The 642 club

[jt1]

I now look at them as an enhancement to good solid training...

MassMark - Yes, This is absolutely correct IMO. They have an important role, but they are subject to failure as is everything else and you must be able to work well without them if required.

I can point and shoot as accurately w/o them.

DAdams - That is the goal, of course. If you can do that consistently you are well ahead of the game. I would not be so quick to dismiss their value however. There are times when you might really need the advantage they can provide. If you are injured or your vision or depth perception becomes impaired, or in low light conditions with multiple threats I think the laser could really make a significant difference for someone skilled in it's use.

sloman - Nice looking set-up. When I try to goggle "Side Guard Holsters" I don't find this outfit. Whats the URL?

 

[sloman]

Here is Sideguard Holsters Website:

http://esrigs.home.comcast.net/index.htm

 

[DAdams]

M&P 340 In the House

Price and availability/opportunity finally lined up to the point where it was time to pick one of these new J Frames up.

No range work yet, maybe later this week, maybe not. Busy, busy.

Carrying the 642 while in town. Until I get the 340 wrung out. I ordered some Buffalo Bore standard pressure .38 spl in 158 gr. It is charged more like off the shelf +P.

I doubt I will do much carrying 357, but it's nice to know I can. Night sights, lanyard post in backstrap, 2 ounces lighter than the 642 . Trigger on this is the same length, but wasn't nearly as "gritty" as the 642 out of the box.

Bought it with the CT 405s as the price with right vs. just getting the gun and adding them later.

Starboard Side



Port Side



Trijicon Sights

 

[DAdams]

More 340

Swapped out the CT 405 grips to try some Hogue Monogrips on the new 340.

What a difference. Still conceals well and there is a whole lot more to hold on to. Those of you with large hands might want to give these a try on your 642/442. $13 and you can always return them if you don't like them. Pachmyar has their version as well. With the increased surface area transfer I think these should tame recoil and with the full four finger grip allow faster subsequent shots. I also like the larger rubber area for the web of the hand. These are sweet.

I thought these might be a worthy addition in anticipation of a few full house 357s come range day.

Still waiting on the Buffalo Big Bore order. Should arrive tomorrow.

Here are some pics with the new shoes.



With medium to large pockets it was still no problem clearing cotton fast and the grip doesn't extend below the grip hand.


In the Mika.


These grips significantly improved the performance/release in the DeSantis Nemesis providing a bit more leverage. This makes a great combo.

It really is surprising what different combinations reveal.

 

[1BLINDREF]

My sons first wheel gun, a 442

Hello 642 Club. I've been away from this thread for awhile playing with my Sigs. Wow this Club has grown so big and so fast.
My son turned 21 back in January and my wife and I bought him a nice Sig P228 for his birthday (he is in the Army and a P228 is his issued weapon). He has since added a new CZ75 and now his first wheelie, a nice new little 442. He fell in love shooting my 642 and he wanted to make a 5 shot S&W J-frame his first revolver in his small but growing collection.
Just had to let everyone in the Club know what a proud father I am

Here is a picture of my 642 and the "new addition" to the family.

 

[DawgFvr]

DAdams: I love the look of your new .357 pocket snub but if you are unable to fire .357 out of it...what's the point? Me, I am going in the other direction. I am now considering selling my .45 ACP and getting me a vintage S&W Model 65 with three inch barrel for OWB/IWB and placing a set of the new LG-105 grips (I just think they are very comfortable grips!). Now...that weapon handles well with the .357 mag. It actually feels like a pop gun firing the DPX magnum round. The 642 will then become my bug.

 

[DAdams]

Dawg

if you are unable to fire .357 out of it...what's the point?

Don't know, haven't tried it yet. I don't have recoil issues at least not yet. I suspect that I will find a .357 load that will work fine, It may have to be the high price BBB and it may be above a +P and at the low end of the .357.

I simply like the format and wanted one lighter than my 642 but slightly heavier than the titanium/scandium. I like the stainless cylinder. Like the Trijion sights as-well.

I have a 686 no dash 3 inch I guess I could carry OWB/IWB. Maybe winter in TN with a barn coat.

Someday I would like a K frame. Got the J and L bases covered.

 

[S&W642CT&G19]

I've tried to find Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P HP in the St. Louis area and even during a road trip to Little Rock AR without any luck. Does anyone know any websites one might be able to mail order?????

 

[DAdams]

38 Special Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr. +P Ammo

20rds - 38 Special Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr. +P Ammo $19.49


This is 38 Special Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr. +P Hollow Point Ammo. This ammo is designed specifically for short barrel compact guns. It is designed to give you the velocity needed out of a short barrel weapon to get optimum expansion at short ranges. This is the ultimate personnal protection ammo for compact concealed handguns. This ammo contains a special powder formulation and bullet jacket to acheive the the desired results.

http://ammunitiontogo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=675

I was having problems finding it in my are as-well. Did just order a couple of boxes from these guys. Service was fine, it was in stock.

I finally found a place 7 miles away that does carry it. :banghead:Just didn't look long and hard enough.

 

[MassMark]

You Can Do Better...

DAdams PM sent re: GDHP 135 +P

 

[glockman19]

1BLINDREF, I just got my 442 and was going to take and post the exact same picture.

 

[rogerjames]

Sorry if this is already posted somewhere but I've done several searches and couldn't find. I am a new owner of a 442 as of today. I am looking for some written instructions explaining disassembly/reassembly. I was disappointed to find that info absent in the manual. My Ruger SP101 came with instructions for disassembly that aid in cleaning/lubricating. I also found written instructions explaining trigger polishing for the Ruger, which I did and replaced factory springs with Wolff. I have been unable to find similar instructions anywhere for the 442.

