Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
The Smith and Wesson J-Frame has long been the standard for a concealed carry revolver. Since the 1950s, police officers and armed civilians have carried the small 5 -shot revolver to protect themselves and the ones they love. Lipseys partnered with Smith and Wesson to create an enhanced J-Frame model in the centennial (internal hammer) line. This brought the revolver back into the state of the art with their 642 UC.
Table of contents
Intro
To be clear…I am a revolver fan. I started out with my first revolver in 1991 when I bought one of the newly introduced 640 centennial revolvers to carry as an off-duty and backup weapon as a newly hired police officer in Southern California. I carried that gun everywhere off duty, and on an ankle for years in uniform. These 5-shot revolvers have been a mainstay for me over the years when I needed a small, discrete, and easy-to-carry defensive firearm. Over the years, I’ve acquired a few of the J-Frame revolvers since my first 640.
The J-Frame
The J-frame was synonymous with most detectives in the 1980s. However, once the wonder nine pistols hit (and then the “micro 9’s” after…), many thought the era of the J-frame revolver was over. They were dead wrong. Moreover, S&W continues to invest in the J-Frame with many, many options available. Once I retired, I bought and carried a S&W 442 for quite a while. Even today, many officers still carry these as backup weapons, and armed civilians choose them for discreet carry.
I prefer revolvers for carry in many situations. First off, due to its size and irregular shape, the models like the S&W Airweight frame of the 442, the J-Frame is the gun I carry when I need a discreet carry option. As a retired LEO, my carry is much more geared towards self-defense over intervening in a crime. Therefore, the J-Frame has ample firepower with 5 potent rounds of .38 +P on board.
The longer and heavier trigger pull adds an element of safety. It can shoot reliably in those less-than-optimal shooting positions. For instance, from a coat pocket, with a less-than-perfect grip, and can’t be pushed out of battery in a contact shot. If I get a misfire when I pull the trigger, I just keep pulling the trigger to go to the next round. Finally, in the deep-blue state I live in, a five-shot revolver raises fewer eyebrows than a semiauto. (A sad but true reality here.)
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Best Use of J-Frames
That all being said, the J-Frame is not for everyone, and is best for those who have some experience as a shooter when using it for defensive carry. It’s not a gun I carry into a high-threat area unless as a backup. Reloading is slow to say the least, and many have only rudimentary sights, which makes accuracy a challenge. These are truly up-close guns, or as some call them, “get off me” guns. Finally, recoil can be punishing in a lightweight J-Frame. If these are not obstacles to you, then the J-Frame can be a great option that can do some things a semi-auto can’t.
The Ultimate Carry Series
Recognizing that there were some areas where current J-Frame models could be improved to bring them to the next level, Lipseys partnered with S&W to create the Ultimate Carry series. This is what I can only describe as an enhanced J-Frame for today’s concealed carrier. So far, four models have been launched. Two are in .38 Special +P, and two are the 6-shot version in .32 H&R Magnum. (I understand more models on the way, incorporating titanium cylinders.) They come in the 600 series (642 UC and 632 UC for stainless) and 400 series (442 UC and 432 UC for blued).
I saw this and waited for it to be available here in California. Once they were approved for sale here, I ordered my first Ultimate Carry Revolver. Being as I have a fair amount of .38 Special ammo and can reload for it, I opted for the 642 UC. For carry, I use the Gold Dot 135 gr .38 +P short barrel round, which I carry in other revolvers is a proven performer.
Opening the 642 UC Box
So, first off, this is a stock model ordered from my local gun store…Smith doesn’t know me, and this gun wasn’t hand-picked for a review. So, what I saw when I opened the box was as unbiased/uninfluenced as possible.
The box itself is a slight departure from other Smith and Wesson boxes. My 442 and 686 I bought last year, came in the traditional blue plastic cases most Smith revolvers do. The 642 UC came in a blue and white cardboard box, reminiscent of the old-style boxes in the 1980s and 1990s. The revolver is packed in its blue plastic protective sleeve with the usual gun lock and manual included. Readers will be relieved to hear there were no keys for the dreaded internal lock…because it doesn’t have one.
