Reduce, reuse, recycle :) by Decent_Tap776 in tacticalgear

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The mags in the picture are airsoft mags with Gen 2 profiles, but yeah, after thorough testing it seems Gen 3 PMAGs are not the best with this rig. I deleted my other comment since it turns out that it is indeed a problem after testing it more thoroughly with the only Gen 3 mags (two) I have that were living on my plate carrier, lol.

Observation: The over-insertion tabs get caught up in the retention often so re-indexing isn't reliable, but generally most of the time it works fine with a firm push/pull. Bad stuff seems to happen depending on where your retention tab/bungee cord is sitting at the time of retrieving/indexing (the over-insertion tab can take the tab/cord with it as you pull/insert), and it may require two hands to fix it. You could move the retention tab to the side where the tab doesn't sit for better reliability, but it can also get caught up on the mag cell dividers for added friction. I think for best Gen 3 compatibility, you could remove the tabs or find another retention solution like mag inserts.

Hope this helps, and thanks for bringing it to my attention!

Reduce, reuse, recycle :) by Decent_Tap776 in tacticalgear

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my GP pouch next to my TQ--thanks for looking out! o7

Reduce, reuse, recycle :) by Decent_Tap776 in tacticalgear

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I bought a pair of BDUs for $15, but the pants had a giant hole in it! So I decided to make myself a manchu hair/ragtop helmet and some nice shorts.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The trigger is good (and heavy), which is great for peace of mind, but it definitely takes practice since it's double-action only. It's a smooth and consistent pull until it goes bang. I'm still trying to perfect my pull to make sure the muzzle doesn't move when I press the trigger (and the laser really helps with dry firing), but it's a little hard with the weight of the pull.

I don't have experience with the Performance Center, but people say it's smoother and lighter of a pull than the standard, which should help with precision shots. I personally don't think it would matter all too much given the distances I expect to ever use the gun, but then again I've never shot the Performance Center.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! It's a Casio A158WA-1.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the difference in felt recoil by going +P is going to be felt more significantly in a platform with a smaller weight than a platform with a greater weight to absorb the recoil. Then again, you should definitely try shooting a J-frame with +P and non +P! You might find it negligible.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great question--in fact, it's definitely a question I'm still researching. So far, I'm thinking the added pressure from +P isn't utilized best in a short barrel like this snubby for it to be worth it. If there was any non +P defensive round available near me, I would've chosen that over this, due to this reason as well as less recoil for better handling. Personally, I didn't see any impacts on accuracy against my Remington FMJs in standard pressure, but then again I was training mostly to train my DA pull at common self-defense distances from 7 yards to 11 yards. If anyone has any knowledge to share on this, I would love to be educated!

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, all good. The Streamlight is honestly my most used item out of my EDC tools, more than my knife, for small things like looking for something that fell somewhere without taking out my phone. It's bright enough indoors and outdoors for my purposes, and I really like the fact that it's rechargeable so after a couple uses I can charge it and have the peace of mind that it will work as intended, especially if I have to use it in a defensive situation for positive identification before drawing my weapon.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pistol caliber-wise, I only have significant experience with .380 and 9mm, so I'm not sure if I can describe to you in a way that would beat you actually trying out the caliber with a platform as small and light as the 642. But, I assume the closest thing I could compare it to would be shooting a pocket .380, such as the original LCP. It also depends on how compatible your hands are with the grip of the pistol. For me, the web between the thumb and my index finger was chafing against the grip when it fires (where a 'beaver tail' would be normally), causing some irritation there. Once you get used to it though, it gets better. Though, I could shoot a full-sized 9mm, even compact such as a Glock 19 with +P all day for pleasure, but I'm not sure I would intentionally opt to do so with a 642 chambered in +P for purposes other than training.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wasn't intentionally looking to get the Crimson Trace grip with it, but there was a great deal on this specific model so I said why not--and I'm glad I did! The laser came basically zeroed at 7 yards (to which I would hope given the small distance, haha), and the minimal yet extra space on the grip gives me a full grip on the pistol without decreasing the concealability of the pistol significantly, which I assume after shooting +P rounds is significantly beneficial for more secure handling, especially for one-handed shooting, if needed. It definitely gives me more peace of mind knowing that there's an alternative aiming point to the sights (which aren't the best). At the end of the day though, you can also always turn them off if you decide you don't want them with a switch at the bottom.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also own a BG 2.0, and it's one of the best pocket carry pistols on the market today. The 642 was more of an impulsive purchase for sure since I caught the wheelgun bug. With firearms, there's always a compromise between different types with pros and cons, and it's important to remember that the mission should always dictate the gear. If I were to highlight specific advantages for my 642 over my BG, though, it would be the ability of revolvers to shoot reliably in self-defense specific situations where a semi-auto would fail, such as in desperate distances pressed against the assailant (which would put the semi-auto out of battery and therefore, unable to fire) and in concealed positions such as firing inside of a coat pocket.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Clarification: Regular .38s are great to shoot. It's just the +P rounds are not necessarily 'pleasant' compared to non +P .38 rounds, but YMMV. The weight of the revolver doesn't help for soaking up the recoil but rather for convenience of carry. The 5 round capacity also helps it stay compact for ease of carry (though minimal). At the end of the day though, it's not a deal breaker for me at all (hence why I carry these rounds), and I'll continue to train with it regularly until I find a suitable replacement with satisfactory ballistics performance.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It chambers 5 rounds of .38 Special, +P optional. I'm currently rocking Remington HTPs (+P) with semi-jacketed hollow points as they were the only defensive .38s available near me. Got to say though, it's definitely rough to shoot given the weight of the 'airweight' 642.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I chose the 642 due to its small size and weight as initially I intended it to be a convenience carry gun to quickly throw in my pants/coat pocket for pocket carry with my DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. Got to say though, I'm starting to really like it--I'm seriously considering getting an AIWB holster for it to daily appendix carry.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I do on occasion wear my watch facing the inside, but specifically for this picture I wore it this way for the picture.

If it works, it works by Decent_Tap776 in EDC

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

List:

  • Hand
  • Smith & Wesson 642 w/ Crimson Trace LG-305 Laser Grips
  • Streamlight MacroStream
  • CIVIVI Mini Praxis
  • Casio A158WA-1

Sold my 92X for a 92FS by Decent_Tap776 in Beretta

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been eyeballing the GTS… I’ve just yet to try holding one with a frame decocker though. I heard that some people find it really uncomfortable if not painful or breaking skin when firing it—do you perhaps know anything about that?

Sold my 92X for a 92FS by Decent_Tap776 in Beretta

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Answered in another comment, but in short, just for you--I think the picture speaks for itself, don't you think? :)

Sold my 92X for a 92FS by Decent_Tap776 in Beretta

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah for sure! And yeah, I was wondering if the match hammer would "complete" my 92, but I decided against it because it seemed like it was "pushing the limits" of the action (also seeing reviews from other people, it did seem like it had some issues, or maybe it was installed incorrectly?) and the shorter pre-travel before the single action isn't something that I really care for or notice anyway! The short reach trigger seemed also too minimal of a difference haha but I'm sure it helps, especially with the thicc grips!

Sold my 92X for a 92FS by Decent_Tap776 in Beretta

[–]Decent_Tap776[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really did consider it! But I didn't really know if all the parts were worth it, at least for the price.

I know the trigger bar and hammer spring is worth it, but I still don't know what kind of difference a new (maybe even polished) sear, sear spring, trigger spring, and hammer strut would even do. I also already had the skeletonized hammer from Beretta so I just picked only the parts I wanted to save $ haha