ANyone out there shoot the 642 38spl? The hammerless design and high hold is making me curious. The reason why I ask also is the fact that, when I shot a taurus ultralite 38spl, tht bugger kind of hurt and it had ports! I'm looking for a good, light, accurate wheelgun in 38spl. Thanks folks!
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Anyone shot the S+W642
- Thread starter KelTeKee
- Start date
Stephen A. Camp
Staff In Memoriam
Hello. Yes, I've shot the 642 and 442 quite a bit with standard and +P loads. Because of their light weight, recoil is more than with the steel-framed revolvers, but not excessive. Of course, recoil tolerance differs between individuals and is very subjective, so the last statement could be meaningless to you. Keep in mind that the gun is not designed for 200 rounds a week target work, but for carry and close-in self-defense. I suspect that in such a role, you wouldn't even feel the recoil. If you get such a revolver, I find the light wadcutters or UMC 130 gr "ball" to be very pleasent to practice with. For a standard pressure defense round, the Federal Nyclad 125 gr HP would be hard to beat, particularly if you find the very fine 158 gr LSWCHP +P load excessive in recoil. Best.
I have a 442 as my "all the time" gun. For me the higher grip allowed by the hammerless "hump" makes the recoil come straighter back and torque less. This allows more rapid repeat shots. The straight back recoil doesn't bother me but some find it disconcerting vis-à-vis the more traditional roll.
For what it's worth, YMMV, etc.
For what it's worth, YMMV, etc.
I own a 642. The recoil is less than one might expect from such a light pistol. I fire 158gr without discomfort.
As far as value goes, I think that the price difference between the alloy and the titanium is not worth the extra money. The weight difference is only a few ounces.
If you can find a used 442 or 642, I'd get it. They listed for about $365 new, and recently had a $50 rebate. Based on that, you should be able to figure out a fair price.
------------------
NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC
Oregon residents please support the Oregon Firearms Federation, our local "No compromise" chapter of the GOA. http://www.oregonfirearms.org
As far as value goes, I think that the price difference between the alloy and the titanium is not worth the extra money. The weight difference is only a few ounces.
If you can find a used 442 or 642, I'd get it. They listed for about $365 new, and recently had a $50 rebate. Based on that, you should be able to figure out a fair price.
------------------
NRA/GOA/SAF/USMC
Oregon residents please support the Oregon Firearms Federation, our local "No compromise" chapter of the GOA. http://www.oregonfirearms.org