XD-9 SC vs S&W 642 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Knight1 · 04-20-2008, 07:35 PM

I'm not sure if this has been discussed before, but has anyone compared the XD sub compact to the Smith and Wesson 642? To be more specific, I know many people carry the 642 as a pocket gun; I wanted to see if anyone does this with the XD SC.

The XD SC seems a little shorter, but about 5 ounces heavier (not including ammo). Does anyone have both to compare the sizes?

EV1L · 04-20-2008, 08:17 PM

I got the SC to be my carry gun, however it was too wide for me to not print. Right now I'm looking into buying a snub revolver for CC.

You need to try both, because it vary from one to another.

Conceyted · 04-20-2008, 09:10 PM

The XD is not shorter nor is it lighter. It isn't thinner either. Most/all of S&W's small revolvers are the same size and I have some pictures of my S&W 340 with my XD9SC. Here are a few...

As far as my personal preference, I enjoy both guns. However, to CC on my person I definitely choose the S&W because of the weight, the size, and the caliber. The gun isn't as comfortable to shoot as the XD is but the point of a small carry gun is concealability not comfort.

**1lowlife** · 04-20-2008, 10:08 PM

Nice pics and great post Conceyted.

My two main carry pistols are my XD9sc and my S&W 642.
I usually carry my XD9sc.
With warmer weather coming and wanting quick out the door convenience I bought the 642 a month ago.
I've been carrying it in my cargo shorts pocket all weekend.
I can't carry my XD9sc without it flopping around in my pocket.
I'm more than satisfied with the S&W 642.
I'll be carrying it a lot more than I thought I would.
I also added a Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grip to it.
I find that I shoot the gun about as accurate with or without the laser.
But with the small sights on the 642 the CT grip helps.
I'd say buy both the XD9sc and the S&W 642.
They each have specific advantages and disadvantages.
The 642 is definitely going to be carried more this summer.
As Conceyted stated, the j-frame isn't a range gun, it has a kick to it.
My 642 kicks with 38sp +P.
Conceyted's S&W 340 M&P is a .357 Magnum.
I bet that 357mag is an ass whipping after a 50 round box at the range.

The j-frame pistol is made to conceal and it does it well.
I love this little pistol.........

StrykerDM · 04-21-2008, 12:17 AM

I just got my CHL last week and have been carrying my S&W 442 in my pocket holster or my crossbreed all weekend and nobody has been the wiser

Hondarrgh · 04-21-2008, 03:51 AM

I had the same problem with the SC. I went with a Glock 26 and couldn't be happier. They tried selling me on a kel-tec and a Kahr but i really wanted a "real" gun feel. Those felt like toys to me.
My only issue i guess would be that after learning a bit more about ballistics ,different cartridges and bullet weights, I think that a .40 Glock 27 or a .357 Magnum would be a much better defensive round than the 9-mm. I dont plan on getting rid of mine, but if i do feel the need for an alternative for my G26 i would without a doubt be a .357 mag.
Found this picture for comparison. G27 (.40) VS tiny Taurus .357mag

Conceyted · 04-21-2008, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1lowlife

Nice pics and great post Conceyted.

My two main carry pistols are my XD9sc and my S&W 642.
I usually carry my XD9sc.
With warmer weather coming and wanting quick out the door convenience I bought the 642 a month ago.
I've been carrying it in my cargo shorts pocket all weekend.
I can't carry my XD9sc without it flopping around in my pocket.
I'm more than satisfied with the S&W 642.
I'll be carrying it a lot more than I thought I would.
I also added a Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grip to it.
I find that I shoot the gun about as accurate with or without the laser.
But with the small sights on the 642 the CT grip helps.
I'd say buy both the XD9sc and the S&W 642.
They each have specific advantages and disadvantages.
The 642 is definitely going to be carried more this summer.
As Conceyted stated, the j-frame isn't a range gun, it has a kick to it.
My 642 kicks with 38sp +P.
Conceyted's S&W 340 M&P is a .357 Magnum.
I bet that 357mag is an ass whipping after a 50 round box at the range.

