New 642 and first trip to the range

[jeeperbryan]

Yes sir:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... y_rn=15704

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... y_rn=15704

[davidtx]

I've heard that S&W is doing this, but then I had a conversation last May with a guy from the S&W factory and he said they are *not* doing this. He was exhibiting at the same tradeshow that I was, his purpose was to get contract manufacturing, had nothing to do with guns...so, he may not be that knowledgeable when it comes to these matters.

However, I've yet to see a new non-locking 642, with the exception of ONE..and that was a year ago, could've been a new in box leftover and it got snatched up right in front of me. Do you have anything in writing from S&W (website, brochure, etc) that would confirm this?

I say keep the ILS unlocked and through away the key.

Don't throw away the key because you won't be able to unlock it when it seizes up on you :)

The thing that bothered me the most is that S&W is now producing revolvers without the lock. You can get a brand new snubbie with no lock from S&W. It's either a marketing gimmick (haven't seen any marketing though) or it's admission. Either way, the stupid IL keeps me up night. JK, I sleep fine.

http://tinyurl.com/4fhjug

[PUCKER]

David and jeeper - thank you, you know, now I recall seeing those (on the website, I got all giddy, until I couldn't find them locally)...but I still can't find them at my local (DFW area) dealers. Those dealers that I've specifically asked about it haven't seen 'em either...crazy!

[Mastodon]

I cannot imagine shooting .357 cartridges out of a snubby airweight. Maybe I can; but its painful to think about. It's a load with weight and 5 inch barrels.

I too had heard that S&W was going to come out with new no-lock 642/442 and also the airweight snubby models that are chambered .357. Thanks for the links.
I just wonder when these will actually be readily available or if they will.

I think if I were to purchase one of the Airweight snub-snose models chambered for .357, since that was the model and load that had the few "instances" I believe, I would certainly highly consider that one with no lock.
I would also ask if S&W had a list of sympathetic massage therapists and early arthritis docs.
.. or only shoot .38 sp out of it.

[KC5AV]

David and jeeper - thank you, you know, now I recall seeing those (on the website, I got all giddy, until I couldn't find them locally)...but I still can't find them at my local (DFW area) dealers. Those dealers that I've specifically asked about it haven't seen 'em either...crazy!

I called my local shop last month and asked them to order me a 442 without the ILS. It was here the next day.

[PUCKER]

That is great news! Would you mind sharing what the price was?

David and jeeper - thank you, you know, now I recall seeing those (on the website, I got all giddy, until I couldn't find them locally)...but I still can't find them at my local (DFW area) dealers. Those dealers that I've specifically asked about it haven't seen 'em either...crazy!

I called my local shop last month and asked them to order me a 442 without the ILS. It was here the next day.

[rdcrags]

I carry a 342 (Airlite) every day in an Uncle Mike pocket holster. Very convenient. No lock, no external hammer.

rdcrags

TX CHP 1997
CO CHP 2005

[KC5AV]

That is great news! Would you mind sharing what the price was?

David and jeeper - thank you, you know, now I recall seeing those (on the website, I got all giddy, until I couldn't find them locally)...but I still can't find them at my local (DFW area) dealers. Those dealers that I've specifically asked about it haven't seen 'em either...crazy!

I called my local shop last month and asked them to order me a 442 without the ILS. It was here the next day.

The gun itself was $460. I probably could have found it a little cheaper, but the shop owners are friends, so I don't mind spending a little more here and there to help keep them in business.

[y5e06]

Yep - that's the one. I bought the other holster after chatting with one of our forum members in front of the S&W's. He likes the little IWB holster worn in front because he rides a motorcycle a lot. The holster's were so cheap, I decided to get one of each.

... I remember that conversation! good to see you chose one of the 642/638's.
also have well over 1K rounds on my 638 and narry a problem w/ the internal lock. I don't think its much of an issue w/ these non-magnum pistols. then again, properly removing it is fine and dandy too.

I have the hogue monogrip J-frame grips on mine and dig 'em. I don't pocket carry so the larger size isn't an issue w/ carrying and fit my large hands better. My friend has the bantams on his 642 and he likes is and shoots it well w/ those short grips. I think both are upgrades to the factory grips. i would really like to try the S&W cocobolo (ladysmith?) grips.


Morgan

[davidtx]

Yep - that's the one. I bought the other holster after chatting with one of our forum members in front of the S&W's. He likes the little IWB holster worn in front because he rides a motorcycle a lot. The holster's were so cheap, I decided to get one of each.

