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Looking for Replacement for 642

5K views 20 replies 12 participants last post by  Rob1109 
#1 · (Edited)
Until recently, I owned a S&W642 (for about 13 months), and traded it off because although it was a breeze to carry in pocket, the thing was just too painful/difficult to shoot.

I really want to replace it with a lighter (under 20 oz loaded weight) revolver that I can both easily carry in a pocket, and also shoot 50-100 rounds every couple of weeks without too much pain.

I don't expect it to be a range or target piece, but I do want to practice with it enough to have some kind of proficiency for any possible self-defense situation. This is the gun that I'll want to carry with me "everywhere"...the one that I won't leave home without, especially when carrying my SR9 just wouldn't be practical.

I was thinking about an LCR, either in .38 or .357, and wanted to hear from any of you that have experience with the LCR's, and maybe a 642 also. I probably wouldn't carry a .357 with more than .38+P's in the cylinder, and would only consider the .357 for any possible extra durability of the frame.

It's really important for me to be able to easily pocket-carry or IWB/OWB the revolver, and the lighter weight would make carrying easier for me when my lower back goes out of whack (happens pretty often since surgery), and when I couldn't carry anything heavier.

I know it depends on what kind of casual wear (jeans/shorts) I have on, but is it easy to draw the LCR from a pocket with the Hogue "Tamer" grips? That's one reason I kept the 642 as long as I did...it was a great pocket carry.

One last question. Have any of you fired a LCR with the CTC laser grips? Do they eliminate any or all of the lower recoil advantages of the LCR with the Hogue "Tamer" grips?

Thanks for any help here.
 
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#2 ·
I've had several S&W "J" frames in the past, both steel and alloy framed models. I was never completely happy with them, and never kept one more than a few months.

I've had an LCR for a while now, and am completely happy with it. Light, compact, and I can manage it better than I could the S&W's on D/A . I'm OK with standard loads or +P's with 125 grain bullets. I have some difficulties with aimed follow-up shots with the +P 158's.
 
#3 ·
I have the LCR in 38 Spl and it is snappy with +P's but the grips and frame absorb a lot of the recoil. The trigger is excellent and is a great help for good accuracy. I use it for pocket carry it and I'm happy with both size and performance.
 
#4 · (Edited)


What's wrong with an older S&W M60 J-frame? You can still find ex-PD guns for $300 or so, I have one and I love it! Got mine for $220.They are highly sought after, many people don't like the new "J Magnum" 60's ,with the MIM and IL.

The old J-frame snubs aren't range blasters or plinkers, not something I would take to the range and shoot 200 round through. But it is accurate and reliable and I can't even feel it in an IWB or OWB holster. I have carried it while wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Pocket carry is no problem, even though it's "frowned upon" by some I have been known to drop it in a front pocket to run to the store. I added a T-Grip and it helps DA shooting a lot.

No offense to anyone but I never got the whole thing with all the Airweights and Scandiums and people wanting snubs that a fruit fly could carry away...no doubt they are punishing to shoot, .38 +P's in a revolver that weighs less then a cell phone can't be too much fun..........the old Smith J-frames weight almost nothing but are actually shootable. I wouldn't run 10,000 rounds through them or any more than a token amount of +P but they aren't made for that, they are draw and shoot close range protection guns.
 
#6 ·
I would definitely recommend an SP101 with the 2.25" barrel, or an S&W model 36 (or model 60). Both are heavy enough to be comfortable to shoot, but still compact enough to pocket carry.
 
#7 ·
Thank you for your replies. I've considered the steel-framed guns mentioned (the SP's, and model 60's included).

I owned a model 60 in .38 in the early 90's while still living in Illinois. Since carrying a revolver wasn't legally permitted there, and since there were better house guns, I (see me kicking myself) sold that gun.

stantheman86, I've looked at new j-frame model 60's, and I can't see spending $650 on a j-frame, considering recent quality control issues I've had with recent Smith products (B/C gaps uneven and too large, timing issues, etc.). An older, well-cared for model 60 like the one in your picture would be great...BTW, that's a really nice-looking revolver.

