I had a chance to carry my new 642 today while out looking at some rural properties with my brother-in-law. I thought that my P-32 would be hard to compete with as a pocket gun, but I was very pleasantly surprised at how easy the 642 is on the pocket. Although I know the P32 is technically lighter in weight, I honestly didn't notice the additional weight of the 642. I think I've finally found a ccw handgun that I can carry virtually anywhere in any attire in a fairly decent defensive caliber. Although the P32 is still a favorite, I think I like the 642 even more for ccw. This little 38 was comforting while out in some pretty remote areas, & wasn't in anyway awkward to carry. I highly recommend this revolver to anyone looking for a light weight easily concealed pocket gun.
The S&W 642 Pocket Gun
- Thread starter Doug S
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HarryB
Member
The first time I carried my 642 in my front jeans pocket I came home and hung my pants on a chair, completely forgetting until morning that I had left it there...
Classified00
Member
Hello all,
I too love my 642. It's not a pleasant gun to shoot. I usually put no more than 15 - 20 rounds downrange at any session. It is a dream to carry though. I can't warm up to the Keltecs no matter how hard I try. Quite honestly, I have never found a situation where I would need anything smaller than my 642. It disappears in every pair of pants and shorts that I own. I recently had mine hard chromed by Tripp Research. I have a holster on order from Hedley and I'm looking for a nice set of wood grips for it now.
I too love my 642. It's not a pleasant gun to shoot. I usually put no more than 15 - 20 rounds downrange at any session. It is a dream to carry though. I can't warm up to the Keltecs no matter how hard I try. Quite honestly, I have never found a situation where I would need anything smaller than my 642. It disappears in every pair of pants and shorts that I own. I recently had mine hard chromed by Tripp Research. I have a holster on order from Hedley and I'm looking for a nice set of wood grips for it now.
deputy tom
Member
The 642 is one of my favorite EDC revolvers.I had bad luck with several P-32's and decided to stick with what works for me.tom. 
I've just traded my almost new M60 for a new 642. It's nice to have the .357/.38 choice, but if you leave it at home because of its weight - same as the 640, then is like having no CCW gun. Using either the Winchester Supreme .38 Special +P 130 GR. SXT, or the Speer Gold Dot .38 Special +P 135 GR. hollow point defense rounds, these little jewels can't be argued with.
>I recently had mine hard chromed by Tripp Research.
>I have a holster on order from Hedley and I'm looking for
>a nice set of wood grips for it now.
Regarding the grips, take a look at a set of Spegal grips over at the Cylinder and Slide web site. I bought a set a while ago. Not only are they beautiful, they fit the hand quite well.
Would it be possible for you to post a pic of the hard-chrome results? I've been thinking of having Tripp do the same to my 642, since I managed to botch up the clearcoat with solvent.
Thanks!
>I have a holster on order from Hedley and I'm looking for
>a nice set of wood grips for it now.
Regarding the grips, take a look at a set of Spegal grips over at the Cylinder and Slide web site. I bought a set a while ago. Not only are they beautiful, they fit the hand quite well.
Would it be possible for you to post a pic of the hard-chrome results? I've been thinking of having Tripp do the same to my 642, since I managed to botch up the clearcoat with solvent.
Thanks!
straightShot
Member
A 442 (blued) or 642 (SS) is the way to go. Put it in a pocket holster, and you're all set.
straightShot
straightShot
Preacherman
Member
Yep. I have a 442 and 642, with Crimson Trace laser grips (the smaller version, boot-grip size), and one or the other is a constant companion in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I highly recommend the CT grips on these guns, as the sight picture isn't the best (particularly in low light), and with the CT's, I can confidently take a head-shot at 25 yards if I need to.
I also second Deputy Tom's comments about the Kel-Tec's. I wish (how I wish!) that these guns were reliable: but having tried three P-32's and two P3-AT's, I've not yet found one that would fire 100 rounds without at least one malfunction. That's simply not acceptable in a defensive firearm, so I've taken them off my list. I've found the same problem with other very small pistols, so my "bottom line" for carry is a .38 snub.
