I’ve been carrying a J Frame S&W since my 1968 graduation from the police academy (retired in ‘97). My current EDC is the 442 Pro Series that I put over 100 rounds through at the range this past weekend w/my grandson. I managed several high center chest hits on a Q man sized Target @ 25 yards consistently. I was using 130 grain FMJ reloaded ammunition & everything hit POA.
Thank you for your service sir. It sure was a different job back then. It’s getting tougher and tougher to be a cop. Sciatic pain seems to a be pretty common side affect of carrying a heavy duty belt for years. My left leg has hurt for 20 years. Thanks again.
Love the 43C. Carried it all summer. Super light. The sights are outstanding. Caused me to add Xcess front sights to my 640 & 638. So easy to shoot good groups at 10Y. I highly recommend the 43C. I also shot the LCR22 before purchasing and it was very nice. Especially the trigger. Just seemed harder (for me) to fit in my pocket, which is my summer carry routine.
Solutions to your problems. Put fingernail polish on your front site however, only come halfway down the ramp don’t do the whole front site next if you were shooting, low, expose more of the front sight above the rear sight just a smidgen will do the trick once you get used to that you’ll be hitting that center. Next get yourself a new set of grips Houge is the best ones that I have found. The backstrap goes all the way up the back of the revolver and it has some cushion to it. No more felt recoil. The Grips make it easier to hang onto the revolver, and you have more control and more accuracy because of the new grips. New springs are available to lesson trigger pull from Wilson Combat. At 10 yards I have shot groups of less then 1 inch. If you are going to carry this revolver you really need to practice with it. The changes I mentioned will make this revolver handle as well as a much bigger and heavier gun. It is also better balanced and with practice you should develop enough skill to not use the sights out to 6 & 7 yards. It’s all about practice with the correct modifications. A really great revolver.
I have the same model , I shoot mild wadcutters . No kick issues . The clear coat on mine completely worn off, the gun still looks fine , nothing to corrode. Nice video.
I carry mine a lot and it’s showing the same wear. It seems there is a clear coat of some type over the aluminum frame. I’m not worried about it. It’s a tool I use every day. I consider it character. If someone shows you a pristine gun and tells you they carry it every day they may be fibbing. Check the grip screw once in awhile. They tend to rust up too. Great video sir. You keep them coming and I’ll keep watching.
Thank you! I think you're right, it's some sort of clear coat. It's protecting aluminum, so no need to worry. I love seeing a pristine gun and then being told it has "so and so thousand rounds" through it. Surrrreeee it does.
I tried the 642 airweight and I love its concealability and I agree 100%, it is NOT a pleasure to shoot. However, I am coming around to seeing that it would make a damn good edc that could save your life. Easy to carry, conceal and unquestionable ability to go bang when your existence depends on it definitely beats a sore hand any day.
The finish wear is just the paint rubbing through. Not a big deal on a carry piece. Just use it and trust that the finish has nothing to do with its reliability. I have some wear on mine as well but she’s a work horse, not a show pony. Be safe out there.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I had mine fall out my truck driving 70 mph got it back a bit scraped up but given circumstances of the day with a gunfight on i79 south I survived n put a hole in the shoulder of the other driver he in jail I'm free with ny 642 haha
ive had mine about a month, hogue grips added, i put 50 rounds through today at the range. accurate at 7 yards and im not feeling too much kick. super little carry.
Carrying J frames since the mid-sixties. Mostly pocket, though a lot of OWB paddle time in the winter. Current is an 80’s vintage 640, but have a 638, 637, a 43C and an older 49-1 flat latch. Great guns.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 not the original commenter, but I love the 43c. If you have an LCR22 tho, the 43c is so similar (just a few oz lighter, smaller grip) but fills the same 8 shot snubby 22 lr role. I guess 43c would fit the jframe holsters better tho, if LCR has any issues. The 43c is so light with proper holster you can actually forget you have it on you (no exaggeration either!) I Heard others say that (hickock 45, buffalos outdoors etc) and thought.. they are big guys. And maybe they are just being facetious, but at 12.3 oz fully loaded, it is actually quite often I don't feel it on me (more so then forgetting I have it on) but you get proper holster setup and in my experience it is a dream for concealment and carry with light weight. Pretty small size, and perfect shape, rounded edges fit to curves on body better and dont print as badly even if you mess up your concealment. If your heart set on s&w over ruger, the 43c is another great option. Could get both and review them side by side.. ppl often ask channels for that if they make a video on lcr 22 lr or 43c the other one almost always gets asked about and requested to compare/review side by side
This firearm at 15 yards is deadly accurate. Fixed sights or not if you're not recoil sensitive or half blind you can hit center mass. I got a Pachmyer diamond pro grip that covers the backstrap. Now I wouldn't hesitate to carrying +P
@@invictawarrior yeah those look like a modern interpretation of the older pachmyr compac grip model. The compac is pretty hard to beat. Fits alot of hand sizes, covers the back strap, low/no print ccw
A 3 yard gun at 10 yards. Works for a shooting Prodigy. “Belly Gun” intent and use, Charles Askins, The Art of the Handgun. The real benefits, concealment. Speed of use, Reliable to the point you can stick the barrel in your adversary and discharge, that will not happen if a semi auto slide is out of battery, some as little as 1/8th inch. I really like these little J guns a 63 saved my bacon when I was jumped in Sanaa. Have not ruined any top coats shooting out of a pocket but I’d confidently employ the method if needed.
