The 642 club

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Submitting app for 642 Club!

I've carried a 442 for about ten years. I have other carry pieces but the 442 is my "Go-To" CCW. I pocket carry with a DeSantis Nemesis or Uncle Mikes #4 about 50% of the time, then the rest of the time I carry OWB in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake Holster.

I really like the 'covert' black finish of the 442. I've actually thought of having my S&W 60 refinished in black when I have an action job done on it. I like carrying my black revolvers in a black holster on a black gun belt. Works great with navy Dickies work pants and a navy or black Carhartt T-shirt as a cover.

Thanks for a great club!

Ron
 
Nematocyst-870,

What barrel length is on your 870P in the photo on page 49? Is it the 20"?
I have one on layaway with the 20" barrel and wood stocks and was just wondering.

BTW, I own both a 442 & a 642. LOVE 'EM! And they're not the only J frames I have.:)
 
Wow, this place has been busy!

Let me offer a warm welcome to all our new members, and a happy new year to all!
 
I know its not a 642 but...

I am thinking about buying a used 640 ss 38 special only and this would be my first snub and Smith and Wesson ,any suggestions on this model good/bad for ccw and does $370.00 sound fair for the asking price would be appreciated?? Thanks
 
Yet, Another New Member!

Yes folks, got the 642 today and went immediately to the 'action pistol' range in Oak Ridge. I marveled at the 'out of box' reliability and accuracy of this little piece. Finally graduated from the old model 36 and the spurred hammer that I simply can not deal with in CCW.
Now, the 1954 Chiefs Special will be used as a hide-away or truck gun.

This thread seems to have a life of its own :)
 
I just added the Hogue Monogrips to mine, which I'm sure will make my range sessions a little more comforting. They do seem to be a little large to still carry nicely in a pocket though.

For now it's not a big deal since I don't have a carry permit. Anybody out there who do carry with those grips? And if so, are you still using the same pocket holster, or did you have to change things around to accomodate the longer and bulkier monogrips?
 
Update on my "642 Christmas". My concealed carry instructor has his own private outdoor range, and I headed out there this morning to finally try out my new 642. I was all pumped up, and it did not disappoint. What a sweet little handgun! First and foremost I was quite interested in making my own evaluation with regards to the recoil debate. I decided to start out with a lighter load, so I went with Winchester .38 Special 130 gr. FMJ. The 642 handled 'em flawlessly. I warmed up the weapon with those at distances of 15, 25 and 35 feet. After about 50 rounds, I was ready for "the moment of truth". Loaded up with the Speer GDHP Dot 135 gr. +P and had at it. I have to say I was a tiny bit shocked! I found no discomfort whatsoever (recoil-wise) with the factory grips. Yes, it has a kick, and right off the bat I discovered that I am going to have to work on trigger control with the +P, as I seemed to have a tendency to shoot a tad low. But I went through another 60 or so rounds of the Speer, at various distances with a Weaver stance, extended and belly natural and off-hand. As I pointed out, I'll need to brush up on my accuracy, especially with silhouette head shots, but the damn thing was an absolute pleasure to shoot! Suffice it to say, this was one helluva Christmas present. Just thought y'all would be interested in one man's evaluation of our 642. :)
 
D-man, like you I don't yet have CCW, so I don't carry my 642 away from my studio. But I do carry it at all times in my studio (which is located in a pretty, um, "unstable" part of town with questionable security).

Before putting a set of hogues on mine, I tried carrying it in my pocket without a pocket holser. It just didn't work. It took up too much space, and just didn't feel right for me. I never bothered to buy a pocket holster.

Instead, I bought an OWB - Desantis speed scabbard - that carries my 642 in my studio. I'm quite satisfied with it. Of course, draw is far slower than with pocket carry, so theirs a price there. My reasoning is, if I need it, I'll know in advance (breaking glass makes noise).

However, as I've mentioned before, <blasphemy> I'm actually considering investing in an even smaller pocket gun once I get my CCW. Probably either a Keltec P32 (.32 ACP) or a NAA guardian (.32 NAA). </blasphemy>

I will definitely keep my 642 then, though. I find it perfect and very comfortable for OWB carry.

YMMV, as always.
 
D-Man I use an el-cheapo pocket holster with my new Monogrips. I normally wear cargo pants and keep the gun in the lower leg pocket. It still fits fine even with the larger grips. Acutally it fits better because now the larger size keeps it from falling over in the pocket. The grips are right where I want them. If I move it to the upper front pocket it sticks up too high. In my blue jeans it conceals pretty well still.
 
I've tried the Hogues on my 442 as well. It does indeed handle better but they do not work for pocket carry in my Dickie's type work pants. The grips are exposed and are too sticky as well. My favorite carry grip for my 442 is a set of Eagle Secret Service Grips. They conceal easily in the pocket and do not stick or grab on clothing. I can use the Michael's Boot Grips that originally came on the gun and they work nearly as well, but I am a little partial to wood grips. My Eagle SS Grips fit pretty well, but like others who have been somewhat dissatisfied with their fit, they could be much better.