... I remember that conversation! good to see you chose one of the 642/638's.
also have well over 1K rounds on my 638 and narry a problem w/ the internal lock. I don't think its much of an issue w/ these non-magnum pistols. then again, properly removing it is fine and dandy too.

I have the hogue monogrip J-frame grips on mine and dig 'em. I don't pocket carry so the larger size isn't an issue w/ carrying and fit my large hands better. My friend has the bantams on his 642 and he likes is and shoots it well w/ those short grips. I think both are upgrades to the factory grips. i would really like to try the S&W cocobolo (ladysmith?) grips.


Morgan

Hi Morgan - for some reason or other, I couldn't remember your forum handle...
Mine came with wood grips. I'm not sure what type of wood. They have an SW logo engraved and checkering. They work well with my large hands. It isn't a ladysmith. I can't find any information on these grips anywhere.

[fm2]

Mine came with wood grips. I'm not sure what type of wood. They have an SW logo engraved and checkering. They work well with my large hands. It isn't a ladysmith. I can't find any information on these grips anywhere.

Those sound like the "splinter grips" as people call them. With smaller grips like those, a Tyler T-adapter is a big help as it fills in behind the trigger guard.
I like the hogue monogrips, pacmayer compacts, or uncle mikes model that used to come on S&W's 9mm revolver.

[davidtx]

Mine came with wood grips. I'm not sure what type of wood. They have an SW logo engraved and checkering. They work well with my large hands. It isn't a ladysmith. I can't find any information on these grips anywhere.

Those sound like the "splinter grips" as people call them. With smaller grips like those, a Tyler T-adapter is a big help as it fills in behind the trigger guard.
I like the hogue monogrips, pacmayer compacts, or uncle mikes model that used to come on S&W's 9mm revolver.

Based on the descriptions I could find of splinter grips and pictures of the Tyler T-adaptor, I don't think mine are splinter grips.

Mine look a lot like these but with checkering and the S&W logo (http://tinyurl.com/ygvrfmt - Smith & Wesson Factory Grips Combat-Style with 3 Finger Grooves S&W J-Frame Round Butt Rosewood). Check out the picture in the original post. I have large hands - I can't get all my fingers on a Kimber Ultra or an LCP, but I can get them on this grip. The only problem I have is keeping my thumb(s) out of the way so that my index finger doesn't get blocked on that LONG trigger pull.

[Mastodon]

Yep - that's the one. I bought the other holster after chatting with one of our forum members in front of the S&W's. He likes the little IWB holster worn in front because he rides a motorcycle a lot. The holster's were so cheap, I decided to get one of each.

... I remember that conversation! good to see you chose one of the 642/638's.
also have well over 1K rounds on my 638 and narry a problem w/ the internal lock. I don't think its much of an issue w/ these non-magnum pistols. then again, properly removing it is fine and dandy too.

I have the hogue monogrip J-frame grips on mine and dig 'em. I don't pocket carry so the larger size isn't an issue w/ carrying and fit my large hands better. My friend has the bantams on his 642 and he likes is and shoots it well w/ those short grips. I think both are upgrades to the factory grips. i would really like to try the S&W cocobolo (ladysmith?) grips.


Morgan

I ran into a somewhat local shop that had 442 w/o lock. Ah, well, there's always the next j-frame purchase...
I have had zero problems with my 442-2 w/ lock. I love this gun. So pocket friendly. I have Hogue Bantam grips coming in this week.

[y5e06]

Mine look a lot like these but with checkering and the S&W logo (http://tinyurl.com/ygvrfmt - Smith & Wesson Factory Grips Combat-Style with 3 Finger Grooves S&W J-Frame Round Butt Rosewood). Check out the picture in the original post. ...

yes, those are the ones I want to try. either the smooth or checkered version. didn't pay to much to the photo in the original post.

[fm2]

The only problem I have is keeping my thumb(s) out of the way so that my index finger doesn't get blocked on that LONG trigger pull.

Yep, I didn't check the 1st post.
Do the grips cover the back of the grip frame? You may need to lock your thumb down to keep it out of the way. I sorta lock/curl the firing hand thumb down and point the support hand thumb toward the target. I just returned from a snubby specific handgun class @ K R training and we covered that. It was a great class I'll post a review in the training section soon.