S&W 13 3 inch written up in Custom Combat Handguns that was done like this and I thought it looked like a slick setup so I had him do it to mine. The trench is just the right size to look down/through it at the full dot, so it is really fast a pretty accurate. My groups at 25 yards got much bigger with this site setup, but at under 10 yards or so it is insanely fast and plenty accurate.

 

[Evil Stepdad]

Well, you guys convinced me. I was originally doing a web search on the Taurus 850 when I came across this forum and this thread. After spending some time reading all of your responses, and looking at other reviews out there, it seems that this really is about as perfect a pocket gun as you can find.

I went down to the gun shop and picked a 642 up today. All right, I have to admit, I almost changed my mind at the last minute and bought a Kahr PM9 instead, but in the end, the 642 was too beautiful to pass up. The best part was, I traded in my Beretta 92FS that sits in the back of my gun safe and never gets fired, and I had leftover money to spare!

I've been carrying it around in my pocket all day, and now I'm afraid that my Taurus PT145 might not make it out of the safe as much any more.

I have already ordered my Mica pocket holster and a set of the new LG405 Crimson Trace grips. (the soft rubber ones with the thinner/shorter profile)

Thanks for spreading the word about this gun!

 

[jad0110]

Welcome to the club, Evil Stepdad!

I just ordered my round-cut Mika tonight. I've heard so many great things about it that if its half as good as everyone says it is, I think I'll be really happy.

 

[sloman]

Mika

I got a Mika right hand IWB holster for the 642, hardly used if anyone interested. Write me at [email protected] . Just not my cup of tea. Take $18 shipped.

 

[azrael]

Mika is an excellant choice for a pocket holster on a budget

 

[fiVe]

I just ordered my round-cut Mika tonight....I think I'll be really happy.

Oh you will, MOST definitely!!

 

[chieftain]

Sloman

E-Mail sent.

Fred

 

[sloman]

Mike IWB

sold to Cheiftan! thanks Cheiftan

 

[Headless]

How much weight do five rounds of .38 add to a 642?

I think each of my .38 148gr rounds weighs ~18grams..
18*5 = 90g/28.4 = 3.2oz
Could be a little more, i'll double check tonight.

 

[DrBoomBoom]

Just got one today!

Well, you guys talked me into it...got my handgun carry permit from the State of Tennessee yesterday and spent the evening reading this impressive thread.

They call me Dr. Boom Boom because I'm a bass player (mostly country and bluegrass), I'm no firearm expert, but I've been shooting for a long time (my uncle and cousins were LEO's and my mother taught me to plink when I a kid) I've owned a few handguns and rifles, riight now I've got a Browning Buckmark .22 for fun and a CZ 75B 9mm for home defense but wanted something I could carry that my wife could also handle. Because of this thread, I picked up a new 642 today and fired 50 S&B target rounds and 10 Hornady's at the range. It kicks a little, but it sure is fun! Kept most of the holes in the silouhette's 9 ring out to 7 yards, then they started to wander, so there's a lot more practie in my future and my wife will be joining me at the range this weekend.

Looking forward to more of the great info here while trying to get better.

Thanks!!http://www.thehighroad.org/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[bulbboy]

Have fun with it!! S & W should be giving somebody some kick backs!!

 

[Buckweet]

642 W/Crimson Trace or 642 W/O Crimson Trace - Why?

A quick question for you 642 owners...

When you purchased your 642, what factors went into the decision for/against Crimson Trace grips...

I'm seeking responses that address the issue of the "value" of the laser, extended grip, etc.

Some may debate the intimidation value of the laser, but if it was trained on me, I'd likely pay attention... That said, is it simple romantic nonsense to think that a gun designed for close proximity "engagements" should be equipped with a laser?

In my market, its a $159 up-lift to add the CTs.

Thanks guys!

 

[DrBoomBoom]

Laser decision

My decision was based mostly on, no surprise, price. If a gun is better than no gun, than a gun without a laser is better than no gun.

A few guys at the range have them, and those red dots sure wander around the bull a lot. It made me wonder if they'd be more steady watching the sights.

I thought about the intimidation factor, but not being an LEO or having serious training, If I ever have to point my weapon at someone the negotiations are over, I'm not going to intimidate them, I'm going to shoot them as fast as I can. You guys have a lot more experience and training, though, so if you think it's that much more of an advantage, I might add one later.

 

[Headless]

IMO the main benefit (that is not mentioned much, strangely) of a laser sight is being able to aim in low light conditions where you can't necessarily make the iron sights out against the backdrop, combined with extremely fast target acquisition from any stance...it makes point shooting from the hip much easier to learn too.

 

[Bubba Ron]

642 with CT LG305's

One of our 642's has the Crimson Trace LG305's (Combat Rubber). Here's a link: http://www.impactguns.com/store/610242003051.html

These give you an extra finger grip which really makes a difference in control. As to why do I use them? They make target acquisition much easier and for my old eyes.

 

[JMag]

Update:

After selling off my 642 and landing a Glock 26 I just could not stand NOT having a snubbie. Yesterday, I landed a near mint Colt Detective Special in nickel for $350. I think the extra weight will help my control.

So, I'm back in the snubbie club...maybe not the 642 club. I'm happy though.

 

[Evil Stepdad]

Laser Grips

My decision to purchase laser grips was based primarily on the fact that as a "short range" defensive weapon, there are many scenarios in which I may not be able to bring my gun up to a position that allows me to get a good sight picture. The laser makes it much easier to aim from the hip, so to speak. For the record, other than testing it out, I do not use my laser when I practice at the range.

Speaking of that, I took my 642 to the range for the first time today. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The recoil wasn't so bad, (although I have the same patch of skin missing on my thumb that everyone else talks about), and it was actually more accurate than I expected it to be. I put 50 rounds of range ammo through it and 20 rounds of my Speer 135gr +p ammo.

I love this gun!

 

[fiVe]

So, I'm back in the snubbie club

Once you get the "snubbie bug", you can't go back. Enjoy that Colt DS!