S&W 642 Alternative for CCW

[Name_Restricted]

I've been carrying a S&W 642 for years. Mainly just for quick errands like checking the mail or running to the store. I normally carry a Glock 19 if I need something with more capacity.

Lately 5 shots + a 5 shot speed strip feels light even for quick errands. Any opinions on an auto with more capacity to replace my 642?

Thanks.

 

[blasternaz]

Sig 365 or 365XL, depending on your size and grip strength.

 

[MarkItZero]

Kahr

 

[baja]

Something lighter, slimmer than G19 but more capacity than 642.
Since you already carry a Glock I'm thinking a G48 at 10 rounds would be perfect.

 

[pneuby]

IF you want it to be in the pocket, a G42 in .380 is one of my faves. A G43 is 6+1, or 9+1 with Shield mags

 

[campinginaz]

Depending on what calibers you like and if it's pocket carry or not. Here are some thoughts. I've shot all of these except the Ruger LCP Max. I like them all and the Ruger LCP 2 has a much better trigger than the original LCP.

.380 Auto
Ruger LCP 2 - 7 round magazines
Ruger LCP Max - 10-12 round magazines
Glock 42 - 6 round or +1/+2 round extensions

9mm
Glock 43 - 6 round magazines or 9 rounds with the Shield Arms magazine
Glock 43X - 10 rounds or 15 with Shield Arms magazines.

 

[tdog90yj]

Kahr

“This is the way”-said in Mandalorian… I love my Glocks but when you get to single stacks you lose magazine compatibility within caliber. I went Khar before Glock made single stacks and have not looked back.
It is true you will lose some of the “Gucci” stuff like comps and RDS slides but in my mind if you are looking for that carry your G-19. Oh and the khar doesn’t have those pesky AD issues the sigs have had :shock:

 

[AZ_Five56]

I recently switched over to an HK P30SK. It's very slightly larger than a Glock 43 and the standard magazine carries 10 rounds. You can get extended magazines that carry more and give your pinky something to hold on to if you prefer, and I like that flexibility.

The only way to go with a P30SK is with the LEM trigger rather than the DA/SA configuration. I feel like the LEM trigger gives you the best of both worlds between DA/SA and striker fired, although the P30 is hammer fired. Technically, it's a double action only, but it doesn't have a hard trigger pull every time like most DAO. It has a lighter pull, but the first shot will have a longer trigger pull with the following shots having a very short trigger reset. I think it's magical. Just try one out at the range and see what you think.

 

[smithers599]

I replaced my 642 (well, actually 342) with a Ruger LC9. DA-only, revolver-like, not striker-fired. I don't want a safety-less pistol with a short trigger pull in my pocket. Too much risk of pressing the trigger while I am trying to get the gun out of my pocket in a hurry. (DeSantis Nemesis holster.)

Kahr is similar -- long trigger pull.

 

[Boriqua]

The H&K P30Sk is on sale at CDNN. Have to call in for pricing but free shipping and no tax collection. A solid choice if you are looking for something smallish with a bit more round capacity.

https://www.cdnnsports.com/firearms.html?manufacturer=HECKLER+%26+KOCH

Having said that .. a Glock 19 is a very good choice and you already have one.

 

[Abbey]

The P365 has been my daily since it came out and it completely replaced my 642. Pretty sure the 642 hasn't left the safe in over 4 years. I've tried multiple variants but the original is still my favorite. I usually run the 12-rd mag but sometimes swap in the 10 for pocket carry depending on the pocket.

I prefer hammers to strikers so I also have a Sig P224 in the rotation. But it is noticeably fatter (too bulky for many pockets and sometimes requires a looser shirt & back the belt out a notch) and has the same capacity as the P365 so I always come back to the P365 as the best compromise tool for the job. The P224 does take larger mag reloads but I generally carry the 12-rd in the gun.

I've been tempted to try the P30SK LEM but it's pretty similar to the P224 so I've resisted trying one so far.

 

[Name_Restricted]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Think I can rule out the G48 for my purposes. There isn't enough of a size/weight difference from my G19 to make it worth while for me.

I like the idea of the Sig P365 or Kahr CW9. Not sure if I want to get into .380 since I don't have any ammo.

 

[QuietM4]

I would advise you head to your local indoor shooting range and rent a P365. Of all the EDC carry guns I've owned over the years, including a S&W 442 (the black version of your 642), I can confidently say the P365 is my favorite. Half the size of a Glock 19 without sacrificing too many rounds in the magazine. You can even carry the new P365 Macro magazine as a back up, if you wish...I do at times, and it holds an additional 17 rounds. I've seen too many Kahr firearms with reliability issues to ever trust my life to one. My P365 has been flawless since day 1...literally...I bought one the first day they hit gun shops. Yes, there are singleton reports of P365's having issues, but any mass produced machine is going to have a few bad ones in the mix.

 

[kenpoprofessor]

I've been carrying a S&W 642 for years. Mainly just for quick errands like checking the mail or running to the store. I normally carry a Glock 19 if I need something with more capacity.

Lately 5 shots + a 5 shot speed strip feels light even for quick errands. Any opinions on an auto with more capacity to replace my 642?

Thanks.

Shield Plus, no safety. It replaced the Glock 43s I normally carried. I also carry a Ruger LC9s pro for something even just a bit thinner (single stack).

Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

 

[MarkItZero]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Think I can rule out the G48 for my purposes. There isn't enough of a size/weight difference from my G19 to make it worth while for me.

I like the idea of the Sig P365 or Kahr CW9. Not sure if I want to get into .380 since I don't have any ammo.

If size is the biggest issue, the Kahr CM9 is a tiny bit smaller than the CW9.

 

[Tenring]

Shield plus with a safety. Once the firearm is in the holster the safety is turned off.

Had a P30sk DA/SA....fine firearm, wish I still had it. I tried the LEM trigger at a local shop and the trigger reset seemed very very long, not sure I would consider that. Really like to shoot one with the LEM trigger to try it., really like the P30sk, dam fine firearm.

 

[AZ_Five56]

Had a P30sk DA/SA....fine firearm, wish I still had it. I tried the LEM trigger at a local shop and the trigger reset seemed very very long, not sure I would consider that. Really like to shoot one with the LEM trigger to try it., really like the P30sk, dam fine firearm.

I have the Gray Guns short reset kit installed in mine, and the reset is perfect for me. Maybe we could meet up at C2 sometime if you want to try mine out.

 

[Tenring]

Had a P30sk DA/SA....fine firearm, wish I still had it. I tried the LEM trigger at a local shop and the trigger reset seemed very very long, not sure I would consider that. Really like to shoot one with the LEM trigger to try it., really like the P30sk, dam fine firearm.

I have the Gray Guns short reset kit installed in mine, and the reset is perfect for me. Maybe we could meet up at C2 sometime if you want to try mine out.

Thank you for the offer, I would really like to do that, if only I had the time.
Gray Guns short reset on the LEM .... sounds like the perfect set up, as I prefer having a consistent trigger pull.

 

[Boriqua]

Had a P30sk DA/SA....fine firearm, wish I still had it. I tried the LEM trigger at a local shop and the trigger reset seemed very very long, not sure I would consider that. Really like to shoot one with the LEM trigger to try it., really like the P30sk, dam fine firearm.

I have the Gray Guns short reset kit installed in mine, and the reset is perfect for me. Maybe we could meet up at C2 sometime if you want to try mine out.

Did you install the kit yourself? I wanted to add it to my p2000 but I can't find a really good video to explain the process and while I have fiddled with plenty handguns I'm a little nervous about breaking down the HK. Any tips you can share? I know it's off topic so pm me if you like

 

[AZ_Five56]

Had a P30sk DA/SA....fine firearm, wish I still had it. I tried the LEM trigger at a local shop and the trigger reset seemed very very long, not sure I would consider that. Really like to shoot one with the LEM trigger to try it., really like the P30sk, dam fine firearm.

I have the Gray Guns short reset kit installed in mine, and the reset is perfect for me. Maybe we could meet up at C2 sometime if you want to try mine out.

Did you install the kit yourself? I wanted to add it to my p2000 but I can't find a really good video to explain the process and while I have fiddled with plenty handguns I'm a little nervous about breaking down the HK. Any tips you can share? I know it's off topic so pm me if you like

I didn't do it myself. It was actually done by Gray Guns as part of their "Reduced Reset Carry Perfection Package", and they also installed the flat trigger. https://grayguns.com/reduced-reset-carry-perfection-package/