S&W 642 - AR15.COM

Site Notices

2024's Favorite CCW? | PSA Micro Dagger

Posted: 2/20/2006 6:57:42 PM EDT

Talk me into one of these pretty little guns. I have a ton of .38 laying around. No use for a large frame revolver. I like the weight and size of the 642. Probably not a fun gun to shoot? Worth the $399 price tag. Is the 442 a better option?

Talk to me.

Posted: 2/21/2006 7:07:13 AM EDT

[#1]

642 is the way to go...here at least... as the 442s finish will not hold up as well and is more susceptible to rust here in the humidity capital of the US. No they are not what I would describe as "fun" to shoot. I have several various S&W airweights around and seldom shoot more than a dozen or so rounds a year in each, if that. They are great as hideout guns, but for range use I would pick a nice K frame such as a M15 or M19/66 over a J frame every time.

$399 if the gun is NIB is a very good price.

Posted: 2/21/2006 7:19:43 AM EDT

[#2]

Get it, you will not be disappointed. I use one as a BUG and nightstand gun.
I stuck a Hogue grip on mine because the +P stings a little with that stubby stock. I can still conceal it well.

Posted: 2/21/2006 8:28:44 AM EDT

[#3]

Thanks for the responses. Kind of figured I wouldn't get any thumbs down on the S&W board. Cheers

Posted: 2/21/2006 1:27:06 PM EDT

[#4]

Picking one up tomorrow. $359 NIB. The shop has more if anyone is interested.

Thanks again for the input.

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:19:05 PM EDT

[#5]

Haven't shot it yet, but it is a part of the arsenal.

Pic:

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/184/6405ty.th.jpg

Posted: 3/1/2006 3:21:40 AM EDT

[#6]

twonami,
My wife had me put the same goofy looking grips on hers.

She doesn't carry it concealed, and it makes it way more comfortable to shoot.

Every time I read one of these threads I start itching to go get one for myself.

A great value, easy to carry.....

Must resist!

Posted: 3/1/2006 5:21:34 PM EDT

[#7]

Quick range report:

Shot about 150 rounds today. From the 3, 7, 15 and 25 yard lines. Standing, kneeling and from behind cover.

Shoots a lot better than expected. 95% of my shots were center of mass, even out at 25 yards. Not as much bite as I thought there would be. Very manageable in all aspects. Five rounds isn't enough. Speed strips are a slow reloading option. The HKS speedloader I tried was a much better choice.

I feel confident enough to carry the 642 as a secondary/BUG/pocket gun.

Posted: 3/1/2006 5:42:19 PM EDT

[#8]

I own a model 60 and a 442. I carry them one of them daily. Make sure you get one of the older versions without the dreaded key lock and MIM parts. Better resale and more durable/reliable IMHO

Posted: 3/1/2006 5:45:23 PM EDT

[#9]

Bought my dad a 642

Now I want one

Posted: 3/1/2006 8:12:34 PM EDT

[#10]

I purchased one new in December for 339.00 at the local Sportsmans Warehouse store. Just to give you an idea of the pricing issue. Great gun. Carry it every day.

Posted: 3/14/2006 8:55:01 PM EDT

[#11]

I have had one for about 5 years. Had to send it to S&W once. I was dryfiring it with the .38 caps inside to not damage the firing pin and something happened that the cylinder could not align into the frame when i unloaded the pistol and try to push the cylinder back into the frame. I sent it back to S&W and problem solved. I think they did a free trigger job on it cause the trigger was alot smoother when I got it back. Nice pistol for concealed carry if you can live with carrying 5 rounds. Its also alot more fun to shoot then the super light scadium S&W pistols. I have a high noon holster called the "sky high" that fits it like a glove. Was my concealed carry piece for a while till i replaced it with my HK.

Posted: 3/25/2006 8:56:41 PM EDT

[#12]

I have had one for 10 + years, before they came out with the +P version. I bought it from Novak's with a carry bevel and trigger job. I really like it. I have seen them priced around $350 at the Academy Sports chain.

Good shooting!

Posted: 4/2/2006 7:36:47 PM EDT

[#13]

I think the 442 is a better "looking" gun, but as you know they are really the same thing. They are absolutely worth the money. I have a 442 and my GF has a 642. We both are VERY happy with them. I dont know if you have considered the 642 S&W is putting out that comes from the factory with the Crimson Trace laser grips, but I think it is a really good gun at a VERY good deal. If the laser interest you in the slightest, get it. You wind up saving a lot of money buying them together. The laser grip is longer and more comfortable than the standard 2 finger grip the regular 642's come with, but not as huge as the Houge pictured above. Take a look at it. I wish they offered them like this when I got mine a couple years ago.

Posted: 4/16/2006 6:26:23 PM EDT

[#14]

I think I might get one of these too. How hard is it to find one without the locking thingie?

Max

Posted: 4/16/2006 6:58:17 PM EDT

[#15]

That will have to be an older model. Im sure they are out there and available for sale on the used market. But you'll have to look and probably ask specifically for one without the lock.

Posted: 4/18/2006 7:29:00 AM EDT

[#16]

I've got a pre lock 442 that I like to carry. They have the same alloy frame as the 642 just a different finish. No rusting or pitting issues.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - S&W 642

Handguns » Smith & Wesson

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us