Wow, I disagree on a lot of points here. I carry one of these daily, and I can shoot it very well. So does my wife. Nobody should carry a gun they are not familiar and practiced with. The gun that is the most effective IS the one you have with you every day. This gun is not built to make headshots at 25 yards, it is built for the 3 shots 3 feet 3 seconds which is the standard for most personal defense scenarios. A 38 is a very good compromise between small and concealable yet big enough and large enough caliber to be effective. It should indeed be practiced with until you get good enough to use it well. Snubby revolvers tend to be hard to shoot for people at first, but just a little practice they become entirely manageable and should not be discarded because of a small amount of discomfort, which will not be noticeable for long.
Install hogue monogrips .. they covered the back strap cushion the hand and get all the fingers on the grip... That and some orange paint on the front sight.. I have no trouble getting Good Hits out to 45 50 ft with a little practice.... By the way try Federal HST... By inserting the huge hollow point deep in the case flush like a wad cutter..they're able to get + p velocities without adding more powder... Feels like shooting a 22 Magnum in my 11 oz 342 smith.... Recoils less than even the Hornady.. critical defense light
@@ASPextra why would ever carry a 5 shot snubby of any kind if your expecting a gunfight? We are not the Millitary or Law enforcement. Most self defense senarios are resolved with just showing you’re armed and if you have to actually fire the revolver 38 special has put countless dicks in the dirt. If you’re worried about gunfights carry a 642 as a backup and carry a hicap 9mm with a couple reloads. #EasyThereTacticalTommy 👌😏
@@michigunsanta8680 do you watch the main channel? Do you see how many gunfights go beyond 5 or 6 rounds in those actual, real life, no joke private citizen gunfights? That's not "tactical timmy," that's "evidence-based self-defense choices."
Come on John, enough with the drama. Ooh! That hurt. Oof! I'm done... Novice doesn't mean weak and of course not every gun suits the shooter. I use both the bodyguard 38+P for ultralight carry and the 640 357 for ultra small punch. Yes, they kick. Yes, they need range time and ammo loads can lighten the kick if needed. They're not for everybody but I think it's a disservice to scare off the suitable users from the utility of these products. Thank for your work, I just disagree with this review.
@@larsvongraff5794 What's concerning is John doesn't merely explain the characteristics of the J Frame, or anything else he doesn't like, and let the viewer make up their own mind. Instead, he actively tries to oversell the reasons he doesn't like it with dramatics. That can be a real turn-off to experienced shooters and trainers who know better.
642 is my go to Gun reliable over 900 rounds with no issues love this gun easy to conceal within 7 yards very accurate disagree. It’s a great gun if you practice with it even for new shooters.
This cracked me up. One of the top selling revolvers of all time and one of the safest guns that so many of us carry daily and shoot often. Watch other videos and buy this gun. It’s literally the best carry gun most will ever own.
@Josh Jones If the grip actually covered the rear strap of the handle, it wouldn't much of an issue. but you are holding metal and when firing +P defensive loads holy heck. i love the 642 but i always recommend to grip swap immediately
@@ASPextra I can't speak for your experience with actual stress-involved firearm use, but in competitive shooting and big-game hunting scenarios, even with stout chamberings, the shooter's focus is so intense, the sound and recoil are unnoticed and even completely forgotten.
You're missing the ENTIRE point of why the J Frame was invented. It's a "point and shoot" weapon. It was designed as a backup boot gun and the fact it even has sights on is just a bonus. POINT AND SHOOT....not "AIM". It's understood that it'll probably be used in a "phone booth" type confrontation. This isn't designed to get into a shoot out with....NO ONE feels recoil hunting or in a self defense application. It's NOT an "Expert" gun. It's NOT designed to be a easy shooting range gun. Your assertations are all wrong....
I agree the 642 and 442 can have some harsh recoil when firing .38 special or +P rounds. However, the light weight and rock solid reliability are just too good not to have for CCW. I put some Hogue grips on my 642 and let me tell you, it "transformed" my revolver so much so that I can shoot it for a long time at the range without issue. If you are a new shooter, I STRONGLY recommend getting some Hogue grips for your 642/442 and plan to spend some time at the range and be patient and learn to get good at it. A gun is only as good as its operator.
Just bought this gun because I wanted to learn revolvers and needed something as comfortable to carry as my G43. Great info in your video dude 👍🏻 looking forward to working with that double action pull until I can do it flawlessly.
I totally agree with you. I love my 442, same gun just a black finish. I carry it in my right front pocket in an Alabama Holster. I've been shooting revolvers for years and still don't consider myself a master of these airweight j frames. You are very right that these are very difficult to shoot well. I cringe when I'm at a gun shop and see someone buying one of these as their first gun. Because it is small and light they assume it will be easy and fun to shoot. Wrong! It kicks like a mule and performs well only in the hands of a very experienced snub nosed revolver shooter. It does carry very well though. It's cute but mean and nasty! Lol.
Even new shooter can figure out in about 2 minutes that there are hundreds of grips made to fit the J-frame. It's a close work protection device. Most new shooters understand this fact.
Many times a woman's biggest hindrance to shooting is her husband. A student who had never shot before was gifted the Air Weight by her husband. She hates it but is pressured into carrying it by her husband. She now has a fabulous Kimber .380 which she shoots really well but her husband doesn't want her to carry it.
My wife is finally getting into shooting. I paired her with a great shooting coach I work with (actually the same guy that taught me to shoot my own 642 well lol) and bought her a M&P 22 to learn her fundamentals and develop good habits on. When she is ready she can step up to a more potent weapon. I wanted me out of the picture while she learns to shoot so she feels no pressure from me, a d also develops none of my bad habits!
@@papimaximus95 , baby steps! Not everyone is ready for recoil, period! That gentleman knows his wife and is taking good care of her so she won't be immediately turned off of shooting.
@@papimaximus95 It is not pink! Lol I train with it too. I also carry a Mp2. 0 compact and 9mm is dang expensive right now! I also know recoil management is a key fundamental. However, I believe learning to shoot well without dealing with it is important, especially for first time shooters. Recoil can be off-putting for new new newbies and flinching can become an issue. A shooter can step up into more powerful weapons and learn to master recoil after they develop a solid base of marksmanship. For my wife this has been the way to go. Not necessary for all of course, but appropriate for her. Cheers
@@papimaximus95 Hey man, different strokes for different folks. My trainer thinks as I do on this, and for my wife she agrees she would not want it to be any different. Cheers man
Try installing hogue monogrips .... Pachmeyr diamond pro look good too.. as they both cover the backstrap and cushion the hand and get all the fingers on the grip
Hey John, want some cheese with that whine. I’m gonna send you a box of rock salt so you can toughen up those martial artistic hands. That squeal hurt my ears. LOL
The 642 is a fantastic firearm. It's reliable, easy to carry and conceal and it's quality built. This is my "Always" gun and it's always on me if I'm not carrying something else. It's also great for the coat pocket in the winter when one might be wearing a bunch of clothes over one's EDC.
Agreed! I’m glad I got this especially now that it’s getting close to winter and in my big coat I barely notice it in my pockets not to mention the grips. My hands can pull it out easily with the rubber grips. Compared to my ruger lcp which sometimes feels slippery
Agreed! I’m glad I got this especially now that it’s getting close to winter and in my big coat I barely notice it in my pockets not to mention the grips. My hands can pull it out easily with the rubber grips. Compared to my ruger lcp which sometimes feels slippery
I talked two ladies out of Smith revolvers not too long ago. They were thinking they would be great because they were small and light. I told them they would be finished shooting before they got through one box of ammo.
@@papimaximus95 No. I like to help the uninformed make good choices. I am not a baboon like you who hands a Smith 500 magnum to a newbie to get a good laugh. My name certainly doesn't have Maximus in it so I think I am a big stud.
In large part because the ammunition doesn't need to operate the action of the firearm, revolver ammunition can be had from very low-power to very high-power and still be effective in self-defense scenarios. I've introduced J Frame shooters to .38 Special wadcutters and they loved them.
A little too much drama on the “kick”. With slightly larger grips it’s ok at the range, and if used in defense it won’t be a concern. Sights are BS. CT 305 laser grips help with both these items.
Exactly I agree with you... I install hogue monogrips .. they cover the backstrap cushion the hand.. fill the hand and get all fingers on the grip... I just purchased last year 342 airlite ti ( titanium cylinder) .38 spec ...11.4 oz (unloaded) I have no problem getting good groups out to 45 50 ft.. and fantastic groups at 20 to 30 ft
It’s point blank simple with the CT red laser. Load, point at target and shoot. Dead bad guy. When he is dead and you are alive you won’t give a shit what caliber you have in the chamber.
I'm convinced some people just have substantially more nerve endings in their hands than others. People will complain about recoil in guns I don't even remember it in, and here you are, someone who has probably shot thousands of times more than me, doing the same. It can't be just a 'toughen up' kind of thing because it's clearly bothering you a lot. I love my 642 and my dead hands too!
Many women can't rack the slide of a small semi-auto, won't train with a SA, won't learn or remember the manual of arms of a SA, and they aren't going to appendix carry a G19 with light and optic. They will pocket carry a J Frame. Use light recoiling rounds and carry Hornady's Lite Critical Defense .38 spl. It's better than stern language.
Right off the bat… the 642 and the 442 are one and the same gun. The only difference is the finish. 642 is silver and the 442 is black. Both have aluminum alloy frames with stainless steel barrels and cylinders. Both weigh 14.4 ounces empty. It pays to know your firearms. The best handgun for women and similar body style men is a Smith & Wesson 380 Easy. Easy to rack and an exceptional light recoil. Cheaper by $100 as well.
Because the reverse grip safety VERY commonly has issues for those with low grip strength…the very people the gun is designed for. We see it in classes under time pressure ALL the time.
An airweight j frame is a difficult firearm for someone new to handguns but...so is almost every 380 or 9mm under 20 ounces for pretty much the same reasons covered in this video (recoil, small/thin grip, poor sights or sight radius). I love j frames of all types but for a newbie I’d want them to look at a steel frame model like the 640 or 649.
