Everyday Constant Companions

TOrrock · #1 04-12-07, 17:02

You can't always get what you want, but if you try real hard, you'll get what you need.

I want to be able to carry my SIG P226 every day at work, but it's just not practical with warm weather, so I just picked up this mint pre-lock S&W M642 Airweight Centennial.

I put a Tyler T-Grip on it as well as a set of Barami Hip Grips. Old School works!

Carry ammo is Speer .38 spl. 135 gr. +P Gold Dots, designed for short barrels.

Spare ammo is carried in a Bianchi Speed Strip.

The Cold Steel sees a lot of use as well.....

Wayne Dobbs · #2 04-12-07, 17:44

And if you know of where a SECOND pre-lock 642 is available I want to know. I need a spare one...

LOKNLOD · #3 04-12-07, 18:41

What's the functionality of that right side grip?

TOrrock · #4 04-12-07, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOKNLOD

What's the functionality of that right side grip?

It allows you to slip the gun inside your pants, the shelf on the right side grip keeps it secure and doesn't allow it to slip down. It's a pretty secure set up, and dirt simple. They've been making those grips for probably 30 years or so.

John_Wayne777 · #5 04-12-07, 19:31

Great minds think alike:

The Smith J frame is without a doubt one of the best firearms purchases the defense minded individual can make.

The pictured 442 sometimes rides as a primary (when I have no other choice...) with the pictured Cold Steel knives (I am looking to upgrade them soon...) and a Bianchi speed strip.

...Only I load all six rounds in my speed strip.

You never know....that one bullet could make all the difference!

I always advise new CCW folks to first purchase a service grade handgun in a reasonable caliber and then lots of practice ammo, and proper defensive ammo. After that, I tell them to get themselves a Smith J frame.

They are awesome little weapons. I have one on me almost every waking moment of the day, usually as a BUG.

Barry in IN · #6 04-13-07, 10:16

I've carried this 442 once or twice:

Re: 5 or 6 in SpeedStrip-
I've heard of carrying 5 rds in them to leave more tab area to hang onto when using. I tried it and found I fumbled around with it more, due to the step-up to a different thickness. I doubt anyone has needed (or been able to use) the sixth round from a speed strip for their 5-shot revolver, but what the heck, it doesn't hurt anything being there.

TOrrock · #7 04-13-07, 12:38

I've found that I fumble with that 6th round in the strip, so I leave it with 5.

Just how it works for me....ymmv.

Someone needs to make them for .44/.45 calibler.....

John_Wayne777 · #8 04-13-07, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry in IN

I've carried this 442 once or twice:

Re: 5 or 6 in SpeedStrip-
I've heard of carrying 5 rds in them to leave more tab area to hang onto when using. I tried it and found I fumbled around with it more, due to the step-up to a different thickness. I doubt anyone has needed (or been able to use) the sixth round from a speed strip for their 5-shot revolver, but what the heck, it doesn't hurt anything being there.

Wow.

And I thought mine looked rough from all that daily carry.

Yours is definitely the hardcore champ.

The only situation where I can imagine that sixth round making a real difference is when the zombies are about to overrun your position and you decide to deny them their live meal.

John_Wayne777 · #9 04-13-07, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

I've found that I fumble with that 6th round in the strip, so I leave it with 5.

Just how it works for me....ymmv.

Someone needs to make them for .44/.45 calibler.....

Smith does (or at least they used to) make one of these hamerless revolvers in .44 special. My former gun dealer caught a special on them and ordered several and sold them for about 350.

I have kicked myself many times for not buying one at that price.

Yojimbo · #10 04-13-07, 13:57

Looks good to go! I like those Barami grips too!

Barry in IN · #11 04-13-07, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

Someone needs to make them for .44/.45 calibler.....

Agreed. It's been a long time since I've carried any revolver other than a J-frame, but I have wished for other caliber Speed Strips in the past.

The larger the caliber and/or frame, the bulkier the speedloader, so the Speed Strip may have even more merit- at least in theory. The sales might not be very high overall for them, but I know of a couple of 44 Bulldog fans who would pay a fair dollar for a few .44-sized Speed Strips.

For that matter, the two or three people who bought the .32 Magnum J-frames might want a couple!

Barry in IN · #12 04-13-07, 14:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_Wayne777

Smith does (or at least they used to) make one of these hamerless revolvers in .44 special. My former gun dealer caught a special on them and ordered several and sold them for about 350.

I have kicked myself many times for not buying one at that price.

They had a couple as I recall. One was humped-backed, somewhat Bodyguard-looking, and maybe had a Ti frame.
The other was the 696, in SS, and was basically a 3" barreled 5-shot .44 Spl L-frame. I got one of those in 1997 for $369 (just ran across the receipt the other day). I was browsing around the internet about a year ago and found a S&W forum, and they were talking about how in demand they were and what they were bringing. I had no idea!

If I were to ever carry that 696 (doubt it, but you never know what the law may limit us to), I would sure love to have a .44 Speed Strip or two.

Gewehr3 · #13 04-14-07, 14:32

I have made Speed Strips out of plastic lids. The homemade versions look like hell but function fine. You may want to try it for larger calibers.

9x19 · #14 04-14-07, 22:53

My first pistol was a S&W hammerless 442. I kept it for a while after I bought other handguns, but I sold it when S&W made the deal with the devil. I think they are great defensive pistols, but I definitely prefer something a little more controllable.

nyeti · #15 04-15-07, 01:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_Wayne777

Smith does (or at least they used to) make one of these hamerless revolvers in .44 special. My former gun dealer caught a special on them and ordered several and sold them for about 350.

I have kicked myself many times for not buying one at that price.

I have one of those Smith 296's, and it is a GREAT carry gun.

GastonG-NoVa · #16 04-16-07, 14:37

I was working in plain clothes and carried one for a bit. I responded to a man with gun call. It turned out to be a man with rifle call. Everything turned out to be ok, as I am typing this, but it gave me a rude awakening. I know that no pistol is better than a rifle.

Never get into a gunfight with a caliber that doesn't start with 4.

Always carry a spare mag.

Always have at least 9 rounds initially in your weapon.....more if it is a 9mm. (although it doesn't start with 4)

The little five shots are comfy to carry, but I decided for myself that they are nice until you get into a fight, which happens to be why I carry it in the first place.

To each his/her own.

Good luck,
G