The 642 club
- Thread starter fiVe
- Start date
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OK folks, we have just over 600 members now and who knows how many lurkers but judging from the viewed count it is a fair amount. We need your support to get this Houge project petition going. We currently have 94 signatures and need a lot more. So take a few minuntes to add your name to the list. Goto the link, sign in, when you get to the donation screen just back out and you are done.
The 642 Club Action Committee thanks you for your effort.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/snubnosegrip
Everyone is encouraged to visit the petition site and record their support for this project. You may use your screen name or real name and record comments or not. If any members are subscribers to other gun forums please feel free to repost the petition notice as you see fit. Please post your intentions here in order to avoid duplicate posts to other sites. This petition is currently posted at THR, TFL, DefensiveCarry, S&W Fourm, The Gun Blog and the Gun Forum.
The 642 Club Action Committee thanks you for your effort.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/snubnosegrip
Everyone is encouraged to visit the petition site and record their support for this project. You may use your screen name or real name and record comments or not. If any members are subscribers to other gun forums please feel free to repost the petition notice as you see fit. Please post your intentions here in order to avoid duplicate posts to other sites. This petition is currently posted at THR, TFL, DefensiveCarry, S&W Fourm, The Gun Blog and the Gun Forum.
fiVe
Member
jt1 said:
Everyone,
The action committee has done a great job here. Please "sign" the petition and support a very worthy cause.
R/fiVe
blackwind Jeff
Member
Stainz - Thanks bunches for the info, this is indeed very valuable. It is a 642 in question, and I bought it NIB for the low, low price of 379 George W's +tx +NICS; all told $407. I just googled S&W 642 "light strike" and came up with this: http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-145426.html. The first two posts made me feel a bit better, but I will put a few more through it this weekend before deciding what to do. Btw, that's W as in Washington, funny story coming soon.
Nems - No worries, mate! I rollz with the best of them. Also, I'm still determined to get you to laugh to the point of coffee going through your nose, if you remember
The rest of ya -
It's the 642 Club!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mixed_nuts_bowl.jpg
OK, funny story: Years ago I worked at a convenience store. A clerk (I swear it wasn't me) working a store two blocks from mine (same chain) accepted, and changed accordingly as if for real, a forged $200 bill with George W's mug. That's W as in Dubya. Unbelievable. I've also had young customers think that a $2 bill was funny money. And my favorite (a rare occurance) was when a customer would pay with silver certificates. Thank you, come again
Nems - No worries, mate! I rollz with the best of them. Also, I'm still determined to get you to laugh to the point of coffee going through your nose, if you remember
The rest of ya -
It's the 642 Club!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mixed_nuts_bowl.jpg
OK, funny story: Years ago I worked at a convenience store. A clerk (I swear it wasn't me) working a store two blocks from mine (same chain) accepted, and changed accordingly as if for real, a forged $200 bill with George W's mug. That's W as in Dubya. Unbelievable. I've also had young customers think that a $2 bill was funny money. And my favorite (a rare occurance) was when a customer would pay with silver certificates. Thank you, come again
AStone
Member
Brassman
Member
There's a reloading press at the bottom of that bowl. I'm the pecan pulling the lever so all the other nuts will have something to eat at the round table, instead of bottom feeding......that could be profound....
MassMark
Member
I'm the nut with the medication.....Bartender - a shot of Haldol for all my friends...
bhk
Member
Trigger reset issues:
Anyone have these with a new 642? My new 642 has this problem, although it seems to be getting much better with use. I have had several j-frames in the past and done have had this problem. I am assuming continued live and lots of dry firing will smooth the internals up enough to totally prevent the problem. I think I am almost there.
Anyone have these with a new 642? My new 642 has this problem, although it seems to be getting much better with use. I have had several j-frames in the past and done have had this problem. I am assuming continued live and lots of dry firing will smooth the internals up enough to totally prevent the problem. I think I am almost there.
Stainz
Member
What exactly is the 'trigger reset' problem? In a K,L, & N frame, a partial pull of the trigger - followed by a release and then a completely pulled trigger will often skip a live round - a normal DA result, not a fault.
I do have a heck of a time shooting my 642 SA... about as much trouble as trying to get my Ruger Vaquero or SSM to shoot DA... or, even better, it is tough pulling my 1895 Nagant's trigger in DA! It is fun watching others do that - no matter how often you reassure them it really is a DA-capable revolver - with a 20#++ trigger.
Back to my dungeon... time for more swill!
Stainz
I do have a heck of a time shooting my 642 SA... about as much trouble as trying to get my Ruger Vaquero or SSM to shoot DA... or, even better, it is tough pulling my 1895 Nagant's trigger in DA! It is fun watching others do that - no matter how often you reassure them it really is a DA-capable revolver - with a 20#++ trigger.