Exactly....good point ... Which not discussed is if you install hogue monogrips ..or pachmeyer diamond pro on your j-frame.. these grips cover the back strap cushion the hand and get all fingers on the grip this makes a big difference I can shoot my little 11 and 1/2 oz 342.....38spec out to 45 50 ft accurately and get decent groups at 20 to 30 ft I have no problem putting the bullets in a fist-size group
I have to disagree a lot on this video. I personally feel it works both ways, it My personal opinion this is a perfect gun for both an expert shooter or a very novice shooter. To get really really good with it yes it’s going to take some practice and experience but at the same time it’s also a gun That can be loaded and dropped into a nightstand only to be picked up In a critical moment , It’s simple for someone with less training and little to no experience. In the heat of the moment all they will have to do is pick it up point it in the direction of the attacker And squeeze the trigger until The threat stops. I don’t agree with it but a lot of new shooters will go out and buy a gun only shoot it once or twice. In that case point shooting is probably going to be their best friend. A hammerless revolver is about as simple as it gets. It’s easy to load and unload, and safety check. There’s no hammer to snag up on anything and cause an accidental discharge, and it has a heavy and deliberate trigger for safety. One or two range sessions and you could Easily have the newest shooters point shooting a man size target from 7 to 10 yards. Perfect For people lacking the time or discipline for proper training. I agree with you, Recoil can be rough with these little revolvers but in the heat of the moment they’re not Going to feel it. My grandmother is 86 years old and lives in a small town outside of Macon Georgia, this is the revolver she carries Every single day. She’s not a Bull’s-eye shooter but I guarantee she can hit you from across the living room
I was able to buy a 642 for a great price from a woman at my local range who was sold one and hated it for all the reasons you mentioned. I ended up putting a Hogue Monogrip on it, which gives you a place for your pinky, some rubber over the backstrap and allows for a better grip.
That's true, that grip adds to the overall size of the gun, but not by that much, I find it's still very concealable... Also the difference in firing it makes it worth it, to me anyway...@@ASPextra
I CCW pocket carry this gun everyday, I love it! It shoots good and accurate now that I installed a Wilson combat spring kit . This gun is back up to my Glock 26 or my Glock 29 carried IWB the 642 is an excellent carry gun because it’s effortless to carry and it’s superior craftsmanship from Smith & Wesson . It’s not fun to shoot but will save your life in a life selfdefense situation. The gun you carry will be the gun that saves you and this gun is small ,light and .38+p power 😁🇺🇸✌️
I ended up purchasing my wife a Ruger 327 Federal Magnum revolver. I loaded it with 32 S&W Long, and she shot it like a champ. It's worth noting that she also shot it with the 32 H&R Magnum and noticed the increase in recoil, but it is manageable. After she became very well versed and had a significant amount of experience with the revolver I let her shot it with the 327 Federal Magnum load. I came across some 327 Federal Magnum rounds that someone mistakenly purchased as 357 Magnum. That round had a significant amount of recoil that made it extremely unpleasant to shot. Whenever I think of purchasing an expert's snub nose revolver like the S&W 637, 638, or the 642 I remember what it felt like to shot the full load of the 327 Federal Magnum in a short revolver, I always pass on picking one up.
Darryl Bolke has talked about the concept of a fire extinguisher gun. For that role and type of gun owner they make a compelling choice in my mind still. Assuming they are the type of gun owner to MAYBE go shooting once and the put the firearm in a drawer or lockbox and never shoot it for the next 10 years. Even then though a k frame, gp100, or colt cobra would probably make more sense.
@@ftdefiance1 yeah obviously not a pocket gun. I was not really thinking about concealed carry which j frames/lcrs still have a lot of appeal to them. A 2”/3” model 64 could probably be thrown in a back pocket for those weird knocks at the door.
Watching this video the negatives are really over exaggerated. Not sure what hand load he is shooting that he can only get five shots and he’s done. Put a set of the larger Crimson Trace Laser grips and Hornady’s 110grn Critical Defense load and it is a very nice shooting self defense CCW gun.
I bought one of these back in the day on sale for $249 and it came with a free box of 38. I hear these are going for $600 now, if you can even find it in stock. Insane
I think ammo choice is of serious concern when operating a j frame. Something like target wadcutters would be perfect for practice and defense, but there are also others more easily findable with slightly lower recoil than usual like CCI Blazer and Winchester standard 125g and 130g FMJ. But of course always check up on ft lbs specs of the rounds you find.
I have to disagree, I’ve been carrying AJ frame for years and yes it took some practice but with standard pressure loads 158 grain semi wadcutter it is easy for me to shoot and place shots on target out to25 yards. Recoil is not that bad!
I did see the title and I also saw you giving up after 4 rounds. You acted like someone was beating you with a sledgehammer. Does that make you a beginner? I always considered you an expert.
Dude, I have probably shot more rounds through a host of revolvers than the vast majority of people, and most firearms trainers. It sucks to shoot that little gun. Saying otherwise is being obstreperous.
This is not a revolver one uses for fun shooting at a range. This is a last-ditch effort, the culprit is right in your face, self-defense weapon designed to stop the fight and or save your life. This is one weapon you will probably carry...cuz it is so light and concealable. When used in pocket carry mode, this is the fastest presented weapon I know.
I installed hogue monogrips which cover the backstrap cushion the hand and get all the fingers on the grip... Put some bright orange paint on the front sight and I can get good groups out to 45- 50 ft with my 11.5 oz. Smith 342 hammerless.
100% correct. I’m in my 60’s & started shooting as a kid with my dad. Regular Army, then State & Federal LEO (which I retired from). Concealed carry for decades & used to compete. I hate shooting alloy J frames. They will teach new shooters to flinch & not enjoy going to the range. Only good as a backup gun for an experienced shooter in my book. Steel J frames (S&W 640-1) are a little better, but only with .38 (not .357).
S&W 60 is steel frame & you’re an experienced & skilled shooter. The issue isn’t shooting in self defense, it’s practice for a new inexperienced shooter. Starting with an alloy snub will instill all sorts of bad habits. Alloy snubs are much more punishing than all steel also.
I am a novice shooter, and it is not too much for me. I'm not as big as you either. Maybe I have a stronger grip? Anway, I shoot pretty accurately at 10 and 15 yards. I go through a box of 50 rounds without any groaning or grunting.
@@ASPextra For me there are no drawbacks. It's concealable and more reliable than a semi auto. I can shoot it from inside a pocket, and it won't snag because of its design. I can operate it if my hands are cold or wet. Simply pull the trigger in a close range emergency situation.
@@brandonfisher4436 comparison to what? In this power and weight range there isn’t a reliable softer recoiling gun. Most people can tell how a gun is going to be for them with far less than a box of ammunition. In most self defense situations you aren’t even going to use all 5 rounds.
From the S&W catalog 442 specs The Model 442 is a variation of the Model 42 Centennial Airweight® that integrates the time-tested features of the original with modern advancements. Lightweight alloy frame for easy carry Stainless steel barrel Carbon steel cylinder Snag-Free enclosed hammer Rated for continuous +P Use
Altamont makes really good full size grips that cover that backstrap and help with that recoil. Anyone who enjoys 357 through a j frame is crazy. But it's the most efficient round in a j frame.
@@rtucker1004 well buying full size grips hurts the overall concealed ability. I don't consider a j frame to be a primary pistol. I carry one as a secondary just in case in an ankle holster.
@@papimaximus95 I prefer my primary to have more then 5 rounds and easier to reload. I've only had one time in my life where I've unfortunately needed to defend myself with a firearm. Had I been carrying a jframe I would not be here right now. So carry one primary if you wish. From personal experience I prefer more rounds.
@@papimaximus95 I was assaulted by 3 individuals attempting to rob me. It escalated very quickly when one pulled a knife. I went from a blade as I am trained in FMA to my firearm. From my training I will never "knife fight" with anyone. Nobody wins. Fired a total of 8 rounds. 2 missed. Luckily there was nothing around that those rounds could have hit they went low into the ground. Nobody died thankfully. I'm not one of those people that wishes to take a life. If it happens it happens.
@@papimaximus95 Yes all 3 went to the hospital. All three got a few years behind bars. The one with the knife got 5. The other 2 got 3. Surprisingly these 3 had clean records. My guess is they had just never been caught or tied to any other robberies. Police were actually quite nice. Some of the cops that originally showed up on scene not too nice at first. They really dig into your background that's for sure. It's like they try to paint you as a bad guy at first until they can't find anything.
I agree with you on many points This is not a newbie gun It is a bad breath distance from your target gun I own a 642 I picked it up for summer cary ,but I can't go back to anything heavier. I got some tips on this gun after wearing it for over 5 years. First: grips : Get a better set for this lil shooter. I put a hogue mono-grip on and love it but any grip that covers the back strap and lets you use a speed loader EZer would work just as well. Next finish : The paint or whatever S&W uses on the 642 can flake off ..You can cerakote it, but I polished mine. It is pretty now. If you do polish yours black out the rear sight. Be careful about making your guns look real nice....Your kids will steal them. my daughter has put dibbys on this one. I said for when? after I die...she said yea. Rounds : I pack hornady crit def non +P in this j frame. I like them cause of the lighter recoil and less muzzle flash. That being said I am not recoil sensitive but the recoil is wild on these To finish, carry : A gat this light you don't carry, you wear it. I like a pocket holster but I could see hip carry and it disappearing just as ez
I'm just trying to figure out your gun/car analogy. Damn brother, you talked me into this gun and out of this gun at the same time. You're like it sucks I'm like ahhh man. Then your like expert's gun and I'm like definitely fits the bill. so I'm in between a rock and a gun right now.
My first pistol was a Taurus 85. Absolutely garbage gun, but it’s what I could afford while I saved up for a Glock. First time I took it to the range I couldn’t hit the target at 7 yards. Talk about humbling. That experience is what sent me down the road of daily practice which has made me a much better shooter.
