Smith & Wesson 642, the ultimate concealed revolver!

A look at what is quite possibly the world's best concealed carry revolver.

[@glennrogers9905]

I don’t mean to be disagreeable or overly critical, but it really annoys me to hear someone say that a snubby is not accurate. The gun is perfectly accurate. It is the shooter who doesn’t know how to shoot a snubby that is inaccurate with the small gun.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Well, make a video and show us all how to hit quarters at 50y with a 642, big guy.

[@bobjohnson1633]

I really hope 2 moa off hand at 50 yards isn't how you define a handgun being accurate. Lol 5 shots, 5 seconds, center of mass, 50 yards. I do 1 ragged hole at 7 yards with a light handload i do. I'd have to load it back up, but it's like 3.5 grains of be-86. Best 38 powder imo.

[@LA_Commander]

To be fair, I think he was trying to make the point that this is a short range defensive gun, not designed for long range use. The short barrel, tiny fixed sights, it just isn't designed for long range shooting. It's designed to shoot the mugger who assaults you at the ATM or the 7/11. For that, it performs VERY well.

[@leifhoklin2681]

@@johnnyshootsalotGlenn is right, you know.

[@hasgunwilltravel6840]

@@johnnyshootsalotyou can easily hit a 10” plate at 50 yards reliably with a snub nose of good quality like the 642

[@bruceliggett8036]

Absolutely love my air weight 442!

[@oldcop18]

I ran 200 rounds of +P and standard pressure through my no-lock 442 Pro Series last week under as close to combat conditions, reloading w/speed strips & speed loaders, as the public range would allow. While no fun it does enhance my confidence in this little gun.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Sounds like a fun day! 👍

[@leifhoklin2681]

My 642 Pro went down a couple days ago with a broken hammer pivot stud. I’ve carried it several years off duty and on as a backup gun. I shoot it a lot and have put thousands of rounds through it. Couldn’t be without a J-frame. I went out yesterday and bought an M&P340. I’m having the chambers chamfered. I pick it up tomorrow.

[@sean0181]

I have had wilson combat spring kits in both my 360j and 642 never had any issues and i shoot them a lot,don't hesitate or worry they run great ,i have had them in for over 5 years.

[@ldguy5299]

12:09 “Clicking off rounds as I was going down the road” 😂😂 reminds me of weekends in my youth growing up in the country. Very interesting video and loved the added information of wadcutters.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnnyshootsalot]

@Danny Timms fyi, I was not actually shooting anything. I was "clicking off" hammer strikes on snap caps.

[@dane5896]

I put a larger Hogue rubber grip on my 442. It made it way more fun to shoot, stopped the thumb blisters. When I retired from the PD, the state of New Jersey wouldn't let retired cops carry hollow point ammo. I've been carrying Underwood's hard cast wad-cutters.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

I saw those Underwood wadcutters at MidwayUSA or something the other day... Are they a lighter powder load than average or similar to regular target loads?

[@cbroz7492]

..I'm a refugee from the PDRNJ living here in FL for the past 43 years...I carry HPs...no restrictions here in this free state

[@dwightshepheard4985]

New Jersey....go figure

[@user-ye5hs3pg5x]

Great video. I know that you are supposed to seek out differing opinions, but its nice to hear one that is Exactly like your own. Thanks.

[@michaelschaffer9165]

Revolver trigger reset is all the way forward. The trigger travel is longer in a DA revolver than a semiautomatic. They're a different animal, but they are excellent for close encounters.

[@kellyfinney7381]

My 642 has no KEY HOLE uglying up it’s beautiful good looks… And it’s brand new! Get you one!

[@jasonashley4579]

My 442 has no key lock and crimson trace laser boot grips on it.

[@Majorrogerragland48]

I did, in April 2024, no hole and PC tuned. happy camper

[@josephhughart3509]

Thanks for the advice about the Altamont wood grips and wadcutters.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Thanks for watching!

[@Chris_the_Dingo]

I love S&W snubnose. I have a model 37 from the '90s...the airweight version of model 36.

[@LA_Commander]

I got mine for a special "year end" sale at Turners for just $299 a few years ago. By far the BEST handgun purchase I have made! I thought it would be a good back up gun but this has turned into my primary carry gun. SO reliable, light, easy to carry (especially for hot summer weather carry). I didn't like how it shot at first so I installed some Hogue grips and a Wilson spring kit. Those two things made the gun 100% better to shoot. I can hit center mass at 5 yards and 7 yards, and even at longer ranges it's not that bad. But this is a short range defensive handgun, it's not a long range firearm. For what it's designed for, it does great. I can carry this all day long and almost forget it's even there. This fits the definition of an "always gun".

[@lanced3256]

Great post, I have a 442 and absolutely agree it ain't too pretty. It's my ankle carry when I just don't have the will to carry my Glock 30. Thanks!!!!