642 UC Fit and Finish
The matte finish of the aluminum frame and stainless cylinder are nicely accented by black accents on the ejector rod, cylinder latch, trigger, and the sights. This contrast makes the appearance stand out. Fit and finish were great, with only the slightest gap between the cylinder crane and the frame of the gun. This has proven to be a merely cosmetic issue, with zero impact on the function or reliability of the gun.
What Separates the Ultimate Carry Series
The 442 and 642 are well-known lightweight revolvers that have been out since the early 1990s. So, how is the ultimate carry series different from these standard models? First off, the appearance of the gun is more akin to the early 342 scandium revolvers. The barrel is stainless steel with a matte aluminum colored shroud around it. The stainless steel cylinder blends right in. The cylinder chambers are chamfered to allow for quicker reloads, and the front of the cylinder is beveled for easier re-holstering. On top of the frame is the biggest difference you will notice – a set of real sights. A tritium XS front sight is pinned in, and a rear U-notch plain black rear sight is dovetailed into the top strap.
The 642 UC uses new VZ grips that are a boot-style grip with a much wider profile to better mitigate recoil over a larger area along the web of your hand, as well as to give a fuller feeling grip. (I have heard it suggested that this tries to mimic the trigger reach of a K Frame revolver, which many consider to be the gold standard for trigger reach. This enables a better trigger finger reach, and Lipsey’s says the trigger geometry was improved for a better trigger press. For longevity, they used titanium pins frame for the revolver’s internal moving parts. Weight is listed as 16.3 ounces for this little guy.
This gun also comes in a 6-shot 32 H&R Magnum version. This gives you 20% more rounds, and in an easily controllable and potent package. These will shoot 32 Long, 32 Short, and 32 H&R Magnum for ammo versatility. And yes, I really want one. I’ll see what happens…
At The Range
The 642 UC is regulated/calibrated per Lipsey’s for the Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. +P load and 148 wadcutters at 15 yards. I had both, and decided to test this out.
On my first range trip, I found the Gold Dot printed significantly high (between 1”-2”) at 5 yards and about 8” at 15 yards. My 148 gr wadcutters were much closer to the point of aim but still high.
The new sights were the star in this show. The tritium is bright, and the green fiber optic ring around it pops in even low light. No more struggling to see the rear edges of the gutter like on all my other J-Frames, this Ultimate Carry’s amazing rear U-notch sight makes for a clean sight picture.
Recoil
Recoil was stout with Gold Dot, but not outrageous. I did feel it in my palm, and the grips felt a little too thick for me. (I know…sacrilege…). The wadcutters were not nearly as punchy. Overall recoil was manageable for such a tiny gun.
Grips
I replaced the VZ grips with a set of Pachmayr Compac grips. It made a world of difference for me. This was because I generally prefer these rubber-style grips on my J-Frames. I hear Hamre Forge is making a grip for these guns that is both lightweight and well textured. It also adds similar geometry to the gun as the original VZs. According to S&W, these will be used on the lightweight titanium UC models.
The next shooting experience was worlds better. Once I stopped using a rest to get better groups and concentrated on my trigger press/sight picture, my results vastly improved. The Pachmayr stocks felt much better to me as well. First off, my wadcutters were matching up almost perfectly with the point of aim. I also tried Hornady American Gunner 125 gr (standard load) with the Gold Dots for defensive ammunition. The Gold Dots initially still ended up higher than I would like. However, after I got my trigger press down, I printed perfectly respectable groups right where I put the sights. The American Gunner also seemed to shoot to point of aim.
Trigger
The trigger press was slightly smoother than most J-Frames out of the gate, but not too light. I also found it was easy to stage the trigger. I came to what I can only describe as a plateau at the end of the trigger press, just before the break, where you could pause to verify your sights before that last little press. This, however, was when I had my only misfire. I don’t know if the pause in the press caused the hammer to not have enough momentum, or if it was a hard primer.
By the end of this test, I’m well north of 200 rounds downrange. No issues except for the one mentioned above.