That was actually my first gun as well, hammerless and a 15 pound trigger pull 😂 After much practice, I was pretty good with it out to about 15 yards The nexy gun was a Smith Sigma in 40, great shooting gun, and I was good and accurate with it, until the firing pin broke
I can shoot two cases of 50 range ammo with zero issues or pain. Shooting 125 grain plus p Buffalo Bore is totally shootable with modest recoil. It's when you get into the 158 grane when you start to not want to shoot it. I'm wondering if that's the weight bullet he was shooting. If that's the case, 130 grain and lower is the remedy. 110 grain Critical Defense is outright easy to shoot and it's a proven good option for this gun. Also, the 442 frame is also made of aluminum. It's carbon steel as apposes to 442 being stainless steel for the important parts.
i have the same gun and i shoot plus p rounds. to me its not much recoil at all and definetely dont hurt my hands lol but then again im use to carrying and shooting a glock 29 10mm
Yeah, I have the same gun and it is not punishing. It's not the easiest to learn because you actually have to have some trigger control due to heavy pull weight, but the theatrics with the recoil was weird to me.
I was told my first gun should be a Glock or S&W. I went into a gun store in March, and they said this is the only one we have: S&W Bodyguard .380. I said I was told to buy 9mm. They said .380 is just as good. So I bought the gun. After spending hours on UA-cam and after shooting about 500 rounds I feel like I was scammed. I'll practice on my second gun (M&P 40) before I waste more ammo. I finally decided it was me, and not the gun, that keeps causing misfeeds, but people kept telling me something was wrong with the gun. I didn't know! And needless to say my wife hates it but is willing to shoot a few rounds from the .40 when we go to the range.
In countries where 9 mm is not allowed for self defense, .380 does a decent job. If you see the ballistic tests, .380 has decent penetration, "stopping power" and is a lot easier to shoot. I rather have my dapughter shoot and hit the target 3 times with a good .380 HP than missing 2 of the 3 with 9 mm
@@papimaximus95 yeah I was reacting to news and my friends. The gun stores were all pretty empty. I know a ton more now than I did in March when I was anti-guns. I just wish they were a little more honest with me instead of trying to get my cash.
Carried one of those for a year after putting a couple hundred rounds through it. Went to the range one day and it would barely dent the primers anymore. They said they would fix it for me, but I never even sent it in. As far as I am concerned a failure like that is a life and death deal breaker. It will just stay in the box as far as I am concerned.
@@mitubogoogle I agree with all that, but I specifically said I heard 9mm was affordable and easy to find. .380 is definitely more expensive and hard to find. Also my mag only holds 6 rounds, like most .380s.
@@Coopdog1911 I'll be honest: my firing pin broke while dry firing after about 200 rounds, S&W fixed it in about 3 weeks. Then I sent it in again when I was experiencing mis-feeds after another 200 rounds (I blame myself for that). They replaced the whole slide. I took another 150 rounds to the range and experienced one or two of those light primer strikes I was hearing about. One day I'll replace it with a Kimber or something, but for now it's my back up mag. And I actually do ok with the accuracy while playing games at the range.
I'm hoping the recoil isn't too bad as they look really cool. I can manage my Taurus snubby fine one handed and have been shooting only a few months. The Taurus is probably a more practical gun; steel frame, one extra shot in the cylinder, but there is something about those Smiths I like. Hope to find an affordable used one soon... Does anyone know if there are longevity issues with the alloy j frame? I like to shoot at least once a week when I can and would hate for the gun to wear out.
It's not a terrible gun, it's light, compact, and reliable. It does have recoil, especially with +-P ammo. Don't think about the kick to your hand think about what the little fellow is going to do to a (bad agent).
The Smith and Wesson 442 is not a steel framed gun. It’s aluminum framed with steel cylinder and barrel. The steel framed version of the centennial models is the model 640.
a real review ... good job ... I love my 642 ... but I’ve been shooting j frames for a while ... my mod 60 in 357 is a handful - there is a need for practice to shoot with capability
Picked one up earlier today, and put a good bruise in my hand with less than 50 rounds at the range. Changing out the grips before I fire it again, though, the recoil was rough. At the same time, switching back to a Glock 17, and my groups were noticeably more consistent than they have been.
Just reading the title, i have one and that's a terrible idea! Great video, more people need to understand that small revolvers are not great for newbies outside of muzzle contact distance.
You'd be better off with the Ruger SP101 2¼" barrel, .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P. It has 25 oz. of weight, and much, MUCH better standard grips, 2¼" vs. 1⅞" barrel length for a bit better velocity. With the SP101, you can still only get two fingers on the grip, but the stainless steel back strap is covered, the whole grip is rubber and therefore cushioned, and the pinky fits in a slight indentation in the base of the grip mitigating muzzle rise due to recoil. The pinky finger acts as a sort of doorstop. It's light enough that in a pocket holster, I forget I'm carrying it. The plastic side plates on the grip do have an exposed roundhead slotted screw on the right and a round, washer-like nut on the left which did have a couple of burrs on it, but I filed them down and now it's fine. Piece of cake. I like the Ruger SP101 because it can shoot .357 Magnum all day long whereas the Smith & Wesson Model 60 is only meant for infrequent .357 Magnum use. The Ruger SP101 still only has five shots, but it's more controllable than the Smith & Wesson 642 and can carry .357 Magnum. 👍👍 [typo fixes]
I sometimes carry a Model 36 (which is the O.G J Frame) I usually dress in my tactical hobo attire with a dressed up full size M&P, but if I’m just in the yard, jogging, or need to dress nicely the J frame is a good gun to have. I can pop soda cans 15-20 yards away with it, one handed. (But I’ve practiced, a LOT) So I feel quite confident with it. Certainly wouldn’t recommend for a brand new shooter. It’s difficult to become proficient with. Your depiction of the recoil was a little dramatic, but fair point. Hot .38 +P loads aren’t fun after a little while. Also revolvers are just a vibe, and style counts a little in my book.
I carried and trained with small air weight j-frame .38spec for years TRICK IS to install Hogue MONOGRIPS( or tamer ) these cover the backstrap.. cushion the hand... Fill the hand and get all fingers on the grip for maximum control! Also paint the front sight and put two dots paint .. on the sides at the top of the rear notch...I sold my 642 to my son because I purchased a used "like new" .... LIGHTER...SMITH 342 airlite Ti ( titanium cylinder). 11-1/2 oz !!! .38 spec as I pocket carry in a pocket holster and can draw extremely fast this method.. my hand can also be on the grip of the gun in my pocket with no one the wiser.... With just a little practice I was able to do respectable groups out to 45 -50 ft..20 - 30 ft fantastic groups no problem... but I do agree a newbie should not be starting out on one of these lightweight revolvers.... Anyone wishing to carry a Smith 642 or similar I strongly suggest hogue monogrips .. yes they are larger but I can still fit them in my blue jeans pocket with no problem and no problem drawing either from the pocket
Grip fix, Hogue. Grip is slightly longer than stock with a place for your pinky finger. And maybe the rubber helps with the recoil. I am not an expert by any means. But i shoot this as well as my baby Glock (380) at 10 yards. And in my opinion, Recoil is not that big of a deal. (I’m in my 70’s.). I’ve put 50 rounds through it at a time, multiple times. And I still love to shoot it. With the Hogue grip, it is my 2nd favorite pistol to shoot. The Ruger SR22 is the most fun because the ammo is so cheap. As for a novice, a revolver is the simplest to shoot. No slide to rack, no chance of ejecting a magazine, and no safety to confuse you. And if it miss fires, just pull the trigger again, no need to rack a slide.
@@ASPextra To each, our opinion. I’ve been shooting for over 65 years, my experience is what my opinion is based on. As for the 642, the internet is full of videos praising it. It’s sales numbers and longevity seem to show this firearm to be a good choice for allot of folks. Again, it is just our individual opinions, which are usually based on our own personal experience.
I've found that it's pretty easy to lead someone to talk themselves out of carrying this gun. Let them brag about how nice their pocket .38 is and how good of a shot they are..... Set up an index card at 3-5 yards. Have them fire 5 consecutive rounds, attempting to hit the index card. Once they recover from their hands hurting and the embarrassment of not hitting the designated target, hand them a midsize 9mm auto and watch them drill all 5 shots. Then they'll make the determination on their own that "wow, this revolver sucks!"
That's right, it is among the very best CONCEALED CARRY handguns. That does not make it a target gun. It's intended for defense from contact distance to about 10 yards. So that covers an enormous percentage of armed encounters. BTW, adding CT lasergrips adds a great deal to the J- frame's utility. Ask me how I know? 😉 As for such a revolver being a poor choice for female shooters, John forgets that the majority of new concealed carriers are not going to spend lots of time on the range with any weapon. A serious error, I grant you, but it is a realistic observation. So accepting this fact, isn't it better for a woman to have a lightweight revolver like the 442 that she'll always have with her or a larger, heavier, albeit easier to shoot gun that never leaves the nightstand? Again, we're talking about the vast majority of defensive uses from contact to a couple of yards. It doesn't take a Master-class shooter to effectively defend themselves in such a situation.
@@Chilly_Billy I'm going to be in gun sales in the next couple of weeks (at my local range). You bring up a good point regarding lack of practice. I still wonder if that trigger pull and recoil might be an issue though. Especially with smaller women, and if it comes down to a one-handed fire. Good stuff to think about. Thanks!
Spent 19 years in gun sales. This is a VERY easy gun to sell to those new owners. I tried not to because I was an instructor for that same time frame and I hated seeing the spark of enthusiasm die once that first round was loosed. Get someone to a class so they have a frame of reference for what recoil is really like and understand that you don’t just will a round on target, it takes effort and practice to hit. Effort and practice they are unlikely to invest in this little boomer.
@@Chilly_Billy , carrying a gun you don't shoot a lot or have complete confidence in is a poor plan and will get you killed. This gun is a terrible choice for just about everyone.
@@nmr3352ik this is late, but this is definitely a good carry gun. I do not see what everyone means when they say its recoil is terrible. Never had an issue shooting.
John is a qualified expert n firearms, training, etc. But with John, and often his sidekick, Mike, there is little give and take. My 5’ 1” petite wife has a S&W Model 60 LadySmith. Yes, it does have a hammer and she can shoot it either single or double action. And yes, it has a stainless steel frame versus aluminum alloy, so it doesn’t recoil as much as a 642. She handles it on the range just fine. What were you shooting? Hot loads? Or just exaggerating the recoil a bit to help prove your fairly worthless point? But then, she can’t rack the slide on even the micro-compact semi-autos. So what are we to do John?! Get her a S&W .380 or 9mm Shield EZ? She doesn’t want that large of a gun nor one with a grip safety, ala M1911.