[@notnowchief.3089]

I have the Same Gun and Same Holster. Great Rig Actually. It conceals Amazing for me

[@gardius8151]

Love the intro music!

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Thanks, man! That's a tune off of my 2nd record. It's available here: www.amazon.com/Jukehouse-Shakedown-Explicit-John-Sosebee/dp/B0063M8344 or on iTunes as well.

[@nederlander9321]

I sent mine to Clark Custom for a service action job. Double Action lightened and smoothed to be reliable with all primers. Trigger polished and radiused. Definite improvement.

[@bobjohnson1633]

If 5* 158 wadcutters don't stop your threat, they're wearing armor, you missed, or that's not a person.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Tru dat

[@allensharp6876]

Or you should have brought a squad of Marines with you.😊

[@sneak916]

It’s not that unusual to have multiple attackers

[@thepracticaltacticalminima3940]

@@sneak916its extraordinarily unusual to have multiple attackers that don’t immediately flee the second the first shot is fired. If they don’t, that’s a hit. (Source, a bazillion ASP videos.)

[@sneak916]

@@thepracticaltacticalminima3940 That’s interesting that you bring up ASP because John is one of the bigger names that are pretty much against carrying wheel guns

[@oo7-ro6bu]

I was looking at the Taurus 856. After watching your experience. I spent the extra and got an S&W 637 pc.

[@frugalprepper]

Hornady Critical Defense Light is the only factory loaded round I have found that has lower recoil.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

I haven't tried those in anything but 9mm. They aren't readily available around here. But I didn't notice a enough difference with the 9 mils to justify hunting some down.

[@viktordtz2080]

Old style guns is amazing. Specially with the little wood grip (even, I suppose isn't the best for combat situation).

[@313JohnH]

Where can I get your music? Awesome stuff brother. Yes, I do enjoy the review as well.. ❤

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Thanks, man! You can find a couple of my earlier records on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon under the "John Sosebee Band". I also have another KZbin channel for my music that's "Jukehouse Johnny". I will be releasing my newest record, which is where most of these tunes on my recent videos come from, on that channel in a matter of days. Currently, that new record is only available as a hard copy in CD and usb format via mail order or at my shows.

[@georgewashington3012]

I just wish it were cheaper. It’s hard to justify ~$519 when you look at the firepower of something like the Sig P365/X or even the LCP MAX .380. The price should be closer to $380. It does have an old school cool factor though and it’s on my list if the price drops considerably.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Mmm, but the craftsmanship of these revolvers is a few steps beyond your average plastic semiautomatic. Thus, they demand a slightly higher price.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

357mag really does sort of require something near the 30oz or greater mark with a bigger grip, to absorb recoil and be something to train with. The S&W Model 66 combat magnum with 2.75" barrel would be ideal for that.

[@cliffhouser9138]

I am a big fan of snub nose revolvers with wood grips.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

They're the best 👌

[@trinomoreno9212]

Great review. I kind of wish I would have went 642 over my 442 for the stainless cylinder. I paired it with a leather iwb holster and the 442 cylinder rusts like no other. Adds character I guess 🙂

[@Valco458]

I live on the coast & pocket carry a blued J-frame in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster as a backup to my Glock 27. I’ve never had a problem with any kind of rust or corrosion. The little gun gets used often & wiped down with Ballistol afterward.

[@ftdefiance1]

I have carried one since 2009. In honesty I wish they made that exact same gun with the same dimensions and barrel length in steel. The 640 has a longer barrel and doesn't pocket carry. By the way I still have blood in my cylinder release.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

I agree. They kind of do, though. The model 36 Classic is same 1.875 inch barrel in blued carbon steel. If I could find one I would be carrying it now. Just can't ever run across one for a good price.

[@ftdefiance1]

@@johnnyshootsalot I think they make one a year

[@johnnyshootsalot]

@@ftdefiance1 sounds about right...

[@johnochicago8457]

John, would you run +p from your Model 642? My airweights are the new version listed as 38 plus p. I wouldn't use them on the range just for self defense. I also have a 640 .357 but would rather carry the airweight.

[@toadranger50]

My 642 is pretty darn accurate at 21 ft with target loads.

[@nickmiller9262]

I dig my 637. Love j frames

[@sonnybedez7040]

Need to know how to find those grips

[@kayok07]

I run a 643 with Altamont combat grips the only improvement I can think of is if they had the tritium night sight like the 360pd I've thought about getting that and just running 38s through it

[@johnnyshootsalot]

I hear ya. I like the PD models. 👍 For me, personally, I actually like the simplicity of the sight setup on the 642. Since I carry this gun almost all the time, it's just less to worry about getting damaged, and probability says I would likely never need to take a shot with it longer than 3-5y.

