The 642 club

[GregAllCalibers]

jad0110:

Metal polish would work fine. Make sure you shine up the contact surfaces. It's easy to see what to work on when it's open. I have used Flitz and it's good, but it will take more time than the compound I used.

As for the rebound spring, I did a lot of research before taking it out. What you need is a stick that has a little less diameter as the spring. I used a plastic chopstick and filed it down a bit. It does not scratch and fits in the spring nicely. It was a piece of cake to remove and swap the spring out, really.

Take the hammer out, then pull the trigger back. Turn the gun over. There is a small amount of the block that sticks out into the trigger guard. Push on it and the block will angle itself away from the frame. Turn the gun over. Put the stick into the spring. Compress. Be careful the pawl does not get pushed on (I left the pawl in since there is a little bitty spring in there and I did not want to mess with it). Do same in reverse to put back in. It's really that simple. Why use a gun smith when you can do your own trigger job. Just do not remove any metal, the idea here is to polish it well.

Anyone know what that black stuff is on the parts?

 

[Holydoc]

New Member of 642 Club

Hello Everyone.

I joined the 642 club yesterday with my purchase of a 642-2 with Crimson Trace Lasergrips. I purchased this little baby at a gun show that was being hosted here. Of course at the time, I knew nothing about this gun and was just looking for a better carry pistol. I had been carrying a Beretta 92FS in a IWB holster. The problem with such a large gun is that you end up leaving it home more than carrying it because of its bulky size. The little 642 just caught my attention through its size, weight, and convenience. I had recently purchased a PPK but was not pleased with its reliability. I got a jam at the firing range which made me wonder about the reliability of a carry gun.

I am hoping to take the 642 out on the range today. I am a bit worried about the range since the closest targets are set at 15 yards. This is definitely not a target pistol, and I do want to be able to set the Laser sights at a more reasonable distance. I also am concerned about the kick of this gun. Only practice and my hands will determine if those concerns are valid.

Finally I did order a Mika pocket holster last night. After reading the rave reviews from everyone who owns one in this thread, I decided to try it out. Hope it is as good as everyone says.

Just as an after note for you people keeping count (see, I did read this thread), this thread did NOT sell me the pistol. Seeing it at the gunshow sold the pistol. This thread was found after I purchased the pistol. This thread DID however make me feel like I made the right choice.

 

[fiVe]

Holydoc: Welcome! We are glad you are here & thanks for honoring us with your very first THR post.

Are you east or west of the Blackwater River?


Regards,
fiVe

 

[Holydoc]

Destin Area

Land of white sands and fishing tournaments, Five.

 

[blgoode]

wore my 442 while closing in an overhang today to store our lawnmower in. Didnt notice the gun much at all. Talk about a wear and worry free gun!

 

[fiVe]

Destin Area
Land of white sands and fishing tournaments, Five.

That's a pretty area. I'm out on the end of the panhandle almost in Ala.

 

[wooderson]

Got a set of CTs at the gun show today (rather than an M&P9 - got fed up waiting for someone to wait on me, went to the CT dealer) - these are great. Even without the laser, they'd be the best revolver grips I've ever held.

 

[1BLINDREF]

Need help finding the Speer 135gr 38+P short barrel ammo. I live outside of Philly Pa and I can't find any stores that carry it. Went to the Valley Forge gun show any didn't see any, (wasn't a total loss - came home with a new Sig ) I found the Speer 125gr but I don't want to give up looking for the 135s. Where is everyone in my area getting this stuff?

 

[Holydoc]

Went to the Range Today

Went to the range for a couple of hours and put 70 rounds through my new gun. Since we were the only ones at the range, I was able to move within 5 yards of my target to set up my laser sights.

Overall Impression:
Gun, pleasantly, did not have as bad a kick as I had anticipated. I knew for sure before I ever took it out that this little baby was going to kick like a mule. I was very surprised that the kick really was not that bad. The gun shot very good even though the trigger pull was a bit strong. For me this is fine for a carry gun that has no safety. It was a breeze to load and unload even though I was not use to just a 5 shooter. My normal carry weapon was a 16 loaded Beretta 92FS. Loved the laser sight.

