Holydoc
Member
Just out of curiosity, why did S&W make the trigger so ugly on the little snubbie? I wish it was shiny or the same color as the pistol. I am always thinking I did not clean it good enough or that it is rusting. 
The 642 club
- Thread starter fiVe
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Holydoc - I agree they could have done a better job on the trigger finish. I know it is a MIM part (Metal Injection Molding) that is much cheaper to make that a machined part. Still you would think it could be a little nicer. But I guess I'm OK with it as long as it always works.
JMFred - I like the BB 158+P's quite a lot. They point shoot well for me out to 10 yards (my max CQC drill) and seem to be very consistent. They are fairly stout rounds but follow ups are manageable once you get used to it. As far as a comparison to the GD's goes, They have more recoil, but it is different. The GD's seem to have a quick, sharp recoil and the BB's seem to be slower and more even. Kind of hard to explain but its more like a strong push than a sharp kick. Having said that its not too bad and I would not consider it to be a deciding factor. They are louder than the GD,s, but seem to have have a little less flash. While I believe the GD's are quite effective and would not feel sorry for myself if thats all I had, this is my reasoning - The 158's are effective, and with only FiVe rounds on board I gain a 115 grain advantage with the larger bullet and I really give up nothing once I become proficient with it. The only down side is cost, but when things go bad, that doesn't matter at all.
JMFred - I like the BB 158+P's quite a lot. They point shoot well for me out to 10 yards (my max CQC drill) and seem to be very consistent. They are fairly stout rounds but follow ups are manageable once you get used to it. As far as a comparison to the GD's goes, They have more recoil, but it is different. The GD's seem to have a quick, sharp recoil and the BB's seem to be slower and more even. Kind of hard to explain but its more like a strong push than a sharp kick. Having said that its not too bad and I would not consider it to be a deciding factor. They are louder than the GD,s, but seem to have have a little less flash. While I believe the GD's are quite effective and would not feel sorry for myself if thats all I had, this is my reasoning - The 158's are effective, and with only FiVe rounds on board I gain a 115 grain advantage with the larger bullet and I really give up nothing once I become proficient with it. The only down side is cost, but when things go bad, that doesn't matter at all.
AStone
Member
Posts: 3,384
Views: 192,427
This is the history of
a 15 oz J-frame.
Views: 192,427
This is the history of
a 15 oz J-frame.
AStone
Member
490 : 3384 : 192427
I'd call that an irrational ratio.
I'd call that an irrational ratio.
AStone
Member
Keywords:
"max CQC drill".
Guessing that 5 yds is median,
& 7' is min CQC drill...
I learn so much here.
jad0110
Member
jt1,
I see you choose the +P variety of the 158 grain BB round. A 158 grain soft lead HP hauling at 1,000 fps out of a 2" snubbie is unfreakin' believable. Actually, 1,000 fps may have been a 1 7/8" barrel, as if you read further on their website, a 2" Model 60 was pushing that same round to 1,040! In a 4" gun like my 686 that would be between 1150 and 1200 fps - 357 Magnum lite - perfect for Home Defense.
I am considering ordering the 20A +P version for my 686 and the 20C standard pressure for my 642. Does anyone have experience with the 20C? It is a 158 grain soft lead HP doing 854 fps from a 2" Model 60.
I see you choose the +P variety of the 158 grain BB round. A 158 grain soft lead HP hauling at 1,000 fps out of a 2" snubbie is unfreakin' believable. Actually, 1,000 fps may have been a 1 7/8" barrel, as if you read further on their website, a 2" Model 60 was pushing that same round to 1,040! In a 4" gun like my 686 that would be between 1150 and 1200 fps - 357 Magnum lite
- perfect for Home Defense.I am considering ordering the 20A +P version for my 686 and the 20C standard pressure for my 642. Does anyone have experience with the 20C? It is a 158 grain soft lead HP doing 854 fps from a 2" Model 60.