 

[DAdams]

RogerJames

Good Question and Welcome to the 642 Club. Particularly from one Floridian to another.

Be interesting to see what the replys are to your question. S&W's "manual" does leave a lot to be desired.

Might have to check with Brownells for such documents.

www.brownells.com

If worse comes to worse check on the S&W Forum.

Let's see what sort of response you get here.

 

[jt1]

DAdams - Very Nice. I really do like the sights. Do they seem like they would survive some damage from a drop or other hard handling?

1BLINDREF - Congrats on being a great dad!

glockman19 - His is his and yours is yours, let's see the pics of yours.

rogerjames - Welcome to club 642. We are happy to have you here with us. Below is a link to a thread at TFL that has a good piece on S&W assy/diassy. It is post seven. I would not recommend that you do any "polishing" or spring work or any other kind of modification to a gun that will be used as a SD CCW. Replacing the grips is about as far as you want to go for safety/reliaibilty/legal issues. Some dry fire with snapcaps (thank you, Old Fuff) and some range work and the trigger on your 442 should turn out to be quite nice.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52955&highlight=S%26W+assembly

But if you must, look here.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3189275&postcount=1926

 

[atomd]

Anyone have pics of their 642 while carrying in a pocket holster? I'm curious to see whether or not pocket carry would really be an option for me if I got my hands on a 642. I'm in the market for a pocket gun and I'd rather have a 642 than a kel-tec. Also, around what did you guys pay for yours? I see some on gunbroker for like $350. I'm thinking of seeing if I can trade one of my WASR 10s for a 642 if possible...this thread has made me want one!

 

[Mulliga]

rogerjames, I highly recommend not disassembling your 442 until you get a shop manual, video, or (better yet) a knowledgable friend. Smiths aren't designed to be taken apart like the Rugers are, and I've seen gunsmiths have to knock the sideplate out again after initial attempts at assembly because they didn't finagle the sideplate back on quite right. Welcome to the club, BTW!

 

[rogerjames]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. JT1 - thanks for the links, that's what I was looking for. I will proceed with caution and at my own risk! Atomd, I bought mine from a member on the forum here for $345 shipping included. It was the blued 442, not the stainless 642. By the way, how do you like your WASR? The pawn shop that did my transfer has 2 new WASR for $400. They peaked my interest but I don't know much about em. Anyway.... Glad to be a member of the 642 club!

 

[DAdams]

Atomd

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/550103904/m/9451019422

Check this thread from the S&W forum regarding Mika holsters. There is a guy in some baggy shorts supposedly carrying. Like mine you wouldn't know it. Believe me unless you are wearing skin tight polyester no one will know you are packing.
Columbia baggy shorts, dockers, Levis you name it and you can't tell what is going on. Everyone carries phones, keys, knives, wallets in pockets a 642 or other J frame in a pocket hoster will blend right in.

Welcome and you will enjoy. Prepare to be assimilated.

JT1

DAdams - Very Nice. I really do like the sights. Do they seem like they would survive some damage from a drop or other hard handling?

They do appear somewhat fragile. They are pinned on and can be replaced. Hopefully I won't have to find out until they no longer charge.

rogerjames
The inner sanctum. You be the judge.
Lifetime warranty. Shipping paid both ways. Unless I wanted some lighter springs I wouldn't mess with it myslelf.

 

[atomd]

Rogerjames - Thanks for the info. I like the WASR just fine. They are rough around the edges but they do what they are supposed to. Fun for a plinker. I'm starting to use them less and less but I think I'll need to always have one around for fun. $400 is what they are here now too. You can get one for less if you shop around.

DAdams - Thanks for that link. That is exactly what I needed to see. Seems to conceal very well for a wheel gun and people seem to be raving about that holster. The pic you posted there makes you think about how things are really constructed. Revolvers have a simple appearance and a simple operation but what's under that skin sometimes isn't so simple. I don't think I'd be taking that apart to mess with on a regular basis! I'd be nervous about it taking a good whack right on the guts there but it looks like it's somewhat protected.

 

[Gary A]

S&W642CT&G19 said "I've tried to find Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P HP in the St. Louis area and even during a road trip to Little Rock AR without any luck. Does anyone know any websites one might be able to mail order?????"

If you ever get across the river (Mississippi, not Missouri), Ron and Jo's Firearms and Sporting Supply in O'fallon, Illinois (frontage road just north of I-64) keeps it in stock.

 

[loplop]

DAdams, I bought from the same supplier MassMark sent you a link to. Friendly, in stock, fast shipping, unbelieveable prices. Highly recommended.

What a good addition to your son's collection, BLINDREF! I don't think one should be without a j frame wheelie.

 

[S&W642CT&G19]

MassMark - Would you be so kind and send me a PM with the info on your supplier for GDHP 135 +P

Thanks in advance

 

[DAdams]

Memorial/Decoration Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the final Monday of May (observed this year on 2007-05-28). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.



I am going to be on the road this weekend I-75 :banghead: and won't be on the PC for few days. I would just like to say thanks and pay my respects to all of you on the 642 Club Board who have served or are currently serving our Country. God Bless.

 

[jt1]

Here is some nonsense to play with if you have some spare time. S&W computer icons:

http://www.iconarchive.com/category/object/smith-and-wesson-icons-by-calle.html

 

[mike5liter]

Mika pocket holster

My Mika pocket holster arrived the other day. I wasn't sure if it was going to live up to all the hype I had read or not. I have to say I am not disapointed. It's well made, atractive and very functional. I only recently got my carry permit and felt pocket carry would be the best for me as I don't really want to change how I dress to cover a waistband holster. Now I just have to actually carry my 642 outside the house...

thanks all for the recommendation on a great holster.

/Mike