Newest 642 member--does the club have jackets?

[glockstock]

Well after much research (on this site mostly) I decided to pick up a pocket carry .38 +p so you guessed it... a S&W 642.

Beautiful. 1st revolver for me and I'm planning on putting it through some range paces tomorrow alongside its brotha from anotha motha G23. I have a feeling these two are going to get along just fine

Any advice from the elite 642 crew I'm joining here? I'm all ears, especially since it's my first revolver-- picked up a Galco pocket holster, Bianchi speed strip (I like the 3-0-2 idea), and of course a Bore Snake. For ammo I took advice from this site in particular for the Gold Dot 135 gr +p, and some is now on the way.

I'm so excited!!!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Jim Downey]

Congrats! It's a great little gun, one I carry as either a backup or primary about 90% of the time.

But do yourself a favor, and order a Mika's holster. They're inexpensive, and the best.


Cheers!

Jim D.

[jframe38]

Great addition to your collection. Especially in TX as you'll be pocket carrying in the hot summer months.
If you don't plan on laser grips I would look for a grip that will add more protection to absorb some of the recoil. You'll find the recoil of the 642 not real friendly. Shooting 50 rds is not a picnic. I actually hate shooting the gun but it's a necessity to stay prepared. 25-30rds ea range visit works for me.
Good luck and please let me know if I'm full of crap.
To add to what Jim D said I have a Mika round pocket holster and it is great. I ordered a square holster for my cargo shorts as the round holster has a tendency to fall backwards in a square pocket. I spend too much time adjusting it. His prices are unbelievably reasonable. Less than $20 for an excellent product. Give it a try.

[Ron]

Agree on the Mika. Best going for the 642.

Also, my suggestion for practice at the range is go with WWB target ammo. The recoil is not quite as bad. You can end your range session with 10 rounds or so of your carry ammo.

Also agree that grips can make a big difference. I have the model 405 Crimson Trace Laser Grips, which has a recoil absorber as part of the grip. Recoil is still pretty sharp, but makes it a lot more comfortable.

If you plan using the 642 as your carry gun, it is very important that you practice with it as much as possible, including dry firing, so you get comfortable with the long, hard pull of the trigger.

[glockstock]

Hm. 3 straight votes for a Mika... a square base one has now been ordered (and an immediate confirmation phone call!!!) Thanks for the advice so far

[Jim Downey]

You'll love the Mika - he's a great guy to work with.

And second what Ron said about lots of practice - it helps a huge amount. I'm very confident with my 642 out to about 25 yards. I won't be punching nothing but Bulls, but I can make a tin can jump consistently at that distance with the little guy, and that's plenty good enough. I always surprise my shooting buddies with how well a 2" snubby will shoot at that range.

Cheers!

Jim D.

[bps3040]

Congrats! Love mine! Get some snap caps a practice, practice, practice. Helps a bunch. Mine is my main carry and I shoot it weekly. I practice point shooting a lot. The range master says I am the only one he sees that can shoot it worth a hoot.. Love that gun! Oh, plus 1 on the Mika!

[kingdaddyoh]

Nice little revolver. The 642 is like a black belt...goes with everything! Glocks, 1911s, etc. It's a lively little fella with +P(s) and like said earlier 25-30 shots is about all I'll put through it at a time but it fits in nicely in my little arsena

[jwoodruff]

...hey there..., just introduced myself in the new member forum & noted that I too, carry this, as well as a Kimber Ultra Carry.

One thing that I have put on both of these carry pistols (as well as my wife's and a couple of my larger revolvers...) is the Crimson Trace laser grips. Awesome..., I continue to order them as I go through my collection and realize that I have firearms w/out them.

JW

[semperfi.45]

Off to a good start. Everyone has their opinions and it's tough to figure out what will work for you. I prefer a Kramer pocket holster or a Galco Ankle Glove as a holster. Eagle Secret Service are my grip of choice for pocket carry, rubber grips cling in pocket but I like the Hogue Bantams better than the Uncle Mikes boot grip.

[MK-nine]

Don't use harsh chemicals on that clearcoat finish.

[semperfi.45]

Never had a problem with #9 but I usually stick with CLP.

[jframe38]

You'll love the Mika - he's a great guy to work with.


I'm very confident with my 642 out to about 25 yards. I won't be punching nothing but Bulls, but I can make a tin can jump consistently at that distance with the little guy, and that's plenty good enough. I always surprise my shooting buddies with how well a 2" snubby will shoot at that range.
Jim D.

Jim D that 25yd accuracy is amazing. I have trouble at 10yds. However I don't care as my EDC doesn't.

[JimmyC4]

Congrats! It's a great little gun, one I carry as either a backup or primary about 90% of the time.

But do yourself a favor, and order a Mika's holster. They're inexpensive, and the best.


Cheers!

Jim D.

Yep, the Mika holster is the choice of value--my wife's 642 with CT grips loves riding in it's Mika:

[ppkheat]

My wife asked me to pick her out a gun. We've been married for 30+ years so she trusted me. I chose a 642 for her, she really likes it and won't change to any other gun. I like it too, it's a good choice. To me it's sort of like a G19.......everyone should have one.