Are all S&W model 642's rated for +P ammo?

Ridge Runner · Dec 28, 2014

Found a 642-1 that only says "38 special" on the barrel. Are they rated for +P, or is that only for later dashes?

Price is $375 plus shipping and $15 transfer fee. Appears to have been carried little and looks to be in excellent condition.

Good price? Any problems with revolvers over time?

Thanks.

SAFireman · Dec 28, 2014

Yes,

All model marked 38 Specials are capable of firing +p ammo

The 642 is a fine carry gun. I bought one for my sister on her 21st birthday.

murphydog · Dec 28, 2014

The first 642s were not factory +P rated; I believe the -1 (still produced) is on the alloy J Magnum frame and is OK for +P. A call to the factory will clarify this, especially if you have the SN.

Louchia · Dec 28, 2014

If it's +P rated, it should be stamped on the left side of the barrel. I was at Cabelas recently and most of the J frames I saw were not, incl the 642 , were not +P rated.

Muss Muggins · Dec 28, 2014

Louchia said:
If it's +P rated, it should be stamped on the left side of the barrel. I was at Cabelas recently and most of the J frames I saw were not, incl the 642 , were not +P rated.

I have never seen a revolver, by any manufacturer, with "+P" stamped on the barrel. If you have a picture of such, please post . . .

Dghost · Dec 28, 2014

Here is a pic of my 637...

shawn mccarver · Dec 28, 2014

It doesn't matter whether stamped or not. Use a few to see what it feels like, then practice with standard ammo and carry the +P. Nothing bad will happen.

murphydog · Dec 28, 2014

shawn mccarver said:
It doesn't matter whether stamped or not. Use a few to see what it feels like, then practice with standard ammo and carry the +P. Nothing bad will happen.

Perfectly true...just making a guess as to what the factory would say about it being "+P rated".

F75gunslinger · Dec 29, 2014

If it has an owners manual with it, look through the manual. Mine is a 642-2 and the manual that came with it says that +P is ok to use. I also procured a box of .38 +P+ stuff for next to nothing. Emailed S&W about using it in my 642,they said it wasn't a good idea. And as for a pic of +P on a 642.....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=178817&stc=1&d=1419829304

eveled · Dec 29, 2014

price seems high for used, a new one (with a warrantee) can be found for around $400.

Ridge Runner · Dec 29, 2014

eveled said:
price seems high for used, a new one (with a warrantee) can be found for around $400.

I would rather pay for a used one with no lock.

rwsmith · Dec 29, 2014

Not inis case...

I believe that I read a statement from S&W that said, any ALL STEEL S&Ws with a model number is a good for +p. Of course the 642 has an aluminum frame and a SS cylinder and (I'm sure) barrel so I can't say there. Just for information.

Unofficially, I agree with the idea of practicing mostly with regular ammo and just enough +P to give familiarity as to what it feels like and shoots. Carry the +Ps.

cnette01 · Dec 29, 2014

Ridge Runner said:
I would rather pay for a used one with no lock.

Bud's Gun Shop has new 642 no lock 38 Special +P rated for $385 with free shipping in stock now. Buy S&W Revolvers at BudsGunShop

eveled · Dec 29, 2014

Ridge Runner said:
I would rather pay for a used one with no lock.

There are a lot of new no lock 642's around if you look.

jarhead1178 · Dec 29, 2014

Dghost said:
Here is a pic of my 637...

My new 442 same as picture.

Waywatcher · Dec 29, 2014

Ridge Runner said:
Found a 642-1 that only says "38 special" on the barrel. Are they rated for +P, or is that only for later dashes?

Price is $375 plus shipping and $15 transfer fee. Appears to have been carried little and looks to be in excellent condition.

Good price? Any problems with revolvers over time?

Thanks.

My goodness! I haven't seen a thread with so much conflicting information for quite a while!

The best answer to your dilemma has been suggested already--purchase a new one--No Lock 642, +P rated, for $385 with free shipping: S&W M642 5RD 38SP +P 1.87" No Internal Lock $385.00 SHIPS FREE

mac12 · Dec 29, 2014

My 442 that I've had for about four years has the +P stamped on the barrel also. As others have stated you can buy new for around $400 and they also come in no-lock models that are a few dollars cheaper.

Florida J Frame · Dec 29, 2014

Ridge Runner, after a trip to the range with a box of +Ps it will no longer be an issue. Your revolver will take a lot more of them than your wrist and hand will. Standard pressure for the range and +P for carry.

CowboyKen · Dec 30, 2014

Or, Smith & Wesson Model 642 38 Special J-Frame Revolver with No Internal Lock | Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.

$379.85 out he door to your FFL from Sportsmans.

Plenty of new no-lock 642s.

Ken

Muss Muggins · Dec 30, 2014

Dghost said:
Here is a pic of my 637...

And now I have . . . Need to look at more new barrels, I guess. Is it safe to shoot +P+ in that revolver?

Are all S&W model 642's rated for +P ammo?

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