S&W Model 642 .38 Special Revisited

[@El_Andorrin]

This IS the grandpa everyone wants

[@M0ggea]

Agreed

[@MJHootHoot]

Indeed!

[@icecubo3128]

yes sir

[@GodOfWar-gp8cj]

Hell yea

[@ship4427]

This is the comment everyone makes.

[@2009kelley]

I have said for years “After five shots: one of us should be dead or we both should be running” ….

[@FakeNews953]

Absolutely, just would hate to be corned by cowards with no ammo. Running away isn’t always an option. Look into active self protection KZbin channel. You’ll be surprised at the real life encounters, and may even learn some good tips!

[@idid1866]

🤣😂😂

[@donesixfour]

As Clint Smith says: How about some positivity, dude? Maybe we can reload and win lol

[@pewpewTN]

The problem is "one of us" dosen't always mean only one bad guy. A lot of times these cowards attack in groups.

[@americangangster1911]

Your opinion on what should happen has nothing to do with what will happen.

[@jaydo1879]

I don’t know why I love this gun so much. A semi auto micro 9 makes more sense but I just like this better.

[@timsharkey1993]

I carry my 642 most of the time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had that same conversation with myself about capacity and capability. It always comes back around to the bottom line which is: carry the gun you feel most comfortable and confident with. For me, that is this gun.

[@gilbertoesquivel9668]

Exactly..

[@michaelclark2458]

It’s light weight. And it’s a great shooter.

[@jeremybstudentpilot5315]

All you had to do is add a hogue grip to it and it’s a very solid concealed carry. Unless your going into a hostile area, why do you need a semi auto.

[@clawhammer999]

This man never stops amazing me with his marksmanship. These J frames are easily require a level of competency that's difficult to maintain. And here he is making it seem easy.

[@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884]

They actually aren’t that hard to shoot using 38

[@jameswhitaker1324]

Not with my 642, because it’s hammerless (shrouded, whatever) but I’ve plinked with good results at 100 yards on a 6” rock with a chief’s special, single action. These guns are accurate, but it’s all about sight radius. I used to carry my 642 in an iwb holster and my 442 in an ankle holster. Not a bad way to go... I’ve also carried both at the same time in a belly band, one right hand, one left hand.

[@markmcdonald5711]

@@jameswhitaker1324 New York reload. I think they call that.

[@frankbodenschatz173]

We all need to shoot 1/4 as much as he does!

[@buttersmcgee]

That would be the case with any defensive DA only pistol with a 10+lb trigger pull. Practice like w/ any firearm. Then practice some more

[@steve447]

Man, I wish me and my Dad can turn a hobby into a business like they have. Spending time w/pops at the range is the best.

[@craig1640]

I believe you could make it a business. If you get it running ill come work alongside ya

[@SoWavvyy]

@@craig1640 I agree start filming but make good film with good and fun friendly shootin!

[@53rat]

642 been my EDC for 22 years now. Great gun

[@jayplay3412]

Folks I have a air weight & carry it everywhere I go that being said it takes big time practice to master to the snubby like this man has ..! He’s accuracy with this lill jewel is amazing .. 80 yards with a snubby is unbelievable .. after a lot of practice & I mean ALOT I do not feel under gunned at all these guns are top shelf especially for pocket carry …. God bless America 🇺🇸…

[@Hatch61]

Most days my EDC is an actual Chief’s Special, pre-model 36. I’m the third generation to carry it. Thanks for the videos guys, they are much appreciated.

[@deltadragon2335]

That's really cool and its awesome that firearm has been protecting your family for generations

[@wethepeople4762]

Mr.45 to the ant “he deserves to lead his creepy little life like me haha.” This is why I respect you so much lol. He dodged the flicks and you agreed he earned it.