Great review and a great revolver. I own revolvers chambered in .22LR and .32 S&W Long and they are a joy to shoot and carry, not planning on getting bigger calibers.
I removed the cylinder release button and radiused the outer edges slightly. One point you didn't mention is you can have a substantially higher grip on the 642 compared to other j frames with exposed hammer spurs, but you need the skinny grips that don't fill the space behind the trigger guard. Will reduce the upwards kick and stop the gun moving in your hand so much.
I bought a new 642PC back in April and it has a deep scratch in one chamber, and then screw marks in the chamber next to it. I haven't shot it yet. I've got a return label from S&W to send it back, but the damn shipping office is 35 miles from me. I might just keep it and spare myself the trouble, I haven't decided yet.
Nice little snubby! I have an LCR for a pocket snubby. I use a DeSantis pocket holster made out of soft material that don't scratch the finish. Kydex is nice, light, and shapes to the gun but can rub marks into the finish. The little marks won't hurt the function so I wouldn't worry about it. When ammo gets more plentiful get good +P for carry and practice. Get a bunch of standard 38 stuff for fun and plinking. I have reloading stuff so I can make ammo strong or weak. I make really hot 357 magnums for my bigger revolver and nice easy 38's for plinking. You have to make it fun.
I haven't heard anyone else on youtube talk about how the cylinder release is right in the way of your firing hand thumb or which ammo shoots POA. Great video
I carried mine for 7 years barely mark on it then I gave it to my dad. Also that’s why I don’t like Kydex holsters it’s like sandpaper to a gun. Good video!
Moon clips is the way top go IMO. Been thinking about having my 642 cylinder cut for moon clips but just don’t carry it that much. When I do carry it I usually use the speed strips. IMO, the frame or small .38 revolver is the king of carry within these areas, around the house, working in the yard, or small trips to the local grocery store and what not. In those areas five shots of .38 spl is plenty of defense from most anything that might transpire where a firearm would be needed. As to painful to shoot, yeah the .38spl rocks the hand pretty good, but being someone who reloads I just mix up some cowboy loads for the range and that problem is pretty minimal. Everyone should have a snub revolver in their inventory, they are just too versatile not to have one.
Moon clips are awesome. Definitely the fastest option and if you can find a way to safely carry them please let me know. This one is factory cut and came with three. The only problem I found was if they bend, even a tiny amount, it will completely lock the gun up. It also has similar problems to speedloaders where it's very difficult to hide, its essentially the same circumference as the cylinder. For discrete carry, speed strips is the play.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I use moonclips in my 642 performance center model. TK Custom manufactures excellent quality ones. They have moonclip holders available that provide tension to mitigate any bending of the moonclip. I carry two spare holders. Super fast for reloading. Moonclips are in my opinion a better route to go than speed strips.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 The moonclips shouldn't bend. The blue steel ones that come with the 642 performance center are for Federal brass. There are also separate ones for Hornady and Starline brass from TK Custom. On their website they have a fitment chart. They also make a moonclip loading tool. Separate mandrel is offered to load moonclips with other calibers.
Carry my 637 jframe most of the summer here in Texas it works great I haven't had the point of aim issues I can hit with a few brands I throw a polish wheel and some metal polish on any huge scuff on the piece
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Remington green and white,winchester white box winchester train and defend,Hornady critical defense,fiochi,federal and Buffalo bore farthest off was the winchester white box regular Remington green and white box was spot on the rest were relatively close together
I carried a 442 for many years. If you like your Smith and Wesson 642, you'll LOVE the Charter Arms Undercover! Better grips, infinitely better sights, better trigger, and from what I can tell, at least equal quality.
I chose the 442 over the 642 because it is my CCW and all black is more discreet though I like the look of the 642 more. I have purchased Zeta6 load strips. Zeta6 has several options as well. Holster Pro makes an awesome leather pocket pouch and thinking of ordering one from him with a pocket clip next. I also changed my grips to an old fashioned slim 1960s style black Pearl. This way I get all fingers around the gun without having my pinky hanging out. I have smaller hands. Have you tried Buffalo Bore ammunition in you revolver?
2:50 same thing occasionally happens to me/more prone on some of my j frames. I also found that those hip grips help with it, but I sanded down all the sharp points on the trigger of my 638 to lessen it
you know wadcutters do a very good job in self defense. they penetrate deep but with out going through. and they are light in recoil. and they are cheaper than plus Ps. and they are just as effective .
Double strike capability is the biggest reason that I recommend revolvers for CCW. I CCW the S&W 442, which the finish can be touched up with Beechwood Casey Aluma-Black for the frame AND Super-Blue for the barrel and cylinder.
Just a suggestion: Install a Hoge Monogrip and a Wilson spring kit==a whole new gun. I did on my 442. The neat thing about the spring kit is that you can "stage" the trigger, like single action. Now a fantastic carry gun!!
Do you think a longer grip (so you can hold it lower) will help the issue of the recoil causing the cylinder release to cut your hand? This happens to me as well and really bothers me
It does, yes! I put some SILE combat grips on there and the problem was resolved. But, it also made the grips almost like concealing a super thin g17 so I put the desantis grips back on.
I carried the 637 airweight on my ankle for years as my backup. I still carry in my pocket after retirement. Mine looks used, and I never had an interest in having it refinished. I like your holster. What type is the holster?
