I carry this gun with different grips. No safety, no accidentally discharging. This thing does the trick. If you need to carry 15 rounds, which I have several pistols in that configuration. If you need more than 5 to go to Walmart, or mcdonalds you don't need a new gun. You need to change your lifestyle.
There are a lot of people commenting about possibility over probability. If you start carrying for every possible scenario you will end up having to carry so much that you will eventually stop carrying anything. Most people don’t even have the ability to carry a gun with 15+ rounds and a spare magazine, but you can almost always get away with carrying a Snubbie. Actually, they are so light and concealable that you could easily do a NY carry if you are that concerned with capacity. Carry what works for you, but just carry.
I love a 642 BECAUSE I forget it’s in my pocket. Throw a couple speed strips of 38+p in one of my other pockets, forget about it until god forbid it’s needed. Fuck carrying 4 pounds of steel like I see some folks do. I can put a 642 in basketball shorts. Or a jacket pocket; and because of the shrouded hammer, it WILL go bang
I often carry a 1990s model 37 airweight, close cousin of this one. Nice gun...accurate and easy to conceal. S&W j frame revolvers are hard to beat, in terms of reliability and concealment.
Started carrying a J Frame off-duty in ‘68 & my EDC in retirement is either a 340PD or 442 Pro in a pocket holster. Used my issued Colt DS in a ‘74 gunfight w/armed robbery suspects so I have confidence in this platform. As to the sights on your 442 chances are you’ll never use them in a real life self defense situation. I experienced three on duty shootings but only used the sights once, and that was in the hallway of a well lit motel.
Great review! 👏 I've been researching a small pocket piece now for over a year, and I just reviewed your video last week. I purchased mine based on your review. Thank you, Sir!! I like it simple
If you find yourself in a situation that a trusty S&W 642 can’t get you out of, I doubt any other gun you might carry concealed would help you at that point! At least that’s my mindset when I carry mine lol. Great review!
Multiple assailants would be that scenario and today that is very common. It's a great gun for self defense but I wouldn't wanna get caught in a gunfight with one if I had the option of carrying a 9mm with 15 rounds and extra mags. I love my 642 tho and for up close nothing beats it
When NYPD had 38’s they taught to grip revolver crossing thumbs behind backstrap . For revolver I find it to be a superior grip . I find it to be stronger grip and better for accuracy especially with smaller revolvers . Look up videos on that grip and give it a try .
If I'm on a local outing with the family, or, I'm on a business trip where I'm constantly changing clothing, other guns can really be problematic maintaining stealth . I must have five different holsters for this thing including the 5.11 pistol pouch which I wear across my chest when working, driving, etc. I carry a more potent firearm when I can, but the 642 allows me to remain covertly armed under any circumstance. Sometimes I use a Crimson Trace laser grip which probably triples the effective range as the sight radius on the iron sights are only good inside 10 yards tops. In addition to the advantages of lightweight and concealable shape, I agree with your statement that this is a very safe firearm. That's important because when I'm heading to work I'm having to move my firearm constantly during clothing changes or tasks
Wait till winter and you start throwing it in your coat pocket while your weapon on your waist is covered with layers - my 442 shines in that role! Congrats on your 642!
I carry a 637. I have full confidence in the pistol. I carried it as a backup when it came out on my ankle until I retired from LEO. If you don't have full confidence, you don't need to carry it. 👊👍
I'm not the expert, but a thumb over thumb grip gives excellent control (left over right). I think Gun Sam has trained himself to use that sort of grip regardless of revolver or semi auto. Also, I put a Big Dot front sight on my Ruger LCR, and lightly drilled two very shallow depressions on each side of the u channel on the rear, and put bright pink paint on the end of a tooth pick in those depressions. I'm very happy with my sights now.
Though limited to five it is advisable to carry some spare cartridges, at least enough to reload up with 5 more if surviving the encounter and fumbling a drop or 2 or 3. Revolvers cant be pushed out of battery like the slide of an autoloader during a hands on encounter grapple. Inside a vehicle you wont have your spent casings bouncing about. There are without exaggeration 100s of grip options from scores of manufacturers to be sought after, unlike the molded frame magazine well of a semiautomatic, even those having a few grip inserts. The manual of arms is intuitive, just hold on and pull the trigger, if you must arm a trusted companion in an emergency. Practice one handed shooting, by drawing, blading the threat to block with the other hand protecting firearm retention, while firing single handed, both strong and weak. And in 2 handed drills take care not to singe the fingers of the supporting "paw," as you noted awareness of. Talk to some old cop wheel gunnies for more tips.
