SW 642 question

[Paniolo]

Hey all,

I have a 2-in S&W 642 in 38 special.  Actually, it's marked "38 spl ctgs" on the right side of the barrel.

No where on the gun (it didn't have a box when I bought it) does it mention if it can handle +p loads.

What's the best way to tell?

Cheers,
/dan

[cdcasey]

try this link it is directly from s&w's website:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=760510&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=


if its the same gun u should be okay for +p according to the website but if u want to make sure take it to a qualified gunsmith to check it out first as it sounds like u bought it used.

[TAB]

if it does not say +p, its not rated for +p.  it really is that simple.

[MikeBjerum]

Go to www.smithwesson.com and sent a message to their customer service.  They will tell you everything about that gun that you want to know.  They will also send you a new book if you ask.

[twyacht]

if it does not say +p, its not rated for +p.  it really is that simple.

Well, not exactly,....The Taurus Catalog has on pg 12 a highlighted section that states all CIA and Ultra-Lite pistols are tested to +P specifications.

Even though my M85 does not have +P stamped on it. I even called Taurus CS and they said +P were fine.

Always good to hear it from the source. When in doubt, that's what the 1-800 number is for....

Taurus does put a small disclaimer for +P+ rounds but I don't want to shoot those anyway, I'll just go to the safe and get a larger caliber.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

FQ raised the same question last week and the answer was that FOR CARRY purposes any modern S&W revolver WILL handle +P loads but you just don't want to use them all the time as they will cause the gun to wear out faster.

[TAB]

Well, not exactly,....The Taurus Catalog has on pg 12 a highlighted section that states all CIA and Ultra-Lite pistols are tested to +P specifications.
Even though my M85 does not have +P stamped on it. I even called Taurus CS and they said +P were fine.

Always good to hear it from the source. When in doubt, that's what the 1-800 number is for....

Taurus does put a small disclaimer for +P+ rounds but I don't want to shoot those anyway, I'll just go to the safe and get a larger caliber.

that does not mean it will handle lots of +P loads.  metal fatigue can be a real issue with guns. more so for carry guns as they are often not made of steal or are made with very little "exrta meat" on them.

[Paniolo]

Thanks guys.

Given the lack of consensus, and consequences of getting it wrong, it would seem the prudent to stick to regular old 38 till I find out for sure.

Looks like I have an email to write to the kind folks at S&W.  They _should_ be able to identify when the gun was made, and whether it ever supported +p pressures.  If it aint - it's probably time for a new carry piece anyway :-)  Maybe one of those nightguards...

/dan

[twyacht]

As technology has evolved and made ammo better; sure +P at it's higher pressures will cause more "wear and tear" on any pistol. The good news is, for SD carry, +P is fine. For the range, standard ammo is more than adequate. I would even state that standard pressure JHP's in .38 would suffice for a carry or a home defense SD round.

An email to S&W will clear any of your very rational concerns danmjones. Welcome to to DRTV, glad your here.

[MikeBjerum]

Thanks guys.

Given the lack of consensus, and consequences of getting it wrong, it would seem the prudent to stick to regular old 38 till I find out for sure.

Looks like I have an email to write to the kind folks at S&W.  They _should_ be able to identify when the gun was made, and whether it ever supported +p pressures.  If it aint - it's probably time for a new carry piece anyway :-)  Maybe one of those nightguards...

/dan

The man is smarter than the average newbie    Welcome!  Let us know what you find out, jump on over to the new member intro thread  http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=19.0, and hang out awhile.