Carrying the 642 UC
So I’ve been carrying the 642 UC for several weeks now, when my threat environment allows for it (which is most of the time…). The gun carries very well in my Harry’s Holsters Icon 2. The steel hooks of the DCC Monoblock clip keep it very secure, while the small claw brings the grip in, making the non-linear shape of a revolver conceal nicely in the appendix position. For a reload, I carry a Zeta-6 J-Pak, which holds a reload in an almost flat setup that disappears in a pocket.
Mine weighed in at 19.47 ounces loaded, a touch more than my 442, which is at 16.9 ounces. The additional material on the 642 UC, 5 Rounds of Gold Dot, and the Pachmayr grips might be the reason for this. Regardless, you really won’t notice the additional weight, especially when you consider the features you get in the snub nose revolver.
READ MORE HERE: Double-Action vs. Single-Action Revolver Guide
Overall Thoughts…Is this for You?
So is the Ultimate Carry revolver for you? The improved sights alone did it for me, along with the better trigger. However, I now caution new shooters to not get a snubbie like an Airweight J-Frame as their first gun. The longer/heavier trigger, recoil, and challenging sights can make this a gun for more established shooters. Why torture yourself until you get your basics mastered, or at least established?
If you are ready for a small revolver to carry when it’s the best tool for the job, then this J-Frame is more than worth a look. Sometimes we need a gun for places we don’t think we’ll need a gun, or where reliability is paramount. Smith and Wesson’s 642 Ultimate Carry gives you a lightweight revolver that conceals easily and has the enhancements we have all wanted for years. The sights, trigger, grips, and attention to detail geared to CCW set this revolver apart. If recoil is an issue, look at the 632 / 432. UC models. Get six shots of a caliber still able to address a threat. Smith has raised the bar on this one.
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Brian Jensen has been a shooter for over 45 years, and served in law enforcement for over 30 years in Southern California. During that time he served for over 27 years on the Department Range Staff. Brian has written for Guns America and Harris Publications, and currently trains law enforcement trainees in a local police academy as well as civilians for CCW courses.
Away from writing Brian does photography and exploring the southern California backcountry.
Experience:
-45+ years as a shooter
-Prior Law Enforcement for over 30 years
-27+ years instructing firearms for peace officers
-Civilian CCW Instructor
Good article and review-thanks. My wife carries this.
I have carried my 649 with the Desantis GripClip since I started in 1985. The hammer access and double/single action has always appealed to me.
Great review of the 642 UC! You perfectly captured why J-frames remain relevant – that ‘always works’ reliability no semi-auto can match. The new sights and trigger improvements sound like game-changers. Your point about these being tools for experienced shooters is spot on; my first Airweight was brutal to learn on. The .32 H&R Magnum version has me intrigued too – six rounds of manageable recoil could be the sweet spot. Thanks for the honest impressions, especially about the grip preferences. Makes me want to try one with those Pachmayrs you mentioned.
Although I too like the Pachmayr grip I have found the the somewhat unconventional ERGO grip suits me best on the J frames. Much better feel under recoil and breaks up the outline as well.
It’s remarkably silly to make a revolver in only .38 Spl. Any .38 caliber offering should be .357 magnum, where anyone can shoot .38 Spl if they prefer.
I would agree excepting that the .357 must be a bit longer and generally more expensive. As I prefer .38+P in a snubby recoil wise I prefer the lower cost and smaller (somewhat) lighter and less expensive version.
Mr. Jensen.
Good overall review of the 642UC. It mirrors my experience with the 642UC and 442UC. I could not make up my mind, so I bought both. I wish you would have mentioned why Lipseys brought out the Ultra Carry line and Who made it all happen. The two consultants on the UC are Daryl Bolke and Bryan Eastridge. The are the reason for all of the visible and invisible improvements to the J Frame. They deserve more credit than most writers put into a review.
Thank you.
Allen.
Thank you for pointing this out, you are absolutely correct. They did a lot of work with Lipseys (and Smith and Wesson I assume) to bring this to market. My apologies to the two of them if they read this article.
I just bought the Lipsey 432UC version and really like it, except for those grips. They didn’t fit my hand very well, so I ordered a set of the low-horn from Ryan over at Hamre Forge Inc. and they fit perfectly! The sites are a lot easier to see than than my old S&W mod. 38 too. Lipsey and Smith got this one right!
