Andrew Michalak
Michalak, A.P. USMC
Initial Review of S&W Model 642-1 (J-Frame, .38 +P, 5-round capacity)(DAO, Revolver)
Hey there, traded for this piece even up for a Glock Model 38. I chose to make the trade for concealed carry purposes. After carrying the Compact Glock for a real long time I finally decided that it was just too bulky. I definitely sacrificed some stopping power going from a .45 GAP to a .38+P. I'm happy with the decision.
I've got an initial review of the S&W Model 642-1, shot it yesterday for first time. I'll be comparing this weapon with the Ruger LCR .357 MAG as well. I've had the LCR longer and my attempt is to give an unbiased review here.
OK, as soon as you put this gun in your hand (S&W 642), you instantly perceive that "lightness" or "ease-of-handling" when compared to bulkier, larger models. The first time I felt this sensation was when I was in the market for a new pistol several weeks ago at my local gun shop. I ended up with the Ruger LCR specifically because of the ability to chamber .357 MAG and because it was only slightly larger / heavier than the S&W 642. Well now I got both of them and actually plan to carry both once in a while at the same time depending on the situation.
Shooting this pistol for the first time felt great even though my own inaccuracy with the gun was very noticeable. I wasn't getting great groups at any range and that's ok for right now because I know that with time the accuracy will be there. This happened when I shot the LCR for the first time as well but then improved my shot groups drastically. The S&W 642 is a little hard on the joint of the hand where the thumb attaches to the hand. I'm talking about your primary shooting hand here. After several shots I did start to notice that "sting" or "tenderness" in my shooting hand. It's still tender today when I touch the area but yesterday I shot a couple of hundred rounds through both guns with all three calibers (.38,.38+p,.357MAG).
The S&W 642 hurts the hand more than the Ruger LCR because the LCR hides the recoil with that ergonomic Hogue grip it has, which the women in my family say they prefer to the S&W. This still holds true for the recoil with .357 MAG rounds in the LCR VS. .38's in the S&W 642. I shot the LCR hundreds of times with out ever trying .357 MAG until yesterday and I was more than pleasantly surprised with the results. The LCR just barks with the MAG loads in a way that minimizes the others significantly.
Now one thing that the 642 has that the LCR does not is this... You can't see it in the picture but imagine the gun from the back and you would see a type of "Full Tang Construction" of the frame that marries up perfectly with the grips of the gun to form a perfect "hard" surface from which you can then perform the old fashion pistol whip on a "stranger danger" that would be way more effective then the bouncy, rubbery surface or edge that the LCR has. So that was a selling point for me. As soon as I held the gun before the purchase I also made this observation. I may not have made this observation if not for owning the LCR first. It's very common, what I'm talking about here. It's just that my LCR has that Hogue boot grip.
Well for carry purposes, you'll probably find that the 642 will actually carry better then the LCR. The difference in the efficiency with reference to carrying specifically is minimal though. And the differences in firepower as well as recoil reduction when comparing the two guns is much greater. So ultimately the decision between the two guns is a personal preference and is not something I have to worry about. Overall I think the 642 is a great gun and highly concealable. I also have no problems with the .38 or the .38+P as a defensive caliber. Economics does come into play here as well regarding the .38 caliber and how inexpensive it is and highly re-loadable. As far as the pain, if you have joint problems in your shooting hand then the 642 is not for you but you probably already knew that, otherwise I'd say that it's not pain and that it is just weakness leaving your body, so keep on putting those rounds down range safely and don't forget to apply all those safety rules!
The S&W Model 642 is a Double Action Only revolver, weighs about 15 ounces and can be staged when firing, does have a hefty trigger pull and will get those rounds down range accurately as long as you keep on practicing. It has an aluminum frame with a stainless steel cylinder and there are various hand grips for this model. My hand grips are stock and are a bit rubbery. My specific 642 does not actually have the "new" locking device on the left side of the pistol (near the cylinder release). It depends on when the pistol was made. There is a locking device on the newer models that is similar to a star-bit but small and can be turned to render the pistol inoperable. I am actually glad I don't have that on my model. The Ruger LCR also has an internal locking device that is engaged with a key after removing the boot grip.
Here's the Bottom Line. All the guns mentioned in this article are great guns and with proper handling can provide much fun for a sport shooter. Carrying these weapons properly will allow you to defend yourself and others in certain situations. Don't get complacent, know the rules and follow them. Happy Shooting.
