The 642 club

[Protein anchor]

Count me as a new Member of the Club!

I just bought a NIB 642 about 9 hours ago! Looked at the 638 for pocket as well, but the guys on here and at S&W all got me to go 642. (I live 15 minutes from the S&W world headquarters) Obviously have not fired it yet, but will do so soon. The gun was made two weeks ago as well, it is perfect looking...they tell me they sell them constantly there at the sports center and are always getting fresh shipments from the factory down the street.

It is a pleasure to join the 642 club! fiVe, count me as the 117th purchaser based on info from this thread. Thanks for all the great input.

 

[AStone]

I wonder if the Rossi vs Charter Arms thread will hit 1000?

<chuckles>

I thought exactly the same when I saw that.

I momentarily considered posting to recommend a 642 instead of either, but thought the better of it.

PS: welcome in, Protein Anchor.

The first new member after 1001 wins a free box of ammo!
(Well, not really , but it's cool anyway ...)

 

[Doggieman]

It's the timeless nature of the 642 and related revolvers that makes threads like this possible. Truly a classic.

 

[Protein anchor]

Funny...

Funny Nema (are you a marine biologist?), even if it was true, it would be illegal as you cannot ship ammo to MA! Come to think of it, we cannot even ship ammo to anyone in MA to anyone in MA through the mail...hmmmm. Thanks for the welcome.

 

[AStone]

are you a marine biologist?

Half right.

(The biologist part...actually, more of a systems scientist these days...)

Condolenses about the ammo situation in MA.

 

[Gary A]

As a long time reader and once-or-twice poster to this thread, in honor of its longevity and significance, I'll add my 642 history. I got into revolvers about 12 years ago and a 442 was my first purchase. I knew nothing about frames and power levels or much of anything else and bought it because it looked interesting. Later I bought a 640 and later a very low serial number 640-1 when I amazingly saw a centennial in a display case marked ".357 Magnum". Not too long later and I found out SW was re-introducing the stainless version of the 442 (the 642) after having discontinued it due to complaints of mismatched coloration between the cylinder and barrel and the frame. As time passed, I eventually sold the 442 thinking stainless was a better option. (A mistake in retrospect...sigh.) In the meantime, I had also gotten into Rugers in a big way and experimented with .380 Sig 230 and 232s both steel and alloy. When S&W entered into the infamous Clinton agreement, I eventually traded many of mine away in an uncharacteristic but heartfelt protest of an iconic company stooping to such debasement. The 642 was gone. Eventually, ownership changed, I mellowed, and began to think of getting another but before I did, the controversial ILS had appeared. I disliked this only a little less than the Clinton agreement. (I'm getting better about it but not much.) More recently, the little RSR 37-2s appeared and I purchased one. Then another. I have more than one. Actually more than two. Most recently, in my favorite gun shop, I found a pristine, like new 442 no dash at a very good price. Just like the one I started with in the beginning. Even scored a few boxes of Federal Nyclad 125s. I have come full circle. Maybe one day I'll pick up a 642 even with that Infernal Locking System. This thread has amazed me. The 442/642 always had a little "cult" aura about it. It was a plain jane, not much noticed little revolver that few talked about and fewer yet ever sold once they bought one. It sure is getting attention now. You started something, fiVe.

 

[Protein anchor]

Cleaning the 642

I am sure this has been beat to death...but what do you guys use to clean your 642? I am thinking Birchwood, the new all finishes safe stuff (meant for any finish including polymer and camo) they came out with.

What is the consensus on this issue as of late 2006? Thanks,

 

[freewookie]

After a few weeks of my new 642 sitting in a drawer I got it to the range. 50 rounds and I couldn't be happier. I was really surprised at the lack of recoil. I shot a mix of WWB and WWB +p. It had less recoil than my old model 36 and the P11 I sold to buy it.

I'll be painting the front sight since I was all over the place. I've seen the 340s and 360s with the red insert or HI-VIZ. Can that be done on the 642s?

 

[sloman]

Cleaning

Don't use GUNSCRUBBER on the 642!
It'll mess up the clear finish on the frame! I did it once and ended up shipping it back to the factory for refinishing!:banghead:

 

[D-Man]

Made it to the range today with my new 642, and fired 40 rounds - my first out of a snubbie. I planned on shooting the entire box of 50, but after the first 5, I cut my thumb from it bruising against the cylinder release on the recoil.

So my first lesson learned was I need to keep my thumb out of the way. I did get better at this as I went along. Next time, I should be fine.

The recoil itself is not that bad at all - I was just shooting standard Remington UMC loads in it. No problems at all with the web of my hand (seems like others mention it gets sore from shooting).

I was only shooting about 10 feet away, and while I was able to keep it on the paper, it did string up and down the target. That's another thing I got better at, as the later shots weren't that high or low.

Anyway, I was happy with my results, and think as I do some more dryfiring at home and put some more range time in, things will get a lot better.

 

[tallpaul]

I aquired my 642 a month back or so... the 640 smith while nice was too heavy and the p32 is ok but I had the hankering and traded a couple unused guns and some cash for one. Shootin it is easy and carrying a dream. I had it in my shirt pockett all day today and litterally forgot it was there while workin around the yard. I like it and while the k frames and my 640 have thier place the 642 is just SWEET...

 

[308win]

HEY central Ohio shooters

Vances has the 642 for $319 (+tax). I doubt you see them any cheaper around here.