[@gilbertoesquivel9668]

Love my 642! It's my edc out here in the left coast...I've carried glocks, shields, and 1911's...I always come back to this little gun 95% of the time...it ensures I carry all the time.."The best gun to carry is the one you left home with and have on you when SHTF happens, not the 18 round wonder 9 race gun with optics and supressor you left behind..." -said somebody wise

[@Gixxer-Mo]

My Dad and I bought two 642's 20 years ago. It was both of ours first conceald carry firearms. Niether of us would sell them for nothing in the world ! Have not seen much pocket time since we got G26's and G42's and now Hellcat's but the sentimental value the 642's have will keep them in the front spot of each one of our safes for ever. Great revolver for pocket carry.

[@yankeecornbread8464]

So many channels feature range footage that is a long, grim, boring series of bangs and slow-motions. But Hickok has so much fun shooting and talking that it just draws you in. And that old familiar voice!

[@chrismarshall4486]

My father in law has that exact model. I’m going to get one soon. I borrowed his to shoot. So surprised how well I could hit with it. I didn’t think I was going to be able to hit the broad side of a barn but I was knocking cans over at 20 yards. Couldn’t believe how well it shot. Recoil isn’t bad either. I just love it

[@fishn365]

Carried, and still own, my S&W J frame as my backup. +P ammo. Simple, accurate and never had an issue.

[@tafloyd2]

I once used a bodyguard 380 with the crimson trace to explain trigger pull to a newer shooter than did not understand why they were having a hard time hitting targets with a small gun. If you have someone take an empty double action w/ a laser and aim at a wall so they can see the amount of movement they are getting during a poor trigger pull....then practice until they can hold it still during the entire pull....makes an excellent dry fire exercise

[@RickJZ1973]

The 642/ 442 is in my opinion a excellent choice for concealed carry! A very reliable and lite weight revolver.

[@williambeasley2582]

About 5 years ago I came out of retirement to be a transport officer for the state prison system I retired back in 1996. For my service weapon I bought a performance center model 642. I wanted a lightweight (15oz)weapon due to going in and out hospitals and other medical facilities. Very well pleased with this little gun and my highrise retention holster. I reretired about 2 years ago and this is now my EDC. Great video and have a great day and a better tomorrow

[@JimmyDevere]

What holster are you using for your 642?

[@TCLaser45]

Bought one from Buds a few weeks ago without the lock. My first revolver and I love it

[@tomsikes9064]

My edc is a Taurus 856 snubby in yes,,,38 Special. Matte finish, rubber grips, handy, even from my holster. Thanks "uncle" Hickock!!

[@adrinextreme]

Man I love my 642. I carried it for years in my front pocket.

[@bobbyboothe8964]

Great Gun. You don't even know when yr carrying it. Shoots great. Nothing to hang up or mess up....Thanks

[@cliffhouser9138]

I love .38 revolvers, I own 3 Charter Arms Undercover revolvers, one that I bought used 20 years ago and two that I bought in 2021! Great wheel guns!

[@frank4532]

I bought a 642 when they first came out Never leave home without it Thanks for the video 😊

[@kevinward8915]

My favorites as well have the 642 and a 638

[@noelrodriguez8129]

As always, quality marksman ship and information. Learned quite a bit about my new 642

[@LionquestFitness]

Thank you Hickok! The J Frame still rocks.

[@tonybaloney3726]

Thank you fine Sir! You could never be long winded, we love to hear what is on your mind and what you have to say!

[@jeremybolen6037]

My 642 has been my backup gun for 15 years. Constants reliable companion by my side. Never had a malfunction. I have tried to replace it with other firearms only to have malfunctions or have the semi-auto come out of battery while carrying. I always come back to the 642, because I can’t find anything better as a back up gun.

[@abefroman1721]

Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@chrisbrake7219]

The s&w 438 & 649 (357mag) are in my carry rotation depending where I'm going. Everyone should own a double action revolver. Will make you a better shooter with any handgun!

[@gwidwock]

The very first handgun I ever fired was the 642. I qualified for my CCDW permit with the 642. So I went and bought my first handgun , the 642. That was 2007. I still have it and carry it in the summer in a pocket holster. Great little gun. Thanks for the video.

