Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special

[Wanderer]

Looking at this for a potential carry.   anyone have any experience with one ?

[b23]

Looking at this for a potential carry.   anyone have any experience with one ?

Had a S&W 442 which is nearly the same gun and I think they are one of the best CCW pocket revolvers out there.

The grip on these small revolvers like the S&W J Frame 442/642 or Ruger LCR is fairly small which is great for carry but not always so great for shooting so I put a set of Pachmayr Guardian Grips on my wife's Ruger LCR and it kind of gives you the best of both worlds.  She really likes that little extra secure feeling it gives her pinkie finger with it extended down but when it's in her purse or pocket it clicks back up into place and is small again.

https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/pachmayr/handgun-grips/revolver-grips/guardian-griptm

[huntingfool7]

The 642 (stainless) and 442 (blued) are the same gun just a different finish.  It's a great carry gun.  Nothing to snag, double action only.  Super reliable.

[jay.sharkbait]

I’m naked without mine......

[Badhabit]

Love my early 42. Da/sa option makes a difference. Mine is not +P rated.

[HighlandLofts]

I bought one about 8 years ago and pocket carried it from day one.
All I did to it was run a patch thtough the barrel & cylinder maybe twice a year. It took over seven yesrs of every dsy use before it needed a serious cleaning.

A very well built , light weight revolver.

[scotsman]

I shot both a 642 and model 60. Bought the 60 for several reasons 1) really like the option of single or double action. These have a long And relatively heavy trigger pull so if you have the time, the crisp 3# pull single action will drive tacks. 2) Choice of calibers, .38,  +P, 357. 3) the Model 60 solid steel frame Is much more pleasant to shoot. Less recoil and easier to stay on target. Gotta say I really like the feel and ‘shootability’ of the model 60.

[HighlandLofts]

Pocket carrying you get a lot of pocket litter.
With the model 60 you have an exposed hammer which woupd allow pocket litter to enter the internal mechinisms and render it useless.
The 642 is the way to go if you pocket carry.

[Buzz2401]

I have a ton of pistols and pretty much exclusively carry the S&W 38.  Yes it's nice to have more rounds and lights and all that but I find the 38 to be super comfortable which means I carry it more. 

[Tenkara]

I love mine, would definately recomend.

[MeatMissile]

I have a 642 and have never had any problems with it.

[Miles]

Take a long walk k at the Kimber K6s.

[Meow]

I carry mine a lot. It's nice just being able to toss it in a pocket and go.

[Stein]

I have an LCR in .357 and think that small .357s have the least flaws of any pistol for a daily carry.  I was really amazed at how much easier it is to carry and the more options compared with even a compact single stack 9mm.  I can carry the revolver ankle, appendix or on the side as well as in the pocket a bunch during the summer.  It's really night and day compared with a semi-auto.

They aren't fun guns to shoot recreationally, mine is a dedicated concealed carry sidearm, but for that I just don't think there is anything out there that can beat them.