I have many firearms but my 642-1 pro series is my favorite all-time because it is with me at all times except post office and church. Mika Pocket holsters are by far the Best and I changed the grips to Beautiful Altamont Manga style.
I have this and the 442. replaced the stocks with the older "splinter" grip types. now I get all 3 fingers on the gun. I use wadcutters which are proven to be good for self defense but are low on recoil and also Hornady standard pressure 110 gr FTX. I carry speed loaders for both and pocket carry.
I still love the Centennial that I bought thirty years ago! After a year of so of carry both with and without a holster I carefully opened the side plate to make sure that there was no grit inside: a pea-sized ball of lint was in there somehow! AND the gun had been shipped to me with ZERO lubrication inside! I carefully dabbed tiny drops of a thick oil on all of the moving parts and pins, and the revolver became EVEN SLICKER AND SMOOTHER than originally!...........................elsullo
My favorite pocket gun. You nailed the highs and lows. Take the side plate off after a year of service and it's clean as a whistle on the inside. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🇺🇲🔪🌲🔥
My standard EDC. The trigger is heavy but it's for a good reason. Takes some getting used to. This is a great critical defense carry. This is what I want while pumping gas in a neighborhood I don't know. This is what I want while shopping. This is what I want at the ATM. If you think you're gonna get attacked by a rifle squad by all means bring the auto. It's most likely gonna be 1 or 2 and up close and personal. It'll get the job done.
I own this revolver I picked it up for summer cary ,but I can't go back to anything heavier. I got some tips on this gun after wearing it for over 5 years. First: grips : Get a better set for this lil shooter. I put hogue mono-grip on and love it but any grip that covers the back strap and lets you use a speed loader EZer would work just as well. Next finish : The paint or whatever S&W uses on the 642 can flake off ..You can cerakote it, but I polished mine. It is perty now. If you do polish yours black out the rear sight. Be careful about making your guns look real nice....Your kids will steal them. my daughter has put dibbys on this one. I said for when? after I die...she said yea. Rounds : I pack hornady crit def non +P in this j frame. I like them cause of the lighter recoil and less muzzle flash. That being said I am not recoil sensitive but the recoil is wild on these To finish, carry : A gat this light you don't carry, you wear it. I like a pocket holster but I could see hip carry and it disappearing just as ez
I paint all my snubbies front sight orange than a layer of clear nail polish. Much easier to pick up, for fine/accurate shooting, and flash-sight picture shooting.
I personally don’t feel the need to use a holster of any sorts to pocket carry this gun because of the long/heavy trigger pull. Maybe I should, but I feel pretty safe not besides maybe getting some lent in the mechanism.
That gun has one of the best triggers i have ever felt stock. Its hard and there is a click and then one more click before boom. It allows you to pull and engage the tricker and hold on click 2 on your target for a single action shot preprimed. With practice, you can get on target and hit everytime. Very good gun for carry. Only five rounds but stick some good hot plus p in there and the bad guy is out of the game with one well placed shot.
After 3 months of owning this gun the finish on the back strap started flaking off and revealing a muddy gray color. 1 month later and most of the back strap and horn of my model 642 are showing the bear aluminum alloy. Other than that, my model 642 doesn't require me to dress around it by having to wear an expensive duty belt or a top of the line holster. I mostly pocket carry mine with a 5 round speed strip in my fifth pocket and plan on replacing my 158 grain flat nose FMJ with some Critical Duty +P.
@@jeffreywilkey935 I usually run Remington jsp 180gr for fun and underwood 200gr XTP for hunting. The Remington 180gr jsp are probably the best plinking round(still tameable recoil but put out a wicked fireball lol) at around $50 on sale for a box of 50. Crazy prices man I remember when 44 mag was almost half the price 10-15yrs ago!