The j-frame pistol is made to conceal and it does it well.
I love this little pistol.........

Thanks, I enjoyed your pictures, as well. Just to clarify two things. The reason I say I prefer the S&W MP340 is because I have a thin frame and it is rather hard to conceal ANYTHING. So, the smaller size of the 340 and the light weight of it helps a good deal. The other thing I wanted to clarify is... there is no going through a "50 round box at the range." That, sir, is what I call SUICIDE! hah. It honestly stings your hand after 5 rounds and after 15 rounds you will most likely have a quarter sized bruise in the center of your palm.

**mhillsing23** · 04-21-2008, 05:00 AM

Great pics guys, thank you for posting the side-by-sides. I have been thinking about getting a 642 for summer cargo pocket carry, but so far the SC has been better than I thought it would be for summer attire.

Broadside · 04-21-2008, 09:00 AM

Great pics and thread.

When I decided on which firearm to carry I looked at the balistics first. I decided I would not carry anything smaller then a 9MM. The penetration and velocity is just not available in a smaller caliber. In the Revlover vs. Glock thread someone posted this link. Thought I would repost it here; several great articles about snub revolvers.
Other Handguns

I carry a Kahr PM9 with +P ammo and a spare mag which is 6+1, 7+1 or 8+1 depending on which mag and how I'm going to carry. Trust me it's a handful with +P. I do carry the XD SC 9mm and XD 4" 357 but not on a regular basis since the Kahr purchase.

Make sure if you carry a snub revolver in .38 you do some research and get the best carry ammo for your gun and barrel length. I lean more toward the .357 Mag, if you discharge that with a 2" barrel the blast alone will get them. Plus you can carry .38's in it and get some flexiblity.

I learned to shoot handguns with my S&W 686 357 mag so I'm very comfortable shooting revolvers. I would not feel out gunned carrying a snub revolver vs. the Kahr or XD's. It gives you another option.

Knight1 · 04-21-2008, 07:51 PM

Thanks for the replies and some great pictures. I had a feeling that the 642 was easier for pocket carry. I have a Ruger SP101 that I tried to carry in my pocket, but it was slightly too big and heavy - same with my Sig 232.

Looks like I will be getting a 642 - and the Crimson Trace grips. Too made since the XD-9 SC is really nice for its size.

04-20-2008, 07:35 PM	#1
Knight1 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 4	XD-9 SC vs S&W 642 I'm not sure if this has been discussed before, but has anyone compared the XD sub compact to the Smith and Wesson 642? To be more specific, I know many people carry the 642 as a pocket gun; I wanted to see if anyone does this with the XD SC. The XD SC seems a little shorter, but about 5 ounces heavier (not including ammo). Does anyone have both to compare the sizes?

04-20-2008, 09:10 PM	#3
Conceyted XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 471	The XD is not shorter nor is it lighter. It isn't thinner either. Most/all of S&W's small revolvers are the same size and I have some pictures of my S&W 340 with my XD9SC. Here are a few... As far as my personal preference, I enjoy both guns. However, to CC on my person I definitely choose the S&W because of the weight, the size, and the caliber. The gun isn't as comfortable to shoot as the XD is but the point of a small carry gun is concealability not comfort. __________________ Chris XD Sub Compact 9mm in Black S&W M&P 340CT .357mag Last edited by Conceyted : 04-20-2008 at 09:16 PM.