It might fit her hand well. I can’t say for sure, but I bet a bit of technique might make the micro 9s useful for her, especially in working the slide. But I won’t be at her gunfight, and I am not the carry police.
I'm with you. Snubbies have their place, I have one that I've carried a handful of times but they are not much fun to shoot. Even the one I have which is an all steel gun is uncomfortable. Especially if you're shooting +P ammo or something. Just sucks to shoot. Compact 9mms might not be all that exciting but they are far better firearms especially for a newer shooter
@@papimaximus95 generally speaking. They're easier to shoot. Hold more ammo for similar or less weight. Usually have much better sights and triggers. Depending on the firearm they can be easier to carry. 9mm ammo (not including recent times) is cheaper than 38 special and more effective in defensive loadings (compared to a 2 inch snubby).
@@papimaximus95 I said generally easier to shoot because there is going to be some overlap. There are some really small compact 9mms that suck to shoot. So again. Generally speaking. 9mms may not weigh 14oz but in the right platform they are not that heavy. A G19 (just a generic example) weighs about 24oz unloaded. And loaded is I believe 31oz. That's with 15 rounds on board. 3 times as much ammunition as a little J frame. Better sights and better trigger, J frame triggers suck more often than not. They're really heavy and gritty. Sure you can get the performance center models (or similar examples from other companies) but then you're talking about a much more expensive gun and for what real benefit? Sights hands down go to semi autos. The little snubbys that most people are likely to carry have sights more or less identical to the ones on the revolver in the video. Basically a groove with a ramp. Compared that to the typical 3 dot arrangement you get on most autos these days and it's a vast improvement. Not to mention you can always change the sights on an auto. Cant do that on the fixed sights without some expensive gunsmithing. 9mm performs much better than 38s especially when 38s are fired from a snub nose. The issue is either the bullets cant move fast enough to expand out of the short barrel and just FMJ through the target or they do expand but because of the lower velocity you're under penetrating. Not to say that cant happen in a 9mm too but loads like the HST or gold dot tend to perform really well in compacts as well as full size handguns.
@@papimaximus95 the combination of heavy trigger, poor sights, expensive ammo and excessive recoil make the small 38s a poor choice for new shooters. I wont include ballistic performance in that list but it is worth noting the difference.
Rented a 642 tonight, one of the worst guns ever lol. The sharp edges on the cylinder release shaved my thumb skin off. I bled with joy on the range tonight
One correction: The 442 has an alloy frame just like the 642 but it’s black, not stainless. Aside from that an excellent & truthful review. I got my first J Frame in my rookie year of 1968 and learned to shoot them b/c we had to qualify w/our off duty gun. My score during my career was in the high 90s w/a service revolver but dropped to the low 80s w/a J Frame. That said my EDC in retirement is a 340PD, no fun to shoot, but I practice regularly at the range.
It's a good video the only thing he didn't mention was you could put a large rubber grip on it so you can put your full fingers around it for about $25 on eBay you could find them cheap that's what this gun really needs any j-frame you always want to replace with logic grips
@@ASPextra that’s absurd. The actual difference in the grip thickness is negligible as far as printing. The truth is that S&W believes the J frame is an excellent choice for first time shooters and women for self defense. Comfortable grips are always important for any revolver as selecting the best ammo for training and self defense.
lol absurd? It's the length not the thickness that makes concealment more difficult. Just because a company MARKETS to someone doesn't make that thing good for that market.
Have had jframes for 4 decades. I carry an M&P 340 S&W a LOT in my Carhartt pants pocket. It is very easy to carry. This gun is a 357 and it is PAINFUL to shoot with full bore 357s and I’m a very practiced shooter. If I shoot 5 I’m done. It does feel much better to shoot Hornady Critical Defense loads in 38 Special. As I carry it I make sure my first round is a full hot heavy 357 Mag by Buffalo Bore and my 4 remaining shots are 38 Special Critical Defense. If I ever need a first shot it sure would be great to connect with a 357 that penetrates really well. I think that single round could end most threats. It’s that powerful. John is right. A snub gun in 38 is not a good novice gun. A much better choice would be a model 351 in 22 Mag for new shooters. That’s still a decent defensive round. Better than words and a rock.
While I carry one personally, I can understand the points youre making. I have the performance center version with the basket weave grips, still the 642, and that pinky being in there is a game changer for comfort, it also has a nicer trigger, but even with all of that, out of the 4 guys that shot it, I was the only one who didn’t think it hurt the hand.
It seems like good grips would be a start. My wife and I have these guns and with good grips they are not that bad to shoot. With those boot grips shooting would be challenging.
Usually my “middle ground” with snub noses for new shooters is that I tell them it’s a good second gun to buy. Yes, it’s light, compact, and concealable; but until you get a solid grasp of basic shooting fundamentals, it’s not something a new shooters going to want to go to the range and practice with for any significant period of time. I usually encourage them to buy a mid-sized revolver (ie S&W K-frame/Ruger GP-100 w/4 inch barrel) and practice with that before they go buy a snubnose. Similar case with semi-auto’s where I recommend they buy a compact or full size version of what they want to carry before they go buy that single-stack subcompact they want to carry. Once you have a solid grasp of shooting fundamentals, which usually only comes under a mixture of actual instruction and putting a decent number of rounds down range, does the snubnose upgrade from a magic talisman used to scare foes off even if you can’t hit the broad side of a barn to a useful tool that you can put most of the cylinder where you want it to go.
Great advice for new shooters. Better to go rent this gun and see if you like little revolvers. But Jerry Miculek would say you have quite a bit of noodle in that gun with how much muzzle rise you have.
Just because you suck at shooting revolvers and have weak hands doesn’t mean a newbie can’t figure it out.
Your mom must be proud of you.
My grandpa shoots it at the gun range , 50 rounds and I never heard him bitch about the recoil😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸
Dude whines so much in this video LOL
Wow, I disagree on a lot of points here. I carry one of these daily, and I can shoot it very well. So does my wife. Nobody should carry a gun they are not familiar and practiced with. The gun that is the most effective IS the one you have with you every day. This gun is not built to make headshots at 25 yards, it is built for the 3 shots 3 feet 3 seconds which is the standard for most personal defense scenarios. A 38 is a very good compromise between small and concealable yet big enough and large enough caliber to be effective. It should indeed be practiced with until you get good enough to use it well. Snubby revolvers tend to be hard to shoot for people at first, but just a little practice they become entirely manageable and should not be discarded because of a small amount of discomfort, which will not be noticeable for long.
That’s not how actual gunfights go. Go watch the main channel awhile.
Install hogue monogrips .. they covered the back strap cushion the hand and get all the fingers on the grip... That and some orange paint on the front sight.. I have no trouble getting Good Hits out to 45 50 ft with a little practice.... By the way try Federal HST... By inserting the huge hollow point deep in the case flush like a wad cutter..they're able to get + p velocities without adding more powder... Feels like shooting a 22 Magnum in my 11 oz 342 smith.... Recoils less than even the Hornady.. critical defense light
The guy in this channel is such a condescending a hole.
@@ASPextra why would ever carry a 5 shot snubby of any kind if your expecting a gunfight? We are not the Millitary or Law enforcement. Most self defense senarios are resolved with just showing you’re armed and if you have to actually fire the revolver 38 special has put countless dicks in the dirt. If you’re worried about gunfights carry a 642 as a backup and carry a hicap 9mm with a couple reloads. #EasyThereTacticalTommy 👌😏
@@michigunsanta8680 do you watch the main channel? Do you see how many gunfights go beyond 5 or 6 rounds in those actual, real life, no joke private citizen gunfights? That's not "tactical timmy," that's "evidence-based self-defense choices."
Just bought two 642s and put the Hogue mono grips on them. Fantastic guns for self defense concealed carry.
Do you carry both at the same time? I’m really thinking of doing that 😅
@@frenchy2410 hell yeah, guns akimbo. Even with the larger grips they conceal fine as long as your holster has adjustable cant. I carry appendix.
@@frenchy2410 That's what they call a New York reload.
Come on John, enough with the drama. Ooh! That hurt. Oof! I'm done... Novice doesn't mean weak and of course not every gun suits the shooter. I use both the bodyguard 38+P for ultralight carry and the 640 357 for ultra small punch. Yes, they kick. Yes, they need range time and ammo loads can lighten the kick if needed.
They're not for everybody but I think it's a disservice to scare off the suitable users from the utility of these products.
Thank for your work, I just disagree with this review.
🤣🤣🤣🤣.. if it hurts to shoot install some hogue monogrips ..cover the back strap cushion the hand and gets all your fingers on the grip..
Drama queen
If it hurts? man the fuk up. You’re 200+ pounds and your hands sting shooting std pr wadcutter?! Geez
This is typical John. If he doesn’t like it for what ever reason then nobody should get it. It’s like he doesn’t ever learn from his own ASP videos.
@@larsvongraff5794 What's concerning is John doesn't merely explain the characteristics of the J Frame, or anything else he doesn't like, and let the viewer make up their own mind. Instead, he actively tries to oversell the reasons he doesn't like it with dramatics. That can be a real turn-off to experienced shooters and trainers who know better.
My 80 year old mother has never shot in her life and when it mattered most the 642 performed quite well
Glad to hear it. Doesn't mean it made it easier for her, or was even a good choice.
642 is my go to Gun reliable over 900 rounds with no issues love this gun easy to conceal within 7 yards very accurate disagree. It’s a great gun if you practice with it even for new shooters.
The challenge is that real gunfights can go out to 15 or 20 yards. We see them on the main channel not irregularly.
This cracked me up. One of the top selling revolvers of all time and one of the safest guns that so many of us carry daily and shoot often. Watch other videos and buy this gun. It’s literally the best carry gun most will ever own.
Best? No way man. It’s an expert’s gun, and that’s simple fact.
"This is miserable! This gun is punishing me! This gun is hurting me! I don't want to do this anymore!"
Bro...
His recoil management made that 38 special look like a 357😂
He needs to go to the gym and do crunches….