And specops and stuart9534, for some reason, I just haven't had good experiences with recent SP-101's. The 2nd to last one I owned I could shave with (I'd probably need to buy some extra grinding stones for my Dremel to remove all the sharp edges around the trigger guard area. The last one (built in '93) that I bought used had the barrel over-tightened (canted to one side).

At a gun show last year I picked up a Taurus 605. After taking it home and trying to double-action dry fire it, the cylinder and hammer locked up half-way through the trigger pull. I was fortunate to be able to return that gun the next day, and that's when I picked up my 642.

And so, I now find myself still trying to find a good revolver that will meet my needs for non-hassle carry, and not-too-painful shooting. I was hoping that an LCR, though pretty new in design, might meet these needs. And so this thread.

Thanks again for your replies.
 
#8 ·
The LCR is a great little wheelgun. I've shot both J-frames and the LCR, and I actually prefer the LCR a little bit. Mine is the featherweight .38 Spl +P version, and I won't get rid of it. They can be had for less than $400 if you shop well.

The LCR is a little snappy with .38 Spl +P's, but not unbearably so. Feels roughly the same with standard .38 Spl to me. My "powder puff" .38 Spl load is what I use for regular range practice, to be long-term friendly to both my hands and the gun. :)

I wouldn't recommend an SP-101 only because it's much heavier. Of course, that extra weight makes it more .357 Magnum-friendly, but it'll sag your windbreaker jacket to one side where an LCR won't. This can matter in the late spring and early to mid fall.
 
#9 ·
I don't like the new J-Magnum frame Model 60's.....with the 3" barrels, adjustable sights, underlug barrel you would be far better off with an SP101. If I wanted a concealable new S&W I might as well buy a 64-8 3", it's not much bigger than these new "J Magnums".

S&W took away the one thing that made the old J-frames awesome, a lot of punch in a very small package. The new 60's are more like S&W tried to make a "happy medium" between a compact .357 and something that can be used as a "shooter", and you really can't have both. The South Korean national police even use the .357 3" M60's as sidearms for the uniform police.

I have handled some of the Airweights and I figure you might as well stamp "For Emergency Use Only!" on the side for all the good these are for any amount of shooting.
 
#10 ·
Had a 642 and LCR 38 to eval side by side on the range for about 3 mos. Bought the LCR. WAY easier to shoot for me, got rid of thr tamer grips as they were to chunky and put a set of CT's on ant its a dream to shoot. I also now have the 357 version too! I'd say try one prior if u can, but I had very little experience shooting revos but the LCR is just a "natural" for me!

-Drew
 
#11 ·
Had a 642 and LCR 38 to eval side by side on the range for about 3 mos. Bought the LCR. WAY easier to shoot for me, got rid of thr tamer grips as they were to chunky and put a set of CT's on ant its a dream to shoot. I also now have the 357 version too! I'd say try one prior if u can, but I had very little experience shooting revos but the LCR is just a "natural" for me!

-Drew
 
#12 · (Edited)
Drew78, thanks for your comparison of the 642 and LCR. Could you tell me what you think of the LCR in .357, as far as weight, and ease of carry compared to the lighter .38 version?

Also, just curious what it is about the LCR that made it easier for you to shoot than the 642...trigger pull, lack of recoil?

And I know you swapped out the 'Tamer' grips for the CT's, and that the CT's are probably slimmer in profile for carry. Overall, how do you like the laser sighting on your LCR?

And stantheman86, I agree with your views on the airweight S&W's, even in .38spl. The only reason I'm looking at the LCR's, with their relatively unproven track record, is the cammed trigger that most seem to think is better out of the box, and the polymer grip frame that, like in the polymer semi-autos, seems to absorb recoil better than the metal guns.

And Cowboy T, thanks for telling me of your experience with your LCR .38+P. Along with the sharp exterior edges, rough interior surfaces, and crooked barrels, the 28oz loaded weight of the SP-101 did feel like a small brick in a pocket.

Thanks again.
 
#13 ·
Kal 101- see my responses in red below...

Drew78, thanks for your comparison of the 642 and LCR. Could you tell me what you think of the LCR in .357, as far as weight, and ease of carry compared to the lighter .38 version?