I also second Deputy Tom's comments about the Kel-Tec's. I wish (how I wish!) that these guns were reliable: but having tried three P-32's and two P3-AT's, I've not yet found one that would fire 100 rounds without at least one malfunction. That's simply not acceptable in a defensive firearm, so I've taken them off my list. I've found the same problem with other very small pistols, so my "bottom line" for carry is a .38 snub.
I like the S&W 642 so much that I've been tempted to go back and get a second 642 with the laser grips. Just last night I was trying to convince my wife of the benefits of her having her very own 642, but she resisted (she's tight w/money). As far as the P-32, I guess I've been lucky. I've got well over 500 malfunction free rounds through mine. No fluff or buff, just reliable out of the box. Two friends who purchased P-32's at the same time have had the same results. All are within a few numbers of each other in the early 3xxxx rangel. Wonder if this was just a good batch. I also had a P-11 but it was unreliable. Still found it useful though, as it's unreliablity was the deciding factor in causing me to finally get a Glock (had also tried a very unreliable Taurus PT-111).
(had also tried a very unreliable Taurus PT-111).scbair
Member
I have a KelTec P32, and have honestly never had a malfunction, but I just don't like "plastic" sidearms (no flames, please; never said they won't work; I just prefer . . .)
1) Full-sized/full powered/ all-metal (semiauto or revolver)
2) Compact/as-powerful-as-possible/all metal (revolver only)
I have a Colt 1911, a Kimber Ultra, a BHP and a S&W M4006; all are rarely carried.
I have a M642 that sees daily carry. I also have a NAA .22WMP mini that gets carried as a BUG or as a "Sunday go to meetin' gun." That is, the mini or nuthin'!! Having actually been in a few confrontations, I make a genuine effort to keep it in BUG status, I assure you!
5 rounds of .38 Spec. +P should (hopefully) get me out of anything I stumble into (backed by 2 ammo reloads, if I get the chance . . .). I trust a quality revolver to leave a lint-filled pocket or ankle holster and go "Bang" as long as it contains live ammo.
1) Full-sized/full powered/ all-metal (semiauto or revolver)
2) Compact/as-powerful-as-possible/all metal (revolver only)
I have a Colt 1911, a Kimber Ultra, a BHP and a S&W M4006; all are rarely carried.
I have a M642 that sees daily carry. I also have a NAA .22WMP mini that gets carried as a BUG or as a "Sunday go to meetin' gun." That is, the mini or nuthin'!!
Having actually been in a few confrontations, I make a genuine effort to keep it in BUG status, I assure you!5 rounds of .38 Spec. +P should (hopefully) get me out of anything I stumble into (backed by 2 ammo reloads, if I get the chance . . .). I trust a quality revolver to leave a lint-filled pocket or ankle holster and go "Bang" as long as it contains live ammo.
Sportcat
Member
Went hunting for a 642 this morning. Finally found two in one shop, one had the LG305's CTC combat grip for $540. It felt good, but I'm concerned about the extra length in the grip. I wish I could compare it to the shorter LG205.
The other stock 642 had a gash on the top. and was going for $359.
I may order a pair of the 205's for $185 and wait for a stock 642 to come in next week.
BTW: Cheaper Than Dirt has the 205's for $185 and free shipping.
The other stock 642 had a gash on the top.
and was going for $359.I may order a pair of the 205's for $185 and wait for a stock 642 to come in next week.
BTW: Cheaper Than Dirt has the 205's for $185 and free shipping.
DR
Member
I think the LG305 is a tad too long for pocket carry. I've got the 205 of mine. It's the same size as the stock grip and fits just fine in a pocket.
I didn't know that the lasergrips were offered in two sizes. The size of the laser grip models that I saw when I purchased the 642 last week was the deciding factor for me. The grip just looked too large to fit comfortably in the pocket. Could easily be tempted by a smaller laser.
