Snub nosed .38 ammo question...

Solid Snake · 02-15-2020, 04:48 PM

I've decided to start carrying my S&W 642 more often. I carried it off and on in my LEO days as an off-duty weapon but I was limited to department regulations as far as ammo was concerned. I think I was limited to 110gr or 115gr. I looked on the interwebs for what ammo to carry in it. The majority of my research recommends Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P. Before I go out and buy some, what input would any of you have on this? Keep in mind, this is 1-7/8 inch barrel.

Driswalds · 02-15-2020, 05:04 PM

I started carrying the Federal HST 130 grain +P

It expanded great and penetrated 13 inch.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/rev...llistics-test/

Solid Snake · 02-15-2020, 05:32 PM

Interesting article. I think the chart they show will be most helpful. Thank you.

Travish · 02-16-2020, 10:07 AM

I have a 642 for my “street bike gun” and it’s never failed. My buddy has a 64? (Bobbed hammer version) and he has had several issues with his. Had to send it back twice. Had to do with the

trigger lock thing if I remember right. Something rattling around and wouldn’t fire unless you held it upside down. Does yours have the lock? You might want to remove it if it does.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=XcyL4I3zHko

Sheepdawg · 02-16-2020, 10:57 AM

Stuff's hard to find at times but I think the 135 gr. Gold Dot for short barrels is the standard by which all others compared to.

Not bad on recoil either. Not a very hot round for a +P.

Solid Snake · 02-16-2020, 12:09 PM

Just got back from Academy. They didn't have much to choose from for .38spl. I went with Hornady XTP American Gunner 125 gr.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travish

I have a 642 for my “street bike gun” and it’s never failed. My buddy has a 64? (Bobbed hammer version) and he has had several issues with his. Had to send it back twice. Had to do with the

trigger lock thing if I remember right. Something rattling around and wouldn’t fire unless you held it upside down. Does yours have the lock? You might want to remove it if it does.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=XcyL4I3zHko

Mine does have the lock. I've had it for about 13 years and never had a problem. But I really only ever fired it once a year. I've watched a few videos on how to remove the lock. Looks easy enough but I know I'll fuck it up. Maybe I'll forget about it, maybe I'll try removing it. Who knows.

EDIT: After removing the lock, what are my options? Leave the keyhole piece in, just have a gaping hole in my frame, or is there a way to cover the hole up?

GBob01 · 02-16-2020, 08:33 PM

Had a 642 for years and loved it for CC.
Carried Federal 110gr (low recoil) Hydra shoks.

Solid Snake · 02-17-2020, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travish

I have a 642 for my “street bike gun” and it’s never failed. My buddy has a 64? (Bobbed hammer version) and he has had several issues with his. Had to send it back twice. Had to do with the

trigger lock thing if I remember right. Something rattling around and wouldn’t fire unless you held it upside down. Does yours have the lock? You might want to remove it if it does.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=XcyL4I3zHko

After watching that video a few times, I decided to attempt to remove the lock. It was surprisingly easy. You just have to take your time and don't rush it. Took about five minutes. Even if it never would have locked up on me, the piece of mind is well worth it.

02-15-2020, 04:48 PM	#1
Solid Snake Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 2,529	Snub nosed .38 ammo question... I've decided to start carrying my S&W 642 more often. I carried it off and on in my LEO days as an off-duty weapon but I was limited to department regulations as far as ammo was concerned. I think I was limited to 110gr or 115gr. I looked on the interwebs for what ammo to carry in it. The majority of my research recommends Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P. Before I go out and buy some, what input would any of you have on this? Keep in mind, this is 1-7/8 inch barrel. __________________ End of line.

02-16-2020, 10:57 AM	#5
Sheepdawg Happiness is a warm K98k Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: The hills of North Georgia Posts: 1,013	Stuff's hard to find at times but I think the 135 gr. Gold Dot for short barrels is the standard by which all others compared to. Not bad on recoil either. Not a very hot round for a +P. __________________ LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE Khruschev was right. So was McCarthy.

02-16-2020, 08:33 PM	#7
GBob01 Coonass Crusader Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: backwoods of south Louisiana Posts: 4,491	Had a 642 for years and loved it for CC. Carried Federal 110gr (low recoil) Hydra shoks. __________________ I do not believe that the Democrats are single-handedly destroying this country. I know that they, like the Republicans, are using both hands! *III DEO VINDICE*

02-15-2020, 05:04 PM	#2
Driswalds Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Its Cold outside Posts: 889	I started carrying the Federal HST 130 grain +P It expanded great and penetrated 13 inch. https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/rev...llistics-test/

02-15-2020, 05:32 PM	#3
Solid Snake Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 2,529	Interesting article. I think the chart they show will be most helpful. Thank you.

02-16-2020, 10:07 AM	#4
Travish Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Greensboro NC Posts: 533	I have a 642 for my “street bike gun” and it’s never failed. My buddy has a 64? (Bobbed hammer version) and he has had several issues with his. Had to send it back twice. Had to do with the trigger lock thing if I remember right. Something rattling around and wouldn’t fire unless you held it upside down. Does yours have the lock? You might want to remove it if it does. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=XcyL4I3zHko