Yes! While it's actually a bit bigger, or at least thicker with the cylinder, it's almost half a pound lighter than a fully loaded G43 or Shield, and because of the lines it prints way less. I don't get it, but it conceals like a dream. Check out @thegunpenguin findings as well, we were testing similar j-frames and his video is way better than mine!
Great guns, I pack a 637 or a 442 with crimson trace laser grips on them and stoked with underwood or corbon ammo, but yeah the finish on them is terrible, I only use CLP and it still just flakes off.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 no you're most certainly not, you'd think Smith and Wesson being a premium firearms manufacturer would come up with some kind of better finish than what they use, I have a Taurus snubby that's held up better finish wise than my Smith's.
It is, yes! I have a few moon clips but for defensive carry, if they bend even a smidge it completely locks the gun up. So for range use they are awesome but I would never carry with them.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I had Cylinder and Slide do it on my two X-frames. I put $50 to save my space in line and when they called I sent one in. Each time they called. But it is worth every penny and wait. They give a lifetime warranty and when you ship your weapon before they work on it they completely disassemble and examine every piece before they will do the work you request on it. They check for proper function beforehand.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 On a snub, given its task and purpose, I do. They're short range, defensive weapons purpose built for the FBI stat predominant civilian defense scenario of 3 rounds, 3 feet and 3 seconds, usually at night.
Ignore the wear on the finish. It's a tool. If it bothers you after 5 to 10 years, Duracoat it yourself. Never send a good working gun off to be "fixed". You never know what you will get back. If it works right, it's not broke.
I personally know of a 642-2 that went over 5k documented rounds. One of the people testing it said it looked like it would go a lot longer It was getting tested to see what part would break first
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I’m not with the company anymore so I don’t know what broke. They ordered a bunch of guns to test to see what would break first on each gun so they could try and improve their own guns design. They were gonna shoot till something broke or showed it was about to give out. so I’m sure something did
Break it down and use solvent to clean it up. Then, use engine coat or ceramic spray to "paint" your frame. It should and will hold up if applied right.
I’ve heard it’s getting worse and worse. I’m spending most of my time with an LCR now. Keep spamming them with calls and emails until they get back to you!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I called many times and raised hell, it is now supposed to be shipped back. I had it 2 days. I will never trust it or buy another s&w product. I think with the move, those that don't want to, don't care about quality. I have also heard that s&w is using temporary workers.
I think it's because the company is in the process of relocating it's plant from Massachusetts to Tennessee. Probably a lot of disgruntled workers, or fill in help. The employees that work there (liberal state) will probably need to move to TN, or find another line of work.
@@tedcollins4684 I see your point, I hope the move to my neck of the woods here in E. TN improves the situation. Leaving a 2 amendment hating state, will definitely improve moral. We welcome them here.
I've carried mine religiously since the first time I seen one in the dealer's case. Crappy sights? Who cares? Practice enough that you don't need them in the first place. Draw and fire 2 or maybe 3 hits in a torso size plate is more than adequate accuracy at 21 feet. Beyond that it's probably not a defensive shooting to begin with so don't do it. Adjustable sites are great for target shooting but they're Is absolutely inappropriate for a carry gun. Even a slight jar such as an inverted smack with your car door can usually knock them out Of alignment and you will never know it until you go back to the range. I only fire Very light reloads for practice but I do it a lot. For actual defense I carry federal hydroshock plus p jacketted hollowpoints. The only 10 of these that I have fired through this revolver are truly wicked with recoil, However I guarantee if you ever have to shoot those in an actual defense shooting you'll never realize the difference. The adrenaline and the muscle memory will do all the work for you. I hate the crappy little bitty It's stocks that come with those things so I've put the large Smith and wesson j frame rosewood Combat grips on mine and no one has ever noticed that I'm carrying. Even my Family and close friends have always been surprised when they finally find out they've never seen me without mine and never realized I was carrying a firearm. I routinely carry in an inside the pants holster, but when the situation calls for it I have had to switch to an ankle holster. With this revolver it is so comfortable you almost forget you're wearing it and I find myself often putting my hand in place to make sure I still have it. It's no problem to carry it even around the property when I have to be away from the house doing chores like cutting wood and splitting. And extremely inexpensive compared other possible carry choices. Even bought one for my wife and my sister as well. If 5 shots isn't enough you've probably gone someplace you shouldn't, However you can get really good speed loaders that work even with the big rosewood grip. It's the perfect carry firearm but the key to remember is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. And then once you've gotten proficient enough to stake your life on this pistol, then practice some more. Just please be responsible and remember it's a carry for self-protection only, not so that you can be the hero in that grocery store robbery..... etc
It doesn’t look bad it’s just wear on a gun that gives it character - your identification of ideal ballistics is exceptional but you sound whiny about the damn thing - it’s a good concealable gun
I use a similar airweight J-frame in my firearm classes. A student or two like the idea of a small revolver ...until they use it in class. Nobody chooses the J-frame after using it. The J-frame revolvers and the Taurus pistols are the ones that give students the most problems where they fail. I am a decent instructor, so I can substitute the students to guns that work better and/or fit them well. I love how you actually train with different firearms. That is awesome. My best students have trained with what they carry. They may or may not keep carrying the same equipment, but those people are honest. I like the longer term reviews.
Thank you for the support John, I appreciate your interaction on this channel! Do you know of any revolver based training that is easy to attend or is that a hole that is present in the industry like I fear?