I acutally like the add wt of the .357 version as it is not as "whippy" when drawing. That bid of weight makes .38's VERY easy to control

Also, just curious what it is about the LCR that made it easier for you to shoot than the 642...trigger pull, lack of recoil?

Trigger for sure, it also points much better for me than the smith. I am assuming the polymer absorps/dissipates some recoil due to flex, but it is most likely the way it fits my hand...

And I know you swapped out the 'Tamer' grips for the CT's, and that the CT's are probably slimmer in profile for carry. Overall, how do you like the laser sighting on your LCR?

Its almost like cheating! :D They are great for carry and shooting, a must have IMO for such a small gun. I also have the XS tritium front sight on mine...

And stantheman86, I agree with your views on the airweight S&W's, even in .38spl. The only reason I'm looking at the LCR's, with their relatively unproven track record, is the cammed trigger that most seem to think is better out of the box, and the polymer grip frame that, like in the polymer semi-autos, seems to absorb recoil better than the metal guns.

I believe we have had enough info back on the LCR to feel comfy with its longevity. No, we havent had it for 10 yrs, but there have been plenty of high round +p "torture tests" done with them with no ill effects.

And Cowboy T, thanks for telling me of your experience with your LCR .38+P. Along with the sharp exterior edges, rough interior surfaces, and crooked barrels, the 28oz loaded weight of the SP-101 did feel like a small brick in a pocket.

Thanks again.
 
#15 ·
I have found the 642 easier to shoot than the LCR, I had the LCR for a couple of months and did not like it as well as the 642, it does come down to personal tastes, both are good I would shoot the LCR first.

You should consider the SP-101 it is heavier, but it will shoot with less felt recoil. As far as pocket carry, I don't find the LCR or 642 to easy to carry that way, I use "Clip Draw" on my 642 a lot, it is just a steel clip that I can use to carry appendix position.
 
#16 ·
Well, I made up my mind about my 642 replacement. I saw and handled an LCR in .38 in my LGS, and I think that it will meet my needs pretty well.

The 13-1/2 oz unloaded weight will make carrying really simple, and the trigger design and polymer grip frame construction should help to control the recoil.

I'm going to take it to the range within the next few days and run some light wadcutter loads through it, and then try some Speer Gold Dot short barrel 135gr +P's.

What makes me feel pretty confident in the controllability of this very light revolver were the comments from most here that actually shot the LCR, and didn't find the experience as painful as my earlier attempts to practice with the 642.

I remember when I first got my 642, I went on the S&W Forum, and told people how I intended to practice shooting about 100 rounds every week or so with that revolver. I think that statement must have amused quite a few 642 owners/ex-owners, because I read several posts on how severe the felt recoil was, and some people even asked me to let them know how the first 100 rounds worked out.:confused:

Well, in the eleven months I owned that gun, I confess that I never fired much more than 300 rounds, and I found myself carrying pistols weighing twice as much because I just couldn't warm up to the 642. With each passing week, I found I simply didn't want to shoot the thing, and I knew that without practice, I wouldn't be much good if I ever needed to draw it from concealment in a serious situation.

I carried the LCR in a Nemesis pocket holster in the front pocket of my ordinary jeans today...went for a 4 hour motorcycle ride, and with the stock Hogue grips on, it concealed well, and very comfortably. If the LCR lives up to its reputation as a carry piece that can also be fired in practice sessions without tylenol and bandaids, then I'll be very happy.:D

I'll let you all know how my first shooting session goes, and maybe include a few informal chronograph results with a couple of factory loads that I'm considering carrying.

Thanks again for your helpful comments.
 
#18 ·
I've found that my 642 No dash S&W fits the bill for pocket carry for me.
I carry standard velocity new old stock Federal Nyclads in 38spl & now that I have a 9mm 940 cylinder fit to it I carry the Federal Nyclads in 9mm para..
I don't carry anything else anymore, The Glock is long gone BTW..HaHa!!
I've slickened the action up & put Wolff springs in it & it's 100% with all ammo tested..
Put a set of Spegels on it & it slips in & out of the pocket holster great..
Hopefully the LCR will work out for you kal101
Gary/Hk

 
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