@@frenchy2410 caring about personal safety and carrying a gun but ignoring how overweight they are is hilarious
agreed; fantastic gun -- horrible for new shooters
@Josh Jones 😂
@Josh Jones If the grip actually covered the rear strap of the handle, it wouldn't much of an issue. but you are holding metal and when firing +P defensive loads holy heck. i love the 642 but i always recommend to grip swap immediately
@Josh Jones agreed, this was just ridiculous. Didn’t know a “trainer” could be so dramatic
@Josh Jones agreed. This guy is such a tool
Idk of its something with the trigger, but my trigger finger does hurt after a session with 642 airweight. Like calloused.
Might be.
Horrible review. You missed all the key benefits to an 8lb trigger and it's safety for new shooters.
The gun is made to save your life at arms length. Recoil will not be an issue during an encounter with folks trying to kill you.
I disagree with your second assertion.
@@ASPextra I can't speak for your experience with actual stress-involved firearm use, but in competitive shooting and big-game hunting scenarios, even with stout chamberings, the shooter's focus is so intense, the sound and recoil are unnoticed and even completely forgotten.
You're missing the ENTIRE point of why the J Frame was invented. It's a "point and shoot" weapon. It was designed as a backup boot gun and the fact it even has sights on is just a bonus. POINT AND SHOOT....not "AIM". It's understood that it'll probably be used in a "phone booth" type confrontation. This isn't designed to get into a shoot out with....NO ONE feels recoil hunting or in a self defense application. It's NOT an "Expert" gun. It's NOT designed to be a easy shooting range gun. Your assertations are all wrong....
lol you're being obstreperous.
I agree the 642 and 442 can have some harsh recoil when firing .38 special or +P rounds. However, the light weight and rock solid reliability are just too good not to have for CCW. I put some Hogue grips on my 642 and let me tell you, it "transformed" my revolver so much so that I can shoot it for a long time at the range without issue. If you are a new shooter, I STRONGLY recommend getting some Hogue grips for your 642/442 and plan to spend some time at the range and be patient and learn to get good at it. A gun is only as good as its operator.
Just bought this gun because I wanted to learn revolvers and needed something as comfortable to carry as my G43. Great info in your video dude 👍🏻 looking forward to working with that double action pull until I can do it flawlessly.
I totally agree with you. I love my 442, same gun just a black finish. I carry it in my right front pocket in an Alabama Holster. I've been shooting revolvers for years and still don't consider myself a master of these airweight j frames. You are very right that these are very difficult to shoot well. I cringe when I'm at a gun shop and see someone buying one of these as their first gun. Because it is small and light they assume it will be easy and fun to shoot. Wrong! It kicks like a mule and performs well only in the hands of a very experienced snub nosed revolver shooter. It does carry very well though. It's cute but mean and nasty! Lol.
Even new shooter can figure out in about 2 minutes that there are hundreds of grips made to fit the J-frame. It's a close work protection device. Most new shooters understand this fact.
Much like my first girlfriend really.
You can’t upgrade to Hogue grips on this gun?
You can. Changing to more significant stocks does affect concealability, though.
442 is not steel frame, it is black and aluminum.
I think he made a mistake he was thinking of the all steel model which is a different model number
@@glenmones713 I think he's making sever al mistakes, the biggest of which is discounting the S&W J Frame.
Many times a woman's biggest hindrance to shooting is her husband. A student who had never shot before was gifted the Air Weight by her husband. She hates it but is pressured into carrying it by her husband. She now has a fabulous Kimber .380 which she shoots really well but her husband doesn't want her to carry it.
Those micro kimbers are actually good guns, not like the rest of their line.
My wife is finally getting into shooting. I paired her with a great shooting coach I work with (actually the same guy that taught me to shoot my own 642 well lol) and bought her a M&P 22 to learn her fundamentals and develop good habits on. When she is ready she can step up to a more potent weapon. I wanted me out of the picture while she learns to shoot so she feels no pressure from me, a d also develops none of my bad habits!
@@papimaximus95 , baby steps! Not everyone is ready for recoil, period! That gentleman knows his wife and is taking good care of her so she won't be immediately turned off of shooting.
@@papimaximus95 It is not pink! Lol I train with it too. I also carry a Mp2. 0 compact and 9mm is dang expensive right now! I also know recoil management is a key fundamental. However, I believe learning to shoot well without dealing with it is important, especially for first time shooters. Recoil can be off-putting for new new newbies and flinching can become an issue. A shooter can step up into more powerful weapons and learn to master recoil after they develop a solid base of marksmanship. For my wife this has been the way to go. Not necessary for all of course, but appropriate for her. Cheers
@@papimaximus95 Hey man, different strokes for different folks. My trainer thinks as I do on this, and for my wife she agrees she would not want it to be any different. Cheers man
Air weight J-frame is like a mad woman. It might look good, be small, and "cute" but will give you no love.
I carry one all the time.... It's like marriage. There are two rings... The wedding-ring and the Suffer-ring lol. I still love her
A Smith & Wesson Model 60 would be better, but a Ruger SP101 is even better than that.
😀
Woman or firearm, you're obviously not respecting them, keeping them warm, taking them out to play as they like to be handled. 🙄😂🤔
Try installing hogue monogrips .... Pachmeyr diamond pro look good too.. as they both cover the backstrap and cushion the hand and get all the fingers on the grip
Hey John, want some cheese with that whine. I’m gonna send you a box of rock salt so you can toughen up those martial artistic hands. That squeal hurt my ears. LOL
For real
🤣 "That squeal hurt my ears"! 🤣
Seems like you don’t care for revolvers much , but I can tell you that a snubby will get it done ✔️
Just difficult for a new shooter to use well compared to a modern design.
My hand hurts guys. Cut the feed!
The 642 is a fantastic firearm. It's reliable, easy to carry and conceal and it's quality built. This is my "Always" gun and it's always on me if I'm not carrying something else. It's also great for the coat pocket in the winter when one might be wearing a bunch of clothes over one's EDC.
Agreed! I’m glad I got this especially now that it’s getting close to winter and in my big coat I barely notice it in my pockets not to mention the grips. My hands can pull it out easily with the rubber grips. Compared to my ruger lcp which sometimes feels slippery
Agreed! I’m glad I got this especially now that it’s getting close to winter and in my big coat I barely notice it in my pockets not to mention the grips. My hands can pull it out easily with the rubber grips. Compared to my ruger lcp which sometimes feels slippery
442 is NOT a steel frame gun...the 442 is simply the blue version of the 642....still aluminum alloy frame...just black in color
I talked two ladies out of Smith revolvers not too long ago. They were thinking they would be great because they were small and light. I told them they would be finished shooting before they got through one box of ammo.
@@papimaximus95 No. I like to help the uninformed make good choices. I am not a baboon like you who hands a Smith 500 magnum to a newbie to get a good laugh. My name certainly doesn't have Maximus in it so I think I am a big stud.
A Smith & Wesson Model 60 would be fine, e.g. a LadySmith, if you only wanted to shoot .38 Special and .38 Special +P.
In large part because the ammunition doesn't need to operate the action of the firearm, revolver ammunition can be had from very low-power to very high-power and still be effective in self-defense scenarios. I've introduced J Frame shooters to .38 Special wadcutters and they loved them.
A little too much drama on the “kick”. With slightly larger grips it’s ok at the range, and if used in defense it won’t be a concern. Sights are BS. CT 305 laser grips help with both these items.
Exactly I agree with you... I install hogue monogrips .. they cover the backstrap cushion the hand.. fill the hand and get all fingers on the grip... I just purchased last year 342 airlite ti ( titanium cylinder) .38 spec ...11.4 oz (unloaded) I have no problem getting good groups out to 45 50 ft.. and fantastic groups at 20 to 30 ft
It’s point blank simple with the CT red laser. Load, point at target and shoot. Dead bad guy. When he is dead and you are alive you won’t give a shit what caliber you have in the chamber.
I'm convinced some people just have substantially more nerve endings in their hands than others. People will complain about recoil in guns I don't even remember it in, and here you are, someone who has probably shot thousands of times more than me, doing the same. It can't be just a 'toughen up' kind of thing because it's clearly bothering you a lot. I love my 642 and my dead hands too!
Many women can't rack the slide of a small semi-auto, won't train with a SA, won't learn or remember the manual of arms of a SA, and they aren't going to appendix carry a G19 with light and optic.
They will pocket carry a J Frame. Use light recoiling rounds and carry Hornady's Lite Critical Defense .38 spl. It's better than stern language.
I think you grossly underestimate most women, Don. I train a lot of women every year and most of them can run and conceal semi-autos just fine.
@@ASPextra
Not every person is going to do well with a SA or carry a compact one. That’s my point.
No, you said "women" specifically. That's horse manure.
@@ASPextra Actually, I said "many women", not all women. Get it right.
Still bullshit.
Right off the bat… the 642 and the 442 are one and the same gun. The only difference is the finish. 642 is silver and the 442 is black. Both have aluminum alloy frames with stainless steel barrels and cylinders. Both weigh 14.4 ounces empty. It pays to know your firearms.
The best handgun for women and similar body style men is a Smith & Wesson 380 Easy. Easy to rack and an exceptional light recoil. Cheaper by $100 as well.
No, the .380 EZ is a poor choice for someone with low hand strength.
@@ASPextra. Have you ever used a 380 easy?? It’s easy to rack and is exceptionally accurate. Good sights as well, why do you say that
Because the reverse grip safety VERY commonly has issues for those with low grip strength…the very people the gun is designed for. We see it in classes under time pressure ALL the time.
An airweight j frame is a difficult firearm for someone new to handguns but...so is almost every 380 or 9mm under 20 ounces for pretty much the same reasons covered in this video (recoil, small/thin grip, poor sights or sight radius). I love j frames of all types but for a newbie I’d want them to look at a steel frame model like the 640 or 649.
