Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Revolver

[NY27]

Great weapon. You will not regret it.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[sheepdog]

I have had one since they hit the street in 1991-I think a shrouded J-frame airweight .38 is as handy as it gets. As somebody above said, not a beginner's gun and not "fun" for practice, but very useful because it can ride anywhere. I use an ankle rig (I found a comfortable LEFTY ankle rig after going through 5 brands) or a cheap UM pocket holster. I've gone through several grip shapes and wound up with the Hogue that kind of snaps on. Bantam, maybe? I keep some factory grips and a T-grip around in case I need it for a pair of dress slacks pocket carry. I have a pair of big, squareback Pachymars I can slap on for fun shooting.
Weakness-yes, the sights are almost imaginary. The silver front disappears in sunlight, at least for my eyes. I blacken the front sight with marker. I read a whole thread somewhere...maybe the S&W forum...on improving sights, there are some options like that. The action is stiff as a board, maybe I should do "something" to smooth and lighten, but I'm always scared of light hammer hits so I haven't done anything. Maybe I ought to just dry fire the heck out of it. If anyone has the whole scoop from a scaredy-cat kitchen table gun tinkerer's viewpoint on re-springing and smoothing, I'd like to see it.
I have some Nyclad .38 loads (-P, I call them) for carry, and I shoot a light 148 HBWC for fun. NOTE: Target wadcutters in a speedloader is NOT a fast reload! I carry Speedstrips for spare carry ammo. This is my favorite gun for when I can't really dress to carry a gun, or actually when I'm too lazy to carry a gun, and rides with me constantly at work as a BUG. It is carried a lot more than it has or ever will be shot, but everyone who carries NEEDS a good J-frame, anyway, and this one is it for me.

[p8riot]

I found a comfortable LEFTY ankle rig after going through 5 brands

Do you mind sharing the brand of this rig?

[sheepdog]

http://www.desantisholster.com/044.html
I didn't buy this new, but I'm 99% sure this is it. I also have a Renegade brand ankle holster that is comfortable and that conceals a bit better, but I think this thumb break model is a bit more secure. Plus, I couldn't find a lefty Renegade and came across this used DeSantis on the boards...set an internet speed record buying it! Before, I have used a Safariland, Uncle Mike's, Lawman Line (cheap Renegade), and Alessi. For me, this has been the best combination of security and comfort, worn over quarter boots or with regular shoes. As usual, YMMV.
best, sheepdog

[p8riot]

Thanks. I've been toying with getting another 642 to use as a BUG, and was thinking of ankle carry as an option. I like shooting my wife's 642. They are great little guns.