642 J-frame

[JRG]

Okay, I have a confession to make to you all. I made a thread about 2 or 3 weeks ago about pocket pistols. You folks made some great recommendations. However, as I wanted to save some money, I started to pocket carry my 642. I have had this j-frame for several years. I have not shot it much. As a matter of fact, I know I have not shot it at least 3 years.

So today, I went to Shoot Smart in Grand Prairie with the express intention of shooting and getting reacquainted with my 642. I mean, if I am going to carry it, I should really learn to shoot it and get comfortable with it, right? I mount my target and run it out to 5 yards. I shoot 5 times. The first shot was a shock. I had forgotten how it shoots totally. I brought the target in and saw to my chagrin that I had not hit the target at all. I reloaded, ran the target out to 3 yards and shot 5 times again. I had 1 shot on the target and 4 high. I was terrible. Anyways, to make a long story short, I shot 50 rounds today, 10 cylinders. By about the 6th or 7th cylinder, I was getting all 5 on target.

Suffice it so say, it was a very humbling day at the range. I had 4 types of ammo with me. 158 grain hollow points from Winchester. 125 hollow points from Hornady, 148 grain wadcutters from Double Tap, and just range ammo from Federal. They were flat head, but I not sure what weight. The Winchester HP's had the most recoil. The wadcutters the least. It really did not make a difference in my accuracy. I had to really slow down and concentrate on the sights to make the shot.

As I told the wife after the session, I probably will be putting the 642 up for sale soon and going to a pocket .380. I wanted to shoot the Bodyguard 2 from S&W, but Shoot Smart did not have it in their rental area yet.

Normally, I go to the range to have fun and get better with my guns. Today I did get better, but it really was no fun.

If you are interested in getting a 642 of your own, check out the For Sale area tomorrow or Sunday. I will make you a deal.

Joe

[carlson1]

I hate you didn’t click with thr 642. I understand it though.

[The Annoyed Man]

I’m not that good with either of the 3 j-frame revolvers I own. I’d probably be better too if I actually practiced with them, but they’re not a pleasant experience to shoot, so I don’t. I can hit a steel plate from 5-7 yards away, but it requires a slow and concerted focus to do so. I probably wouldn't have that luxury in a self defense situation.

One is a 642CT. Although the grip is slightly larger than the OEM "boot grip" the 642 comes with, but the laser is useless to me. But even with the larger grip, it’s not fun to shoot because of the long heavy trigger pull. Of course, that trigger is the only "safety" on the gun, so…

The other two I have are both .357 Magnums. One is a SS model 640, the other a scandium M&P340. Of the two, the 340 is the only one I ever carry, and rarely at that. Again, trigger is a problem for both, although both are slightly smoother than the 642. Weight is a problem for the 640 since it weighs the same as the G19 I carry daily, but it only has 1/3 the capacity of the G19. The 340 is much easier to carry since it weighs only 13 oz., but the recoil can only be described as "fierce," even with lighter loads (see "I Believe I've Met My Match").

The result is that—on the rare occasions where I need to carry a smaller, lower capacity pistol—I prefer a Glock 43 or some other similar pistol.

If I ever again buy a J-frame sized pistol, it will not have an enclosed hammer. Since I’m not ever likely to carry it, I’d at least like to add to the shootability by being able to manually cock the hammer and shoot it single action.

[patterson]

I agree with Annoyed Man on not getting a enclosed hammer, I have a Ruger SP101 that I shoot often and I always shoot it single action and its accurate and fun to shoot

[carlson1]

A pocket revolver in my opinion doesn’t need an external hammer because it will snag eventually. I you are carrying in the belt then I understand.

[AdioSS]

I pocket carry my 642 sometimes, too. It has been a while since I’ve shot it. I should probably take it out back to the wood line & go through a few cylinders.

[Excaliber]

I pocket carry my 642 sometimes, too. It has been a while since I’ve shot it. I should probably take it out back to the wood line & go through a few cylinders.

A pocket holster is a necessity for pocket carry.

This one from Alabama Holster is my favorite:

https://alabamaholster.com/product/deep ... t-holster/

The small thumb shelf automatically separates the holster from the gun during the draw and makes sure the holster doesn't come out too.

[The Annoyed Man]

A pocket revolver in my opinion doesn’t need an external hammer because it will snag eventually. I you are carrying in the belt then I understand.

For the record, when I carry a J-frame, I carry it either way…both pocket and belt carry, but predominantly pocket carry.

A Model 638 meets both requirements. It's kind of ugly, but who cares? If I ever buy another J-frame, that might be the one.

[carlson1]

TAM I have to disagree. I have the S&W 49 with no dash. It is a beautiful humpback J-Frame. I love this one any ways.





I do not like to OWB a J-Frame because it gets lost between the belly rolls.

[AdioSS]

A pocket holster is a necessity for pocket carry.

I agree!


I’m pretty sure I found this holster on eBay. It’s about as lightweight as you can possibly get (which is why we carry a J frame) while covering what needs to be covered when in the pocket, but easily releasing when it needs to release.

[Excaliber]

A pocket holster is a necessity for pocket carry.

I agree!


I’m pretty sure I found this holster on eBay. It’s about as lightweight as you can possibly get (which is why we carry a J frame) while covering what needs to be covered when in the pocket, but easily releasing when it needs to release.

That meets the minimum safety requirements, but doesn't keep pocket lint out of the barrel.

You may be surprised how quickly that accumulates.