Exactly....good point ... Which not discussed is if you install hogue monogrips ..or pachmeyer diamond pro on your j-frame.. these grips cover the back strap cushion the hand and get all fingers on the grip this makes a big difference I can shoot my little 11 and 1/2 oz 342.....38spec out to 45 50 ft accurately and get decent groups at 20 to 30 ft I have no problem putting the bullets in a fist-size group
I agree. A Hellcat sure bites hard too
I have to disagree a lot on this video. I personally feel it works both ways, it My personal opinion this is a perfect gun for both an expert shooter or a very novice shooter. To get really really good with it yes it’s going to take some practice and experience but at the same time it’s also a gun That can be loaded and dropped into a nightstand only to be picked up In a critical moment , It’s simple for someone with less training and little to no experience. In the heat of the moment all they will have to do is pick it up point it in the direction of the attacker And squeeze the trigger until The threat stops. I don’t agree with it but a lot of new shooters will go out and buy a gun only shoot it once or twice. In that case point shooting is probably going to be their best friend. A hammerless revolver is about as simple as it gets. It’s easy to load and unload, and safety check. There’s no hammer to snag up on anything and cause an accidental discharge, and it has a heavy and deliberate trigger for safety. One or two range sessions and you could Easily have the newest shooters point shooting a man size target from 7 to 10 yards. Perfect For people lacking the time or discipline for proper training. I agree with you, Recoil can be rough with these little revolvers but in the heat of the moment they’re not Going to feel it. My grandmother is 86 years old and lives in a small town outside of Macon Georgia, this is the revolver she carries Every single day. She’s not a Bull’s-eye shooter but I guarantee she can hit you from across the living room
Same thing they'd do with a semi-auto with better trigger, better sights, better recoil impulse.
@@ASPextra Very true. I guess the lesson to take away from this Is to become proficient with what you have. Love your videos keep up the good work
I was able to buy a 642 for a great price from a woman at my local range who was sold one and hated it for all the reasons you mentioned. I ended up putting a Hogue Monogrip on it, which gives you a place for your pinky, some rubber over the backstrap and allows for a better grip.
That advantage is somewhat to completely balanced by it now being less concealable and larger.
That's true, that grip adds to the overall size of the gun, but not by that much, I find it's still very concealable... Also the difference in firing it makes it worth it, to me anyway...@@ASPextra
The Model 442 is also an aluminum alloy frame just like the 642, only with a black finish. Not a steel frame.
Agreed 99% the one percent I disagree with you on was that 5th round left in the cylinder 😜
What would you recommend for my petitewife’s first handgun gun?
I would recommend you let her pick her own gun. I would also recommend she take a firearms class first so she knows what she is looking for! :)
I CCW pocket carry this gun everyday, I love it! It shoots good and accurate now that I installed a Wilson combat spring kit . This gun is back up to my Glock 26 or my Glock 29 carried IWB the 642 is an excellent carry gun because it’s effortless to carry and it’s superior craftsmanship from Smith & Wesson . It’s not fun to shoot but will save your life in a life selfdefense situation. The gun you carry will be the gun that saves you and this gun is small ,light and .38+p power 😁🇺🇸✌️
I ended up purchasing my wife a Ruger 327 Federal Magnum revolver. I loaded it with 32 S&W Long, and she shot it like a champ. It's worth noting that she also shot it with the 32 H&R Magnum and noticed the increase in recoil, but it is manageable. After she became very well versed and had a significant amount of experience with the revolver I let her shot it with the 327 Federal Magnum load. I came across some 327 Federal Magnum rounds that someone mistakenly purchased as 357 Magnum. That round had a significant amount of recoil that made it extremely unpleasant to shot. Whenever I think of purchasing an expert's snub nose revolver like the S&W 637, 638, or the 642 I remember what it felt like to shot the full load of the 327 Federal Magnum in a short revolver, I always pass on picking one up.
.327 is underrated!
@@ASPextra It's fantastic revolver for notice and experts alike. It just depends on what you load it with.
Darryl Bolke has talked about the concept of a fire extinguisher gun. For that role and type of gun owner they make a compelling choice in my mind still. Assuming they are the type of gun owner to MAYBE go shooting once and the put the firearm in a drawer or lockbox and never shoot it for the next 10 years. Even then though a k frame, gp100, or colt cobra would probably make more sense.
@@ftdefiance1 yeah obviously not a pocket gun. I was not really thinking about concealed carry which j frames/lcrs still have a lot of appeal to them. A 2”/3” model 64 could probably be thrown in a back pocket for those weird knocks at the door.
@@ftdefiance1 Nice, they are great guns
@@ftdefiance1 If you’ve got some time I’d recommend watching the Primary and Secondary Modcast on snubbies
Watching this video the negatives are really over exaggerated. Not sure what hand load he is shooting that he can only get five shots and he’s done. Put a set of the larger Crimson Trace Laser grips and Hornady’s 110grn Critical Defense load and it is a very nice shooting self defense CCW gun.
I disagree, especially for new shooters.
I bought one of these back in the day on sale for $249 and it came with a free box of 38. I hear these are going for $600 now, if you can even find it in stock. Insane
No joke.
My wife got lucky with her 642 right under $500
Some things are expensive because they're worth it. 🤷♂
So if this such a lousy Gun for beginners. Can you tell us what is a great Gun for beginners?
We have several videos on the channel, and a playlist for New Gun Owners.
I think ammo choice is of serious concern when operating a j frame. Something like target wadcutters would be perfect for practice and defense, but there are also others more easily findable with slightly lower recoil than usual like CCI Blazer and Winchester standard 125g and 130g FMJ. But of course always check up on ft lbs specs of the rounds you find.
I have to disagree, I’ve been carrying AJ frame for years and yes it took some practice but with standard pressure loads 158 grain semi wadcutter it is easy for me to shoot and place shots on target out to25 yards. Recoil is not that bad!
"I've been carrying a J frame for years." Um, friend...did you not see the title and intent of this video?
I did see the title and I also saw you giving up after 4 rounds. You acted like someone was beating you with a sledgehammer.
Does that make you a beginner?
I always considered you an expert.
Dude, I have probably shot more rounds through a host of revolvers than the vast majority of people, and most firearms trainers. It sucks to shoot that little gun. Saying otherwise is being obstreperous.
Different strokes.
I enjoy shooting mine.
This is not a revolver one uses for fun shooting at a range. This is a last-ditch effort, the culprit is right in your face, self-defense weapon designed to stop the fight and or save your life. This is one weapon you will probably carry...cuz it is so light and concealable. When used in pocket carry mode, this is the fastest presented weapon I know.
Meh. Poor reasoning.
I agree 100%! I love my Model 642, but it did take me a long time to master it.
It's a backup gun!
I installed hogue monogrips which cover the backstrap cushion the hand and get all the fingers on the grip... Put some bright orange paint on the front sight and I can get good groups out to 45- 50 ft with my 11.5 oz. Smith 342 hammerless.
100% correct. I’m in my 60’s & started shooting as a kid with my dad. Regular Army, then State & Federal LEO (which I retired from). Concealed carry for decades & used to compete. I hate shooting alloy J frames. They will teach new shooters to flinch & not enjoy going to the range. Only good as a backup gun for an experienced shooter in my book. Steel J frames (S&W 640-1) are a little better, but only with .38 (not .357).
S&W 60 is steel frame & you’re an experienced & skilled shooter. The issue isn’t shooting in self defense, it’s practice for a new inexperienced shooter. Starting with an alloy snub will instill all sorts of bad habits. Alloy snubs are much more punishing than all steel also.
I am a novice shooter, and it is not too much for me. I'm not as big as you either. Maybe I have a stronger grip? Anway, I shoot pretty accurately at 10 and 15 yards. I go through a box of 50 rounds without any groaning or grunting.
I think you'd be far better served by a gun that doesn't have as many drawbacks as this one.
@@ASPextra For me there are no drawbacks. It's concealable and more reliable than a semi auto. I can shoot it from inside a pocket, and it won't snag because of its design. I can operate it if my hands are cold or wet. Simply pull the trigger in a close range emergency situation.
Yep and I see it all the time. I bought a 642 so people could try it but sold it even quicker. It’s a beast to shoot.
You are correct but my wife is ok with her 642 fits her perfectly shot a box of ammo through it no problems
@@jeffcolwell7391 I’m glad but one box is hardly a great comparison in my opinion
@@brandonfisher4436 comparison to what? In this power and weight range there isn’t a reliable softer recoiling gun. Most people can tell how a gun is going to be for them with far less than a box of ammunition. In most self defense situations you aren’t even going to use all 5 rounds.
@@richb2229 based on what experience?
Thanks for the video. I have the model 36 classic and at 19 ounces, it’s a joy to shoot.
From the S&W catalog 442 specs
The Model 442 is a variation of the Model 42 Centennial Airweight® that integrates the time-tested features of the original with modern advancements.
Lightweight alloy frame for easy carry
Stainless steel barrel
Carbon steel cylinder
Snag-Free enclosed hammer
Rated for continuous +P Use
Altamont makes really good full size grips that cover that backstrap and help with that recoil. Anyone who enjoys 357 through a j frame is crazy. But it's the most efficient round in a j frame.
So to hopefully make it acceptable you need to spend more money for grips?
@@rtucker1004 well buying full size grips hurts the overall concealed ability. I don't consider a j frame to be a primary pistol. I carry one as a secondary just in case in an ankle holster.
@@papimaximus95 I prefer my primary to have more then 5 rounds and easier to reload. I've only had one time in my life where I've unfortunately needed to defend myself with a firearm. Had I been carrying a jframe I would not be here right now. So carry one primary if you wish. From personal experience I prefer more rounds.
@@papimaximus95 I was assaulted by 3 individuals attempting to rob me. It escalated very quickly when one pulled a knife. I went from a blade as I am trained in FMA to my firearm. From my training I will never "knife fight" with anyone. Nobody wins. Fired a total of 8 rounds. 2 missed. Luckily there was nothing around that those rounds could have hit they went low into the ground. Nobody died thankfully. I'm not one of those people that wishes to take a life. If it happens it happens.
@@papimaximus95 Yes all 3 went to the hospital. All three got a few years behind bars. The one with the knife got 5. The other 2 got 3. Surprisingly these 3 had clean records. My guess is they had just never been caught or tied to any other robberies. Police were actually quite nice. Some of the cops that originally showed up on scene not too nice at first. They really dig into your background that's for sure. It's like they try to paint you as a bad guy at first until they can't find anything.
I agree with you on many points
This is not a newbie gun
It is a bad breath distance from your target gun
I own a 642 I picked it up for summer cary ,but I can't go back to anything heavier. I got some tips on this gun after wearing it for over 5 years.