Check this test. Five shots averaged 906 fps.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/Buffalo Bore 158gr (non +P) SWC-HC.html
coach22
http://www.brassfetcher.com/Buffalo Bore 158gr (non +P) SWC-HC.html
coach22
jjohnson
Member
For Headless - Topstrap Cleaning
Headless, you might try a good brass/bronze brush - seems to me I got a 3-pack of brushes that has one brass, one steel, and one nylon from WalMart, though I may have purchased it from Midway. I haven't found a use for a STEEL brush yet, but a toothbrush-shaped brass one with lead remover can get some of that crud off. Remember that if you're using one of the high tech cleaners that work on copper, you have to rinse your brush in something when you're done or all the bristles will start coming apart
Brake cleaner or something might we worth a try, but it will be mostly an elbow grease job regardless what solvent you use.
Headless, you might try a good brass/bronze brush - seems to me I got a 3-pack of brushes that has one brass, one steel, and one nylon from WalMart, though I may have purchased it from Midway. I haven't found a use for a STEEL brush yet, but a toothbrush-shaped brass one with lead remover can get some of that crud off. Remember that if you're using one of the high tech cleaners that work on copper, you have to rinse your brush in something when you're done or all the bristles will start coming apart
Brake cleaner or something might we worth a try, but it will be mostly an elbow grease job regardless what solvent you use.
DAdams
Member
Snubbie Hygiene
In jt's case I don't mean to get personal but it may be case of personal hygiene . Mine looks more like a case hardening color. Maybe a black Sharpie would make the trigger look better?
In jt's case I don't mean to get personal
but it may be case of personal hygiene . Mine looks more like a case hardening color. Maybe a black Sharpie would make the trigger look better?
Last edited:
DAdams
Member
Levers, pumps & wheels ...
Nema. I'll see that pump and raise you a lever.
Nema. I'll see that pump and raise you a lever.
AStone
Member
<smiles>
And a beautiful lever it is, DA. Such amazingly beautiful wood, so dark and rich.
Glad you took my hint. I had my 870 out last night doing a little maintenance on it while I read THR threads - oiling it, mainly; twas looking a little dry in that old photo that I dug up.
Then, I thought it might be interesting to see what other long guns 642'ers have around, the ones in particular that they see as complimentary to the 642 in some way.
For me, that's my 870 mostly. My 642 is my main HD weapon for most of the day/night. I'm wearing it around the studio, especially at night. (I've mentioned before I'm working in a studio in a mostly deserted industrial area at night.) The 642 is just so lightweight and unobtrusive that I just forget I'm wearing it. (Well, not really forget, but you know what I mean.)
But my 870 is never far away. As they say, my handgun is just to allow me to get to my long gun.
When I get CCW (this summer, I hope, if I can afford the steep state fee this summer on my reduced summer income), I'll carry Mr. 642 when away from the studio.
But while here, that 12 is my main go to, the 642 backup, as it were.
MassMark
Member
Well, I'll toss in one that I know I have on file for now - the snub-gun of the rifle world....
DAdams
Member
jt
jt1 I was just funnin with you on that trigger business of course. Mine looks basically the same. I guess there must be some heat involved with the MIM process that produces some of the colloration. Or heat from pressure. I'm no metallurgist that's for certain.
Have you tried the standard pressure soft nose, BB yet?
Nema, my favorite hd long gun the 870 Wingmaster didn't make the trip. It's keeping the Browning Light 12 semi-auto, and the .45 Thompson Centerfire company.
Here the long guns are the Marlin 36 with Weaver 4X, three Winchester 94s, and a couple of single shot shotguns, one 12 one .410.
jt1 I was just funnin with you on that trigger business of course. Mine looks basically the same. I guess there must be some heat involved with the MIM process that produces some of the colloration. Or heat from pressure. I'm no metallurgist that's for certain.
Have you tried the standard pressure soft nose, BB yet?
Nema, my favorite hd long gun the 870 Wingmaster didn't make the trip. It's keeping the Browning Light 12 semi-auto, and the .45 Thompson Centerfire company.