[@jimmeli5200]

I too have a number of options to carry and do carry different guns regularly. However, my 642 is my "always gun" it's in my pocket at all times as a back up or primary. I go nowhere without it. It's light and easy to conceal which is just one of it's appealing factors. It does take some practice but will shoot better than you can for sure. Get one. You'll be glad you did.

[@tyronelylesjr]

i like that "always gun"

[@DS-kc4ck]

Used my Smith 638 as a backup for years. It ALWAYS goes bang!

[@brianmoran3450]

I love how you painted the front sight with orange paint ! It shows up really well. I will be sure to paint my front sight as well..

[@brianklamer3328]

My two favorite carry guns, S&W 442 and S&W 342 Scandium.

[@redrat1334]

Revolvers still have their place. Gotta love the machining and lack of polymer.

[@r.h.w.1776]

The practicality of this gun for edc makes it ideal. Easy to make disappear. Light as a feather. Easy to clean, maintain. Safe trigger action. Forces you to become an accomplished shooter. The list goes on…

[@maxmccain8950]

I’ve had a lot of guns come and go but I’ve ALWAYS had a 642 handy. Great little guns.

[@JHargis68]

I've had a 637 for a while and just ordered a 442 because it was on sale for the insanely low price of $329. The older I get the more I appreciate lightweight guns. I also do the orange-paint-on-the-front-sight thing. It really makes that front sight POP.

[@whiteybeamer4329]

Mr. Hickok, you Sir, are a national treasure. Great job as always have this little gun as well.

[@rangersmith4652]

The very first firearm I ever bought was a 642, and I still carry it quite often. I did a little trigger work to improve the weight and smoothness. Great little carry gun.

[@blitzcraig1001]

Bought my 442 a few years back from Buds and yes, Hickok45 did play a role in my decision. It's my most consistently carrier CCW and will never trade or sell it. Much like my 9mm Shield I simply couldn't be happier with it. Haha I bought the Shield from Buds as well!

[@d7dun1010]

My old S&W 442 with two additional Speed Loaders or Speed Strips should get you home? However, there is much comfort in a Glock 26 or Glock 19. Great info for the newer folks. A great reminder for us that have been around them for a bit. After seeing this, might just get mine out for tomorrow?

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

The SW 642 is the perfect New York reload, being so lightweight. No need to have speed loaders/strips when you can have a loaded revolver instead. Like you say it, however, it may not be needed. Thanks for posting.

[@jayostrem6214]

I carry two of those for EDC since I retired.

[@roadwarrior3315]

My wife and I each have one for our back up guns. Awesome firearms

[@Theophilus1968]

You're the reason I bought one over a year ago. I easily carry it 70% of the time even though I have other options. Thank you Hickok. You are a scholar and a gentleman for sure.

[@ilovetrump1252]

That gong shot is amazing from that distance.

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

One for the right hand and one for the left hand. Keep up the good work brother

[@vegasun8]

Dear Mr. Hickok45, I have to say that you are the one who has inspired me to buy my first 642 J frame revolver. In fact, I just picked that up earlier today. My first revolver is a Ruger Sp101, 2 1/4 inch stubby. For some reasons, the smith Wesson J frames just have this special charm that is so intriguing!

[@brandonfick4996]

Great guns to have. I have the 442 and love it.

[@mrpibb7781]

I love my airweight 642. Bought it on a whim because BP had a sale a few years back. I've got VZ grips on it mostly due to the texture as it is a pocket gun for quick runs to the store, etc. I will say this, for anyone that's never shot a snubby before and wants to carry one, PLEASE go to the range and practice with it. It took me a long time to where I was hitting where I wanted to at 5 yards. For me, the minimalist sights and the heavy DA pull were a challenge to master (as if anyone besides Hickock or Jerry can "master" a revolver). I'm only saying, don't just carry it without knowing where those rounds are headed. Also, those HSTs are GREAT.

[@anthonyparkinson5820]

Great comment. Proves you know what you're writing about.

