Good defensive load for a S&W 642 Airweight

[cpio]

Can anybody recommend a good JHP carry load for the S&W 642 that is very effective and reliable without creating massive recooil? Maybe something designed for short barrels?

[Ewussor]

I use this in my 637 (same gun, only difference is the exposed hammer):



However the recoil from them is beyond a doubt, "snappy".

If that's too much for you, Federal makes a "Low Recoil" Hydrashok. I've not tried them:

[rwb1500]

I use this in my 637 (same gun, only difference is the exposed hammer):



However the recoil from them is beyond a doubt, "snappy".

I second the 135gr Gold Dots. That is exactly the load I carry.

[JohnGalt]

I second the 135gr Gold Dots. That is exactly the load I carry.

Third. Great gun & my EDC with those exact rounds. I'd really recommend putting some down range prior to you carrying them though. The stock grip, lightweight frame, and snappy rounds make for... they are very different than target rounds.

Congrat's on a great firearm!

[jb7304]

Another vote for the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +p.

[Ewussor]

I'd really recommend putting some down range prior to you carrying them though. The stock grip, lightweight frame, and snappy rounds make for... they are very different than target rounds.

Yup. My 14 year old daughter will happily run a box of wadcutters through my 637, but she wants no part of shooting those +P Gold Dots from it. I let her try once. She fired one, put the gun down, and said, "Dad, that hurt!".

[rwb1500]

An Airweight J frame is a compromise on barrel length (and a million other things). You need an efficient, proven round to help overcome all those shortcomings. You don't want to handicap a gun that is already a compromise by using an inefficient load.


If the recoil is tough to control try using a larger grip.

Hogue Monogrip

http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?...oducts_id=1756

[DaveM55]

Another vote for the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +p. I carry them in my S&W 442.

[renalp]

6th, or whatever the count is up to, on the +P Gold Dot Short Barrel.

You won't shoot it for fun, but IMO any load that's comfortable out of a 15 oz gun is going to be marginal for defensive purposes.

[Boots_DE]

Can anybody recommend a good JHP carry load for the S&W 642 that is very effective and reliable without creating massive recooil? Maybe something designed for short barrels?

In the title you mentioned "Airweight". If you indeed have a 642 Airweight, and not just a 642, you need to do some research and make sure it's rated for +P ammo.