642 Club @ TFL

With the exception of my Kel-Tec P-32 and P-3AT (whenever I am forced into a pair of slacks with a tucked-in shirt), pocket carry doesn't work for me, so I don't own any 2" J frames...

I do have a few 3" guns though and find them to be good woods-walking guns... unless there are large critters that bite in the woods... then they get replaced with a Glock 29. :D

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1st Gen. 642 for me. My "always" gun. With a wife and two kids and a 3rd on the way, there is NEVER a time that I am not armed when I am out with them. Backed with 2 Safariland speedloaders and a Benchmade AFCK, I am good to go. Even in the summertime, in soccer shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops, it is invisible in an Uncle MIke's clip-on IWB

After carrying the 158-gr. LSWCHP+P for several years I recently switched to the Gold Dot 125-gr. +P because it shot more to POA for me. For practice I use the WWB 130-gr. FMJ, and point shooting from the pocket I can place all my shots in a shoebox on an IDPA target at 3-15 feet. I figure that's what the gun was made for.

Whoever has a S&W Airweight needs to hang onto it and practice a lot. It will serve you well.
 
Carry Rounds for 642

All,

For those of you who own now a 642 I am wondering what grain round you carry and shoot, and if you use a +p? I looked at one today for my first wheel gun (I carried a 686 in the 80's for GA State, but have not had one since I was burglarized about 10 years later). I want something to carry when I don't want to lug around my 1911.

Thanks,
Tony
 
Tony,

I use Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +p and Corbon 125 gr +p. I don't use them because they are the 'best,' but because I had easy access to them. Anyway, I really don't know what round is 'best,' but I do know that the two above are good.

Ron
 
I own a 642 also. Love it. It does seem to have a fragile finish though. It is easy to rub it off. I don't think that it can be touched up.
 
442 w/CTG (wife's), 642 & 649. All of them are 10yrs old, or over and they're all keepers. They'll probably all have Crimson Trace grips by the end of the year. Great for pocket carry with pretty much any pocket holster I've had.:cool:
 
hey guys,

I'm looking to get an airweight J frame, either the 642, or the bodyguard, the one with the SA capability. Is the latter the 649? How does it compare with the 642 as far as weight is concerned, is it also essentially 15 oz uloaded?

Thanks
 
J frame differences

hey guys,

I'm looking to get an airweight J frame, either the 642, or the bodyguard, the one with the SA capability. Is the latter the 649? How does it compare with the 642 as far as weight is concerned, is it also essentially 15 oz uloaded?
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Vlad Look here click on each one then technical specs the 649 is 23 oz unloaded its a stainless not air weight. The 638 is the airweight model with the same shrouded hammer SA capability 15 oz unloaded but its only chambered for the .38 , my 649 is also .38 only but it was made before they offered it in .357. You can shoot +p in the 638 though so it would be a good choice. Now my buddy just bought 340PD thats the scandium 12 oz'r he says its painfull to shoot even with 38 +p he didn't even try .357.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...1&parent_category_rn=15703&top_category=15703

Godbless...
 
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Daily Fred try this..

Rusty grip screw

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642 here, bought it a few months ago, love it. I pocket carry it mainly, and I was wondering - does anyone else have a problem with the grip screw rusting up? I'm a lefty, which causes the slot end of the screw to face my leg. Does anyone know of a source for a stainless grip screw
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Get a Horse Hide pocket holster its much more water resistant. Or if you like straight in the pocket..Take and clean the screw up then take a candle and drip a few drops of wax on the scew head down in the grip this should keep the sweat off it and still let you remove the screw later for cleaning.
 
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I went to the DFW Gun Show today and almost bought the 642 with laser grips for $509. Is that a good price? I can always go back tomorrow and get it.

Joe
 
642 price

I went to the DFW Gun Show today and almost bought the 642 with laser grips for $509. Is that a good price? I can always go back tomorrow and get it.

Joe
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S&W has a suggested retail price on it at $727 but most dealers would get that for alot less then mark it up 20 to 25%. Look at the price difference between the Crimson trace grip model MSRP $727 and regular grip model $498

What are you going to use it for? Concealed carry or a homegun or just a shooter for fun?

If your considering it for carry, in my opinion you don't need the laser grips. In a close up gun fight you wont have time to look for a little red dot the size of a pencil lead.

Godbless....
 
You'd be pleasantly suprised by how much "fight" that red dot dancing on a poor, misunnerstood, yoot's chest can end...:D
 
Red dot

Then for that money difference buy a $5 laser pointer cat teaser at the pet store and pocket the difference in cash and the 642 with standard grips....:D

Godbless....:
 
ohio lead slinger,

Thanks a lot for the info. The S&W site lists the 638 as being +P rated and the same weight as the 642.

You mention the 340PD, and I was considering it, but then I rented the 642 and the recoil with regular 38 special convinced me that I'd never shoot .357's out of an even lighter gun :eek: that I'd have to pay almost double for. If I went Scandium, I'd probably go for the new M&P 340, 13.3 oz .357 mag, it looks the business, and a store quoted me a price of $650 so it is cheaper.

I loved that 642 I shot at the range though, and will either get a 638 or a 642.

oh and I forgot, I'm just wondering, I don't really care about the finish wearing away much, but are there re-finishes one can get aftermarket for the 642/638..I'm actually surprised that S&W wouldn't provide a more durable finish for a gun that is meant to be crammed into all sort of places as it is concealment arm..

thanks
 
refinishes on the airweight

oh and I forgot, I'm just wondering, I don't really care about the finish wearing away much, but are there re-finishes one can get aftermarket for the 642/638..I'm actually surprised that S&W wouldn't provide a more durable finish for a gun that is meant to be crammed into all sort of places as it is concealment arm..

thanks
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Not sure about that one. The Aluminum frame while light has its problems material wise with anodized finish over it. The bonding process is done under heat and I bet there is no aftermarket replacement. Maybe S&W can answer that one they have a toll free number I believe. They may have even overcome the problem with the newer guns. Give em a call.
Not tooting my own horn but thats why I like my stainless just polish it with some Flitz and looks new. But 10 oz or so more may lead you to not worry about a little wear.
As far as the Titanium or Scandium models go I'm not sure about the finishes on them either. My buddy hasn't had his long enough to put the wear and tear on it to show any finish problems...Maybe someone out there can add to this thread?

This is a very in depth article on snubbies take a look..
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Short Look at Snubs.htm
Godbless....
 
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