kpaul

Hi,
I just ordered a S&W 642 with a 2in. barrel-- I like the old saying six (or in this case five for sure) and the gun is not much bigger than my Beretta .22 Bobcat-- I was thinking about a Ruger LCP,Kel-Tec .380, or a Beretta .32 but went with the 642 when I was able to order a new one for $365—I will probably carry the .22 as a back up in summer and a Glock 19 in the winter--

So now on to ask for more advice-- Best ammo for practice (cheap and clean) in .38 ? -- Best ammo for carry in +P ?

I am also looking for some holster ideas-- I prefer OWB carry at about 4 o’clock position-- I am not sure if I will go with a belt or clip on to pants kind of holster—Any ideas on other kinds of carry would also be welcome—

Thanks for the help—



Kel-Tec P-3AT vs. Beretta .32 Tomcat vs. Ruger LCP

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K.Paul
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mrhutch

there's lots of holster options out there when it comes to OWB, so really it all comes down to your personal taste/budget.

ammo wise, from tests i've seen i went with the corbon dpx. speer gold dot +p is another good choice, but from what i read the dpx out-performed it.

QKShooter

Congrats! And great carry location.

Holsters...So Many great holsters being made for that firearm.

Check out our DC sponsors and UBG Holsters.

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Schwebel

Thats a pretty darn good price on a new one. As far as ammo goes, I almost always shoot WWB in my 442, it isnt the cleanest but for the price it is a good value. For SD ammo I prefer Speer Gold Dot short barrel loads. As far as holsters go, there are literally tons for the J-frame. If I carry OWB I prefer one that is a "high ride" which seems to conceal very well and be very comfortable. Congrats on the new J-frame.

BikerRN

That's what I'd recommend too.

As far as Holsters, take a look at Milt Sparks. I've used their stuff over the years and have a PMK on order for my SP101. I love their Summer Special II.

Biker

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LastManOut

IMHO, if you choose to carry OWB, then a retention holster is the ONLY way to carry your snubby. I'd recommend at least a Level II such as a Blackhawk Serpa. Adding Crimson Trace laser stocks will give you an additional leg-up with this excellent choice of a CCW.

Practice ammo should be the same as your carry ammo. You don't want any surprises when you need it most. With a snubby, even though you can make accurate 50 yard shots with it, 90% of all gunfights are within 9 feet, so +P is really of no consequence. I look for penetration rather than a (possible) larger wound channel. Either ball ammo or maybe the new gel-filled HP's (I have yet to research anything about them).

Practice you reloading with your preferred device for carrying extra ammo. Get at least 10 or 15 dummy rounds and "dry-fire" and reload.

Congratulations! Welcome to the Snub-Club.

Ron

The 642 is a great gun. I use WWB for practice and Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel for personal defense.

Pocket carry works great with the 642. I use a Mika pocket holster, which works very well.

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semperfi.45

I carry a 442 in a Kramer pocket. Do give pocket carry a try, it is comfortable and convenient. I also stoke mine with Speer GDHP 135 grain, can't go wrong with a round that was designed for the J frame.

You prefer OWB at 4:00 but maybe give appendix to 3:00 a shot with no cant. The J hides very well in these areas. I am waiting on an APX from Lou Alessi for mine, I like his Talon clip instead of belt loops. I have a SERPA also, but it does not conceal well in general, at least for me.

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snowdoctor

I put crimson trace grips on mine, and carry in a cheap pocket holster...I really like CorBon ammo in mine...great company with great customer service.

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Captain Crunch

Look at Buffalo Bore's offerings in .38 Special, both standard pressure and +P.

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