If you train with a revolver it is just fine. I can shoot a j frame better that most can shoot a semi auto. I have a lot of training with revolvers but what I'm saying is anyone can shoot these little j frames if they apply themselves to it.
Lol. Plenty of people can hit a target at 25 yards. Some can go further. Around the 50 yard mark if someone can do that, it’s pretty impressive. Now it’s very much so NOT a target pistol. And in a self defense scenario hitting 50 yards is incredibly unlikely, but you could do 15-20 yards if you spend a decent amount of time practicing. My friend can do 30 yards, I however have a slight shake to my hand so 15-20yards is basically my practical maximum range. I’d prefer to shoot no further then 10 yards. This is of course all assuming your ammo matches your sights. If not and you can’t adjust the offset, then your spot on.
642 in my opinion is an awesome ccw revolver. I really enjoy the ease of carry and dependability of the gun.
Absolutely, it's hard to beat. Thank you for the comment!
Been carrying one for years now. It's a tool and meant to be used, wear and tear adds character.
yea i’ve always been confused when people freak out over wear marks on their guns
i actually think it makes them look much cooler haha
Yep this is my hiking gun and lives its life covered in sweat. The finish is so worn lol
I’ve been carrying a J Frame S&W since my 1968 graduation from the police academy (retired in ‘97). My current EDC is the 442 Pro Series that I put over 100 rounds through at the range this past weekend w/my grandson. I managed several high center chest hits on a Q man sized Target @ 25 yards consistently. I was using 130 grain FMJ reloaded ammunition & everything hit POA.
How do you carry it? Pocket, ankle, iwb, etc?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Pocket w/a pocket holster. Sciatica issues preclude carrying on my waist.
Thank you for your service sir. It sure was a different job back then. It’s getting tougher and tougher to be a cop. Sciatic pain seems to a be pretty common side affect of carrying a heavy duty belt for years. My left leg has hurt for 20 years. Thanks again.
Love the 43C. Carried it all summer. Super light. The sights are outstanding. Caused me to add Xcess front sights to my 640 & 638. So easy to shoot good groups at 10Y. I highly recommend the 43C. I also shot the LCR22 before purchasing and it was very nice. Especially the trigger. Just seemed harder (for me) to fit in my pocket, which is my summer carry routine.
Whiner!
Solutions to your problems. Put fingernail polish on your front site however, only come halfway down the ramp don’t do the whole front site next if you were shooting, low, expose more of the front sight above the rear sight just a smidgen will do the trick once you get used to that you’ll be hitting that center. Next get yourself a new set of grips Houge is the best ones that I have found. The backstrap goes all the way up the back of the revolver and it has some cushion to it. No more felt recoil. The Grips make it easier to hang onto the revolver, and you have more control and more accuracy because of the new grips. New springs are available to lesson trigger pull from Wilson Combat. At 10 yards I have shot groups of less then 1 inch. If you are going to carry this revolver you really need to practice with it. The changes I mentioned will make this revolver handle as well as a much bigger and heavier gun. It is also better balanced and with practice you should develop enough skill to not use the sights out to 6 & 7 yards. It’s all about practice with the correct modifications. A really great revolver.
Thanks for the tips!
I love mine. It’s the easiest gun in my opinion to carry.
Absolutely, it just disappears. It bugs me how easy it is to carry, even compared to smaller autos.
I have the same model , I shoot mild wadcutters . No kick issues . The clear coat on mine completely worn off, the gun still looks fine , nothing to corrode. Nice video.
Glad to hear it!
I carry mine a lot and it’s showing the same wear. It seems there is a clear coat of some type over the aluminum frame. I’m not worried about it. It’s a tool I use every day. I consider it character. If someone shows you a pristine gun and tells you they carry it every day they may be fibbing. Check the grip screw once in awhile. They tend to rust up too. Great video sir. You keep them coming and I’ll keep watching.
Thank you! I think you're right, it's some sort of clear coat. It's protecting aluminum, so no need to worry. I love seeing a pristine gun and then being told it has "so and so thousand rounds" through it. Surrrreeee it does.
I tried the 642 airweight and I love its concealability and I agree 100%, it is NOT a pleasure to shoot. However, I am coming around to seeing that it would make a damn good edc that could save your life. Easy to carry, conceal and unquestionable ability to go bang when your existence depends on it definitely beats a sore hand any day.
The finish wear is just the paint rubbing through. Not a big deal on a carry piece. Just use it and trust that the finish has nothing to do with its reliability. I have some wear on mine as well but she’s a work horse, not a show pony. Be safe out there.
It isn't painted. I'm guessing it's a clear coat, but Smith wouldn't tell me.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 It is some type of polyurethane spray job on the frame. That is per S&W Performance Center.
@@GLOCKCOPG23 ahhh, gotcha.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I had mine fall out my truck driving 70 mph got it back a bit scraped up but given circumstances of the day with a gunfight on i79 south I survived n put a hole in the shoulder of the other driver he in jail I'm free with ny 642 haha
@@GLOCKCOPG23 STAY FROSTY!!!!
ive had mine about a month, hogue grips added, i put 50 rounds through today at the range. accurate at 7 yards and im not feeling too much kick. super little carry.
Indeed, it just disappears doesn’t it?
You have tens of thousands left to go. And when your gone, your heir will have tens of thousands more. Great piece.