[@mrpibb7781]

@@anthonyparkinson5820 thank you. I try not to talk about things I know nothing about. Not always successful but I try haha

[@007twm]

Great video. I EDC a 642 and have since I bought it in 1996. Only recently have I alternated with a Ruger LCP .380 for hot weather pocket carry. Thanks for sharing.

[@kylewood8327]

Bought my first gun in 1982, a model 19-4 and still have it. Great gun! So I started with revolvers too. Stryker guns are nice but S&W revolvers are reliable and things of beauty! I routinely carry a model 60-14, 640 Pro, and 66-8.

[@travistucker4067]

Right on brother! I got a 19-3 pin barrel. Never getting rid of it.

[@USAwarrior500]

I've owned and carried this same exact revolver for almost 2 yrs straight off duty as an Executive Protection agentI love it!! Great video as always hickok45! .38 special +P is a powerful round.

[@Ostrich101R]

Got a model 60, 38 special several years ago, awesome for EDC.

[@waynebruening794]

WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN; hickok45 - TN woods - S&W revolver - AMERICA!!! Thanks hickok45 you make all this crap doable :)

[@BillOptional]

imo, the 38's are the most overlooked, underrated guns/rounds on the planet.

[@rsafree1139]

How so? As he says, they sell tons of them

[@tomemery3916]

Good video. I have the 637 Smith and Wesson. Carried it on my ankle many years for backup.

[@kjackson6803]

I sincerely pray that you and your family were not affected by the flooding. Hopefully, this post is an indication that all is well at the compound. Love your videos and wish you continued success Sir.

[@SACA27529]

I carry my 642-2 Airweight right often. Great gun. Thank you.

[@bronzedisease]

I ve never owned a gun but this channel is just so fun

[@righteousredneck777]

I see so many saying how hard this gun is to shoot. I bought one and just got done shooting it. I had a nice grouping at 20 feet and as far as it being hard to shoot? I used the stock grips and had no problem whatsoever. I enjoyed my time with this new pocket carry of mine. I found it easy to shoot. Simply use a firm grip and use the other hand to help stabilize. Basic fundamentals. I really have no complaints at all. My shots were a little high and right,but I think that was just anticipation and me not being used to it. At 7 yards I had most of my shots on a silhouette target all in center mass and a few a bit high and right. As far as the gun itself. A fun little shooter!

[@rca3rd]

Shot my new 442 for the first time yesterday.Fell in love with it!

[@MrHuetown]

Got those same Hogue grips on my Airweight. They feel great.

[@seppijessup9563]

I put some VZ grips on mine far better than the rubber.

[@cloudnein8114]

@@seppijessup9563 ok

[@TylerTRD]

Wow! The day I pick up my own 642 this video drops! Thank you for being so awesome

[@milesian1]

Woo-hoo! Congrats.

[@stevenperri7723]

Hickok45 - just bought a Zastava M70 Z-pap. Can’t wait to watch this video. Thank you for the continuous education on a mans favorite hobby!

[@robertparks634]

Have other carry pieces including a P365 and I still pick up the 642 every time. Just love how it disappears

[@Cap5332]

Love the 642-1 great back up gun

[@VTPSTTU]

I love the 642 Airweight. I love that they've stopped putting the lock on them. I wish I could find a gunsmith to disable the lock.

[@joedeleon1189]

My 642 Pro is more often than not the backup to my EDC... I like it fine for that role and love the fact that I can have it ready to go, through my pocket, and no one's the wiser. To me it's the perfect contact get-off-me tool that should buy me time to get the hell out of Dodge in a hurry.

[@richardboucher7528]

After watching your first video on the 642 I was sold and it’s still in my rotation to this day and always will be excellent videos

[@trumppatriot6828]

I owned the .44 special version down in AZ. Still kicking myself for selling it! Orig $550 sold for $1,000!

[@marblemarble7113]

thatd be a great self defense gun

[@christianlind7035]

I'm unaware of any J-frame being made in .44 special. I think the cylinder diameter is too small for that cartridge. By chance do you have the model number of that gun?