Back to my dungeon... time for more swill!
Stainz
YosemiteSam357
Member
I've never heard of "trigger reset" problems endemic to the 642, but that was the problem with mine.
Bought 8/25. 3rd trip to the range it began misfiring in rapid fire (really, the first time I'd ever practiced rapid fire with it). Trigger wasn't resetting unless finger was completely removed from trigger -- would produce light or no strikes. Went back to S&W (via my dealer, with requisite delays) on 9/18. Got it back yesterday 10/18. They replaced the hand and firing pin, and "repaired" the sear. I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet, but it feels better. The problem exhibited itself in dry firing before, it doesn't now. The trigger pull does feel heavier than before. They ignored my request to disable the lock. And apparently my crunch-look muzzle wasn't bad enough to warrant a recrown or replacement. Still looks like crap.
I can say I'm impressed with the speed of S&W's warranty service. I'm disappointed I had to use it. I realize "stuff happens" with manufactured goods. I believe S&W currently has too high a failure rate and too low QC standards.
-- Sam
Bought 8/25. 3rd trip to the range it began misfiring in rapid fire (really, the first time I'd ever practiced rapid fire with it). Trigger wasn't resetting unless finger was completely removed from trigger -- would produce light or no strikes. Went back to S&W (via my dealer, with requisite delays) on 9/18. Got it back yesterday 10/18. They replaced the hand and firing pin, and "repaired" the sear. I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet, but it feels better. The problem exhibited itself in dry firing before, it doesn't now. The trigger pull does feel heavier than before. They ignored my request to disable the lock.
And apparently my crunch-look muzzle wasn't bad enough to warrant a recrown or replacement. Still looks like crap.I can say I'm impressed with the speed of S&W's warranty service. I'm disappointed I had to use it. I realize "stuff happens" with manufactured goods. I believe S&W currently has too high a failure rate and too low QC standards.
-- Sam
bhk
Member
No. It seems to go forward ok, but (when I think about it) it may not reach the full forward position. Hard to tell. When I pull it back after a successful shot, it does not catch the hammer or rotate the cylinder. When I release the trigger and pull it again, everything is fine. I just dry fired about 60 or 70 times and it happened once. I think it is getting better.
Update:
Before I hit 'send' on this message, I dry fired another 75 or 100 times, and did not have a problem. I am thinking maybe there is a burr or rough spot on the rebound slide that needs smoothing out.'
Update #2:
Did some more playing witht my 642 and compared the trigger action to my other j frames. The trigger return is much more gritty and hesitant than my other j frames and occassionally hangs up just prior to absolute total return (I can force this to happen when trying to make it happen, but obviously is happening at other times too). This is, of course, happening with some finger pressure on the trigger after I shoot. It does not happen if I totally remove my finger from the trigger. This has not been an issue with any of my other Smith and Wessons. Still sounds like a rebound slide that need smoothing out (?). Anyway, it seems to be getting better by dry firing it.
Update:
Before I hit 'send' on this message, I dry fired another 75 or 100 times, and did not have a problem. I am thinking maybe there is a burr or rough spot on the rebound slide that needs smoothing out.'
Update #2:
Did some more playing witht my 642 and compared the trigger action to my other j frames. The trigger return is much more gritty and hesitant than my other j frames and occassionally hangs up just prior to absolute total return (I can force this to happen when trying to make it happen, but obviously is happening at other times too). This is, of course, happening with some finger pressure on the trigger after I shoot. It does not happen if I totally remove my finger from the trigger. This has not been an issue with any of my other Smith and Wessons. Still sounds like a rebound slide that need smoothing out (?). Anyway, it seems to be getting better by dry firing it.
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panamabrad
Member
just signed up. bought a 642 a couple of months ago. paid 339 with military police discount at tactical gear in forest park ga. shot 30 rounds saturday at the range. a lot more accurate than i thought it would be. not a bad kick either. carry in pocket. almost forget its there. great conceal weapon.
bhk - Hey dude, I'm all for wishful thinking and hoping it "gets" better too, but in a SD revolver you can't afford any FTF's. This is not normal and I know you don't want to hear this but it has to go back to S&W and get the once over. If it were a target gun it might be marginaly acceptable but for your SD EDC you know it's not. Please keep us informed of your progress.
panamabrad - Welcome to the 642 Club. We are happy to have you with us and look forward to hearing more from you. MP are you? Thanks for your service!
panamabrad - Welcome to the 642 Club. We are happy to have you with us and look forward to hearing more from you. MP are you? Thanks for your service!
Woohoo! Call me a little excited, but I was at the ranger earlier today with my 642. Second time out, and I managed to put 125 more rounds thru it (25 +p, 100 standard).
Still fun to shoot, still lets you know it's there when you pull the trigger (especially with the +p's).
