642 Club Part Three

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I bought a 642 about eight years ago and carried it every day since.
Costal Tractor opened a new store in Marysville WA. and had them on sale for $359 so I bought another for a spare.

A pawn shop had a nice stainless 640 in great shape so I bought that one too.
 
Happy Belated Birthday

Just wanted to wish the 642 Club a happy belated birthday!
(I still pocket carry mine in my Mika round-cut.)

Happy 10 years! (May 13, 2005)

it seems this club has finally gone quiet. Ah, well. 15 years is probably a long time for an online club. I still have the same one I had at the beginning, and carry it regularly.
 
it seems this club has finally gone quiet. Ah, well. 15 years is probably a long time for an online club. I still have the same one I had at the beginning, and carry it regularly.
Well, it was quiet. But since you made the racket. My 642-1 has been with me for around 8 years now. Right now it's sitting quietly by my bed protecting the home like it always has.
 
Pandemic Daze
or
I Can’t Believe I Read the Whole Thing


Recently I’ve had a bit of extra time and spent it reading 10,000 or so posts in The 642 club Discussion. Although not a member I offer the following (unsolicited) observations;

A good summary of the Club’s preferences was posted by DAdams in Jan. of 2010 here; https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/642-club-part-deux.314422/page-147 post#3665 and might be a good first stop for newbies’ FAQs. The sometimes lively discussion surrounding these preferences really is interesting and shouldn’t be missed. Most other common ownership issues are also addressed in the course of discussion and can be found using the “search this thread” function and patience. The info is surprisingly current, some product URLs have expired.

One constant for the Club’s 15+ year existence is the overwhelming approval for Mika Holsters! Many, many reportedly have been purchased with maybe one or two dissatisfied posters. Quite amazing when so many posters agree on anything! In my experience, the Mika round cut ordered a few years back and the square cut more recently exhibit the same excellent quality and the service was personal and exceptional both times.

Many posters accumulated a rotation of holsters of different brands and styles to fit dress, occasion and conditions while others settled on one or two (Mika was usually one.) Pocket holsters (most brands) act as pockets to protect the revolver whether enclosed in a garment or not.

Maybe a third of posters chose to keep the original stocks (grips,) maybe a third chose laser grips, and maybe a third chose other. The infinite availability of JFrame grips help it fit most hands and purposes, an advantage over competitors.

Grip (hand interface with the stocks.) Really only one, high and very tight, see FAQs for photo. Recoil management and accuracy begin here!

Dry firing to smooth the action and use of snap-caps are a frequent query. The infinitely knowledgeable and extremely highly regarded Old Fuff (RIP) made the definitive post here; https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/the-642-club.138658/page-120 post #2980.

A benefit for all would be for some of those long-ago posters to return with updates; Was that spring kit/action job reliable, how much finish is left on those 642s and 442s, did all those +Ps really break anything, how did those SmartCarrys do in the wash (they have been washed, right?) and any other long-term observations.

Overall I learned quite a bit and found that I’m not the only one who “Can tell how many live rounds you have left by the pitch of the rattle” (jt1, Part Deux #2341.) When social distancing ends I now can confidently use terms like hammer-snag, humpback-lint, cylinder-bulge and bottom-feeding-brass-puker in polite conversation.

Disclaimer: I am not a member. The above opinions are unsolicited and intended only as a very abbreviated reference guide for those interested and in no way can replace the depth and breadth of information of the original three-parts of discussion.
 
I often carry this 642-1 IWB... light and hardly noticeable. No 'printing' whatsoever. I like it so much that I'm going to sell the heavier 640 Centennial (never thought that could ever happen).

(sorry for the lousy cell phone pic)
IMG_642.jpg
 
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I bought a 640 and carried it for a few months. I find myself carrying the 642 much more lately because 8 ounces lighter is a (whole) lot.


That being said, the 640 with a comfortable grip on it (whatever that means to you) is much more pleasant to shoot and practice with. I also feel good knowing it can take any commercial .38 load I would even want to shoot. I can't say it's a boat anchor - it just isn't as light, handy and pocket-friendly as the 642. I am not selling mine anytime soon.
 
S&W 642 no dash.JPG S&W with ammo.jpg

when the 642 is still too heavy.... here is a 342pd "Scandium" with a plug replacing the lock. the ammo is Hornady FTX 110gr. very easy to shoot with this light load and perfect for coat pocket carry without a holster when its "cold".
 
