ID this J frame

[Bald1]

Having trouble pinning down the age and model of this airweight 38spl. This is the only pic I have. I'm thinking 642 or 642-1. Also based on one pic what might the value be. The S&W logo and airweight stamp on barrel is what's confusing me. Thanks in advance.

 

[hotshot357]

Have you opened the cylinder and looked at the hinge. It should be stamped there. It should tell what model it is but not the year.

 

[DeafSmith]

Looks like an older Centennial. I think it has a lock.. still a 642 like this.

 

[Bald1]

I don't have the gun. Just a pic. I was thinking it was a pre lock from early 90s before they briefly discontinued them.

 

[Dump1567]

I don't have the gun. Just a pic. I was thinking it was a pre lock from early 90s before they briefly discontinued them.

Definitely an early 642 no lock. Has the FP retaining pin visible in the frame. New ones have them under the side plate. May be one of the originals before the brief discontinue due to finish issues.

 

[Bald1]

Thanks. This is what I thought. Any idea on value? An acquaintance is selling it do to illness of a family member. I was thinking $400 but I'm not a J frame guy.

 

[Dump1567]

Thanks. This is what I thought. Any idea on value? An acquaintance is selling it do to illness of a family member. I was thinking $400 but I'm not a J frame guy.

You're probably in the ballpark. I just bought a fairly recently produced one (probably 2014) in excellent condition for the that price. Although I did see an older one recently in the $350 price range, but couldn't tell if the frame was cracked, so I passed.

If it's one of the original early 642's, it might have some collector value, but who knows what someone would pay for it? I had a couple of Nickel 442's that are somewhat rare (original frame & magnum frame), but didn't really realize any premium when I sold them.

Also check under the barrel for frame crack. It can happen with these older alloy J's. I'm not sure how prevalent it is with newer +P marked versions?

These older ones aren't specifically marked +P, and I'd be hesitant to shoot +P ammo out of them.

If you want it as a collector/rarity/occasional shooter, I'd say go for it. If you wanted an everyday carry/shooter, I'd probably just buy one of the newer J Magnum frame no lock versions. I find these everyday in my area for around $400 on the used market.