04-20-2008, 10:08 PM	#4
1lowlife XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The Great Lone Star State Posts: 2,136	Nice pics and great post Conceyted. My two main carry pistols are my XD9sc and my S&W 642. I usually carry my XD9sc. With warmer weather coming and wanting quick out the door convenience I bought the 642 a month ago. I've been carrying it in my cargo shorts pocket all weekend. I can't carry my XD9sc without it flopping around in my pocket. I'm more than satisfied with the S&W 642. I'll be carrying it a lot more than I thought I would. I also added a Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grip to it. I find that I shoot the gun about as accurate with or without the laser. But with the small sights on the 642 the CT grip helps. I'd say buy both the XD9sc and the S&W 642. They each have specific advantages and disadvantages. The 642 is definitely going to be carried more this summer. As Conceyted stated, the j-frame isn't a range gun, it has a kick to it. My 642 kicks with 38sp +P. Conceyted's S&W 340 M&P is a .357 Magnum. I bet that 357mag is an ass whipping after a 50 round box at the range. The j-frame pistol is made to conceal and it does it well. I love this little pistol......... __________________ Learn it. Know it. Live it.

04-21-2008, 12:17 AM	#5
StrykerDM XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 516	I just got my CHL last week and have been carrying my S&W 442 in my pocket holster or my crossbreed all weekend and nobody has been the wiser __________________ XD Service Bi-tone 9mm Browning Buckmark .22 Stainless Camper Smith and Wesson 442 Rock Island Armory 1911 .45 Compact

04-21-2008, 05:00 AM	#8
mhillsing23 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,724	Great pics guys, thank you for posting the side-by-sides. I have been thinking about getting a 642 for summer cargo pocket carry, but so far the SC has been better than I thought it would be for summer attire. __________________ Veritas vos liberabit...

04-20-2008, 08:17 PM	#2
EV1L XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: FL Posts: 148	I got the SC to be my carry gun, however it was too wide for me to not print. Right now I'm looking into buying a snub revolver for CC. You need to try both, because it vary from one to another.

04-21-2008, 03:51 AM	#6
Hondarrgh XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 147	I had the same problem with the SC. I went with a Glock 26 and couldn't be happier. They tried selling me on a kel-tec and a Kahr but i really wanted a "real" gun feel. Those felt like toys to me. My only issue i guess would be that after learning a bit more about ballistics ,different cartridges and bullet weights, I think that a .40 Glock 27 or a .357 Magnum would be a much better defensive round than the 9-mm. I dont plan on getting rid of mine, but if i do feel the need for an alternative for my G26 i would without a doubt be a .357 mag. Found this picture for comparison. G27 (.40) VS tiny Taurus .357mag

04-21-2008, 09:00 AM	#9
Broadside XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,911	Great pics and thread. When I decided on which firearm to carry I looked at the balistics first. I decided I would not carry anything smaller then a 9MM. The penetration and velocity is just not available in a smaller caliber. In the Revlover vs. Glock thread someone posted this link. Thought I would repost it here; several great articles about snub revolvers. Other Handguns I carry a Kahr PM9 with +P ammo and a spare mag which is 6+1, 7+1 or 8+1 depending on which mag and how I'm going to carry. Trust me it's a handful with +P. I do carry the XD SC 9mm and XD 4" 357 but not on a regular basis since the Kahr purchase. Make sure if you carry a snub revolver in .38 you do some research and get the best carry ammo for your gun and barrel length. I lean more toward the .357 Mag, if you discharge that with a 2" barrel the blast alone will get them. Plus you can carry .38's in it and get some flexiblity. I learned to shoot handguns with my S&W 686 357 mag so I'm very comfortable shooting revolvers. I would not feel out gunned carrying a snub revolver vs. the Kahr or XD's. It gives you another option. __________________ XD - 9 Subcompact XD - 357 Service w/ SA Custom Carry Pro Pkg SA - Mil Spec 1911 A1

04-21-2008, 07:51 PM	#10
Knight1 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 4	Thanks for the replies and some great pictures. I had a feeling that the 642 was easier for pocket carry. I have a Ruger SP101 that I tried to carry in my pocket, but it was slightly too big and heavy - same with my Sig 232. Looks like I will be getting a 642 - and the Crimson Trace grips. Too made since the XD-9 SC is really nice for its size.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode