I got mine on a special year end sale for 299. By far the BEST handgun purchase I've ever made. I added some Hogue grips and a Wilson spring kit and those made the gun 100% better to shoot.
Same here. I currently have 4 38's-- a 642 S&W, 2 Rock Island Armory (a 2 inch and a 4 inch barrel) and an older Rossi stainless snubby). I also have a North American Arms 22lr mini-revolver. It is always on me or right beside me no matter what else I'm carrying.
i did exactly so for 25 years in a series of antigun locales for these same reasons. mine was a taurus 85 38sp steel snubbie. i replaced the oem wooden with comfier pachmayr grips, and kept it with two speedloaders and 150 rounds of 158gr fmj ammo. needed it only once for real during a riot but felt secure and content all those years.
I own this revolver 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 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 perty 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 just picked up an older Model 60. All stainless, so its a little heavier, with wooden grips, and exposed hammer. It is super reliable, but yes. These little snubbies can be tough on the hands! Still, it is very confidence inspiring because it is small, and built like an anvil.
The matte black 442 was my first gun, 3 months ago. I wanted to pretty it up a bit and added some Altamont rosewood grips. I have a Mika pocket holster and a tuckable IWB as well as OWB, both from 1791 Gunleather. My go to is the IWB. I'll go to OWB if I have a jacket or hoodie on. It's my EDC after getting my CCP here in SC. I hardly know its there and feel more confident in everyday situations as a new gun owner.
The 642 is for extremely close encounters. I practice a lot with mine and am used to the kick. I put the target 2 and then 3 yards away. Never further. I don’t use the sight. I point and pull. Half the time with 2 hands, half one-handed. I figure that’s how I’d use it, if ever…
smart, less than 5 feet, good distance to practice being attacked....these dopes who go to the range and practice at more than 7 yards will be jailed if they ever shoot at someone and then claim self defense, lots of luck
I bought this gun strictly for a nightstand proctective piece handgun. Around 500 dollars. It's loaded and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Come take it from me.
There are spring and trigger kits for the 642, also an extended firing pin if you occasionally get light primer strikes. Cheap and available accessories like front night sight or fiber optic sights. Rubber grips tame it , but are not the best for carry. Change out the grips for a small full grip, and should help in taming recoil. Great video, lots of valid points
Keep in mind that this is a Performance Center revolver that has already had the trigger worked. I don’t think you’ll lighten that trigger up muck more without compromising reliable ignition.
@@strat1080I agree. I don't lighten the springs in my revolvers. I only trust OEM springs. The only revolvers I've had fail me are used ones I've bought that people put in lighter springs and did trigger jobs.
It's a "get up off of me" gun. You're probably NOT gonna use the sights and under stress, the recoil WON'T be noticed. i have the 442 which is the same gun in black form. i purchased that one because it's somewhat subdued. i pocket carry it as a back-up, but often carry it as a primary with a stripper clip. capable little guns, very capable.
Just purchased a Taurus 905. Needed to also get TK moonclips for reliability. 9mm MUCH easier to find and I already reload for it. Weighs more than your airweight but more pleasant to shoot. Use a fobus owb holster that's molded with stippling on the paddle and belt ledge to keep from retaining during draw. Quick and comfy. Good stuff.
I have the same gun I really like the 642 it's a great wrk horse. But I feel alot the way you do about carrying it. I to have others G 26 G 23 and more. But getting use to having it with me Won't give it up though. Thanks
I drove Uber and that was my EDC. 3 potential threats in the car with me, 5 bullets would be enough. I also carried the 642 because I could reliably fire it from awkward angles, unlike an automatic (or so ive been told, maybe you can verify that).
Verty good point. That’s one of the things that people overlook when comparing semi-autos and revolvers. There are those that believe semi autos are as or more reliable than revolvers, especially in inclement conditions. While thats technically true, I’m a firm believer that a revolver has more “practical” reliability than a semi auto. Bt this I mean that semi autos are prone to user induced malfunctions especially when fired under stress. Examples of user induced malfunctions are riding the slide stop, poor grip resulting in FTE, forgetting to chamber a round, not seating mags all the way, holsters depressing magazine release, there are so many things that can go wrong when operating a semi auto
Wilson Combat Jframe spring kit is incredible for these, less than $10 and bring the DA trigger down to like 8-9 lbs from 18lbs or whatever it was lol. I’ve got a 360PD model in .357 mag and it weighs like 13oz and it is absolutely brutal to fire. But so easy to conceal without adding any weight whatsoever
funny you mention that, I was deadset on getting one of those scandium airweights and I shot a 340pd one cylinder and then went with the 642. Never again! haha.
I have a box of the Hornady 90 grain lite pink tip 38's. I picked up a Rossi stainless snubby from a girl I know. She was carrying these loads in the Rossi and gave me a whole box of them when I bought the gun from her.
Yep. I carry a 642 for all the reasons you stated. Nice presentation.
The 642 is the gun that I carry for pocket carry. I agree with everything you stated.
Very interesting review. Thank you.
I got mine on a special year end sale for 299. By far the BEST handgun purchase I've ever made. I added some Hogue grips and a Wilson spring kit and those made the gun 100% better to shoot.
That is a wicked deal, I’m stoked for you!
I carry a s&w 442, more than other of my semiautomatic hand guns.
How long have you carried it?
Same here. I currently have 4 38's-- a 642 S&W, 2 Rock Island Armory (a 2 inch and a 4 inch barrel) and an older Rossi stainless snubby). I also have a North American Arms 22lr mini-revolver. It is always on me or right beside me no matter what else I'm carrying.
i did exactly so for 25 years in a series of antigun locales for these same reasons. mine was a taurus 85 38sp steel snubbie. i replaced the oem wooden with comfier pachmayr grips, and kept it with two speedloaders and 150 rounds of 158gr fmj ammo. needed it only once for real during a riot but felt secure and content all those years.
My wife is a Glock 26 😁
And my 442 just became my mistress ❤️
Can’t go wrong with either.
Snubbies are so easy to carry. Small, lightweight and just plain comfortable.
For sure!
I’ve been carrying a J Frame S&W since my 1968 rookie year & was forced to use my issued .38 in the line of duty more than once.
Hey, thanks for the info. Was it ever hard transitioning from a service size 38 to the jframe?
Not really. I began carrying a J Frame for an off-duty in my rookie year so I got used to them quickly.
Would love to hear stories
Jittering with cheaply manufactured +p ammo would be my primary concern with lockup malfunction.
I own this revolver 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 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 perty 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
Great report,thanks!
I just picked up an older Model 60. All stainless, so its a little heavier, with wooden grips, and exposed hammer. It is super reliable, but yes. These little snubbies can be tough on the hands! Still, it is very confidence inspiring because it is small, and built like an anvil.
I’m sure that is a classic looking blaster. Wood grips are the best aesthetic
The matte black 442 was my first gun, 3 months ago. I wanted to pretty it up a bit and added some Altamont rosewood grips. I have a Mika pocket holster and a tuckable IWB as well as OWB, both from 1791 Gunleather. My go to is the IWB. I'll go to OWB if I have a jacket or hoodie on. It's my EDC after getting my CCP here in SC.
I hardly know its there and feel more confident in everyday situations as a new gun owner.
Hey, welcome to the club. You picked a great first !
I also have the 642 great gun plus Taurus 605 and 856 and RI m206 M 36 1965 perfect condition love your review
I want to try the new optic Taurus so bad. It’ll probably be on my channel soon
The 642 is for extremely close encounters. I practice a lot with mine and am used to the kick. I put the target 2 and then 3 yards away. Never further. I don’t use the sight. I point and pull. Half the time with 2 hands, half one-handed. I figure that’s how I’d use it, if ever…
Practicing one handed is wise! I’ve started doing that as well.
smart, less than 5 feet, good distance to practice being attacked....these dopes who go to the range and practice at more than 7 yards will be jailed if they ever shoot at someone and then claim self defense, lots of luck
@@howardkahn4330
Good point 🤔
I bought this gun strictly for a nightstand proctective piece handgun. Around 500 dollars. It's loaded and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Come take it from me.
No thanks
There are spring and trigger kits for the 642, also an extended firing pin if you occasionally get light primer strikes. Cheap and available accessories like front night sight or fiber optic sights. Rubber grips tame it , but are not the best for carry. Change out the grips for a small full grip, and should help in taming recoil. Great video, lots of valid points
Keep in mind that this is a Performance Center revolver that has already had the trigger worked. I don’t think you’ll lighten that trigger up muck more without compromising reliable ignition.
@@strat1080I agree. I don't lighten the springs in my revolvers. I only trust OEM springs. The only revolvers I've had fail me are used ones I've bought that people put in lighter springs and did trigger jobs.
S&W 640 Pro .357 Magnum (No Hillary Hole), NAA Guardian .380 ACP Pistol, Walther PPK .380 ACP.
Classy carry rotation!
It's a "get up off of me" gun. You're probably NOT gonna use the sights and under stress, the recoil WON'T be noticed. i have the 442 which is the same gun in black form. i purchased that one because it's somewhat subdued. i pocket carry it as a back-up, but often carry it as a primary with a stripper clip. capable little guns, very capable.
The big plus is you can fire the revolver through a pocket or purse with no issue.
So everyone says, haha.
Just purchased a Taurus 905. Needed to also get TK moonclips for reliability. 9mm MUCH easier to find and I already reload for it. Weighs more than your airweight but more pleasant to shoot. Use a fobus owb holster that's molded with stippling on the paddle and belt ledge to keep from retaining during draw. Quick and comfy. Good stuff.
Taurus has been knocking it out of the park recently, nice pick up!
I have the same gun I really like the 642 it's a great wrk horse. But I feel alot the way you do about carrying it. I to have others G 26 G 23 and more. But getting use to having it with me
Won't give it up though. Thanks
S&W model 60. Might be a little heavier than the more modern 38spl’s of today, but still very comfortable for a CCW.
Absolutely, and a significantly nicer shooter for those few extra ounces
Great perspectives.
Question: what is that on the right side that flares out off of the grip?
That is a hook so the gun be carried inside the waistband without a holster. Hooks to your pants and/or belt.
@@barney214 tyvm
Desantis Clip Draw!
Always watching your content. Just subscribed. 👍
Thank you!
Why does that have a grip with the right side different than left and what is the name of it from wear
The grip is a carry grip..that little part on the right side is designed for you to clip it on your belt or waistline
I drove Uber and that was my EDC. 3 potential threats in the car with me, 5 bullets would be enough. I also carried the 642 because I could reliably fire it from awkward angles, unlike an automatic (or so ive been told, maybe you can verify that).
Absolutely, solid logic!
Verty good point. That’s one of the things that people overlook when comparing semi-autos and revolvers. There are those that believe semi autos are as or more reliable than revolvers, especially in inclement conditions. While thats technically true, I’m a firm believer that a revolver has more “practical” reliability than a semi auto.
Bt this I mean that semi autos are prone to user induced malfunctions especially when fired under stress. Examples of user induced malfunctions are riding the slide stop, poor grip resulting in FTE, forgetting to chamber a round, not seating mags all the way, holsters depressing magazine release, there are so many things that can go wrong when operating a semi auto
Yeah, autos can malfunction if you don't have the right grip, which can happen in a gunfight.
Wilson Combat Jframe spring kit is incredible for these, less than $10 and bring the DA trigger down to like 8-9 lbs from 18lbs or whatever it was lol.
I’ve got a 360PD model in .357 mag and it weighs like 13oz and it is absolutely brutal to fire. But so easy to conceal without adding any weight whatsoever
funny you mention that, I was deadset on getting one of those scandium airweights and I shot a 340pd one cylinder and then went with the 642. Never again! haha.
What do you mean it hits point of aim the different cartridges
Different weight/company bullets hit dramatically differently when compared to the sights. Some as much as 6” low, some high, etc.
Hey brother what holster is that?
Desantis Slim Tuk
@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 thank you
What does 642pc stand for and is that a 38
Performance center model
You got it, thanks Rick!
you ever heard of underwoods extreme defender 100grain, very comfortable load
I haven’t! I’ll have to try to get some
I have a box of the Hornady 90 grain lite pink tip 38's. I picked up a Rossi stainless snubby from a girl I know. She was carrying these loads in the Rossi and gave me a whole box of them when I bought the gun from her.