The things I did not like was the basically unmarked sights. I would prefer to have a big white circle or, even better, orange circle to align the sights. Also the fact that this gun gets very dirty around the barrel and frame from 70 rounds. I was using Winchester FMJ target rounds. I guess I am not use to a grey gun with such a short barrel. These puppies collect the powder.

Shooting Performance:
My first shots out of the gun were approximately 5 inches low and to the right of center, a 3 inch grouping. I was using strictly the laser sights. Hey, it was my first time with laser sights, let me play. So I did what any normal hot-blooded professional (in mind only) shooter would do. I adjusted the sights.

My second shots did not hit the target. Ok, I have found a flaw with the laser sights. There is no click or any indications how much adjustment you have done when you turn these midget screws. Now I was in trouble, how do I adjust the laser sights back so that I can fine tune them? After a few unsatisfying attempts, an apple hit me in the head. Umm... use the fixed sights to adjust the laser sights, dummy.

So to test this idea from heaven (ahem!), I first shot with no laser sights and checked my spot. 2 dead center and 3 within a 3 inch grouping. So I took the little wrenches and adjusted the beam while I was staring down the barrel. No shots just adjusting the little beam to sit right on my sights.

Final set of shots using laser only. 3 near center and 2 within 3 inch grouping. I was a proud man!

Conclusion:
Ok...Ok... I know that at 5 yards a 3 inch grouping near center is not that great. But hey, this was the first time out and the barrel is not even 3 inches itself (more like 1 7/8). But the main point of this trip out was to see what the little fellow was capable of, align the laser sights, get use to the gun, and determine if this is going to be a satisfactory carry gun.

The conclusion of this trip was that I was able to accomplish all my goals. The gun is very capable and never flinched with the shots I put through it. The laser sights are aligned enough that I know if they are on a target the bullets will hit within a 3 inch area around it. I am not afraid that the gun will kick the heck out me and that it will shoot admirably. And finally, I can now rest my shoulder, IWB, and smartcarry holsters for a while to carry comfortably with my new 642.

Mission Accomplished!

There will be plenty more trips to the range to get better use to the gun and become more proficient with it. I will be satisfied when I can hit a large platter at 15 yards. Once I become more proficient, I can more finely tune the laser sights for a more satisfying shot at 20 or 25 feet.

 

[erikd65]

Remington UMC 125gr SJHP +P from WalMart vs. Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P short barrel

Well, I finally got around to doing some testing with some new ammo. I had the speer and the remington and wanted to see what both were like. I was really looking forward to some nice groups etc woth the Speer. Well, to my suprise, I did rather poorly with it, I then went on to the Remington, and this is the result from the first 5 shots I ever fired with this ammo. This was at about 15 feet firing into a dirt hill....

I again shot some more speer, thinking i needed a warm up, and again I did poorly with it, but a little better than the first time (Sorry, the pans I used for the speer were misplaced so I could not photograph them). So I did a little more Remington, did good with it again. Here is another good group I got out of it (The first one was a flyer... shooter error)...

Here are all the bullets I managed to recover. The ones in the back are the Remingtons, Speers in the front...

Since shot placement is my #1 priority, I have decided to carry the Remingons with the tighter groups they were giving me... for now. I may find something better later.

Just goes to show you that the expensive stuff isn't always the best. Its all about what works best for the shooter.

 

[AStone]

Very interesting, Erik.

I'm going to watch how this story develops, what comments ensue.
_______

H'doc, good to read a good report on the new gun.

Your report also raises an interesting question: what IS the best way to adjust laser sights?
(I don't have any yet, and won't for a while, but all the discuss of them in the club lately has
got me interested in them...)
______

B'ref, I'm surprised that none of the stores in your area carry the Speer 135s.
Did you ask if they normally carry them but are out?

I've found them here in two stores pretty regularly, including one chain store.