 

[Bob Lindell]

Providence, synchronicity, blind luck.... for whatever reason I came upon the thread tonight. Having been away from internet forums for awhile I decided to return with a visit to THR.

Here's a photo of my 640-2 purchased about 10 years ago outside of Chicago. Also attached is a detail of the serial #. I've seen it written that the "-2" was a designation that the revolver was earmarked for NYPD. Any information on this from one of you in the know? I purchased the gun new.

I did speak with S&W regarding the use of +P ammo. With the stainless frame I was told there'd be no problem, but the 640-2 is for .38Sp only and not .357.

I appreciate any info you might be able to provide and am glad to be a new member in such a fine organization.

 

[sixgunner455]

Bob, S&W tracks the changes in models by -#. So, a model 10-6 is the sixth significant change to the model since introduction. A 640-2 would be the second, -1 is first, etc. A 640 with no dash is the originally issued model design, with no significant modifications from the factory.

 

[Tequila jake]

New 642s

Just bought two new 642s over the weekend--one for my better half and one for myself. This makes the 6th and 7th J-frame I've bought, plus one Charter Arms .38 Spl snubbie.

I sold J-frames #4 & 5 for a total of $700, drove to San Antonio and paid a total of $700 for the two 642s.......

Just cain't get away from 'em....


Tequila Jake

 

[AStone]

The more I hold it,
the more I like it.

My 642 with Hogue monogrips.

I'm telling you,
it just feels right.

It may be marketed as a pocket pistol
(with them short grips, and all ...)

But put a set of
full-sized 3-finger grips
on that puppy,
and it just rocks
all even harder.

Light weight.
Solid grip.
Firm shot placement.

IMO.
YMMV.

#1021,
along the way to 2001...

 

[AStone]

I just ordered
a Desantis Speed Scabbard (black)
for my 642.

I'll keep you posted about it ...
{story at 11...}

1022

 

[fiVe]

Nematocyst, 2 questions:

How do the monogrips do for pocket carry?

How do you think the monogrips will do with the scabbard?

As soon as possible, please post some scabbard pics.

Always looking to increase my knowledge,
fiVe

 

[Ric in Richmond]

How do they look polished

Who has polished their 642???

How tough is the factory finish if you pocket carry?

Any pics?

 

[Protein anchor]

Nice

Nema...part munber please for those grips...those are what SW puts on the 868 (looks simialr anyway, perhaps these are a bit smaller). I would love a set of those. Thanks,

 

[Headless]

I myself have the hogue monogrips on my 642..i'm a big guy and don't find it difficult to conceal in pocket carry or on my waist in a 'sidekick' IWB holster. That said, my spindly friend (5foot11 and ~130lb) finds it fairly impossible to conceal unless wearing an overshirt at the waist, There's just a massive lump next to his nonexistent belly. though he can manage to pocket carry it in baggy pants OK. My belly almost covers the entire grip even when worn on my waist. The monogrips IMO are necessary for firing the stiffest +P rounds out of this thing without pain in any quantity...and i found the gun would torque/twist out of my hand with the smaller grips in addition to being painful to fire.

These are the ones:
http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?id=189&step=2

The rubber ones - code, '60000'. 22$.

 

[jad0110]

Was just reminded not too long ago how great pocket carrying really is. Nothing bad happened, but it made me glad I had my 'lil 642.

I was in McDonalds with my family having some ice cream, at about 9 pm. Just hangin' out having a good time. Suddenly, I noticed my mom and sister look over at someone behind me with a nervous look. I knew it was time to go. We calmly got up to leave and I glanced over at the "threat". Really creepy dude, I did NOT like the look I got from him. Keeping my cool, I brang up the rear with my hands in my pockets. The creep was with a group that followed us out into the parking lot, but they strolled off in the opposite direction after giving us one last look. Whew.

Honestly, I was overly worried, it was not enough to get the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. But it sure was nice being able to discretely grip that 642 in my hand, ready to deploy it in a moment of need be.

Stay safe.

 

[AStone]

I think my Hogues are the same ones that Headless mentioned; should be the same part number.

As for pocket carry, yeah, I'm a "spindly" guy like his friend. Pocket carry (pants, at least) just didn't work for me. It looked too weird on a skinny guy. (I can carry it in a vest pocket OK, but I'm not even CCW yet, so don't carry it away from my studio/business.)

With the Hogues, pant pocket carry would be even more problematic. They'd stick out with all but the baggiest pants with deep pockets, which I don't really wear. (Jeans & Carhartts for me.)

I mostly knew when I bought my 642 that I wasn't going to pocket carry. I considered an ankle holster, and may eventually try it. But my main interest is light weight and fairly small size.

I suspect the scabbard will carry it in a way that I won't even notice it. We'll see. It's on the way, now. Expect it on Friday.

Yes, will definitely post some picks.

Nem

 

[ralpho1]

salute the thread

coming in a little late, but happy to be part of it. 642-2 /w Desantis, and 135gr. gdhpsb. the only thing left is to find a reasonably priced set of cocobolo grips. Or is that an oxymoron?

 

[Speed Draw]

Is the club full yet? I had heard good things about the 642 and after doing my homework by reading this thread, I was convinced. I recently was able to locate two 642-1s online in excellent condition. It took me 4 weeks of diligent searching, but they are worth it.
I also had a question about them. One was made in '96 and the other in '99. The '99 has a different trigger design which is much smoother (not the pull, but the trigger itself). Is this MIM? The older one looks as if it was machine cut.