[@invictawarrior]

Lipsey's has gotten S&W to produce a new 642 called the Ultimate revolver with titanium pins rather than alloy. They even started producing it in .327 magnum.

[@gibby6904]

Ive had my 642 for 8 years.......my only handgun

[@PoopFrogg]

I NEED those grips

[@frankbutta9344]

A Pachmayr wrap around grip makes a J frame much more comfortable to shoot, while increasing accuracy. 👍

[@glennsammon4465]

I never liked the factory grips. I got some skinny grips also and I get a 3 finger grip. and the trigger gets smoother with use. I use wadcutters in mine. low recoil but still good penetration.

[@BAmerican]

Do 158 gr semi wadcutters have more recoil than 158 gr full wadcutters?

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

I could never get the hang of the dang speed loader.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Me either. At least not at the speed I'd like.

[@brandonheyward8635]

How did you get the good grips?

[@kayok07]

They have the classic 36 model it's got the hammer but it's blued

[@johnnyshootsalot]

Indeed, they do. I've been looking for one for months. Like another commenter said, I think they make like 1 a year...

[@michaelschaffer9165]

A wadcutter moving about 800fps will penetrate well and disrupt lots of tissue as it does.

[@Mike-ss4fr]

There is a 642 with these same grips at my local store for $350. What do you think of that price?

[@LeroyJenkins-ul1kb]

New? Stainless?

[@tjruss9658]

What type of speed letter is that and where can I find it?

[@johnnyshootsalot]

That's an HKS speedloader. The strips are Tuff Products brand. Both came from ebay for $13 and $14.

[@wooddawg4868]

The 642 and J frames like it are to light for practical use. If they had the weight of the 640 and the stainless steel Taurus 856 & 605 they would have more practicality.

[@trvlace]

I put 38 shorts in mine. EDC one handed and you don’t have any barrel rise and your not deaf. As you mentioned it’s a short range tool.

[@bobjohnson1633]

38 special is pretty low pressure as it is. If I think I'll need a gun where I'm going, I'm not going. Hearing damage be damned, it's already dangerous

[@stuartmarkman769]

I have the 649 in stainless. It is a 357 magnum and is a little heavy, but it shoots good.

[@johnnyshootsalot]

I'm a fan of the 649!

[@jessicagrecco5813]

I own this gun it’s terrific gets the job done well get a sw642 asap before world war three starts this gun is unbelievable and fantastic

[@glennsammon4465]

oh it is accurate at long range. it is the shooter that is the problem. small gun and small sight radius. and you can stage the trigger. load about 3- 3.5 grains of powder.and see if you can get BERRY'S double end wadcutters. and you are the first one on video who says to use wadcutters. look at Paul Harrel's video CARRYING THE 38 SPECIAL and you will see the wadcutters did the same amount of damage as the Hornady 110 grain FTX rounds did. get some HKS speed loaders . you will like them good video. thanks for sharing.

[@chutethemall8099]

Rubber grips cushion recoil better than wood, especially if they cover the backstrap. Using weaker ammo should be a last resort.

[@marckristel1598]

have you ever used a Clipdraw on your revolver

[@johnnyshootsalot]

I have not.

[@josephhaack5711]

Was it diggin into your thumb really bad? Lol

[@Reepa008]

I just put fmj 132 grain I'm cool with that they all do same thing get you gone

[@waholoopesorry74]

"I'm one of the biggest fans of S&W revolvers that there is..." also gets nearly every model # incorrect that is mentioned in the video

[@cbroz7492]

...I carry my late wife's 442..

[@johnnyshootsalot]

That's a great choice!

[@cbroz7492]

..ahe won it in our collectors club raffle about 7 years ago..Imiss her...

[@dustinclark8155]

​@@cbroz7492 that's awesome that you get to carry her revolver though, stay safe out there brother 🙏

[@toadranger50]

She’s still protecting you !

[@OLMmedic]

While your driving down the road? Bro, you sound crazy. Someone will kill you if they see you dry firing in your car, thinking you going to shoot someone

[@jimcipriano5322]

At first glance they are not sexy, but they kind of grow on you. I got two. I am eyeballing getting another one. Because, Merica!

[@dougcobb8114]

Talk to much

[@johnnyshootsalot]

As this is youtube, if you don't like my videos, you are welcome to watch any number of others that are available. And if you have the skills and knowledge, make your own. But thanks for the comment. It certainly helps with the algorithm whether you intended to or not.

[@dwightshepheard4985]

He is talking about the gun he advertised in the video. Change the channel if you are not happy, Doug.

[@dougcobb8114]

I apologize, I was rude in that remark..should said long winded..and thoughts of maybe spring kits may improve..mileage may differ..and different loadings..ect..But I was rude in my comments..at end day nice presentation of your take on j-frame..