I enjoyed your article and I respect your opinion. However, I think you will agree that there is no one gun that is suitable for everyone or for every occasion. The best self defense practice is situational awareness and avoid places where violence and crime are most likely to occur. I live in a rural area where crime is low, violent crime is very rare and I am seldom out after dark. That being said, I carry every day, everywhere, all the time. For the last 17 years or so, my carry gun has been a Ruger LCP, not because it is the most lethal, but because it is dependable, lightweight and comfortable, much like the J-frame Smith. My reasons for Concealed carry are entirely defensive in nature except on Sunday when I take on the roll of Head of Security at my church, my responsibilities change and my gun changes to a G43X with optic and extra mag. This routine serves me well but I might change if I could have a J-Frame in .22 mag, 7 shot or maybe even 9 like some of the old High Standard models.
I been around weapons since I was 11 years old. I consider myself a good shooter. I was in Vietnam. I won’t go any further. When my Son was getting ready to go Deer hunting at 11 years old. I took him to my gun club and showed him how to handle his 30-06 I bought him for Christmas. I showed him how to handle it and clean it before I took him. I put targets up at 50 yards then 100 yards. We got his 30-06 cutting paper at 100 yards. When we went deer hunting that year he got his first buck. Now he’s a Lieutenant on Swat for the Sheriff’s now. Before he became a Sheriff. He went through the Police Academy. They picked my son to be in charge of his class. Jason is one of the best shooters I have seen. I taught him shooting his 30-06 the right way. And my S&W model 28-2 Highway Patrolman model since he was 11. When he got his first Police Officer job with the Otter Banks Police Department. When he had to qullafied shooting. He got Top Gun. His Chief asked Jason where he went to school to lest how to shoot a gun. Jason said I didn’t go to a school. My Dad taught me since I was 11 years old. Jason was only on the Police Department for two years. He got picked Top Cop for his Police Department and Top Cop for the County. His Chief couldn’t believe it. And Jason does not brag. My wife and I read it in the newspaper. We said why didn’t you tell us. Jason said you know how I am. Then Jason told his Chief after his Chief told him how proud he was of him. Jason said Chief I feel bad telling you this but I am going with the Sheriffs in Winston Salem NC. His Chief said why Jason you are going to go far with our Police Department. Jason said I am sorry but my wife and I with a new baby can’t afford to live in the Otter Banks. Everything is expensive because everyone comes here for vacation. I think it was 2015 or sooner Jason hired on with the Sheriff’s Department. He went from a private to a Lieutenant this year. But Jason puts his heart into anything he does. He was a baceball player since he was 4 years old. His senior year he was getting drafted by the pros but 3 games left of the year he got hurt. But he didn’t lose his scholarship at Clemson. But he had to red shirt his first year because of his injury. And the coach legit didn’t like that. So Jason left after that year and went to Old Dominion. When he finished Jason told me he could have gone with the minors but he’s been playing since he was 4 years old. Jason said I could be down in the minors for 4 years. So he left it was hard to do he said but he wanted to get on with his life. Now I will be going on 74 years old Jason is teaching me how to shoot. I have a S&W 642 I love and my Wife has a S&W 642 and she loves hers. My Uncle was a Police Officer his back up was his S&W 642. I have a S&W 357 Highway Patrolman 28-2 and a S&W 22 model 10-8 10 shoot never Fired.