I will never pocket carry anything else. Love my 642 and I trust my life with it
Carrying J frames since the mid-sixties. Mostly pocket, though a lot of OWB paddle time in the winter. Current is an 80’s vintage 640, but have a 638, 637, a 43C and an older 49-1 flat latch. Great guns.
How do you like the 43c? I've been eyeing one for years, and recently picked up an LCR22.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 not the original commenter, but I love the 43c. If you have an LCR22 tho, the 43c is so similar (just a few oz lighter, smaller grip) but fills the same 8 shot snubby 22 lr role. I guess 43c would fit the jframe holsters better tho, if LCR has any issues. The 43c is so light with proper holster you can actually forget you have it on you (no exaggeration either!) I Heard others say that (hickock 45, buffalos outdoors etc) and thought.. they are big guys. And maybe they are just being facetious, but at 12.3 oz fully loaded, it is actually quite often I don't feel it on me (more so then forgetting I have it on) but you get proper holster setup and in my experience it is a dream for concealment and carry with light weight. Pretty small size, and perfect shape, rounded edges fit to curves on body better and dont print as badly even if you mess up your concealment. If your heart set on s&w over ruger, the 43c is another great option. Could get both and review them side by side.. ppl often ask channels for that if they make a video on lcr 22 lr or 43c the other one almost always gets asked about and requested to compare/review side by side
This firearm at 15 yards is deadly accurate. Fixed sights or not if you're not recoil sensitive or half blind you can hit center mass. I got a Pachmyer diamond pro grip that covers the backstrap. Now I wouldn't hesitate to carrying +P
I’ll have to look into those grips! Thanks for the suggestion
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Yeah they're definitely worth it.
@@invictawarrior yeah those look like a modern interpretation of the older pachmyr compac grip model.
The compac is pretty hard to beat. Fits alot of hand sizes, covers the back strap, low/no print ccw
Those are very good grips! I have Houge grips on mine and love it. Either way get some good quality grips for this gun and the recoil is much better.
Thanks for posting your extensive experience with the SW 642
Do you have one or are you looking into options?
Nice pocket hammerless with a clip grip for easy pocket carry love it
Nice, I am sure that carries like a dream
A 3 yard gun at 10 yards. Works for a shooting Prodigy. “Belly Gun” intent and use, Charles Askins, The Art of the Handgun. The real benefits, concealment. Speed of use, Reliable to the point you can stick the barrel in your adversary and discharge, that will not happen if a semi auto slide is out of battery, some as little as 1/8th inch. I really like these little J guns a 63 saved my bacon when I was jumped in Sanaa. Have not ruined any top coats shooting out of a pocket but I’d confidently employ the method if needed.
Sounds like quite the story, I’m glad it worked for you!
Great review and a great revolver.
I own revolvers chambered in .22LR and .32 S&W Long and they are a joy to shoot and carry, not planning on getting bigger calibers.
I totally get that. What .32 do you have? The only one that is readily available for me now is the LCR. I've been eyeing them really hard recently.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940
I have a S&W 31-1 square butt and a Rossi model 28 round butt.
Both are 6 rounds 2 inch snubbies
try Federal 'Gold Match" 148 gr. wadcutters, for a defensive load and Fiocchi wadcutters for practice, very pleasant to shoot.
I’ve been looking for wad cutters for ages. I might just have to pull the trigger, hehe, and pay the hyped up prices on gunbroker
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Georgia Arms has defensive wadcutters at good prices.
I removed the cylinder release button and radiused the outer edges slightly. One point you didn't mention is you can have a substantially higher grip on the 642 compared to other j frames with exposed hammer spurs, but you need the skinny grips that don't fill the space behind the trigger guard. Will reduce the upwards kick and stop the gun moving in your hand so much.
Great tip!
I agree with everything you said about the grips.
I bought a new 642PC back in April and it has a deep scratch in one chamber, and then screw marks in the chamber next to it. I haven't shot it yet. I've got a return label from S&W to send it back, but the damn shipping office is 35 miles from me. I might just keep it and spare myself the trouble, I haven't decided yet.
Nah send it back! Let me know how it goes
The Performance Center 642 or 442 improves the trigger mechanism with added exterior features.
yup, that's what this is. 642PC.
You can also get a Wilson or Apex spring kit for like 25 bucks
Nice little snubby! I have an LCR for a pocket snubby. I use a DeSantis pocket holster made out of soft material that don't scratch the finish. Kydex is nice, light, and shapes to the gun but can rub marks into the finish. The little marks won't hurt the function so I wouldn't worry about it. When ammo gets more plentiful get good +P for carry and practice. Get a bunch of standard 38 stuff for fun and plinking. I have reloading stuff so I can make ammo strong or weak. I make really hot 357 magnums for my bigger revolver and nice easy 38's for plinking. You have to make it fun.
I love the LCR, I have one in 22. It’s great!
I haven't heard anyone else on youtube talk about how the cylinder release is right in the way of your firing hand thumb or which ammo shoots POA. Great video
Thanks for the support
I carried mine for 7 years barely mark on it then I gave it to my dad. Also that’s why I don’t like Kydex holsters it’s like sandpaper to a gun. Good video!
Awesome to give it to your dad. Hopefully he loves it. Thanks for the comment
I have the SW442 which is the black version and it has similar wear after 5+ year ccw. Solid carry weapon
Nice! What ammo do you prefer?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 the first couple years I carried it I used Hornaday critical defense. Now I'm using the federal HST.