Pandemic Daze
or
I Can’t Believe I Read the Whole Thing


Recently I’ve had a bit of extra time and spent it reading 10,000 or so posts in The 642 club Discussion. Although not a member I offer the following (unsolicited) observations;

A good summary of the Club’s preferences was posted by DAdams in Jan. of 2010 here; https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/642-club-part-deux.314422/page-147 post#3665 and might be a good first stop for newbies’ FAQs. The sometimes lively discussion surrounding these preferences really is interesting and shouldn’t be missed. Most other common ownership issues are also addressed in the course of discussion and can be found using the “search this thread” function and patience. The info is surprisingly current, some product URLs have expired.

One constant for the Club’s 15+ year existence is the overwhelming approval for Mika Holsters! Many, many reportedly have been purchased with maybe one or two dissatisfied posters. Quite amazing when so many posters agree on anything! In my experience, the Mika round cut ordered a few years back and the square cut more recently exhibit the same excellent quality and the service was personal and exceptional both times.

Many posters accumulated a rotation of holsters of different brands and styles to fit dress, occasion and conditions while others settled on one or two (Mika was usually one.) Pocket holsters (most brands) act as pockets to protect the revolver whether enclosed in a garment or not.

Maybe a third of posters chose to keep the original stocks (grips,) maybe a third chose laser grips, and maybe a third chose other. The infinite availability of JFrame grips help it fit most hands and purposes, an advantage over competitors.

Grip (hand interface with the stocks.) Really only one, high and very tight, see FAQs for photo. Recoil management and accuracy begin here!

Dry firing to smooth the action and use of snap-caps are a frequent query. The infinitely knowledgeable and extremely highly regarded Old Fuff (RIP) made the definitive post here; https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/the-642-club.138658/page-120 post #2980.

A benefit for all would be for some of those long-ago posters to return with updates; Was that spring kit/action job reliable, how much finish is left on those 642s and 442s, did all those +Ps really break anything, how did those SmartCarrys do in the wash (they have been washed, right?) and any other long-term observations.

Overall I learned quite a bit and found that I’m not the only one who “Can tell how many live rounds you have left by the pitch of the rattle” (jt1, Part Deux #2341.) When social distancing ends I now can confidently use terms like hammer-snag, humpback-lint, cylinder-bulge and bottom-feeding-brass-puker in polite conversation.

Disclaimer: I am not a member. The above opinions are unsolicited and intended only as a very abbreviated reference guide for those interested and in no way can replace the depth and breadth of information of the original three-parts of discussion.
After all that, I have to ask: why *aren’t* you a member?!
 
My 642 is the apple of my eye. I love to carry it in my jacket pocket where I can, if I need to, just shoot through the pocket if the situation calls for it. I love the reassuring feel of it in my hand.
I also have shirts for warmer weather that have a cross draw pocket where no matter what position I'm in I can instantly access it. Yeah, it's a real jewel.
 
I just found this thread. And I don't have a 642 but do have a 442 no lock I picked up a couple of years ago from Keely Arms when they had them for around $320 and $11 shipping. What a great little gun it is too. And for many years I have had a 431PD in 32 mag and just last year bought a 637 that I gave to my oldest son. I am a dedicated revolver guy and guess I always will be. And I can shoot my snubs out to 50 yards and keep them on a mans chest (or better) at that range. I have done it many times.

If you ever find a copy of "The Snubby Revolver" by Ed Lovette buy it. If you don't want a snub now you will after you read this excellent book of his. Its out of print and now sells for big bucks but you can do a PDF download with a paid account.
 
I've owned my 642 for 16 years. It's been carried a LOT. The finish on the frame had gotten pretty bad, all scratched. chipped, peeling.

This week, I cleaned her up and refinished the frame with black Gunkote. I always liked the black of the 442s. I think it looks pretty good with the SS accents of the barrel, cylinder and thumb release.


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Pandemic Daze
or
I Can’t Believe I Read the Whole Thing


Recently I’ve had a bit of extra time and spent it reading 10,000 or so posts in The 642 club Discussion. Although not a member I offer the following (unsolicited) observations;

A good summary of the Club’s preferences was posted by DAdams in Jan. of 2010 here; https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/642-club-part-deux.314422/page-147 post#3665 and might be a good first stop for newbies’ FAQs. The sometimes lively discussion surrounding these preferences really is interesting and shouldn’t be missed. Most other common ownership issues are also addressed in the course of discussion and can be found using the “search this thread” function and patience. The info is surprisingly current, some product URLs have expired.