Maybe put in a request to get some in ... ?

Nem

 

[fiVe]

Holydoc: Thanks for that great, informative post. Please report back often.


erik: I've had similar results. I just seem to shoot the 125gr better for some reason.

 

[Holydoc]

Pretty Picture

Just wanted to show my new baby off. Here she is:

She joined up with my other little lady (who just got a bath) here:

Quite the happy family.

 

[erikd65]

Holydoc, (In my best Borat voice) Niiiiiiiice!

 

[loplop]

Blind Ref, you can order them from Natchez and the like. I personally just ask my shooting range to set a box aside for me when they get them in. They sell FAST so this way I'll get a box.

I shoot the 135's pretty well, although I admit I haven't put more than a box of those badboys through the little demon ($$$). It's kinda nice not having to worry about autoloader misfeeds... But this reminds me I'll need to check point of aim. I'm getting pretty decent with the practice ammo, especially under 5 yards. For some reason my groups really start to open up at 7 yards. I need to work on that.

 

[RTFM]

Nem - Holydoc has it correct in his third try.
Shoot the sights and then adjust the laser to the point of impact.
You as the shooter have to decide where you want the laser to intersect the point of impact.

Because the laser is not even parallel to the boar, you have to angle the beam slightly up and slightly left to intersect the point of impact.

So setting the laser for 5 yards will be a different POI at 10 or 15 yards.
User discretion.

Some (few) try to align the laser parallel to the bore axis, knowing where the laser points the round will impact x" up and x" left.
Again, user discretion.


RTFM

 

[1BLINDREF]

erik
Interesting report - thanks for taking time to post it. It really shows that each gun shoots differently with certain brands/weights of ammo. Everyone should test whats best for theirs.

Holydoc
Very nice pics - I like those grips on your Cheetah Did they come from Beretta?

loplop
Thanks for the link.

Nem
RTFM is correct about setting up the CTCs. I have mine set up at six yards. I'm thinking of trying to align them parallel to the bore. The way I look at it is that its a snub not a target gun, so if I can get center of mass hits regularly out at 15 yards with the parallel set up, that might be the way to go. I've shot my 642 at 15 yards with the CTC's turned off, and I'm impressed with the groups and accuracy I was able to get. I know 15 yards is getting into stretching the limits for self defence shooting especially with a snub, but with the parallel set up it would give me more confidence if that scenario came up.
The chain stores around here don't carry much in the way of self defence ammo, mostly just Hydroshocks. I'll try the Speer 125's to see how my 642 likes them (I can get them at the range I belong to). If it doesn't like them, I'll order some on-line.

 

[Holydoc]

92FS Grips

1BlindRef,

That is a 92FS and not the cheetah. It is sitting a little bit behind the S&W so it appears to be smaller than it really is.

I found the grips on Ebay and have never seen any like it before. I cannot tell you if they are custom or some company's (not Beretta though) production model. All I know is that when I saw they were cherry and had the Beretta logo, I fell in love.

 

[DAdams]

Crimson Trace

Doc thanks for the range report. CT grips are in my future and having shot the 642 with the standard grip it would be nice to have something larger to hold on to without sacraficing pocket carry. Are the 305's any smaller than the standard grip? if not I will likely go that route. Improved target acquisition and slightly more padding in the same length for pocket carry.
Sounds like the right combo to me.



Thanks for your input.

Who found the best price where, by the way? Don't forget shipping/handling when reporting price, which can be rediculous.

 

[RTFM]

Just looking thru the CT forums.... looks like there releasing another grip for the J frame.

Notice the price $209.00 MSRP


The LG-105.

Beaverton, OR – January 11, 2007: Crimson Trace announces a new line of more compact and concealable Lasergrips designed to meet the defensive needs of the daily gun carrying individual. The Defender Series fits three of the most popular concealed carry revolvers available: The Ruger SP-101, the Smith & Wesson J-frame, and the Taurus small frame revolvers. Each Defender Series model will be priced at $209.00 MSRP, the lowest price ever offered by Crimson Trace.

