New toy- police surplus S&W 642

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bullsi1911
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New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by bullsi1911 »

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Posting at stoplights while driving. Post more info later.

Had a chance to pick this beater up for under $330. No dea what department had it before me, but it was not well cared for. BUT- it shoots great. The group is the 3rd cyl through it at 7 yards
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bullsi1911
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

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Ok, more time to post now.

More pics:
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Picked the gun up, and was able to run to the range and run about 50 rounds of mixed bag reloads and factory loads. Took a bit to get used to the trigger, but it is nicely worn in and capable of good accuracy if I pay attention to how the trigger stages… but this is not a long range gun.

It seems to have possibly never been cleaned, and not fired much… the barrel was full of pocket lint, and as you can see from the pics, it looks like it rode in a pocket with keys, loose change, maybe a couple of drill bits and end mills… but it does not seem to affect the operation and accuracy.

Since this is going to be a coat pocket gun, I’m happy with it. Plus… hey, new gun!
To make something simple is a thousand times more difficult than to make something complex.
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Elk Creek
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Elk Creek »

Looks good, a little abused but what’s to be expected for a police gun…. My 642 would keyhole some bullets at 10-15. I found what it likes. The worst was a hollow based wad cutter loaded backwards, loaded properly it is an amazing load.
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shotgunshooter3
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by shotgunshooter3 »

Great score! I have a 442 no-lock I impulse bought that I ended up being quite fond of. I think a range report was posted on the old bygone forum.
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Zee
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Zee »

That’s kinda nice! Always liked those.
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Wambli Ska »

That’s a darn fine score at that price point 👍👍👍
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Chiro1989
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Chiro1989 »

That was my primary carry until recently, mine looks the same after riding in my front pocket most of the time and on my hip in the woods, stuck a Crimson Trace laser grip on it, still have to stay on the front sight, but easier getting back on the fullsize targets when moving, easier to see after shooting in low light.
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Varmintmist »

I have no real use for a 38 revolver, but I want one :) good score
Freezer
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Freezer »

Nice score! I like it.
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Wambli Ska »

On an associated topic S&W has semi-quietly stopped their ignition key program!!! It only took them, what, 30 years?

I might actually have to start looking at their “Classic” series again.
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

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Wambli Ska wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 2:46 pm On an associated topic S&W has semi-quietly stopped their ignition key program!!! It only took them, what, 30 years?

I might actually have to start looking at their “Classic” series again.
I’ve seen that the new “classics” have no Hillary hole… but have 2 price barrels. I guess you can’t have everything
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by bullsi1911 »

Freezer wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 1:01 pm Nice score! I like it.
Thank you! It’s my first true J-frame, and I’m starting to understand the love for them
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

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Varmintmist wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:29 pm I have no real use for a 38 revolver, but I want one :) good score
Thanks!
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by bullsi1911 »

Chiro1989 wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 3:45 am That was my primary carry until recently, mine looks the same after riding in my front pocket most of the time and on my hip in the woods, stuck a Crimson Trace laser grip on it, still have to stay on the front sight, but easier getting back on the fullsize targets when moving, easier to see after shooting in low light.
Right now it’s just my desk fidget toy, but I can see this being a pocket gun for futzing around the house
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by bullsi1911 »

Wambli Ska wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 2:40 am That’s a darn fine score at that price point 👍👍👍
Thanks! 👍
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by bullsi1911 »

shotgunshooter3 wrote: Mon Oct 20, 2025 5:56 pm Great score! I have a 442 no-lock I impulse bought that I ended up being quite fond of. I think a range report was posted on the old bygone forum.
I do remember that. It is a neat little gun
To make something simple is a thousand times more difficult than to make something complex.
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bullsi1911
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

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Elk Creek wrote: Mon Oct 20, 2025 5:34 pm Looks good, a little abused but what’s to be expected for a police gun…. My 642 would keyhole some bullets at 10-15. I found what it likes. The worst was a hollow based wad cutter loaded backwards, loaded properly it is an amazing load.
I plan on getting a few rounds tested on gel in the next few weeks. Tumbling isn’t bad… inside the target :D
To make something simple is a thousand times more difficult than to make something complex.
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Re: New toy- police surplus S&W 642

Post by Elk Creek »

bullsi1911 wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 11:11 pm
Elk Creek wrote: Mon Oct 20, 2025 5:34 pm Looks good, a little abused but what’s to be expected for a police gun…. My 642 would keyhole some bullets at 10-15. I found what it likes. The worst was a hollow based wad cutter loaded backwards, loaded properly it is an amazing load.
I plan on getting a few rounds tested on gel in the next few weeks. Tumbling isn’t bad… inside the target :D
Ride that ragged edge!!!🤣
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