A Question for S&W 442/642 & LCR Carriers

[Dangerfield]

The barrel length on these hand guns are 1.875". This makes accurate shooting more difficult especially in longer range situations. For instance if you were in that theater where that gunman started shooting and were sitting in the middle to back sections. What do you believe your percentage would be for getting round in the targets chest? Taking into consideration the adrenalin that would be released from the realization of the situation you are in.

The reason I am asking is that I am seriously thinking about getting a S&W 642.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Camjr]

A snub of any kind is difficult to shoot accurately at longer distances for the reasons you state above. Many go with a Crimson Trace laser grip or something similar to assist. I've pocket carried a 642 for years (mostly as my primary), and don't have a laser (just never picked one up, but nothing against them). I practice dumping the cylinder into COM at 5, 7, and 15 yards when at the range, and do all my reloads at the range from speed strips rather than just pulling them from the box and loading the cylinder. I do work on longer range, more aimed shots at a quicker pace in the last 6 months or so.

The bigger concession I've made is going back to a full size pistol and spare mag as my primary carry (XD-40 IWB with a spare mag -- 25 rds total).

The 642 is a great gun, but it does take some practice (and that's the fun part anyway...).

Cheers!

[Jaybm]

Well all I can say is that our CWP instructor said of these short barreled guns that they were "up your nose guns".

However ... I can hit CM pretty consistently with my LCR .38 Sp. from 12 yards. Beyond that at a moving target,
forget it. The recoil on the S&W 642 was too harsh for meand I sold it in favor of the LCR.

[OldVet]

Odds? I have no idea. But in many, maybe not all, these cowardly shooters will duck and run (or eat their own) when the first bullet whizzes past their ears, much less hit COM.

[Brad426]

The barrel length on these hand guns are 1.875". This makes accurate shooting more difficult especially in longer range situations. For instance if you were in that theater where that gunman started shooting and were sitting in the middle to back sections. What do you believe your percentage would be for getting round in the targets chest? Taking into consideration the adrenalin that would be released from the realization of the situation you are in.

The reason I am asking is that I am seriously thinking about getting a S&W 642.

Not great, but better than if you were unarmed.

[Cook74]

The only reason I would need to use my CC (442 or 642) in a theater is self defense and protection of family members.

I see no reason to attract some bad guy with probably a bigger weapon. That would put my family and others around me in extreme danger. John Wayne is dead and I am no John Wayne. But to protect family, no problem and I will deal with those consequences then...

I don't practice enough to be the bad a$$ in a theater shoot out.

How many theater shootings are there anyway?

Probably more dangerous walking around in a thunderstorm with a CC and getting hit by lightening then being confronted with a BG in the theater...

[oldnfat]

In the dark, in a theater, from 30 to 50 feet. Chances of any hit would be slim with that weapon. I have a 642 I pocket carry, and there is definitely a learning curve to accurately shooting it. I am not there yet, but with more practice I hope to get better. This is a close-in weapon. I do like the 642 and would recommend it. Just my opinion. I am sure there are people here who can shoot really great with one at those ranges.

[wmhawth]

A Question for S&W 442/642 & LCR Carriers

These are handy guns for carry for use at up close and personal distances. Better than nothing but not ideal for nailing a threat across a crowded theater.

[crue2009]

the LCR and S&W j-Frames were designed for up close self defense,not for long distance shooting.they work very well for what they were designed for.

[OldVet]

The only reason I would need to use my CC (442 or 642) in a theater is self defense and protection of family members.

I see no reason to attract some bad guy with probably a bigger weapon. That would put my family and others around me in extreme danger. John Wayne is dead and I am no John Wayne. But to protect family, no problem and I will deal with those consequences then...

I don't practice enough to be the bad a$$ in a theater shoot out.

How many theater shootings are there anyway?

Probably more dangerous walking around in a thunderstorm with a CC and getting hit by lightening then being confronted with a BG in the theater...

So you have no intention of going down fighting?

[oneshot]

These are handy guns for carry for use at up close and personal distances. Better than nothing but not ideal for nailing a threat across a crowded theater.

^Boom^^^^^^^Nailed it^

I would add that if I were close enough when the shooting begins, IE;
5 yrds. away I would attempt to take them out.

[ksholder]

Y'all need to practice. Snubbys are capable of some pretty accurate shooting - if the shooter is. There was a thread here not too long ago where some people, myself included, were claiming some pretty good results with snubbys Snubbie Accuracy It is possible that not everyone was telling it as it is, but I doubt all of us were lying. If you practice with a snubby, they are fine for distances in a movie theater. The better question is have you replaced the sights with sights you can see. I have a big dot night sight on my 640. Some day I may have the 642 milled for one as well.

[kelcarry]

Well all I can say is that our CWP instructor said of these short barreled guns that they were "up your nose guns".

Hey Dangerfield: If you are thinking about the scenario in your thread, you are looking at the wrong firearm. As Jay says in above quote--this firearm is a short personal defense firearm. It serves its purpose very well but one of them is not worrying about shooting across part of a theatre, unless the shooter is 2 or 3 seats away from you.

[1 old 0311]

This is my pocket gun. 11 ounces, .357 caliber, Crimson Trace laser. YES it is very hard to hit at distance with one BUT that's where the laser comes in. Every range trip I practice a few max distance, 75 feet, and while the first times it is tough to hit, in nothing flat you will EASILY make hits.

[357and40]

I carry a S&W 360 in 357 mag. It has a 1 7/8" barrel & it is definitely not a range gun or a long range gun. It is, however, designed for close quarters use and serves that purpose beautifully.