JimmyC4

I see you're in MN--knowing that not everybody is "Minnesota nice", it's good to have another armed law-abiding citizen!

For OWB, the Kramer MSP Paddle is a great option--it holds the gun in close and is easily off/on when you need to go somewhere carry is prohibited. Pricey, but well worth it. And, I think they keep them in stock rather than you having to wait on a "custom order".

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Freedomofchoice

I love my 642. I stuff it with Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. +p short barrel. I had carried it in my pocket mostly, in a Nemesis holster, but now (since I got an LCP) I carry the 642 IWB in a Don Hume holster, the LCP goes in the pocket in a Nemesis.
I'm thinking about getting a Crossbreed IWB holster for the 642 only because I don't care for the loops on the Don Hume; they're too bulky.

Beprepared

+1 for WWB (practice) and Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel (carry).

I carry IWB with a clip-on, no cant, holster around 2:00 and I have been pretty happy with it but if I were to try something different, I would experiment with a Bulman THR (high-ride, OWB) at 2:00.

JerryM

The 642 is a great carry gun. I would not want to get rid of mine. I am carrying mine in either a Fobus Paddle (Dont bother folks to tell me it is junk since I have used it for close to 10 years) and an EP #88 "Street Combat" Holster. I got the #88 for my 640, but the 642 fits OK. I don't like the suede lining, and would not buy it again. It is not a bad holster, however, and you would probably be happy with it.
#88 "Street Combat" Holster

I would highly recommend Kevin's Eagle or Laredo Defender.
K&D Holsters | Custom Gun Leather and Shooting Accessories

I do not think you need any kind of retention device. If a holster holds a loaded gun upside down without falling out there will be no problem. Any good maker will provide one that is plenty tight.

For ammo, I practice with handloads, and carry both 158 gr LSWHP +P and Speer GD 135 gr +P ammunition.

Regards,
Jerry

BikerRN

If you are not going to "Open Carry" why in the heck would you need a retention device?

If you use a proper fitting, well made, quality Holster, like a Milt Sparks, Greg Kramer, Mitch Rosen or Matt Del Fatti I fail to see the need for a retention device.

On another note, I think the 442/642 belongs on the ankle or in the pocket with a more "substantial" firearm on the Belt. I carry my Airweight in my pocket or on my ankle as a BUG off duty to my SP101 on the weakside and my GP100 on the strongside.

Good gear will help you to conceal more than you think.

Biker

PS: When you order a Holster, order a Belt too. It is the foundation of the Belt Holster rig.

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Piglet

OP asked:

Anything from the big five is going to be good, quality-wise, so that's not a factor (not that you asked). As far as cleanliness goes, it's interesting that the only specific practice ammo recommendations I've seen here are for WWB, which I've consistently found to be dirtier than other comparable loads.

These days, I shoot mostly Blazer aluminum +P from my J-frames because it is the cheapest (still not very cheap at $14.00 a box). No problems so far. I've found it to be surprisingly clean.

In the past, I've used WWB 130 grain (dirty but accurate, WAY too expensive in my area at $18+ per box), Remington UMC 130 grain (pretty clean, decent accuracy, still exorbitant at $17 a box), PMC 132 grain (one of my all-time favorite .38 practice loads. Clean as a whistle, very low recoil, and was inexpensive back when you could get it, which I can't anymore) and Speer Lawman 158 grain +P (wonderful, clean, accurate ammo, used to be $9 -$10 a box, is now $20+ a box here ).

I'd go with Blazer if I were you (unless you reload) simply because of the cost issue. I haven't heard of any crimp jump issues in the lighter guns using the FMJ Blazer aluminum cased ammo, but I have with Blazer's unjacketed lead .38 ammo in the ultra-light J-frames like the 340PD. I guess you're not supposed to put unjacketed rounds through those guns anyway?? but I read someone's post on another forum where he did and was having problems. Seems that it's just not possible to crimp the aluminum case on soft lead tightly enough to withstand the recoil forces in those light guns. But, in the slightly heavier 642, using FMJ ammo, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

kpaul

Thanks for the advice! I now have my work cut out for me--

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K.Paul
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LoveLeather

This might help

Show & Tell about your J Frame Belt Holster! - Topic Powered by eve community

kpaul

Just order a holster from Bluegrass Holsters-- Can't wait for it or the new 642-- The .22 and Glock will have to do for now--

Special thanks to LoveLeather great link to S&W site-- Never new there was so much info. on guns, CCW, etc.-- It passes the time while I am picking up extra hours at work-- 3 bells and all's well

Thanks again-

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K.Paul
Semper Fi

rj112275

Andrews Custom Leather Saddle style



My gun is not rated for +P, so I like Buffalo Bore LSWHP 158 gr.

If I could shoot +P, then I still use LSWCHP 158 gr., but in +P. They seem to go well with the j-frame.