I have this gun but in Black, (442) which actually works better as far as sites One thing that will help is if you take and paint about the top 1/3 of the site with a couple of coats of white appliance paint, followed by a couple coats at the very top of either bright red or bright green depending on what your eyes like better Some people even prefer Orange Also for the purpose of long shots you need to learn how to Stage the trigger properly, which does take some work As far as snap caps, just keep the fired casings when you go to the range and use those
Is this thing gonna be safe to pocket carry (with a good kydex holster) with metal forms banging up against it in my pocket while I’m doing cement work
Yep, 5 rounds is not good. I also carry 2 speed loaders as a backup when carrying this firearm. However, I am considering moving to a Taurus 856 which holds 6 rounds.
If your worried about an attack at the mall from "long range" which would be a lower probability, you wouldn't carry a snub nose to begin with. It's impossible to carry for every situation or scenario. Depending on where you live and their laws, even more impossible. Let's stick with FACTS! Street mugging, car jack, home invasion, and store robbery most probable. So, long range and capacity becomes a non factor. What is a factor is how quickly you can get to your weapon and shoot..even if with one hand.
I believe Jeep people must be the ones worried about only 5 rounds in a revolver. They're so used to preparing for ludicrous scenarios. Stats don't lie- you'll be fine with 5 rounds, kid. But if you're worried about it, carry two revolvers.
I carry this gun with different grips. No safety, no accidentally discharging. This thing does the trick. If you need to carry 15 rounds, which I have several pistols in that configuration. If you need more than 5 to go to Walmart, or mcdonalds you don't need a new gun. You need to change your lifestyle.
Or you were very unlucky that day…
you look like you need to lay off the mcdonalds
You might need to watch some badge cams or active self defense videos. Everything about life is unfair and your mindset is just not realistic.
@@hks956 couldn’t agree more.
I've used my J frame in two self defense encounters. These small revolvers are ideal. Very easy to conceal and I shoot them well.
642 is simply awesome. Have the standard version and the performance center model. Extremely reliable and so many different carry options.
As a regular citizen all you should be concerned with is breaking contact in an emergency. This gun will do that better than most.
There are a lot of people commenting about possibility over probability. If you start carrying for every possible scenario you will end up having to carry so much that you will eventually stop carrying anything.
Most people don’t even have the ability to carry a gun with 15+ rounds and a spare magazine, but you can almost always get away with carrying a Snubbie. Actually, they are so light and concealable that you could easily do a NY carry if you are that concerned with capacity.
Carry what works for you, but just carry.
exactly.
I love a 642 BECAUSE I forget it’s in my pocket. Throw a couple speed strips of 38+p in one of my other pockets, forget about it until god forbid it’s needed.
Fuck carrying 4 pounds of steel like I see some folks do.
I can put a 642 in basketball shorts. Or a jacket pocket; and because of the shrouded hammer, it WILL go bang
Amen.
In a self defense scenario, you probably won't be using sights anyways. It's a point shoot gun for sure ❤
Yessir, facts! Majority of the time. There still outliers but agreed!
Laser sites for indoor use 😎
I have this gun and a dab of yellow paint on the front sight makes it easy to pick up.
You can't assume that. What if it's an active shooter?
@@aztronomy7457shoot your way to your long gun, duh! Jkjk
I often carry a 1990s model 37 airweight, close cousin of this one. Nice gun...accurate and easy to conceal. S&W j frame revolvers are hard to beat, in terms of reliability and concealment.
Started carrying a J Frame off-duty in ‘68 & my EDC in retirement is either a 340PD or 442 Pro in a pocket holster. Used my issued Colt DS in a ‘74 gunfight w/armed robbery suspects so I have confidence in this platform. As to the sights on your 442 chances are you’ll never use them in a real life self defense situation. I experienced three on duty shootings but only used the sights once, and that was in the hallway of a well lit motel.
Great review! 👏 I've been researching a small pocket piece now for over a year, and I just reviewed your video last week. I purchased mine based on your review. Thank you, Sir!! I like it simple
If you find yourself in a situation that a trusty S&W 642 can’t get you out of, I doubt any other gun you might carry concealed would help you at that point! At least that’s my mindset when I carry mine lol. Great review!
I agree 100%! Respect and thanks for watching
Multiple assailants would be that scenario and today that is very common. It's a great gun for self defense but I wouldn't wanna get caught in a gunfight with one if I had the option of carrying a 9mm with 15 rounds and extra mags. I love my 642 tho and for up close nothing beats it
@@jeffreywilkey935Duh
@@jeffreywilkey935It’s the way to go personally for sure!