The Defender Series is an excellent entry-level product that offers the same performance features that Crimson Trace has pioneered: Instinctive activation, windage and elevation sighting adjustments and grip-integrated laser sighting system, all precision engineered and manufactured in the USA using superior components.

The Defender products were designed for concealed carry and defensive use. All Defender Series Lasergrips have instinctive front activation and rugged polymer side panels for ease of draw and speed-to-target out of concealment. Each original design is based on a boot-grip variant and is very compact in size. The Defender Series is always at the ready and does not require you to turn the unit on using a master switch. Two 2032 batteries located in the grip provides over 4 hours of constant-on beam. Installation is a breeze. Just remove the screws holding the stock panels on, install the two batteries in the side panels of the Lasergrips, and install the Lasergrip in place of the stock panels.

Lasergrips come pre-sighted from the factory at 50 feet. All Lasergrips come with an accessory pack that contains batteries, hex wrenches for laser adjustments, a cleaning cloth and several cleaning swabs. A three-year warranty is standard.

(Sorry for the large image.... only one I can find.)

But to me they look like a standard S&W grip length, but no extra rubber like the 305 and longer and thinner than the 405......


Oh the choices.......
lord help us all!

 

[1BLINDREF]

Holydoc -
Depth perception
It really looks like a Cheetah with the 642 sitting in front of it like that. I have a Stainless 96 and a blue Cheetah. Those grips are stunning, good pick up on eBay. I have the Crimson Traces on my 96 - it's my house gun.

 

[DAdams]

LG-105 CT

Did a brief search and apparently they are not in a retail store nearest you or any of the online stores either. At that list they should be in the $160 range, maybe less. Can't go wrong at that price with the same feel and recoil management of the original grips which isn't that bad anyway.

 

[AStone]

Because the laser is not even parallel to the boar, you have to angle the beam slightly up and slightly left to intersect the point of impact.

H'doc, B'Ref and RTFM,

Very interesting discussion on sighting the laser grips.

I'd seen the illustrations of the laser operating on a 642 (as in RTFM's post 1950), but the obvious point that RTFM (and others) makes in the quote above had never clicked for me. Very interesting challenge.

Given the difficult challenge involved with setting the laser to POA at X yds, then adjusting for different ranges due to different angles, etc, I think I might be prone to try setting the laser so that it is parallel to the bore, then adjusting POA to account for that.

For example, if the laser is parallel at 5 yds, it will still be parallel at 10. In both cases, the laser spot will be slightly (1"?) lower and to the right of POA.

Thus, if one consistently put the laser spot at that point (slightly below, and slightly to the right) with respect to POA, then success should be achieved from 3 yds to 15 yds. One does not have to keep a chart in one's head about how to adjust the divergence due to angle at different ranges.

Does that make sense? Is there a flaw in my logic?

Nem

 

[308win]

I have never had a yen for laser sights on my 642 BUT if they can be had for $150 or so I might give them a try. Never know, I might like them a lot.

It seems to me that sighting parallel to the bore would make the most sense. It wouldn't take much range time to learn your hold points out to any range you desired.

Getting back to the $200 (list) grips, I wonder what you're giving up to save the $150?

 

[AStone]

Defender series

The Defender Series is an excellent entry-level product that offers the same performance features that Crimson Trace has pioneered...

Hmm. Maybe.

Pardon my jaded skepticism, but I'm always leery of phrases like "excellent entry-level product". That descriptor often turns out to be a euphemism for, "not as good as our better models, corners cut so we can sell them at X-Mart and other discount stores. There's even a potential oxymoron there: can an "entry-level product" really be "excellent"? Who wrote that: the engineers or the marketing department?

I think I may wait for the reviews on that one. No sense in saving $60 on an inferior "econo" product when one's life is on the line.

Nota bene: I'm NOT saying the 105's aren't a fine product, just that econo-models often aren't. I would like to see some independent evaluations before jumping at them.

Nem