@@philr3381 Nice! Thank you. Have you tried Federal Punch yet?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I've never heard of it before. I'll have to look it up and give it a go
Moon clips is the way top go IMO. Been thinking about having my 642 cylinder cut for moon clips but just don’t carry it that much. When I do carry it I usually use the speed strips. IMO, the frame or small .38 revolver is the king of carry within these areas, around the house, working in the yard, or small trips to the local grocery store and what not. In those areas five shots of .38 spl is plenty of defense from most anything that might transpire where a firearm would be needed. As to painful to shoot, yeah the .38spl rocks the hand pretty good, but being someone who reloads I just mix up some cowboy loads for the range and that problem is pretty minimal. Everyone should have a snub revolver in their inventory, they are just too versatile not to have one.
Moon clips are awesome. Definitely the fastest option and if you can find a way to safely carry them please let me know. This one is factory cut and came with three. The only problem I found was if they bend, even a tiny amount, it will completely lock the gun up. It also has similar problems to speedloaders where it's very difficult to hide, its essentially the same circumference as the cylinder. For discrete carry, speed strips is the play.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I use moonclips in my 642 performance center model. TK Custom manufactures excellent quality ones. They have moonclip holders available that provide tension to mitigate any bending of the moonclip. I carry two spare holders. Super fast for reloading. Moonclips are in my opinion a better route to go than speed strips.
@@RickJZ1973 That is great to know, thanks! I will look into it.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 The moonclips shouldn't bend. The blue steel ones that come with the 642 performance center are for Federal brass. There are also separate ones for Hornady and Starline brass from TK Custom. On their website they have a fitment chart. They also make a moonclip loading tool. Separate mandrel is offered to load moonclips with other calibers.
I carry my 9mm moon clips in a prescription bottle with a non child proof cap. Works for me.
Buy some federal wadcutters. You can shoot that round all day and they are excellent for carry. That will solve your painful shooting experiences.
I’ve been trying for ages, I haven’t found any. Do you have a source??
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 straight from federal website. They are usually in stock
@@mattr918 They won't ship to Illinois. I'll keep looking!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940handload them. It's worth it.
Carry my 637 jframe most of the summer here in Texas it works great I haven't had the point of aim issues I can hit with a few brands I throw a polish wheel and some metal polish on any huge scuff on the piece
How many different brands of ammo have you tried? The POI shift is fairly dramatic on mine.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Remington green and white,winchester white box winchester train and defend,Hornady critical defense,fiochi,federal and Buffalo bore farthest off was the winchester white box regular Remington green and white box was spot on the rest were relatively close together
Back up or primary, the 642 Airweight can’t be beat.
I carried a 442 for many years. If you like your Smith and Wesson 642, you'll LOVE the Charter Arms Undercover! Better grips, infinitely better sights, better trigger, and from what I can tell, at least equal quality.
I'll have to look into that! I don't think I've ever handled a charter arms.
Charter Arms Southpaw is nice. As well as the Taurus 856.
Mine has the laser sight. Had the trigger and firing pin re-done for ease of firing. Worth the cost.
Awesome, Which laser sight?
You will not improve accuracy without practice. Get snap-caps and perhaps a laser training system to improve trigger control
I haven't found laser systems to really work that well. What system do you recommend?
I chose the 442 over the 642 because it is my CCW and all black is more discreet though I like the look of the 642 more. I have purchased Zeta6 load strips. Zeta6 has several options as well. Holster Pro makes an awesome leather pocket pouch and thinking of ordering one from him with a pocket clip next. I also changed my grips to an old fashioned slim 1960s style black Pearl. This way I get all fingers around the gun without having my pinky hanging out. I have smaller hands. Have you tried Buffalo Bore ammunition in you revolver?
I have not, I haven't been able to find any! Do you recommend it?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Buffalo Bore was the only 38 special ammo my shop had. From the reviews I’ve seen on UA-cam they get two thumbs up.
My favorite revolver. The S&W case off Amazon is extremely good quality!
2:50 same thing occasionally happens to me/more prone on some of my j frames. I also found that those hip grips help with it, but I sanded down all the sharp points on the trigger of my 638 to lessen it
Good to know! The hip grips are awesome.
you know wadcutters do a very good job in self defense. they penetrate deep but with out going through. and they are light in recoil. and they are cheaper than plus Ps. and they are just as effective .
Double strike capability is the biggest reason that I recommend revolvers for CCW. I CCW the S&W 442, which the finish can be touched up with Beechwood Casey Aluma-Black for the frame AND Super-Blue for the barrel and cylinder.
Great tips! Thanks!
Just a suggestion: Install a Hoge Monogrip and a Wilson spring kit==a whole new gun. I did on my 442. The neat thing about the spring kit is that you can "stage" the trigger, like single action. Now a fantastic carry gun!!
Awesome, thank you for the tip! How does it conceal with the monogrip?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 Good. Just a half inch larger. I carry appendix and belly band when it gets cooler. All good!
You can easily stage the trigger on stock guns unless they are trimmed late. Even then you can stage them using finger placement memory.
I did the same mods to my 642 and it was 100% better after
Do you think a longer grip (so you can hold it lower) will help the issue of the recoil causing the cylinder release to cut your hand? This happens to me as well and really bothers me
It does, yes! I put some SILE combat grips on there and the problem was resolved. But, it also made the grips almost like concealing a super thin g17 so I put the desantis grips back on.