Here the long guns are the Marlin 36 with Weaver 4X, three Winchester 94s, and a couple of single shot shotguns, one 12 one .410.
New to the 642 Club
I am now the proud owner of a 642
Went to the range on Friday and squeezed off fifty rounds. All I can say is sweet!!!!!
One question: The range I shot at was fairly dark and I had a hard time picking up the front site. Can I paint it with a little floroscent orange model car paint to make it stand out a little or is there something better?
Thanks for all of the great information.
Pong
I am now the proud owner of a 642
Went to the range on Friday and squeezed off fifty rounds. All I can say is sweet!!!!!
One question: The range I shot at was fairly dark and I had a hard time picking up the front site. Can I paint it with a little floroscent orange model car paint to make it stand out a little or is there something better?
Thanks for all of the great information.
Pong
MassMark
Member
Pong - Welcome to The 642 Club - you are part of a growing brotherhood of folks who made their very first post on The High Road - right here in the club house! Glad to read you like your 642 - it will only get better! Though I have not painted my sight - many have and model paint seems to be the norm. I do understand that it will wear off with cleaning, but it's cheap and easy to apply - (try a toothpick)....Anyway, welcome aboard! Post pics ASAP and read the many pages assembled here - there is MUCH to learn...
Though I have not painted my sight - many have and model paint seems to be the norm. I do understand that it will wear off with cleaning, but it's cheap and easy to apply - (try a toothpick)....Anyway, welcome aboard! Post pics ASAP and read the many pages assembled here - there is MUCH to learn...
DAdams
Member
Pong
Welcome and you made a wise purchase, sure to bring you hours of wholesome entertainment while protecting you and yours.
Can't think of a better use of your first post than at the ole 642 Club.
Welcome and you made a wise purchase, sure to bring you hours of wholesome entertainment while protecting you and yours.
Can't think of a better use of your first post than at the ole 642 Club.
308win
Member
I have tried white touch-up paint (Honda) and it didn't offer much improvement - too light I believe and not enough contrast with the 642 finish. I am going to try some dark paint made specifically for painting sights and see how it does; I am looking for contrast with the 642 finish.
Mongo the Mutterer
Member
Use some Day Glo Orange Nail polish. Works great on the 642 and on my 1911 front sight.
Ok, so tracking my shipment and it should be at my FFL tomorrow 
Question - I've seen a number of posts where people are talking about trigger pull getting better with use, and some where people tap off the sideplate and lube the inner workings to smooth out trigger pull. Would it help this process to take the new 642, remove grips, and let it sit soaking in a lube for a few days before even doing the first trigger pull?
I've got about 4-6 weeks once it arrives before it will be in my hands and I can start the dry fire/snapcap break-in so just wondering what may be a good way to prep the gun.
Question - I've seen a number of posts where people are talking about trigger pull getting better with use, and some where people tap off the sideplate and lube the inner workings to smooth out trigger pull. Would it help this process to take the new 642, remove grips, and let it sit soaking in a lube for a few days before even doing the first trigger pull?
I've got about 4-6 weeks once it arrives before it will be in my hands and I can start the dry fire/snapcap break-in so just wondering what may be a good way to prep the gun.
erikd65
Member
Thinking of (GASP) ditching the 642
Ok, I have a lot of affection for the little revolver, but I can't hit for sh*t with it. I have toyed around with replacing it with a small pistol, say a kahr or something along those lines.
I have thought of trying one more thing to help me out, and that is to install some hogue 3 finger groove grips, although that may hurt the concealment a bit.
What are your thoughts on the hogue grips?
http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?pid=1756&lastcatid=189&step=4
E
Ok, I have a lot of affection for the little revolver, but I can't hit for sh*t with it. I have toyed around with replacing it with a small pistol, say a kahr or something along those lines.
I have thought of trying one more thing to help me out, and that is to install some hogue 3 finger groove grips, although that may hurt the concealment a bit.
What are your thoughts on the hogue grips?
http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?pid=1756&lastcatid=189&step=4
E
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