I been around weapons since I was 11 years old. I consider myself a good shooter. I was in Vietnam. I won’t go any further. When my Son was getting ready to go Deer hunting at 11 years old. I took him to my gun club and showed him how to handle his 30-06 I bought him for Christmas. I showed him how to handle it and clean it before I took him. I put targets up at 50 yards then 100 yards. We got his 30-06 cutting paper at 100 yards. When we went deer hunting that year he got his first buck. Now he’s a Lieutenant on Swat for the Sheriff’s now. Before he became a Sheriff. He went through the Police Academy. They picked my son to be in charge of his class. Jason is one of the best shooters I have seen. I taught him shooting his 30-06 the right way. And my S&W model 28-2 Highway Patrolman model since he was 11. When he got his first Police Officer job with the Otter Banks Police Department. When he had to qullafied shooting. He got Top Gun. His Chief asked Jason where he went to school to lest how to shoot a gun. Jason said I didn’t go to a school. My Dad taught me since I was 11 years old. Jason was only on the Police Department for two years. He got picked Top Cop for his Police Department and Top Cop for the County. His Chief couldn’t believe it. And Jason does not brag. My wife and I read it in the newspaper. We said why didn’t you tell us. Jason said you know how I am. Then Jason told his Chief after his Chief told him how proud he was of him. Jason said Chief I feel bad telling you this but I am going with the Sheriffs in Winston Salem NC. His Chief said why Jason you are going to go far with our Police Department. Jason said I am sorry but my wife and I with a new baby can’t afford to live in the Otter Banks. Everything is expensive because everyone comes here for vacation. I think it was 2015 or sooner Jason hired on with the Sheriff’s Department. He went from a private to a Lieutenant this year. But Jason puts his heart into anything he does. He was a baceball player since he was 4 years old. His senior year he was getting drafted by the pros but 3 games left of the year he got hurt. But he didn’t lose his scholarship at Clemson. But he had to red shirt his first year because of his injury. And the coach legit didn’t like that. So Jason left after that year and went to Old Dominion. When he finished Jason told me he could have gone with the minors but he’s been playing since he was 4 years old. Jason said I could be down in the minors for 4 years. So he left it was hard to do he said but he wanted to get on with his life. Now I will be going on 74 years old Jason is teaching me how to shoot.
I been around weapons since I was 11 years old . I am a Vietnam Veteran. My oldest son is a Lieutenant Sheriff undercover on Swat. I had my Wife take the concealed carry class to get her concealed carry license. The person running it said my Wife handled her weapon with great safety when she was shooting her weapon . I bought her a ruger 380 but she could not pull the slide back. So I had her try my S&W 642 38. She loved it. So I bought her a S&W 642 38. When she got her concealed carry license. She now has had her concealed carry license since 2014. The reason I bought mine was for a back up. Or when I concealed carry in a store it fits in any one of my pockets nicely. I mostly carry my Glock 9mm or my Glock 40. In 1942 My uncle became a Police Officer .And until he retired. All he carried was his Snub nose .I love my S&W 642 as my Wife does.
I been around weapons since I was 11 years old . I am a Vietnam Veteran. My oldest son is a Lieutenant Sheriff undercover on Swat. I had my Wife take the concealed carry class to get her concealed carry license. The person running it said my Wife handled her weapon with great safety when she was shooting her weapon . I bought her a ruger 380 but she could not pull the slide back. So I had her try my S&W 642 38. She loved it. So I bought her a S&W 642 38. When she got her concealed carry license. She now has had her concealed carry license since 2014. The reason I bought mine was for a back up. Or when I concealed carry in a store it fits in any one of my pockets nicely. I mostly carry my Glock 9mm or my Glock 40. In 1942 my uncle became a Police Officer. And until he retired. All he carried was his Snub nose 38. I had my concealed carry since 1977. I am going on 74 years old. And I never pulled it out once . But if it comes to the point I have to. To save my Family’s life or mine. I will use it. And after being in Vietnam I never want to have to ever use it. All I have to say anyone that has a concealed carry. Must first know how to safely handle it unloaded. Two know how to safety clean it. And 3 go to a good range with someone that knows weapons and knows how to handle a weapon and shoots a lot . Or go to a gun club and ask for some guidance on shooting your weapon so you know how to safely shoot it and safely handle it when you’re shooting your weapon. And keep going to a range every chance you get. You will be a better shooter and you will get to know how to shoot better and how to safely handle and shoot it if and when a time comes to save your life or your family members life. To many people get a weapon just to get there concealed carry license. And after they get it they never shoot it or clean it . Or really do not know how to safety handle it or shoot it. They are the ones that scare me. They are the ones that will pull it out when they should not. And maybe pull it out and shoot someone that should not be shot. And they will be going to prison for life. So when you pull your weapon out to shoot someone.it better be you were going to lose your life by someone that had a weapon. Or you are a women and a person was going to harm you wear your life might end. Because when you give your report to the police. They see you had no other choice. I love my S&W 642 as my Wife does.