I put Hogue grips on mine and it made the gun a lot better to shoot as well as draw from holster. Still just as easy to conceal too.
Hell yeah more revolvers. Now you need a cowboy gun. Or since you’re the practical type maybe a 6” 686 would be better.
I have been looking at the 686! Sweet revolver. I have a 22lr LCR in my more immediate future.
I carried the 637 airweight on my ankle for years as my backup. I still carry in my pocket after retirement. Mine looks used, and I never had an interest in having it refinished. I like your holster. What type is the holster?
Get some good quality Hogue grips on that thing and add a spring kit from Wilson or Apex and you will have a 100% better gun. Believe me on that.
I put Altamont Bateleur grips on mine. Makes it slightly less pocketable but world's easier to shoot.
Probably really pretty too
Get it cerikoted all but the cylinder, sniper gray would look nice
You're right, that would looks neat.
Did you ever take the side plate off to clean it?
I've had a 637 for years and it's very reliable.
Glad to hear it!
Thanks for the video my wife has one great revolver it's her edcgun
Awesome! How does she carry it?
I carry a 642 usually pocket carry. But I practice with a 640. Both have crimson trace laser grips as my 71 year old eyes need help
Which laser grip do you like the best?? I’m looking to try one
105 for pocket carrying the 642 and 305 for belt carrying the 640
Comparing the smith and the 42. Which do you consider easier to conceal?
The smith is easier to conceal, the g42 is significantly easier to shoot.
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 thank you
Great video. nice grips, never heard of em
Thanks for the comments, I appreciate the interaction!
Do you find this easier to carry and conceal than something like a shield or g43?
Yes! While it's actually a bit bigger, or at least thicker with the cylinder, it's almost half a pound lighter than a fully loaded G43 or Shield, and because of the lines it prints way less. I don't get it, but it conceals like a dream. Check out @thegunpenguin findings as well, we were testing similar j-frames and his video is way better than mine!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 awesome, thanks for the input!
I used to carry a Shield... until I started carrying a 442 , as I recall about a dozen years ago.
The 642 is a Good Gun..You just gotta put on Some kind of HOGUE THREE FINGER GRIP, And You'll feel the Comfort.💥🙂💥
Good call, I will look into it!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 just be alittle Steady, And Careful, And with No Hesitation....Pull that Dang Trigger 💥💥💥. 🤟👍🤟 SMITH & WESSON Baby !!
@@randallbryant9456 absolutely, thanks Randall!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 You're Always Welcome 🤟.
Great guns, I pack a 637 or a 442 with crimson trace laser grips on them and stoked with underwood or corbon ammo, but yeah the finish on them is terrible, I only use CLP and it still just flakes off.
Glad to hear I’m not the only one!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 no you're most certainly not, you'd think Smith and Wesson being a premium firearms manufacturer would come up with some kind of better finish than what they use, I have a Taurus snubby that's held up better finish wise than my Smith's.
Is the cylinder recessed for moon clips? It looked like it was in the video, that would be a super quick reload….
It is, yes! I have a few moon clips but for defensive carry, if they bend even a smidge it completely locks the gun up. So for range use they are awesome but I would never carry with them.
It also depends on the size of your hand if you have long fingers the Skin's not for you I have medium sized fingers if it's my hand perfect
Right, different strokes for different folks. Just had to report my experience.
I would get it bead blasted. Did that to my 460V S&W X-frame and my 500 S&W X-frame. For glare proof when hunting.
Great tip! Where do you go to have something like that done?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I had Cylinder and Slide do it on my two X-frames. I put $50 to save my space in line and when they called I sent one in. Each time they called. But it is worth every penny and wait. They give a lifetime warranty and when you ship your weapon before they work on it they completely disassemble and examine every piece before they will do the work you request on it. They check for proper function beforehand.
I love the 637, it's so light you don't even know it's in your pocket
I believe it!
Try a crimson trace laser grip LG-405
They're so expensive. Do you think they are worth it?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 On a snub, given its task and purpose, I do. They're short range, defensive weapons purpose built for the FBI stat predominant civilian defense scenario of 3 rounds, 3 feet and 3 seconds, usually at night.
It is a tool to save your life not a show piece.
It’s more a prop to carry every day and take cool photos of for instagram.
Why are you here?
Why they dont have a performance center 638 I will never know
I'd love to see that as well, thanks for the comment!
This is not a novice gun
Where do is get that case and holster
Can I get a link for those grips please?
They came with it, but they’re from altamont.
Ignore the wear on the finish. It's a tool. If it bothers you after 5 to 10 years, Duracoat it yourself. Never send a good working gun off to be "fixed". You never know what you will get back. If it works right, it's not broke.
I got a 642 without the Hillary Hole.
Real self defense distance is rather 2-7 yards so you shouldnt be that worried with your point of aim.
Maybe. Thanks for the comment.
Should I buy this for 460$ out the door
I mean, do you want it?
Yea but I try to find deals at least
Is the performance center trigger different/better than the standard?
Yes! Significantly smoothed out. It has a factory trigger job.
Hogue grip upgrades....finger control issue solved.
I screwed in a hundred wood screws using my Klein screwdriver and I got a blister.
Where shooting gloves when you go to the range to prevent the hand injuries
I personally know of a 642-2 that went over 5k documented rounds. One of the people testing it said it looked like it would go a lot longer
It was getting tested to see what part would break first
Did any part break yet?