When NYPD had 38’s they taught to grip revolver crossing thumbs behind backstrap . For revolver I find it to be a superior grip . I find it to be stronger grip and better for accuracy especially with smaller revolvers . Look up videos on that grip and give it a try .
I became a cop in LA back in the 80s. Yes, the revolver grip is different and provides superior control.
Very cool tip, thanks.
If I'm on a local outing with the family, or, I'm on a business trip where I'm constantly changing clothing, other guns can really be problematic maintaining stealth . I must have five different holsters for this thing including the 5.11 pistol pouch which I wear across my chest when working, driving, etc. I carry a more potent firearm when I can, but the 642 allows me to remain covertly armed under any circumstance. Sometimes I use a Crimson Trace laser grip which probably triples the effective range as the sight radius on the iron sights are only good inside 10 yards tops. In addition to the advantages of lightweight and concealable shape, I agree with your statement that this is a very safe firearm. That's important because when I'm heading to work I'm having to move my firearm constantly during clothing changes or tasks
Wait till winter and you start throwing it in your coat pocket while your weapon on your waist is covered with layers - my 442 shines in that role! Congrats on your 642!
I carry a 637. I have full confidence in the pistol. I carried it as a backup when it came out on my ankle until I retired from LEO. If you don't have full confidence, you don't need to carry it. 👊👍
I'm not the expert, but a thumb over thumb grip gives excellent control (left over right). I think Gun Sam has trained himself to use that sort of grip regardless of revolver or semi auto.
Also, I put a Big Dot front sight on my Ruger LCR, and lightly drilled two very shallow depressions on each side of the u channel on the rear, and put bright pink paint on the end of a tooth pick in those depressions. I'm very happy with my sights now.
I have S&W 642 and carry it often. Good gun, carries well, usually in cargo pants/shorts pocket.
Fantastic firearm, in my EDC rotation along with my kimber micro 380 and sigp365 9mm
A excellent video on the S&W 642 I don't like the stainless steel model it just doesn't look good the black 442 is much better with no lock
Though limited to five it is advisable to carry some spare cartridges, at least enough to reload up with 5 more if surviving the encounter and fumbling a drop or 2 or 3. Revolvers cant be pushed out of battery like the slide of an autoloader during a hands on encounter grapple. Inside a vehicle you wont have your spent casings bouncing about. There are without exaggeration 100s of grip options from scores of manufacturers to be sought after, unlike the molded frame magazine well of a semiautomatic, even those having a few grip inserts. The manual of arms is intuitive, just hold on and pull the trigger, if you must arm a trusted companion in an emergency. Practice one handed shooting, by drawing, blading the threat to block with the other hand protecting firearm retention, while firing single handed, both strong and weak. And in 2 handed drills take care not to singe the fingers of the supporting "paw," as you noted awareness of. Talk to some old cop wheel gunnies for more tips.
I pocket carry my performance center642 every day in a Mika pocket holster, love it!
I have many firearms but my 642-1 pro series is my favorite all-time because it is with me at all times except post office and church. Mika Pocket holsters are by far the Best and I changed the grips to Beautiful Altamont Manga style.
I have this and the 442. replaced the stocks with the older "splinter" grip types. now I get all 3 fingers on the gun. I use wadcutters which are proven to be good for self defense but are low on recoil and also Hornady standard pressure 110 gr FTX. I carry speed loaders for both and pocket carry.
I still love the Centennial that I bought thirty years ago! After a year of so of carry both with and without a holster I carefully opened the side plate to make sure that there was no grit inside: a pea-sized ball of lint was in there somehow! AND the gun had been shipped to me with ZERO lubrication inside! I carefully dabbed tiny drops of a thick oil on all of the moving parts and pins, and the revolver became EVEN SLICKER AND SMOOTHER than originally!...........................elsullo
My favorite pocket gun. You nailed the highs and lows. Take the side plate off after a year of service and it's clean as a whistle on the inside. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🇺🇲🔪🌲🔥
Lots of people online complain about the recoil stinging their hands on this model. Do you find the recoil to be harsh on the hand?
