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S&W Model 642. Any feedback on this hammerless 38?
self ^ | 4/9/2020 | Self

Posted on 04/09/2020 11:52:02 AM PDT by know.your.why

I'm seriously looking at this little five shot revolver and would appreciate any insight into its reputation. Thank you.

Pic at link.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Education; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: banglist; cc; selfdefense
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To: Vermont Lt; Magnum44

Smith & Wesson makes GREAT revolvers. The best in the world, for my money.


61 posted on 04/09/2020 2:46:01 PM PDT by Hardastarboard (Three most annoying words on the internet - "Watch the video")
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To: Cincinnatus.45-70

S&W makes them without the lock.


62 posted on 04/09/2020 2:58:19 PM PDT by Lurkinanloomin (Natural Born Citizens Are Born Here of Citizen Parents_Know Islam, No Peace-No Islam, Know Peace)
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To: know.your.why

I’ve got the Model 60 - 357 with a hammer. With Pachmayr rubber grips, I can shoot 357. With lesser grips, 38. I like having a hammer. My favorite gun, although my LCP sees a lot of duty too.


63 posted on 04/09/2020 2:59:40 PM PDT by Mr Rogers (Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools)
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To: know.your.why

S&W 642 is a sweet little pocket protector.

There are plenty of .38+P nasties on the market to feed it.

I bought one for Mrs. Augie a few years ago.

She has skinny little girl wrists and can’t handle a .45ACP comfortably, but she does fine with the 642.


64 posted on 04/09/2020 3:08:19 PM PDT by Augie
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To: know.your.why

I carry a 642 any time I’m on my motorcycle. I use a DeSantis “sleeve” in my jacket, or vest, pocket.
Just for fun I fired it through the pocket of an old leather jacket with no problems. Well, it was a little rough on the jacket. /grin
I have no complaints. It’s definitely a little barky and you won’t be hitting the center ring at 50 yds. However, shooting from my pocket I had no problem hitting center mass from 10 ft.
Using Speer Gold Dot short barrel 38+P, but I’ll probably look around next time I replenish my carry load.


65 posted on 04/09/2020 3:21:43 PM PDT by Do_Tar (To my NSA handler: I have an alibi.)
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To: Hardastarboard

I have an M&P R8 revolver and it is so much fun to shoot.

If you are not fighting the cartel, you have plenty of rounds. Compared to my Glock, it’s the difference between a decked out Chevy Tahoe and an Ford escort. The escort would get you there, but the decked out big gun makes it worth the trip.


66 posted on 04/09/2020 4:10:23 PM PDT by Vermont Lt
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To: SJackson; catnipman

638 Airweight is my choice for a small revolver. I like being able to fire it single action if I want to.


67 posted on 04/09/2020 5:23:46 PM PDT by HartleyMBaldwin
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To: know.your.why

Add a set of Pachmyr grips and you’ll love it. Even the hottest 38+P’s will be easy to shoot.


68 posted on 04/09/2020 5:24:57 PM PDT by JimDaniels1867
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To: know.your.why

Rent at a range and compare the 640 with the 638, or the 649 in .357. Double action only compared to semi-shrouded hammer offering single action-double action. The stainless J-frames offer the weight to manage recoil, but I would not give up the single action opportunity. The .357 model fires .38, and assures you can use available ammunition.
I have had J-frames in all calibers, and different frame materials. Stainless works best for me. The small gun does its job well.
Let us know what you choose.


69 posted on 04/09/2020 5:24:58 PM PDT by TrainingCounselor (NRA Master Training Counselor appointed 2002)
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To: know.your.why

sure I could give you feedback I carry that every day.
its tiny you will not even notice it in your front pocket

It is real fast and easy to draw out of your pocket like one or two seconds faster than a compact 1911. My 1911 sights would stick to the clothing when drawing it out of pocket.

by far the best thing is RELIABILITY as in flawless, a semi auto will eventually clog with dirt and lint and may not work.

it will sting your hand from recoil so you might not like plus p rounds. I dont mind at all and load it with hornady zombie max plus p.

the laser is helpful and works in low light and daylight
I think its well worth having the laser for the quick target acquisition it comes on by it self as you grip it. it is also very accurate.

Dont get me wrong as I do love my 45acp which I would choose for a holster but if its going in a dusty pocket I will stick to the wheel gun for reliability.


70 posted on 04/09/2020 5:26:04 PM PDT by bandit123 (If you think the russians are why Trump is president and not Hillary, then I got a bridge to sell ya)
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To: know.your.why

We have two LCR and one is in 38. It has the best double action trigger.


71 posted on 04/09/2020 5:31:13 PM PDT by KC Burke (If all the world is a stage, I would like to request my lighting be adjusted.)
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To: know.your.why
Shrouded hammer model 638 is more versatile.
72 posted on 04/09/2020 5:40:18 PM PDT by suijuris (Once a man learns to see he finds himself alone in the world with nothing but folly.)
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To: Bonemaker; CurlyDave

I’m a big Smith fan with a collection going back to a .32 1 and 1/2 from 1884 and a bunch of pre and just post war models. I’ve shot my share of J frames and would probably go with the Ruger for trigger and comfort.


73 posted on 04/09/2020 5:41:12 PM PDT by Tijeras_Slim
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To: know.your.why
Shrouded hammer model 638 is more versatile.
74 posted on 04/09/2020 5:46:21 PM PDT by suijuris (Once a man learns to see he finds himself alone in the world with nothing but folly.)
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To: Tijeras_Slim
👍
75 posted on 04/09/2020 5:50:54 PM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: know.your.why

My wife has the 342PD airlite

10.8 oz

In 38+P

It jumps around

Can blister your grip tween thumb and trigger finger


76 posted on 04/09/2020 5:52:30 PM PDT by wardaddy (I applaud Jim Robinson for his comments on the Southern Monuments decision ...thank you)
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To: Bonemaker

Thanks.
You just can’t tune the J like the K and N. I’ve got 1933 M&P target with a s/n 600 off Mc Givern’s and its no mystery how he could run that gun.


77 posted on 04/09/2020 5:56:46 PM PDT by Tijeras_Slim
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To: know.your.why

I’ve carried the hammerless 640 in .357/38, with a 2.125 inch barrel, the Pro Series.

You don’t want to spend an hour at the range, ‘cause it will bite, but it isn’t made for that.

The Pro Series gives you some nice night sights...to surprise an intruder I suppose.

Holster probably is best but you can carry it in your jeans pocket even if you are a skinny jeans guy.

Lots of punch in a very clean package.


78 posted on 04/09/2020 6:19:18 PM PDT by Fightin Whitey
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To: Tijeras_Slim

K’s and N’s have sweetest single action trigger pulls EVER!


79 posted on 04/09/2020 6:25:01 PM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: know.your.why

Revolvers are obsolete and hammer-less revolvers are the worst since they eliminate the option of single action shots for enhanced accuracy when needed. Yes I know they are less likely to snag during a draw but placing your thumb on the hammer accomplishes the same thing.


80 posted on 04/09/2020 6:28:05 PM PDT by Brooklyn Attitude (It's no coincidence that the DemocRAT/media complex always sides with America's enemies.)
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