642 J frame- best pocketgun?

8720 Views 27 Replies 25 Participants Last post by neilbedwell, Dec 9, 2008

LaP

Discussion Starter · Oct 13, 2006

I've owned a S&W 642 for about three months now. I've carried it in a few pocket holsters: Desantis Nemesis, Uncle Mikes #3, and Mika pocket holster. All of them work fine for concealment and comfort, but, the Nemesis seems to find its way into my right pocket more often than the others.

I'm extremely pleased with the 642. It's light, accurate, handles +P rounds, and it just looks darn good. I've owned a Colt Cobra and liked it for its fine quality AND that sixth shot in the cylinder. Only thing wrong was it was a bit too heavy for my pants. It looked like I had a revolver in my pocket!

At 15 onces, the 642 is almost unnoticable after a few minutes. I carry all day (even at home). It truly is an all-the-time gun.

Anyone else think the 642 is perfect, or am I out in left field?

1 - 20 of 28 Posts

YukonGlocker

· #2 · Oct 13, 2006

I love mine also. I usually carry in the Nemesis also. I have done some ammo testing out of this fine little piece. I have found a load I really like.

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38Special 135gr. +P, you should try it if you haven't.

I carried my 642 everyday, all summer long. I usually carry a speedloader with a reload ready to go. I also practice reloading with that speedloader everytime I go to the range.

Here is mine.

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2

LaP

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 14, 2006

Amazing!!! Mine looks just like yours!!!

One difference with the Nemesis...I did the "Nemesis Chop" on mine. That's where you cut off some of the bottom so the gun sits lower in the pocket. It doesn't hurt the integrity of the holster but because the gun rides lower, it hides in my pocket much better. Just don't cut any of the stitching around the gun outline, that will cause problems and ruin the holster.

A Mika holster also works well except that it bulges in my pocket. Maybe I just need it break it in more. Overall, for $20 delivered, it's a nice holster.

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Jhp147

· #4 · Oct 14, 2006

I have a 642 (no dash or anything) that I bought when they first hit the market...on the advice of a gunwriter/cop. Best back-up I could ever hope to find for my requirements. Pocket, ankle, coat pocket, waistband...it goes everywhere and most everywhere with me. My only gripe is the front sight, which I have mostly fixed with periodic coats of permanent Sharpie. I did a bunch of research on improving the sight, but this is tough to beat for the money I'm out on it. I think about swapping out some springs and maybe polishing up the bottom of the rebound slide, but I'm not sure I want to risk taking it apart or risk the 100% reliable ignition I have. I have had Model 36s and stainless Bodyguards and like the shape and function of this critter much better.

YukonGlocker

· #5 · Oct 14, 2006

I have yet to take mine apart. When I do I will polish up the trigger internals and remove the lock. I have been thinking about cutting the bottom off the Nemesis, but I didn't know if it would come apart after that. I need to order another one anyway. Anyone used the Kramer pocket holster? I was going to order the Kramer until I found out how well the Nemesis works.

killer

· #6 · Oct 15, 2006

I am going to pick up a 640 j- frame in the near future

any thoughts about this revolver

and also what would be a good pocket holster

i was thinking of a clip draw attachment but i never used or seen one up close :?

Powered by Diesel

· #7 · Oct 20, 2006

I had money to burn and I opted for the 642 over the 340PD. With the money I saved I also bought a set of Crimson Trace grips, still spent less getting the 642 and new CT grips than the just the 340PD. Plus I need not worry about special care of the Ti cylinder.

It is my EDC gun, inside of the pocket with a Mika pocket holster.

reerc

· #8 · Oct 20, 2006

LaP said:
Anyone else think the 642 is perfect?

Almost, it's just a little too ... "bright" ... needs some toning down, like this:

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Pstmstr

· #9 · Dec 8, 2006

j frame

I just sold my 442 and got a 340pd, it's great for pocket carry and not all that terrible recoil with the Crimson Trace 405 grips.

Mike11b

· #10 · Jan 17, 2007

I think the M&P 340, when it comes out, will replace my trusty 642.