Long live the j frame snubbies!
Still fun to shoot, still lets you know it's there when you pull the trigger (especially with the +p's).
Long live the j frame snubbies!
AStone
Member
Dry fire is your friend.
(Triple check UNLOADED status before beginning;
dry fire in a direction where no one can be killed
... just in case you forgot to triple check.
)<laughter ensues
>Second!
panamabrad
Member
thanks for the welcome. no mp. i was a river raider. we supported the jungle school. we ran the lcms from ft davis and fort sherman.around noriegas time we were running operations from rodman naval station inserting seals with their zodiacs from our lcms. there is a web site called 1097th river raiders. it has a lot of history. check it out if you have time.
ALL – Here is a report on the Pro Active Gear Model 17 Driving /Crossdraw holster. I ordered this last Sunday and received it last Thursday. The price was $49.95 with 1st class shipping included. Since it was shipped from Florida and I am in Washington State the response time was very good. It is constructed from very heavy duty padded nylon/Velcro and is quite well made. The holster is made for the J-frame and fits perfectly. This is a right handed model to be worn on the left side of the body.
As you can see the holster attaches to the belt with a wide Velcro quick on/off strap that is easy to use and very secure, but makes quite a racket when separating and would be difficult to remove in a stealthy fashion without alerting everyone close by. The Holster is held securely on the belt and retention should not be an issue. While it does not shift position on the belt the holster itself moves around a little and the gun butt is not pulled close into the body as is the norm for a conventional concealment holster.
The retention strap is removable and can be located in any position. I found the best for me was over the top of the backstrap as shown above, but for an external or shrouded hammer J-frame a better choice might be around the trigger guard as shown in the photo in the Pro Active Gear website. The retention strap works well for securing the gun and releases easily as your thumb gasps the grip and unsnaps the strap in one smooth movement. The Velcro attaching the retention strap to the holster often comes loose when removing the holster mounting strap and it would be a good idea to sew them into place once you have selected a good mounting position.
The holster weighs just about the same as a Mika round cut, maybe just a touch more and is a little bit thicker due to the wrap around mounting strap. The Wide nylon mounting strap is secured on both sides of the holster by Velcro and a piece of elastic on the back side. This allows a slight cant adjustment, however the more it is positioned away from the intended angle the more it will move around.
When used for its intended purpose as a driving holster it does a very good job. It is comfortable when siting and will not interfere with the seatbelt which for me rides just under the holster and presents no problems. The draw from a seated position is fast and positive and I was very confident after only ten or fifteen practice draws that I would be able to deploy quickly if needed. This is without question the fastest way to deploy from a seated position. As a carry holster it is somewhat of a compromise and while I realize it is primarily for in car use I carried it all day Saturday, to the grocery store and the mall. It will conceal fairly well with loose clothing and would be fine under a jacket but will not work with a tee shirt or anything tight.
Overall, As an in car holster it does a very good job and it conceals well enough for short in and out of the car activities. For longer periods out of the car it is probably not the best choice. While this is a serviceable car holster and preforms well, I find myself wishing it was made out of leather. The nylon works but it's just not the same. I will use this for now but I will be ordering the adjustable cant crossdraw leather holsters from FIST and Blackhawk and will report on them after the obligatory eight to twelve week waiting periods for shipping.
As you can see the holster attaches to the belt with a wide Velcro quick on/off strap that is easy to use and very secure, but makes quite a racket when separating and would be difficult to remove in a stealthy fashion without alerting everyone close by. The Holster is held securely on the belt and retention should not be an issue. While it does not shift position on the belt the holster itself moves around a little and the gun butt is not pulled close into the body as is the norm for a conventional concealment holster.
The retention strap is removable and can be located in any position. I found the best for me was over the top of the backstrap as shown above, but for an external or shrouded hammer J-frame a better choice might be around the trigger guard as shown in the photo in the Pro Active Gear website. The retention strap works well for securing the gun and releases easily as your thumb gasps the grip and unsnaps the strap in one smooth movement. The Velcro attaching the retention strap to the holster often comes loose when removing the holster mounting strap and it would be a good idea to sew them into place once you have selected a good mounting position.
The holster weighs just about the same as a Mika round cut, maybe just a touch more and is a little bit thicker due to the wrap around mounting strap. The Wide nylon mounting strap is secured on both sides of the holster by Velcro and a piece of elastic on the back side. This allows a slight cant adjustment, however the more it is positioned away from the intended angle the more it will move around.
