642 with 3” barrel

Kansasgunner · Apr 11, 2023

I made a trade with a friend yesterday for this 642 no dash with a 3” barrel, box and papers. They were made for just a couple years in the early 1990s before the the frame changed to the J Magnum with the 642-1. I’m very happy to add this one to my collection of Centennials.

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Hawg Rider · Apr 11, 2023

Nice find! I have a much later standard Model 642-2 (with the 1.88" bbl. and Hillary Hole) that is one of my EDC handguns, and it's a great little shooter. However, I think that 3" bbl. would be a big plus for shooting and accuracy, and no more difficult to carry. Congratulations on your acquisition. Enjoy!

MetalMan · Apr 11, 2023

Is this really a 642? I don't notice any "Airweight" markings on the frame.

To me, this looks like an all-steel framed Model 640 in .38Spl produced prior to the J-frame magnum series.

Can you share a photo of the model number which should be stamped on the frame behind the yoke?

swagmeister · Apr 11, 2023

To me, the difference in materials in the gun is easy to see from the pictures. The frame is lighter in color as would be an alloy material, and the barrel, cylinder, yoke, ejector rod, screws, and cylinder release tab are clearly stainless steel. As stated above, the model number on the inside of the frame would quickly clear the matter up. Don't know why "Airweight" is not marked on the frame; maybe that year of manufacture, they didn't put it on having something to do with the less seen 3" barrel. Just guessing.

murphydog · Apr 11, 2023

I've seen a very similar gun of the era, it is definitely a 3" 642. The "Airweight" laser engraving on the sideplate started after these guns were produced.

And in typical S & W fashion, I've seen 3" model 640s (the steel frame counterpart) with "Airweight" clearly rollmarked on the barrel.

MetalMan · Apr 11, 2023

murphydog said:
I've seen a very similar gun of the era, it is definitely a 3" 642. The "Airweight" laser engraving on the sideplate started after these guns were produced.

And in typical S & W fashion, I've seen 3" model 640s (the steel frame counterpart) with "Airweight" clearly rollmarked on the barrel.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This is why I love being part of this forum...learn something new every day....

deputydon · Apr 11, 2023

I have seen and fondled OP's 3" 642. It is an alloy frame for sure.

Kansasgunner · Apr 11, 2023

This is one of the 640 no dash guns that murphydog/Alan is referring to. I bought this one from forum member linde several years ago. It also has box and papers. Dr. Jinks told me the executives at S&W wanted the unused “Airweight” marked barrels used up in production. These guns have their own production code separating them from standard production 640s with 3” barrels.

bronco45 · Apr 11, 2023

Smith also made some 940 3" models.

wcat94 · Apr 11, 2023

Nice find! I have a 632 6 shot 32 h&r magnum with 3" barrel. It is marked airweight on the barrel.

otis24 · Apr 11, 2023

I never knew that they made such a thing! Fabulous find. I'm awaiting the arrival of my 3 inch Model 36. It should be here tomorrow! a three inch of any variety is a great find!

Kansasgunner · Apr 11, 2023

bronco45, I actually traded my 3” barrel 940 to get this 642.

NCBeagle · Apr 11, 2023

Good find. I've been looking for a 3" 642 or, even better, a 3" 442 for a long time.

jcelect · Apr 12, 2023

Centennials

I have posted this picture before but never miss a chance to share one of my favorite models! All the 3" Centennials are in there!

jcelect

newtonguitars · Apr 21, 2023

There was a 642 3" for sale in the classifieds, it sat there for a while, I hesitated, and it moved on. I still would love to get one, that was the only one I've seen, until this thread. I think S&W could make a thousand of them and could sell them quickly, especially a 442 3".

yugolovr · Apr 21, 2023

I like all the three inch J frames. The only one I have is a36 no dash, but I would be more than happy with a 642.

Banjo 10-79 · Apr 22, 2023

Beautiful piece, one of my personal grail guns. It’s unfortunate more of these weren’t made. If I ever find one I’m gonna shoot it a bunch and I’d carry it, ultimate appendix carry.

newtonguitars · Apr 22, 2023

I have a 442 and a 36-1, 3". It is remarkable how much easier it is to shoot the 3" accurately.

rubiranch · Apr 22, 2023

I really like the OP's M642 with the 3" barrel.

I don't have a M642 but I do have this M642-1 shipped in June 2008.
It was my brother's BUG from 2008 until he retired in 2014 and gave it to me.
Its now my EDC and has been since he gave it to me.

I don't have a M640 either but I do have this M640-1 shipped on April 12, 1995. My brother ordered this one for himself.
I bought it "new" from my brother in 2008 for $400 which he in turn used to purchase the M642-1 which is now my EDC.

This was the first handgun I ever bought.

My M640-1 was my EDC for six years and I carried it just like I carry my M642-1. (pictured)

Kansasgunner · Apr 23, 2023

Big brother 3” with little brother 2”, both wearing new shoes from Craig Spegel.

642 with 3” barrel

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