[@oldgringo66]

Looked at one this morning. LGS has three. Yeah, I’m going back.

[@JAREDGRAF8181]

@@christianlind7035 Theres not one. There is a 357mag one though.

[@grayintheuk8021]

Excellent video Mr Hickok45, I really enjoy your videos even though was cannot enjoy your firearm freedom here in the UK. At least we can watch you on your compound. Please keep up the grand work. Thanks you. Best Gray

[@varney2010]

Join a club and shoot. I'm in the UK watching this while cleaning .357 mag primer pockets.

[@grayintheuk8021]

@@varney2010 Thanks varney2010 I was not aware. Many thanks Gray. :)

[@jex9222]

My 1st revoler was the 638 airweight these little pistols are really great for what they are . Only wish I could find some 38 ammo right now

[@Pjeii99]

My Dad had one of these, This will be my first firearm purchase I think. When we went to the range I always loved shooting it!

[@soiboisteve515]

Would be a great choice if you can only get one gun.. Might want to consider a full-sized handgun to learn on though. Easier to make bigger mistakes with smaller guns.

[@virginiaoverlander4720]

One of my favorites in my collection ❤

[@jacobmarley4907]

Hogue makes a rubber grip that covers the metal backstrap. The grip has give over the backstrap so the bite in the web of the thumb and forefinger is gone. It is a little larger that the stock grip however I can still carry it in a pocket holster comfortably with no printing. The Hogue grip also seems to reduce the felt weight of the trigger pull making the little gun easier to shoot.

[@benscoles3067]

I too got that grip and was about to comment on it. It helps quite a bit. Especially with the Buffalo bore plus p fbi loads. Man if you have ever tried those they are a hot round in that 642.

[@curmudgeonextraordinaire1884]

The stock grips suck, aftermarket is a must

[@tomahawk5118]

And I thought I was the only one who duplicated firearms and blades I really like. 2 is 1 and 1 is none.

[@debyates4543]

Thank you, sir!! You're a good teacher!

[@ashleymarie7452]

The primary advantage of the 642 is that it is small enough and light enough that you will actually carry it daily. Also, the concealed hammer is a BIG plus. You can carry this pistol in a jacket pocket. Oftentimes, you have only a second or two to react to a potentially hostile situation. You can carry this weapon in a jacket pocket, and point it at a potential bad guy without divulging the fact that you are doing so. The weapon has a stiff trigger pull, so you are very unlikely to endanger anyone standing in front of the muzzle unless you are intentionally pulling on the trigger. Anytime you pull/display/point a weapon at a person, you have a reportable incident. This gun changes that. You can hold, aim and fire the weapon from within your jacket pocket (or backpack or purse). Having that last second to make such a critical decision can be the difference between life and death for you or your potential assailant. It could easily save your life.

[@oliviaroseink]

Exactly, great comment…

[@TimPatton-d6l]

It better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6

[@ghostwolf4354]

I have a 640 Pro and absolutely love it.

[@LA_Commander]

The best gun is the one you have on you when you need it! Period. The 642 and 442 are great examples of lightweight, easy to carry pocket guns which can be carried even in the hottest summer days when you only have shorts and T-shirt on. It's my "go to" carry gun. Some people complain about low capacity. Well 5 rounds is enough for about 99% of self defense situations. And if you feel you need more, then carry a speed loader. I carry a 642 with one speed loader and feel well protected 365 days a year.

[@neilbarrigar4664]

John your camera work appreciate your work thanks.

[@mattgyver1]

I bought my 642 in 2009. I carry it more than any other firearm.

[@b.w.2016]

I just unloaded my 642, wow, beautiful gun.

[@seerstone8982]

I'm rewatching this video, ironically I bought a twin one yesterday. With one in each hand, I have 10 shots.

[@efreutel]

🤡

[@620john620]

I have the Performance Center 642. My EDC, most of the time. Great little firearm. I’m thinking of buying another just like it. Quicker to pull out another than to reload.