When used for its intended purpose as a driving holster it does a very good job. It is comfortable when siting and will not interfere with the seatbelt which for me rides just under the holster and presents no problems. The draw from a seated position is fast and positive and I was very confident after only ten or fifteen practice draws that I would be able to deploy quickly if needed. This is without question the fastest way to deploy from a seated position. As a carry holster it is somewhat of a compromise and while I realize it is primarily for in car use I carried it all day Saturday, to the grocery store and the mall. It will conceal fairly well with loose clothing and would be fine under a jacket but will not work with a tee shirt or anything tight.
Overall, As an in car holster it does a very good job and it conceals well enough for short in and out of the car activities. For longer periods out of the car it is probably not the best choice. While this is a serviceable car holster and preforms well, I find myself wishing it was made out of leather. The nylon works but it's just not the same. I will use this for now but I will be ordering the adjustable cant crossdraw leather holsters from FIST and Blackhawk and will report on them after the obligatory eight to twelve week waiting periods for shipping.
AStone
Member
JT,
Excellent review. Fine writing.
Just what I needed for a few minutes diversion from work on a Saturday night ... <checks time>, er, Sunday morning.
(What was I thinking when I decided to go into business for myself. Must've been a madman.)
Even before I read all the way through, I concluded what you did: has its place, reasonable price, but not for me.
Good timing for your review, too. I've been thinking more about a cross-draw holster for th' lil' mule.
I want to free up my right side for a high ride holster for the 65 (for in town) and a drop holster it (for camp).
So, I'd like a cross draw for my left side into that would fit the 642 glove-like.
In town, they could be a duo (say, maybe, Batman and Robin), or when circumstances dictate, 642 could go it alone.
So, I'm in the market for a cross draw for mr. mule (well, as soon as the cash flow increases to a steady drip ...).
But, after having owned a couple of nylon holsters with velcro, I'm thinking I want something in black leather for Robin the Mule.
If anybody finds a good candidate, I'd love to hear.
OK, back to work. Only a couple more hours ...
Nem
Excellent review. Fine writing.
Just what I needed for a few minutes diversion from work on a Saturday night ... <checks time>, er, Sunday morning.
(What was I thinking when I decided to go into business for myself. Must've been a madman.)
Even before I read all the way through, I concluded what you did: has its place, reasonable price, but not for me.
Good timing for your review, too. I've been thinking more about a cross-draw holster for th' lil' mule.
I want to free up my right side for a high ride holster for the 65 (for in town) and a drop holster it (for camp).
So, I'd like a cross draw for my left side into that would fit the 642 glove-like.
In town, they could be a duo (say, maybe, Batman and Robin), or when circumstances dictate, 642 could go it alone.
So, I'm in the market for a cross draw for mr. mule (well, as soon as the cash flow increases to a steady drip ...).
But, after having owned a couple of nylon holsters with velcro, I'm thinking I want something in black leather for Robin the Mule.
If anybody finds a good candidate, I'd love to hear.
OK, back to work. Only a couple more hours ...
Nem
Nem - I think this will be a really good one. Special order for the 642 but I'm thinking it's worth the wait. I have their speed classic and I love it.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=4203&C=C0890
Here's the FIST, looks good too, and only eight weeks out.
http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/42.htm
I hate to wait....
R10 - Yea, best CCW going, you need to get one when you can!
http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=4203&C=C0890
Here's the FIST, looks good too, and only eight weeks out.
http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/42.htm
I hate to wait....
R10 - Yea, best CCW going, you need to get one when you can!
AStone
Member
JT, the Blackhawk looks closest to what I'm seeking
(basic leather, no high tech bells),
but I don't see the 642 listed in "select weapon";
in my browser, it only lists bottom feeders.
Do you know something about it I don't?
Custom jobs?
R10, you'll like this revolver.
(basic leather, no high tech bells),
but I don't see the 642 listed in "select weapon";
in my browser, it only lists bottom feeders.
Do you know something about it I don't?
Custom jobs?
R10, you'll like this revolver.
MassMark
Member
Jt1: Excellent review on the PAGM17 - thank you! Living in the sticks, I'm relegated to dial-up, so I sipped my coffee while the pics loaded at 26.4, (sad isn't it?) - it was well worth the wait! I'm left wondering whether this unit will be "good enough" for now until I can save my pennies for the higher end. At 6'4" and 265lbs, I need all the concealment I can get, so this unit does not quite stack up for my frame, but I'm awash in loose-fitting shirts, so I may give it a whirl.
Thanks again for your time, expense and excellent photos and write-up!
Mark
Thanks again for your time, expense and excellent photos and write-up!
Mark
A couple of other options for consideration for car carry and possible cross draw.
http://www.holsters.org/incar-holsters.htm
Or Andrews Leather
http://andrewsleather.com/carjackerx.htm
I don't know if either is available for revolvers.
http://www.holsters.org/incar-holsters.htm
Or Andrews Leather
http://andrewsleather.com/carjackerx.htm
I don't know if either is available for revolvers.
- Status