My standard EDC. The trigger is heavy but it's for a good reason. Takes some getting used to. This is a great critical defense carry. This is what I want while pumping gas in a neighborhood I don't know. This is what I want while shopping. This is what I want at the ATM. If you think you're gonna get attacked by a rifle squad by all means bring the auto. It's most likely gonna be 1 or 2 and up close and personal. It'll get the job done.
I own this revolver I picked it up for summer cary ,but I can't go back to anything heavier. I got some tips on this gun after wearing it for over 5 years.
First: grips : Get a better set for this lil shooter. I put hogue mono-grip on and love it but any grip that covers the back strap and lets you use a speed loader EZer would work just as well.
Next finish : The paint or whatever S&W uses on the 642 can flake off ..You can cerakote it, but I polished mine. It is perty now. If you do polish yours black out the rear sight.
Be careful about making your guns look real nice....Your kids will steal them. my daughter has put dibbys on this one. I said for when? after I die...she said yea.
Rounds : I pack hornady crit def non +P in this j frame. I like them cause of the lighter recoil and less muzzle flash.
That being said I am not recoil sensitive but the recoil is wild on these
To finish, carry : A gat this light you don't carry, you wear it. I like a pocket holster but I could see hip carry and it disappearing just as ez
I paint all my snubbies front sight orange than a layer of clear nail polish. Much easier to pick up, for fine/accurate shooting, and flash-sight picture shooting.
Hickok45 uses it.
How will it, the 642, compare to the FN Reflex?
I've carried one since 2008. It looks like hell but works perfect and is 100% reliable. Hope I never need it but feel naked w/o it!
I personally don’t feel the need to use a holster of any sorts to pocket carry this gun because of the long/heavy trigger pull. Maybe I should, but I feel pretty safe not besides maybe getting some lent in the mechanism.
That gun has one of the best triggers i have ever felt stock. Its hard and there is a click and then one more click before boom. It allows you to pull and engage the tricker and hold on click 2 on your target for a single action shot preprimed. With practice, you can get on target and hit everytime. Very good gun for carry. Only five rounds but stick some good hot plus p in there and the bad guy is out of the game with one well placed shot.
After 3 months of owning this gun the finish on the back strap started flaking off and revealing a muddy gray color. 1 month later and most of the back strap and horn of my model 642 are showing the bear aluminum alloy. Other than that, my model 642 doesn't require me to dress around it by having to wear an expensive duty belt or a top of the line holster. I mostly pocket carry mine with a 5 round speed strip in my fifth pocket and plan on replacing my 158 grain flat nose FMJ with some Critical Duty +P.
Crazy when you think S&W has these superlight frames in 44 mag 💥💥💥
Have fun getting ammo
@@jeffreywilkey935haven’t had an issue find 44 mag in my area. Underwood is the way to go…
I'd have to order online nothing in my area
@@jeffreywilkey935 I usually run Remington jsp 180gr for fun and underwood 200gr XTP for hunting.
The Remington 180gr jsp are probably the best plinking round(still tameable recoil but put out a wicked fireball lol)
at around $50 on sale for a box of 50. Crazy prices man I remember when 44 mag was almost half the price 10-15yrs ago!
“Only five rounds” …still makes me laugh
Didn’t ask you. You have never used a firearm for self defense. For work carry, as new construction plumber, it’s one of the best options.
@@spnfirearms ..right Aloha, punk
I have this gun but in Black, (442) which actually works better as far as sites
One thing that will help is if you take and paint about the top 1/3 of the site with a couple of coats of white appliance paint, followed by a couple coats at the very top of either bright red or bright green depending on what your eyes like better
Some people even prefer Orange
Also for the purpose of long shots you need to learn how to Stage the trigger properly, which does take some work
As far as snap caps, just keep the fired casings when you go to the range and use those
Love ❤️ my Laser sites
I understand the grip issue I have to switch it when I carry my LCR 38. But it is light and easy to carry. Just carry a speed strip or two.
Put an apex or wilson combat spring kit in that ,you will get a trigger like the performance center model ,i have had them in my j frames for years.
I did the Wilson kit and I think it brought it down to ~9lb.
Have that as well, and the 442.
That and a 637 in my battery too, the 638 is a meld of both in 1.