Sportcat
Member
Classified00
Member
RileyMc and FunYet,
* My digital cam would only show a big grey blob I'll try to borrow a better cam and post some pics later this week.
* The cost was $200.
* The exterior of the entire cylinder is chromed.
* I have no way of actually measuring the thickness but it's no more that any other coating like blueing.
For what it's worth, over all, I'm very happy with Tripp's work. I too had a problem with the original finish (my fault entirely). This gun is definately a keeper and my EDC. It was worth the money to not have to worry about the finish.
* My digital cam would only show a big grey blob
I'll try to borrow a better cam and post some pics later this week.* The cost was $200.
* The exterior of the entire cylinder is chromed.
* I have no way of actually measuring the thickness but it's no more that any other coating like blueing.
For what it's worth, over all, I'm very happy with Tripp's work. I too had a problem with the original finish (my fault entirely). This gun is definately a keeper and my EDC. It was worth the money to not have to worry about the finish.
SouthpawShootr
Member
I have these on my gun. They are the same size as the Uncle Mike's boot grips that came on my gun. They are hard plastic, though and recoil gets to you rather quickly at the range. I haven't taken them off b/c, as mentioned, they are dramatic improvements over the fixed sights. I carry this gun the most. My poor G26 has been left in the safe quite regularly now. I have a Hedley holster for mine and it is absolutely great.
SAWBONES
Member
I have to agree on the concept of the little J-frame S&W with the shorter Crimson Trace grips as an "always" gun.
It is eminently carryable and concealable and accessible, and can be highly accurate at considerable distances even in poor lighting conditions and under very stressful circumstances.
Lots of folks think aiming-aid lasers on guns are a gimmick, but these work, hold zero, and have a very long battery life. And of course if they poop out, you can still use the sights as usual!
I have several of these little J-frames, generally carrying the 340PD the most.
Loaded with and zeroed for the new Speer Gold Dot 135gr+P JHP .38 Special load, I think it's a really good CCW combination, either as a BUG or even as a primary gun.
Not much capacity, and slow to reload, but 5 reliable, accurate shots, on demand, of .38 Special JHP or LSWCHP will probably be sufficient for most peoples' self-defense needs.
It is eminently carryable and concealable and accessible, and can be highly accurate at considerable distances even in poor lighting conditions and under very stressful circumstances.
Lots of folks think aiming-aid lasers on guns are a gimmick, but these work, hold zero, and have a very long battery life. And of course if they poop out, you can still use the sights as usual!
I have several of these little J-frames, generally carrying the 340PD the most.
Loaded with and zeroed for the new Speer Gold Dot 135gr+P JHP .38 Special load, I think it's a really good CCW combination, either as a BUG or even as a primary gun.
Not much capacity, and slow to reload, but 5 reliable, accurate shots, on demand, of .38 Special JHP or LSWCHP will probably be sufficient for most peoples' self-defense needs.
greyhound
Member
I must just have little hands or something but dang the stock boot grips I got on my 642 fit my hands perfectly!
And I say this as someone who hated the stock grips (maybe the same as the 642) on my since sold Model 60?
Could my hands have shrunk?
And I say this as someone who hated the stock grips (maybe the same as the 642) on my since sold Model 60?
Could my hands have shrunk?
SapperLeader
Member
I too love my 642 as an always gun. It sits in my left front pocket as a backup since I usually have a full size iwb gun. Whenever I can't wear the iwb gun though, it’s a 642 in the front pocket and a p-32 elsewhere.
I have the crimson trace grips on mine, and while I never thought I would warm up to lasers on guns it does allows me to make shots out to 25 yards(more realistically 15 but I could do 25 if I had too.) I highly recommend the pocket concealment systems holster for the j-frames in the pocket.
I have the crimson trace grips on mine, and while I never thought I would warm up to lasers on guns it does allows me to make shots out to 25 yards(more realistically 15 but I could do 25 if I had too.) I highly recommend the pocket concealment systems holster for the j-frames in the pocket.
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