Nemo

· #11 · Feb 23, 2007

Another 642-in-Mika fan here. Just got the snubbie about 3 months ago and since then I've sold all my other carry guns. This one is just perfect for me. Bianchi speed strip in left pocket and Maxfire speed loaders in the car.

How does the Nemesis compare to the Mika in "bulkiness"? I need to get one.

TruPatriot

· #12 · Jul 4, 2007

Nemo said:
Another 642-in-Mika fan here. Just got the snubbie about 3 months ago and since then I've sold all my other carry guns. This one is just perfect for me. Bianchi speed strip in left pocket and Maxfire speed loaders in the car.

How does the Nemesis compare to the Mika in "bulkiness"? I need to get one.

I would like to know how the Nemesis compares to the Mika in bulkiness also? Anyone have both?

lugnut

· #13 · Jul 4, 2007

YukonGlocker said:
I have yet to take mine apart. When I do I will polish up the trigger internals and remove the lock. I have been thinking about cutting the bottom off the Nemesis, but I didn't know if it would come apart after that. I need to order another one anyway. Anyone used the Kramer pocket holster? I was going to order the Kramer until I found out how well the Nemesis works.

YG- I have the Nemesis and the Kramer... you can't beat the Nemesis for the money but I like the Kramer better. I think the Kramer hides the outline of the gun better... it has a flat piece of material that is on the outside that does a good job hiding the gun shape. The pic in the link below is the side that rests against your leg.

http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail...p;categoryID=28

Tsquare

· #14 · Jan 1, 2008

I just picked up the 340M&P today. It has a front night sight, and ct laser grips, the newer model with the cushion. I have it loaded with 38+p now until I can get ahold of some 357 short bbl rounds. I opted for it over the 442 or 642 for one reason, it has the night sight. This is one nice piece, I really love it. I bet they would sell a ton of them if they had it chambered for the 38 spcl only round.

Berries

· #15 · Jan 11, 2008

sheepdog said:
I have a 642 (no dash or anything) that I bought when they first hit the market...on the advice of a gunwriter/cop. Best back-up I could ever hope to find for my requirements. Pocket, ankle, coat pocket, waistband...it goes everywhere and most everywhere with me. My only gripe is the front sight, which I have mostly fixed with periodic coats of permanent Sharpie. I did a bunch of research on improving the sight, but this is tough to beat for the money I'm out on it. I think about swapping out some springs and maybe polishing up the bottom of the rebound slide, but I'm not sure I want to risk taking it apart or risk the 100% reliable ignition I have. I have had Model 36s and stainless Bodyguards and like the shape and function of this critter much better.

I tried swapping out the springs with a Wolff spring kit. On my 642 I experienced FTFs with any combination of the Wolff springs. I haven't done anything with it since I put it back to stock. I'll smooth the internals eventually.

nhstk02

· #16 · Jan 24, 2008

who needs a night sight when you have laser grips?

elde

· #17 · Jan 24, 2008

1

gramps

· #18 · Jan 24, 2008

nhstk02 said:
who needs a night sight when you have laser grips?

As with all things, laser grips can fail too!

pstew

· #19 · Apr 12, 2008

TruPatriot' post='48368' date='Jul 4 2007 said:
I would like to know how the Nemesis compares to the Mika in bulkiness also? Anyone have both?

I ordered the Mika holster for the J frame and I have a Nemisis for my Keltec. I like the Nemisis, but I think it prints out the shape of too much for my liking. Whenever the Mika shows up, I'll post a comparison.

Mike193Inf

· #20 · Apr 18, 2008

Another 642/Nemesis guy here too. Bought it for my wife but I find myself grabbing it if I'm heading out somewhere more than one of my own. Carry one Bianchi Speedstrip in the other pocket- lays really flat. With an HKS or similar speedloader in the pocket people tend to stare and wonder what ya got in there

I use the "Chicago" or "FBI" load- 158 gr. LSWHP +P. Sure bucks a little but I'm sure it would take care of business if needed. Win. or Rem. only- other manufacturers have had issues with expansion (lack of) with that bullet.

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