@@richardkluesek4301 I have some Taurus .38s as well
@@dakidsbac777 Another worthy option, usually heavier than the Smiths with larger grips giving more purchase to break windows and heads up close.
Is a Taurus Revolver or a Charter Arms revolver better? Would you recommend any of those other the S&W M&P 38 spl bodyguard?
Out of all of those, the smith but the lcr is one of the best defensive revolvers right now in the market
Taurus and CA make good guns. Smith's are special. Love them all but love my Smiths a little more.
Spn with a revolver ?😱
Walk up. Broad day.😂😢
I HATE shooting my 642. With 158 grain loads, 2 cylinders is all I want to shoot through it.
Love my 642 I can shoot it al day. But I’m experienced
There are lighter loads.
Is this thing gonna be safe to pocket carry (with a good kydex holster) with metal forms banging up against it in my pocket while I’m doing cement work
Just picked up a used one of these to use as a BUG, but it's so damn easy to carry!
your comment about grip differences with revolversnd semiautos is appreciated.
Just shoot it and know it. Practice makes perfect.
I prefer carrying this iwb appendix, I've never pocket carried, but in sure pocket carrying can be super effective with the right holster
Nice! The 637 PC is the one I've been thinking about. Update..picked it up a few days ago. Its sweet.
The first thing I did when I got mine was to get a trigger job. Mine also has a laser, so o don’t worry about sights.
What ammo do you carry?
Underwood +p xtp 125grain!
I got this pocket holster i only use when i have little pockets. Its nice.
Long range self defense?
ive got the 638...its not meant for long range...anything over 21 feet is too far away for it to be accurate every time...
Okay so hear me out on this...a 638 with a 6 round cylinder, no lock, and the same size grip .....
Yep, 5 rounds is not good. I also carry 2 speed loaders as a backup when carrying this firearm. However, I am considering moving to a Taurus 856 which holds 6 rounds.
Hilarious. 5 is plenty
I back up carry a 637. Very light tool
I carry a 442 in a Sticky holster in my front pocket
What size sticky holster is it. Want to order one online
@@edwardsekera6915 , MD-5 Medium
MD-5 sized Sticky Holster
Used to carry an LCR for years. Only stopped because I wanted night sights, and a faster reload
Consider a model 640. It has night sites and the cylinder is machined for moonclips.
I'm just wondering why the guys at S&W don't give you a removable front sight to give you alot more options then a
IT IS WHAT WE GIVE YOU !
Very helpful, you get a like
If your worried about an attack at the mall from "long range" which would be a lower probability, you wouldn't carry a snub nose to begin with. It's impossible to carry for every situation or scenario. Depending on where you live and their laws, even more impossible. Let's stick with FACTS! Street mugging, car jack, home invasion, and store robbery most probable. So, long range and capacity becomes a non factor. What is a factor is how quickly you can get to your weapon and shoot..even if with one hand.
Very light. I can carry it with gym shorts and it disappears. Recoil however, is very unforgiving. Not a good gun for novice shooters.
I believe Jeep people must be the ones worried about only 5 rounds in a revolver. They're so used to preparing for ludicrous scenarios. Stats don't lie- you'll be fine with 5 rounds, kid. But if you're worried about it, carry two revolvers.
Get a apex duty carry kit for the j frame it improves the trigger tremendously and it like $30.
Maybe this was already mentioned but SAFETY CHECK please!
If you can’t see there are no bullets in this revolver then you need new prescriptions
I hit still at 20 yards with this bad boy 😈
It's interesting how many people are so tripped up by how to grip a revolver.
You shouldn’t be taking long shots. Run, Hide, Fight applies with a gun too.
First time being shot at was by a tweaker with a shotgun in 1987. I got off the X most rickity tick and ducked behind a wheel well.
So if you have big hands it’s not a good gun
I have one it’s great
I love mine all I carry point and click not fuss
You need laser grips to make this a decent pistol
over modulated. invest in a good microphone please…
but you NEVER explained that little latch on the side of the frame...and your camera is staring right at it beginning to end... just an awful review.
Everyone knows what it is. Lmao
This is the dumbest comment I’ve seen in a while . Keep doing gods work SPN 🫡
It's not black
If it’s a long range anti-personnel shot you’re probably headed to court.