[@deedeegray7489]

bought a 642 as my "birthday" present to myself ! It goes where I go......

[@albertforletta1498]

I’m not one to mix Hollywood fantasy with reality. I’m confident with my Ruger lcr. If I can’t resolve the situation in 5 shots, I seriously doubt that I would make it past 5 before I became incapacitated, or the bad guy became incapacitated, or the bad guy just runs away in search of an easier victim. Hickok, I respect you common sense, and your wisdom!!

[@theparalexview785]

Just got a good used Model 642 for jogging (I'm more concerned about feral hogs and dogs than feral humans where I run) after getting tired of the weight of the Ruger SP-101 for that purpose. I have to wear shorts with belt loops and a belt to support the SP-101. The Airweight 642 is darned near perfect for this purpose - long jogging or cycling sessions in mostly rural areas. Hopefully it'll resist sweat as well as the Ruger - that SP-101 has held up to sweat for 30 years with minimal maintenance and a lot of outright neglect. Recoil was snappier than I'd expected, even with an old box of target grade 148 gr soft lead wadcutters, and a handful with 125 gr HP +P Gold Dot, Golden Saber and some 20+ year old PMC Starfire (tightest groups of the three essential similar rounds). But not much worse than the same rounds through my old S&W Model 49 Bodyguard, despite the weight difference. Both are snappy with +P, especially with those little Pachmyr and Uncle Mike style hard rubber boot grips. But I don't want to sacrifice the concealment and carry-comfort for the shooting comfort of larger Hogue grips, since I'll shoot these so seldom in practice (and hopefully never in self defense). But after firing a few full magnum handloads from my Ruger SP-101, and sacrificing two rounds from the last box I have of the old Black Talon 180 gr in .357 (less felt recoil than my own handloads in 125 gr HP and hard cast 158 gr SWC over Unique), I decided the Airweight 642 was pretty okay. Now I just need to install that Wilson spring kit so the 642 DAO pull matches my SP-101, with lighter Wolff springs and polished action.

[@fs357mag]

Your 2009 S&W 642 video is the first Hickok45 video I ever saw (2011). Been watching ever since. Nice to see it featured again.

[@annettemc2554]

I love, love, love my little .38 J-Frame. Mine does have a hammer and it's stainless. It was the first gun I purchased because the guys I worked with at the time advised me to start with a revolver. I purchased it used and evidently it had some trigger work done on it (according to another gunsmith) so it has a very easy trigger. It's a breeze to shoot for me probably because I have lady hands and maybe because it was the first gun I ever shot so I had no point of reference. When I first got it I used to sit around the house and practice with the feel of the trigger so maybe that helped me too. I did take a lot of crap in my CCW class as I was the only one with a revolver. It just made me feel special 😂 I've since purchased a G19 and G42. I don't feel as comfortable with either of them so when I go out I take the .38.

[@caerb48]

My everyday, 640 is an excellent choice. Have carried it now for a decade. Thank You Sir..

[@danbgt]

My paternal grandmother was 10 years old in 1889! Wish I could have known her. I have bought several carry guns over the years. Mostly 380’s and 9mm autos. Every time I end up going back to my old alloy 642. I always begin to doubt that the auto loader will function if I need it. I will never get rid of my 642. Or any of my other 38 snubbies.

[@grandinquisitor1522]

I have one of these; it was my first revolver. Love it! It takes some time to become proficient with a Jframe revolver, due to size, sight radius, DA trigger etc. I suggest buying several hundred wadcutters and practicing, as well as some hotter rounds.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Safest gun to carry for sure - love mine...

[@JackGordone]

I carry a 642 every day in summer. I don't care what you're wearing, you can hide the little S&W, either in a pocket holster or in an IWB holster, usually at the 4 o'clock position, occasionally appendix. I like wad cutters and with the 642, I never worry about an AD.

[@beermaker1100]

Where did you get your IWB for it?

[@soiboisteve515]

@@beermaker1100 a coat hanger works great

[@williamfry6087]

Hitch you are a classic. Thanks again. Balistol