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I’m not with the company anymore so I don’t know what broke. They ordered a bunch of guns to test to see what would break first on each gun so they could try and improve their own guns design. They were gonna shoot till something broke or showed it was about to give out. so I’m sure something did
Break it down and use solvent to clean it up. Then, use engine coat or ceramic spray to "paint" your frame. It should and will hold up if applied right.
eh, it doesn't bother me. It just shouldn't be wearing like this. Oh well, it's like a "battle worn finish" that I got for free! Good tips though.
Polish it light sand and start rubbing think you'll be surprised at the outcome good luck
Thanks for the suggestion!
My revolver broke after 26 shots, no return phone call after a month. I don't beleive or trust in s&w quality anymore.
I’ve heard it’s getting worse and worse. I’m spending most of my time with an LCR now. Keep spamming them with calls and emails until they get back to you!
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 I called many times and raised hell, it is now supposed to be shipped back.
I had it 2 days. I will never trust it or buy another s&w product. I think with the move, those that don't want to, don't care about quality. I have also heard that s&w is using temporary workers.
I think it's because the company is in the process of relocating it's plant from Massachusetts to Tennessee. Probably a lot of disgruntled workers, or fill in help. The employees that work there (liberal state) will probably need to move to TN, or find another line of work.
@@seerstone8982 true if it wasn't a decade old problem.
@@tedcollins4684 I see your point, I hope the move to my neck of the woods here in E. TN improves the situation. Leaving a 2 amendment hating state, will definitely improve moral. We welcome them here.
I've carried mine religiously since the first time I seen one in the dealer's case. Crappy sights? Who cares? Practice enough that you don't need them in the first place. Draw and fire 2 or maybe 3 hits in a torso size plate is more than adequate accuracy at 21 feet. Beyond that it's probably not a defensive shooting to begin with so don't do it. Adjustable sites are great for target shooting but they're Is absolutely inappropriate for a carry gun. Even a slight jar such as an inverted smack with your car door can usually knock them out Of alignment and you will never know it until you go back to the range. I only fire Very light reloads for practice but I do it a lot. For actual defense I carry federal hydroshock plus p jacketted hollowpoints. The only 10 of these that I have fired through this revolver are truly wicked with recoil, However I guarantee if you ever have to shoot those in an actual defense shooting you'll never realize the difference. The adrenaline and the muscle memory will do all the work for you. I hate the crappy little bitty It's stocks that come with those things so I've put the large Smith and wesson j frame rosewood Combat grips on mine and no one has ever noticed that I'm carrying. Even my Family and close friends have always been surprised when they finally find out they've never seen me without mine and never realized I was carrying a firearm. I routinely carry in an inside the pants holster, but when the situation calls for it I have had to switch to an ankle holster. With this revolver it is so comfortable you almost forget you're wearing it and I find myself often putting my hand in place to make sure I still have it. It's no problem to carry it even around the property when I have to be away from the house doing chores like cutting wood and splitting. And extremely inexpensive compared other possible carry choices. Even bought one for my wife and my sister as well. If 5 shots isn't enough you've probably gone someplace you shouldn't, However you can get really good speed loaders that work even with the big rosewood grip. It's the perfect carry firearm but the key to remember is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. And then once you've gotten proficient enough to stake your life on this pistol, then practice some more.
Just please be responsible and remember it's a carry for self-protection only, not so that you can be the hero in that grocery store robbery..... etc
The aluminum is anodized. You have to be careful what you clean it with.
I think it’s a clear coat of some sort. The anodized finish is still solid under the weird wear
It doesn’t look bad it’s just wear on a gun that gives it character - your identification of ideal ballistics is exceptional but you sound whiny about the damn thing - it’s a good concealable gun
It’s my trademark, whining about things
I use a similar airweight J-frame in my firearm classes. A student or two like the idea of a small revolver ...until they use it in class. Nobody chooses the J-frame after using it. The J-frame revolvers and the Taurus pistols are the ones that give students the most problems where they fail. I am a decent instructor, so I can substitute the students to guns that work better and/or fit them well.
I love how you actually train with different firearms. That is awesome. My best students have trained with what they carry. They may or may not keep carrying the same equipment, but those people are honest. I like the longer term reviews.
Thank you for the support John, I appreciate your interaction on this channel! Do you know of any revolver based training that is easy to attend or is that a hole that is present in the industry like I fear?
If you train with a revolver it is just fine. I can shoot a j frame better that most can shoot a semi auto. I have a lot of training with revolvers but what I'm saying is anyone can shoot these little j frames if they apply themselves to it.
@@jasonn3072 Most people don't have a lot of training, and most people don't apply themselves.
I liked this video cause you had 666 likes & I hate that number. Lol
For a self defense weapon you are probably looking at 5 yds or less to use for personal protection. It is not a target pistol!!!!!!!!!!!
Lol. Plenty of people can hit a target at 25 yards. Some can go further. Around the 50 yard mark if someone can do that, it’s pretty impressive.
Now it’s very much so NOT a target pistol. And in a self defense scenario hitting 50 yards is incredibly unlikely, but you could do 15-20 yards if you spend a decent amount of time practicing.
My friend can do 30 yards, I however have a slight shake to my hand so 15-20yards is basically my practical maximum range. I’d prefer to shoot no further then 10 yards.
This is of course all assuming your ammo matches your sights. If not and you can’t adjust the offset, then your spot on.
Great gun talk 👍🏻 thanks for sharing