One constant for the Club’s 15+ year existence is the overwhelming approval for Mika Holsters! Many, many reportedly have been purchased with maybe one or two dissatisfied posters. Quite amazing when so many posters agree on anything! In my experience, the Mika round cut ordered a few years back and the square cut more recently exhibit the same excellent quality and the service was personal and exceptional both times.

Many posters accumulated a rotation of holsters of different brands and styles to fit dress, occasion and conditions while others settled on one or two (Mika was usually one.) Pocket holsters (most brands) act as pockets to protect the revolver whether enclosed in a garment or not.

Maybe a third of posters chose to keep the original stocks (grips,) maybe a third chose laser grips, and maybe a third chose other. The infinite availability of JFrame grips help it fit most hands and purposes, an advantage over competitors.

Grip (hand interface with the stocks.) Really only one, high and very tight, see FAQs for photo. Recoil management and accuracy begin here!

Dry firing to smooth the action and use of snap-caps are a frequent query. The infinitely knowledgeable and extremely highly regarded Old Fuff (RIP) made the definitive post here; https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/the-642-club.138658/page-120 post #2980.

A benefit for all would be for some of those long-ago posters to return with updates; Was that spring kit/action job reliable, how much finish is left on those 642s and 442s, did all those +Ps really break anything, how did those SmartCarrys do in the wash (they have been washed, right?) and any other long-term observations.

Overall I learned quite a bit and found that I’m not the only one who “Can tell how many live rounds you have left by the pitch of the rattle” (jt1, Part Deux #2341.) When social distancing ends I now can confidently use terms like hammer-snag, humpback-lint, cylinder-bulge and bottom-feeding-brass-puker in polite conversation.

Disclaimer: I am not a member. The above opinions are unsolicited and intended only as a very abbreviated reference guide for those interested and in no way can replace the depth and breadth of information of the original three-parts of discussion.
Sir are you a statistician or Efficiency expert for a living? Very good observant synapses you did there! :)
 
Heck, who knew I could be a "Club Member" just by being smart enough to buy a JFrame Centenial model.

I've had a S&W model 60, .357 Ladysmith snubbie for years. I added several semi autos in the intervening years, such as an LCP and a Shield9, and those got the majority of the EDC rotation. Well, about three years ago, I decided to return to carrying the Ladysmith more frequently and found it to be a bit too heavy for my liking. So, after some research, I decided to purchase a S&W 442 and found it to my liking as an EDC tool. Well, my wife decided she wanted to EDC the 442 after a bit of range time with it, so I bought another Centenial, this time a 642, which sees a good bit of EDC duty from me. Being a "Club Member" certainly has it's benefits!:)
 
For 10+ years I have carried my 642 using (at the strong recommendation of 642 Club members) a Mika pocket holster. Recently I changed my EDC to a double-stack 9, with the 642 going into alternate carry service. I really like the IWB carry for the 9, and so put into service the Mika belt clip model for the 642, which I had bought several years ago. As much as I like the pocket holster, the waistband model had two drawbacks: no retention and difficult re-holstering due to compression from the belt.
This led me to look for a Kydex IWB for the 642. The Skydas Group holster arrived from Amazon a few weeks ago. First impression is very favorable. The price is quite reasonable, the holsters appears well made, is easy to use, and has positive retention.
I'll still rely on the Mika pocket for carry in that mode, maybe as a BUG to my 9, but for IWB the Skydas Kydex is the new choice.
 
I have a Mika holster for my 442 but I much prefer the Nemesis, so it doesn't get much use. Different strokes I guess.

Here's a question for the cognesenti: I was dry firing my 442 today and noticed a little spark from the firing pin, occurring in every other other pull (more or less) of the trigger. It was easy to see since the room was semi dark. Has anyone else noticed this?
 
I have a Mika holster for my 442 but I much prefer the Nemesis, so it doesn't get much use. Different strokes I guess.

Here's a question for the cognesenti: I was dry firing my 442 today and noticed a little spark from the firing pin, occurring in every other other pull (more or less) of the trigger. It was easy to see since the room was semi dark. Has anyone else noticed this?

Yes, I noticed this early on and it is the reason I don't dry fire without snap caps.

I really don't know if it would damage anything but I don't want to take the chance.

In a pinch I suppose you might be able to use already fired cases but that's just a guess.
 
The new J-frames Smith is making now are not fitted well and feature such things as gaps between the crane and frame.

Was in the market for a new 442 but none of the ones I handled in shops impressed me in the slightest.
 
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