First: grips : Get a better set for this lil shooter. I put a hogue mono-grip on and love it but any grip that covers the back strap and lets you use a speed loader EZer would work just as well.
Next finish : The paint or whatever S&W uses on the 642 can flake off ..You can cerakote it, but I polished mine. It is pretty now. If you do polish yours black out the rear sight.
Be careful about making your guns look real nice....Your kids will steal them. my daughter has put dibbys on this one. I said for when? after I die...she said yea.
Rounds : I pack hornady crit def non +P in this j frame. I like them cause of the lighter recoil and less muzzle flash.
That being said I am not recoil sensitive but the recoil is wild on these
To finish, carry : A gat this light you don't carry, you wear it. I like a pocket holster but I could see hip carry and it disappearing just as ez
What's an expert's vehicle?
Huh?
I'm just trying to figure out your gun/car analogy. Damn brother, you talked me into this gun and out of this gun at the same time. You're like it sucks I'm like ahhh man. Then your like expert's gun and I'm like definitely fits the bill. so I'm in between a rock and a gun right now.
Okay, I get it now. An expert's car would be something like an old school 427 Cobra. Power for days but absolutely NOT for a new driver.
My first pistol was a Taurus 85. Absolutely garbage gun, but it’s what I could afford while I saved up for a Glock. First time I took it to the range I couldn’t hit the target at 7 yards. Talk about humbling. That experience is what sent me down the road of daily practice which has made me a much better shooter.
That was actually my first gun as well, hammerless and a 15 pound trigger pull 😂
After much practice, I was pretty good with it out to about 15 yards
The nexy gun was a Smith Sigma in 40, great shooting gun, and I was good and accurate with it, until the firing pin broke
The recoil isn’t bad at all. It was the first gun I ever shot. It felt pretty natural. But then again I’m 6’2 200 lbs with a healthy grip.
I have 115lb of grip strength in each hand.
@@ASPextra 😂😂
I can shoot two cases of 50 range ammo with zero issues or pain. Shooting 125 grain plus p Buffalo Bore is totally shootable with modest recoil. It's when you get into the 158 grane when you start to not want to shoot it. I'm wondering if that's the weight bullet he was shooting. If that's the case, 130 grain and lower is the remedy. 110 grain Critical Defense is outright easy to shoot and it's a proven good option for this gun.
Also, the 442 frame is also made of aluminum. It's carbon steel as apposes to 442 being stainless steel for the important parts.
i have the same gun and i shoot plus p rounds. to me its not much recoil at all and definetely dont hurt my hands lol but then again im use to carrying and shooting a glock 29 10mm
Yeah, I have the same gun and it is not punishing. It's not the easiest to learn because you actually have to have some trigger control due to heavy pull weight, but the theatrics with the recoil was weird to me.
I usually love your stuff but this was just ridiculous. “Can’t finish the cylinder”? Come on dude. Stop being dramatic
It's the first gun I bought. It's what I own and carry now.
how is it
@@Smellyfupa good.
I was told my first gun should be a Glock or S&W. I went into a gun store in March, and they said this is the only one we have: S&W Bodyguard .380. I said I was told to buy 9mm. They said .380 is just as good. So I bought the gun. After spending hours on UA-cam and after shooting about 500 rounds I feel like I was scammed. I'll practice on my second gun (M&P 40) before I waste more ammo. I finally decided it was me, and not the gun, that keeps causing misfeeds, but people kept telling me something was wrong with the gun. I didn't know! And needless to say my wife hates it but is willing to shoot a few rounds from the .40 when we go to the range.
In countries where 9 mm is not allowed for self defense, .380 does a decent job. If you see the ballistic tests, .380 has decent penetration, "stopping power" and is a lot easier to shoot. I rather have my dapughter shoot and hit the target 3 times with a good .380 HP than missing 2 of the 3 with 9 mm
@@papimaximus95 yeah I was reacting to news and my friends. The gun stores were all pretty empty. I know a ton more now than I did in March when I was anti-guns. I just wish they were a little more honest with me instead of trying to get my cash.
Carried one of those for a year after putting a couple hundred rounds through it. Went to the range one day and it would barely dent the primers anymore. They said they would fix it for me, but I never even sent it in. As far as I am concerned a failure like that is a life and death deal breaker. It will just stay in the box as far as I am concerned.
@@mitubogoogle I agree with all that, but I specifically said I heard 9mm was affordable and easy to find. .380 is definitely more expensive and hard to find. Also my mag only holds 6 rounds, like most .380s.
@@Coopdog1911 I'll be honest: my firing pin broke while dry firing after about 200 rounds, S&W fixed it in about 3 weeks. Then I sent it in again when I was experiencing mis-feeds after another 200 rounds (I blame myself for that). They replaced the whole slide. I took another 150 rounds to the range and experienced one or two of those light primer strikes I was hearing about. One day I'll replace it with a Kimber or something, but for now it's my back up mag. And I actually do ok with the accuracy while playing games at the range.
I'm hoping the recoil isn't too bad as they look really cool. I can manage my Taurus snubby fine one handed and have been shooting only a few months. The Taurus is probably a more practical gun; steel frame, one extra shot in the cylinder, but there is something about those Smiths I like. Hope to find an affordable used one soon... Does anyone know if there are longevity issues with the alloy j frame? I like to shoot at least once a week when I can and would hate for the gun to wear out.
It's not a terrible gun, it's light, compact, and reliable. It does have recoil, especially with +-P ammo. Don't think about the kick to your hand think about what the little fellow is going to do to a (bad agent).
Lol John. My wife loves hers. She is very accurate with it. Personally I hate shooting it too.
Thanks for this video it was really helpful I am just starting to get into guns is a Taurus 9 mm good to start out shooting and carrying?
Trying several different models at a range will give you the best sense of what fits you best. Well worth the time and cost.
I would not trust my life to one. For a range gun they’re fine.
Okay thanks! Any thoughts on a Smith and Wesson 40 caliber?
Smith makes good guns. I prefer 9mm for a host of reasons, but they can be hard to find right now.
@@ASPextra awesome thanks so much! Also thanks for this great channel it has really helped me a lot
The Smith and Wesson 442 is not a steel framed gun. It’s aluminum framed with steel cylinder and barrel. The steel framed version of the centennial models is the model 640.
a real review ... good job ... I love my 642 ... but I’ve been shooting j frames for a while ... my mod 60 in 357 is a handful - there is a need for practice to shoot with capability
Hurts dont it ,how do you think a perpetrator feels?
keep practicing till you know how to handle 38 sp. man. ! Do not whining as a kid ! Bad review !!
642 based off the 442 a steel frame gun. Nope.
Um, I shoot that gun all the time with fiocchi 158 fmj. Mine doesn’t kick like that. Maybe technique, or maybe you make video with an agenda.
Or maybe you’re just not listening.
Picked one up earlier today, and put a good bruise in my hand with less than 50 rounds at the range. Changing out the grips before I fire it again, though, the recoil was rough. At the same time, switching back to a Glock 17, and my groups were noticeably more consistent than they have been.
Just reading the title, i have one and that's a terrible idea!
Great video, more people need to understand that small revolvers are not great for newbies outside of muzzle contact distance.
You'd be better off with the Ruger SP101 2¼" barrel, .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P. It has 25 oz. of weight, and much, MUCH better standard grips, 2¼" vs. 1⅞" barrel length for a bit better velocity. With the SP101, you can still only get two fingers on the grip, but the stainless steel back strap is covered, the whole grip is rubber and therefore cushioned, and the pinky fits in a slight indentation in the base of the grip mitigating muzzle rise due to recoil. The pinky finger acts as a sort of doorstop. It's light enough that in a pocket holster, I forget I'm carrying it. The plastic side plates on the grip do have an exposed roundhead slotted screw on the right and a round, washer-like nut on the left which did have a couple of burrs on it, but I filed them down and now it's fine. Piece of cake. I like the Ruger SP101 because it can shoot .357 Magnum all day long whereas the Smith & Wesson Model 60 is only meant for infrequent .357 Magnum use.
The Ruger SP101 still only has five shots, but it's more controllable than the Smith & Wesson 642 and can carry .357 Magnum. 👍👍
[typo fixes]
It also has a much better trigger pull from the factory
John, 442 is an alloy gun, not steel, same everything as the 642 except in black.
Yeah I brain farted that.
I sometimes carry a Model 36 (which is the O.G J Frame)
I usually dress in my tactical hobo attire with a dressed up full size M&P, but if I’m just in the yard, jogging, or need to dress nicely the J frame is a good gun to have.
I can pop soda cans 15-20 yards away with it, one handed. (But I’ve practiced, a LOT) So I feel quite confident with it.
Certainly wouldn’t recommend for a brand new shooter. It’s difficult to become proficient with. Your depiction of the recoil was a little dramatic, but fair point. Hot .38 +P loads aren’t fun after a little while.
Also revolvers are just a vibe, and style counts a little in my book.
I carried and trained with small air weight j-frame .38spec for years TRICK IS to install Hogue MONOGRIPS( or tamer ) these cover the backstrap.. cushion the hand... Fill the hand and get all fingers on the grip for maximum control! Also paint the front sight and put two dots paint .. on the sides at the top of the rear notch...I sold my 642 to my son because I purchased a used "like new" .... LIGHTER...SMITH 342 airlite Ti ( titanium cylinder). 11-1/2 oz !!! .38 spec as I pocket carry in a pocket holster and can draw extremely fast this method.. my hand can also be on the grip of the gun in my pocket with no one the wiser.... With just a little practice I was able to do respectable groups out to 45 -50 ft..20 - 30 ft fantastic groups no problem... but I do agree a newbie should not be starting out on one of these lightweight revolvers.... Anyone wishing to carry a Smith 642 or similar I strongly suggest hogue monogrips .. yes they are larger but I can still fit them in my blue jeans pocket with no problem and no problem drawing either from the pocket
Not a gun to practice with. It's a gun to have in that moment when you need it. Nothing else.
Grip fix, Hogue. Grip is slightly longer than stock with a place for your pinky finger. And maybe the rubber helps with the recoil.
I am not an expert by any means. But i shoot this as well as my baby Glock (380) at 10 yards. And in my opinion, Recoil is not that big of a deal. (I’m in my 70’s.).