I imagine any 'boot' grip would work for pocket carry on the 442/642 since they would conceal easily. I understand how a full size grip would probably work in cargo pockets or even some large coat pockets.

So what is the answer. Own more than one 442/642. One with boot grips for pocket carry and one with full size grips for OWB/IWB carry. I am sure there are other grip/finish/style combinations that would 'justify' owning 3, 4, 5 or even more of one of the best CCW revolvers ever made! :D

Now, I need to get the funds to order some Badger Boot Grips in Black...then maybe I could get the Rosewood. Oh yeah, then I need some Black full size Badgers or Rosewoods for my OWB carry. And, I've been meaning to try out a pair of the Pachmayr Compacs or Compac Professionals...maybe both. I could keep them all in my drawer full of J Frame holsters. A man can never have too many grips and holsters for these little jewels. After all, variety IS the spice of life! ;)

Ron
 
My God, look at all the new members! I extend a hearty welcome to all!!! Christmas has been pretty good this year I see. I already had my 642, but my wife got me a S&W K-22 Masterpiece for Christmas that is pretty sweet. I was out shooting it today and am continually amazed by how dramatically a good quality DA 22LR will improve your shooting ability (trigger control) on other guns. Every 642 owner should have a good DA 22 on which to practice affordably :D . I love mine!

Tylden,

I found the 130 grain American Eagles to have the most kick of any standard pressure loads I've fired. More than Remington 158 grain RNL and way more than 130 Grain Wallie World White box.

The hardest kicking round I've tried so far is the FBI Load (Lead Semiwadcutter HP +P). Recoil was sharp, but just manageable. The Speer really didn't feel any stiffer than the American Eagles.

Wesson Smith,

Sorry to hear about your range, hopefully they had insurance :uhoh: . I wish I could afford a house outside town on a big tract of land where I could have my own firing range. As it is, the closest to me is 40 minutes away.

When I first shot my 642, I was expecting the worst. Kind of thought I was shooting some weak ammo until I fired a few Speers. Then I realized that while certainly snappy, the recoil was not as bad as I had built it up to be in my mind. Now, if I had arthritis, I could definitely see where the airweight J Frame would not be pleasant.

Potty Doctor wrote:

My favorite carry grip for my 442 is a set of Eagle Secret Service Grips.
Click to expand...

How do those Eagles work with an HKS speedloader (if you use one). I thought I remember a much earlier post stating that the fit between the speedloader and the top of the grip was a little snug.

I was thinking of a set of Ahrends no finger groove grips for my 642, much like these beauties:

This picture comes from the Ahrends website. Wish this 686 was mine, it'd make a cool IWB gun :( :

ec%205.jpg
 
jad0110 said:
How do those Eagles work with an HKS speedloader (if you use one). I thought I remember a much earlier post stating that the fit between the speedloader and the top of the grip was a little snug.

I was thinking of a set of Ahrends no finger groove grips for my 642, much like these beauties:

This picture comes from the Ahrends website. Wish this 686 was mine, it'd make a cool IWB gun
Click to expand...

I don't use speed loaders, so I can't advise you on the fit with the Eagle Grips. I have always loved the look of the Ahrends Grips but haven't bought a set yet. They are, however, on my 'lust list of things to trick out my 442'.

Ron
 
Hogue Monogrip and Speedloaders

Didn't even think of checking my speedloaders with the new Monogrips. Just did though and they work fine.
 
I have a;

638 (pre-lock)
640 (pre-lock)
and a 637 (with the dreaded lock)

Do any of these get me into the club? As much as I want a 442, I just can't justify it right now.
 
I love the 642, but just to muddy the waters, Bob Morrison just announced this afternoon that Taurus will introduce a .38 revolver made of MAGNESIUM. Light weight, and much less expensive than titanium.

Can't wait to see that one.
 
I love the 642, but just to muddy the waters, Bob Morrison just announced this afternoon that Taurus will introduce a .38 revolver made of MAGNESIUM. Light weight, and much less expensive than titanium.
Click to expand...

I am not a big Taurus fan but I gotta see this one!
 
norfdet893

norfdet893: Come on in!! You are more than qualified for membership.
Click to expand...

Heck, if my math is correct you are qualified for 3.5 memberships!
Welcome to the club.

AND a Happy 2007 to all!
 
I love the 642, but just to muddy the waters, Bob Morrison just announced this afternoon that Taurus will introduce a .38 revolver made of MAGNESIUM. Light weight, and much less expensive than titanium.
Click to expand...
Magnesium will burn, how is that going to work?
 
"Magnesium will burn, how is that going to work?"

Perhaps that will give new meaning to the phrase, "carried often, shot little".
 
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