Andrew
Hey there, traded for this piece even up for a Glock Model 38. I chose to make the trade for concealed carry purposes. After carrying the Compact Glock for a real long time I finally decided that it was just too bulky. I definitely sacrificed some stopping power going from a .45 GAP to a .38+P. I'm happy with the decision.
Link Removed
I've got an initial review of the S&W Model 642-1, shot it yesterday for first time. I'll be comparing this weapon with the Ruger LCR .357 MAG as well. I've had the LCR longer and my attempt is to give an unbiased review here.
OK, as soon as you put this gun in your hand (S&W 642), you instantly perceive that "lightness" or "ease-of-handling" when compared to bulkier, larger models. The first time I felt this sensation was when I was in the market for a new pistol several weeks ago at my local gun shop. I ended up with the Ruger LCR specifically because of the ability to chamber .357 MAG and because it was only slightly larger / heavier than the S&W 642. Well now I got both of them and actually plan to carry both once in a while at the same time depending on the situation.
Shooting this pistol for the first time felt great even though my own inaccuracy with the gun was very noticeable. I wasn't getting great groups at any range and that's ok for right now because I know that with time the accuracy will be there. This happened when I shot the LCR for the first time as well but then improved my shot groups drastically. The S&W 642 is a little hard on the joint of the hand where the thumb attaches to the hand. I'm talking about your primary shooting hand here. After several shots I did start to notice that "sting" or "tenderness" in my shooting hand. It's still tender today when I touch the area but yesterday I shot a couple of hundred rounds through both guns with all three calibers (.38,.38+p,.357MAG).
The S&W 642 hurts the hand more than the Ruger LCR because the LCR hides the recoil with that ergonomic Hogue grip it has, which the women in my family say they prefer to the S&W. This still holds true for the recoil with .357 MAG rounds in the LCR VS. .38's in the S&W 642. I shot the LCR hundreds of times with out ever trying .357 MAG until yesterday and I was more than pleasantly surprised with the results. The LCR just barks with the MAG loads in a way that minimizes the others significantly.
Now one thing that the 642 has that the LCR does not is this... You can't see it in the picture but imagine the gun from the back and you would see a type of "Full Tang Construction" of the frame that marries up perfectly with the grips of the gun to form a perfect "hard" surface from which you can then perform the old fashion pistol whip on a "stranger danger" that would be way more effective then the bouncy, rubbery surface or edge that the LCR has. So that was a selling point for me. As soon as I held the gun before the purchase I also made this observation. I may not have made this observation if not for owning the LCR first. It's very common, what I'm talking about here. It's just that my LCR has that Hogue boot grip.
Well for carry purposes, you'll probably find that the 642 will actually carry better then the LCR. The difference in the efficiency with reference to carrying specifically is minimal though. And the differences in firepower as well as recoil reduction when comparing the two guns is much greater. So ultimately the decision between the two guns is a personal preference and is not something I have to worry about. Overall I think the 642 is a great gun and highly concealable. I also have no problems with the .38 or the .38+P as a defensive caliber. Economics does come into play here as well regarding the .38 caliber and how inexpensive it is and highly re-loadable. As far as the pain, if you have joint problems in your shooting hand then the 642 is not for you but you probably already knew that, otherwise I'd say that it's not pain and that it is just weakness leaving your body, so keep on putting those rounds down range safely and don't forget to apply all those safety rules!
The S&W Model 642 is a Double Action Only revolver, weighs about 15 ounces and can be staged when firing, does have a hefty trigger pull and will get those rounds down range accurately as long as you keep on practicing. It has an aluminum frame with a stainless steel cylinder and there are various hand grips for this model. My hand grips are stock and are a bit rubbery. My specific 642 does not actually have the "new" locking device on the left side of the pistol (near the cylinder release). It depends on when the pistol was made. There is a locking device on the newer models that is similar to a star-bit but small and can be turned to render the pistol inoperable. I am actually glad I don't have that on my model. The Ruger LCR also has an internal locking device that is engaged with a key after removing the boot grip.
Here's the Bottom Line. All the guns mentioned in this article are great guns and with proper handling can provide much fun for a sport shooter. Carrying these weapons properly will allow you to defend yourself and others in certain situations. Don't get complacent, know the rules and follow them. Happy Shooting.
Andrew