I’ve put 50 rounds through it at a time, multiple times. And I still love to shoot it. With the Hogue grip, it is my 2nd favorite pistol to shoot. The Ruger SR22 is the most fun because the ammo is so cheap.
As for a novice, a revolver is the simplest to shoot. No slide to rack, no chance of ejecting a magazine, and no safety to confuse you. And if it miss fires, just pull the trigger again, no need to rack a slide.
I disagree that a revolver is simplest to shoot.
@@ASPextra To each, our opinion.
I’ve been shooting for over 65 years, my experience is what my opinion is based on.
As for the 642, the internet is full of videos praising it. It’s sales numbers and longevity seem to show this firearm to be a good choice for allot of folks.
Again, it is just our individual opinions, which are usually based on our own personal experience.
Or, rather than personal experience, they're based on actual subject matter expertise and teaching thousands of shooters to shoot.
I've found that it's pretty easy to lead someone to talk themselves out of carrying this gun. Let them brag about how nice their pocket .38 is and how good of a shot they are..... Set up an index card at 3-5 yards. Have them fire 5 consecutive rounds, attempting to hit the index card. Once they recover from their hands hurting and the embarrassment of not hitting the designated target, hand them a midsize 9mm auto and watch them drill all 5 shots. Then they'll make the determination on their own that "wow, this revolver sucks!"
Big facts.
I just saw a little girl shooting it with no problems.
Thank you for this REALISTIC review of this gun. Other hosts whom I respect are always putting this gun on their Best Carry Guns list. Ugh.
That's right, it is among the very best CONCEALED CARRY handguns. That does not make it a target gun. It's intended for defense from contact distance to about 10 yards. So that covers an enormous percentage of armed encounters.
BTW, adding CT lasergrips adds a great deal to the J- frame's utility. Ask me how I know? 😉
As for such a revolver being a poor choice for female shooters, John forgets that the majority of new concealed carriers are not going to spend lots of time on the range with any weapon. A serious error, I grant you, but it is a realistic observation. So accepting this fact, isn't it better for a woman to have a lightweight revolver like the 442 that she'll always have with her or a larger, heavier, albeit easier to shoot gun that never leaves the nightstand? Again, we're talking about the vast majority of defensive uses from contact to a couple of yards. It doesn't take a Master-class shooter to effectively defend themselves in such a situation.
@@Chilly_Billy I'm going to be in gun sales in the next couple of weeks (at my local range). You bring up a good point regarding lack of practice. I still wonder if that trigger pull and recoil might be an issue though. Especially with smaller women, and if it comes down to a one-handed fire. Good stuff to think about. Thanks!
Spent 19 years in gun sales. This is a VERY easy gun to sell to those new owners. I tried not to because I was an instructor for that same time frame and I hated seeing the spark of enthusiasm die once that first round was loosed. Get someone to a class so they have a frame of reference for what recoil is really like and understand that you don’t just will a round on target, it takes effort and practice to hit. Effort and practice they are unlikely to invest in this little boomer.
@@Chilly_Billy , carrying a gun you don't shoot a lot or have complete confidence in is a poor plan and will get you killed. This gun is a terrible choice for just about everyone.
@@nmr3352ik this is late, but this is definitely a good carry gun. I do not see what everyone means when they say its recoil is terrible. Never had an issue shooting.
John is a qualified expert n firearms, training, etc. But with John, and often his sidekick, Mike, there is little give and take. My 5’ 1” petite wife has a S&W Model 60 LadySmith. Yes, it does have a hammer and she can shoot it either single or double action. And yes, it has a stainless steel frame versus aluminum alloy, so it doesn’t recoil as much as a 642. She handles it on the range just fine. What were you shooting? Hot loads? Or just exaggerating the recoil a bit to help prove your fairly worthless point? But then, she can’t rack the slide on even the micro-compact semi-autos. So what are we to do John?! Get her a S&W .380 or 9mm Shield EZ? She doesn’t want that large of a gun nor one with a grip safety, ala M1911.
It might fit her hand well. I can’t say for sure, but I bet a bit of technique might make the micro 9s useful for her, especially in working the slide. But I won’t be at her gunfight, and I am not the carry police.
I'm with you. Snubbies have their place, I have one that I've carried a handful of times but they are not much fun to shoot. Even the one I have which is an all steel gun is uncomfortable. Especially if you're shooting +P ammo or something. Just sucks to shoot. Compact 9mms might not be all that exciting but they are far better firearms especially for a newer shooter
@@papimaximus95 generally speaking. They're easier to shoot. Hold more ammo for similar or less weight. Usually have much better sights and triggers. Depending on the firearm they can be easier to carry. 9mm ammo (not including recent times) is cheaper than 38 special and more effective in defensive loadings (compared to a 2 inch snubby).
@@papimaximus95 I said generally easier to shoot because there is going to be some overlap. There are some really small compact 9mms that suck to shoot. So again. Generally speaking.
9mms may not weigh 14oz but in the right platform they are not that heavy. A G19 (just a generic example) weighs about 24oz unloaded. And loaded is I believe 31oz. That's with 15 rounds on board. 3 times as much ammunition as a little J frame.
Better sights and better trigger, J frame triggers suck more often than not. They're really heavy and gritty. Sure you can get the performance center models (or similar examples from other companies) but then you're talking about a much more expensive gun and for what real benefit? Sights hands down go to semi autos. The little snubbys that most people are likely to carry have sights more or less identical to the ones on the revolver in the video. Basically a groove with a ramp. Compared that to the typical 3 dot arrangement you get on most autos these days and it's a vast improvement. Not to mention you can always change the sights on an auto. Cant do that on the fixed sights without some expensive gunsmithing.
9mm performs much better than 38s especially when 38s are fired from a snub nose. The issue is either the bullets cant move fast enough to expand out of the short barrel and just FMJ through the target or they do expand but because of the lower velocity you're under penetrating. Not to say that cant happen in a 9mm too but loads like the HST or gold dot tend to perform really well in compacts as well as full size handguns.
@@papimaximus95 the combination of heavy trigger, poor sights, expensive ammo and excessive recoil make the small 38s a poor choice for new shooters. I wont include ballistic performance in that list but it is worth noting the difference.
Rented a 642 tonight, one of the worst guns ever lol. The sharp edges on the cylinder release shaved my thumb skin off. I bled with joy on the range tonight
One correction: The 442 has an alloy frame just like the 642 but it’s black, not stainless. Aside from that an excellent & truthful review. I got my first J Frame in my rookie year of 1968 and learned to shoot them b/c we had to qualify w/our off duty gun. My score during my career was in the high 90s w/a service revolver but dropped to the low 80s w/a J Frame. That said my EDC in retirement is a 340PD, no fun to shoot, but I practice regularly at the range.
Yeah thanks for the correction. Sometimes I say dumb things. :)
@@ASPextra No worries, your ASP videos are some of the best out there.
It's a good video the only thing he didn't mention was you could put a large rubber grip on it so you can put your full fingers around it for about $25 on eBay you could find them cheap that's what this gun really needs any j-frame you always want to replace with logic grips
Of course, the challenge with that is the niche of a j-frame is its small size, and by putting large stocks on it you make the footprint bigger.
@@ASPextra that’s absurd. The actual difference in the grip thickness is negligible as far as printing. The truth is that S&W believes the J frame is an excellent choice for first time shooters and women for self defense. Comfortable grips are always important for any revolver as selecting the best ammo for training and self defense.
lol absurd? It's the length not the thickness that makes concealment more difficult.
Just because a company MARKETS to someone doesn't make that thing good for that market.
Imagine a trainer too much of a wuss to shoot 5 rounds of 38 special from a 642. Seems like you wouldn’t want to train with him
I bet you’re fun at parties.
Have had jframes for 4 decades. I carry an M&P 340 S&W a LOT in my Carhartt pants pocket. It is very easy to carry. This gun is a 357 and it is PAINFUL to shoot with full bore 357s and I’m a very practiced shooter. If I shoot 5 I’m done. It does feel much better to shoot Hornady Critical Defense loads in 38 Special. As I carry it I make sure my first round is a full hot heavy 357 Mag by Buffalo Bore and my 4 remaining shots are 38 Special Critical Defense. If I ever need a first shot it sure would be great to connect with a 357 that penetrates really well. I think that single round could end most threats. It’s that powerful.
John is right. A snub gun in 38 is not a good novice gun. A much better choice would be a model 351 in 22 Mag for new shooters. That’s still a decent defensive round. Better than words and a rock.
Add a laser sight, have the trigger honed and you have an ideal pocket pistol.
While I carry one personally, I can understand the points youre making. I have the performance center version with the basket weave grips, still the 642, and that pinky being in there is a game changer for comfort, it also has a nicer trigger, but even with all of that, out of the 4 guys that shot it, I was the only one who didn’t think it hurt the hand.
It seems like good grips would be a start. My wife and I have these guns and with good grips they are not that bad to shoot. With those boot grips shooting would be challenging.
Spoiled perspective. Lazy perspective. Buy one. Learn it. Trust your life to it.
Alloy frame? Why not just go all the way to polymer?
Usually my “middle ground” with snub noses for new shooters is that I tell them it’s a good second gun to buy. Yes, it’s light, compact, and concealable; but until you get a solid grasp of basic shooting fundamentals, it’s not something a new shooters going to want to go to the range and practice with for any significant period of time. I usually encourage them to buy a mid-sized revolver (ie S&W K-frame/Ruger GP-100 w/4 inch barrel) and practice with that before they go buy a snubnose. Similar case with semi-auto’s where I recommend they buy a compact or full size version of what they want to carry before they go buy that single-stack subcompact they want to carry. Once you have a solid grasp of shooting fundamentals, which usually only comes under a mixture of actual instruction and putting a decent number of rounds down range, does the snubnose upgrade from a magic talisman used to scare foes off even if you can’t hit the broad side of a barn to a useful tool that you can put most of the cylinder where you want it to go.
I put pavhmeyer gripd like nite and d as y
Adding something like those or rubbery Hogues makes a difference.
Great advice for new shooters. Better to go rent this gun and see if you like little revolvers. But Jerry Miculek would say you have quite a bit of noodle in that gun with how much muzzle rise you have.
Nothing more fun than a J frame.