I would like to hear what forum members think
is the best S&W Airweight and why? If you like
post some pictures. Thanks Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

442, just MHO.

Seriously? Haha.. this could turn into a fun thread....

For me, it's the 642. Perfect size and weight (for me), I can conceal it better than any other gun (and it's more comfortable), My hot .38 +Ps pack enough heat to get the job done while maintaining good control.

Attached Images

642palm.jpg (42.0 KB, 557 views)

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- The Federalist #46 -

Me too.

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JAREDSHS
LEO(retired)

The best? Why, that's easy to answer. The best is the one you have in your pocket when you need it.

Mine is a 37-2.

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Pisgah

For me, 642 No Lock.

Also a 642 Pre Lock, Pre MIM 100% Perfection..
NOT a Glock..
Gary/Hk

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

best for me is 642

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C & L

I have a Mod 38 Bodyguard [Airweight] that I have had for over 37 years.

I have used it as a BUG, and shot it a lot. I still carry it most of the time when I leave the house.

I like the Bodyguard because of the hammer shroud, and because I am old school and might want to cock it and shoot it single action for a precision shot.

In the mid to late 1970's I shot a lot of rabbits with it, when helping feed my buddies horse. I shot a rabbit or two nearly every night to feed the cats at the barn where he kept his horse.

With reversed Hollow Based Wadcutters, over a healthy dose of powder it killed like a cannon.

642 - in a Mika pocket holster, it'll ride in a front pocket 24/7. A handful with +P 158gr LHPSWCs, but worth it for protection.

Stainz

340 M&P. Lighter than the 642, better sights(not that you would really need it), stainless cylinder, and the ability to throw any .357 mag round through it without worry.

BTW, I own the 340M&P, 642, 637, and 442. Next best is clearly the 642, but the M&P has it beat.

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Mike C

Depends on how I'm dressed. Mostly a 12. Often a 37 SB. When I travel a distance, sometimes a 325PD with a 342PD backup.

My favorite Airweight is an AirLite (342).

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"I also cook."

I have a pair (three actually) that I carry quite often.

Smith & Wesson model 12-2 K frame Airweight snubbie from 1970. This little guy is more or less my truck gun. It rarely ever gets carried but it's there with me when I dash out the door for a short trip to the drive-thru.

The one that is in my pocket each and every time I am vertical, is my J frame model 38 no dash from 1985. It's my constant companion. It rides in a DeSantis "Nemesis" pocket holster...

Every. Single. Day.

The third is a Colt "Cobra" snub from 1974. It is a department issue. Me and the chief were looking thru some old evidence one day and I spotted this little guy. I asked the chief about it and he said it was confiscated off a guy damn near 20 years ago. I asked him if it was for sale. He said no, but he did issue it out to me.

Sweet!

my vote is also for the 642

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M.J.Hanna

I carried a 642 as an issue BUG. I carried a 442 for awhile and now I'm carrying a 637. Of all of them, I'd have to go with the 637. IMO, it's more versatile with the exposed hammer and it's as easy to carry as the others.

Im carrying a 642 (No Lock) and I think its great.

442 (No Lock) with 135 grain Speers. Less expensive then some other S&W models and just as reliable.

442 no lock in a Simply Rugged pocket holster. Can't be beat.

Mine is a M&P360. I like the hammer. I carry it in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster.

Seven years ago, I bought a 637. If I had known then what I know now, I would have bought a 642 instead. I shot the 637 weekly for several years, almost always double action. The few times I shot it single action, I was unimpressed -- perhaps because I so seldom practice single action. My primary interest in any Airweight is HD/SD, so I practice with silhouette targets at 5-10 yards. My secondary interest is avoidance of pain and freshly minted (and then popped) blisters. My hand is 78 years old, and it does not like lots of rounds fired from Airweights.

If I need it, my 637 is there for me in its secret hiding place. It's just that a 642 would have been a neater solution.

Cordially, Jack

332 -- CT Lazer grips, Magsafe ammo, weighs 12.4 oz with 6 rounds ready to rock and roll. I live in FL, and whether its 98 degrees out or 58, I never step out the door without it -- unbelievably light and concealable! Yeah, I know its no cannon, but I figure I can place a few good shots and cause a hell of a belly ache --- and, like I said I ALWAYS have it with me and live by rule #1 --- make sure you bring a gun to a gun fight

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That last sentence should include "fight" at the end

442...she's light, dark, has a great trigger and calls me "Honey". No lock, of course!

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Term limits!

The Model 942 is my Favorite "Airweight"..
Being only "One" was ever made I had to mate a 940-1s cylinder to my 642-0 to create myself one..
Range report still due on the "942" It's currently a 38spl in my right front pocket as a 642..
Gary/Hk

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

442 pre lock for me!

642. No Lock.

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Mitch
SWCA 2438

weight is paramount. So I pick my 337. Other than that, it would be a no lock 638 and I would swap out the cylinder with the one in my 337

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Forum consigliere

model 638, the best of both worlds and model 331 for light carry with 6 rounds.

337ti airlite .38 special +p

442 for Airweight, or 640-1 if you want more power...and more weight. There have been times that I was "uncomfortable" because I couldn't feel the weight of my Airweight and preferred the greater weigth of the .357 stainless.

I have a 442, but have been thinking awfully hard about a 12-2. I think a 325 NG would qualify, but I don't have one . . . yet.

Any of the Centennial type. The concealed hammer makes them perfect for concealed carry. I use a 442 as my back-up/off duty weapon

I like my 296, love the kick.

I have a model 642-2 and a model12-2. They're both great guns.

It really depends if you like an exposed hammer or not. I like my 342 because it has the internal hammer, slips in the front pocket of my Levi's without effort, after a few steps I forget it is there, and it will go into action if necessary without effort...no safety required, reliable to the extreme, and confortable to carry. An exposed hammer model won't work as well for my requirements. JMHO.

That's my oppinion on the Centennials Too..
They don't snag on anything & almost disapear in your front pocket.. I had a 342Ti & while it was lighter I didn't enjoy shooting it as much as my 642, that couple of extra ounces realy helps in the recoil department..
The Airlites do carry a bit easier than the Airweights but not by much..
I have a great Kramer pocket holster but it weighs almost what the gun does & usualy use an Uncle Mikes IWB holster with the clip removed & it does what I need very well..
I don't think you can find a better concealed carry weapon than the Airweight/Airlite Centennials..
My 2 Cents Worth

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

My only Airweight is a 637-2. Yeah, it has the lock, but I don't use it. It's an upgrade from an old Charter Arms .38 Spl. (gasp). It rides in an old Bianchi 12 ankle holster. I like the 637 because of the exposed hammer. (Many moons ago I had a 2" blue .38 Special Colt Cobra, S.N.# B98062, but it was stolen 9/10/75 and has yet to be recovered.) So I'm different. Isn't that what this country is about? -Ed.
P.S.: Now will someone give me a 937?

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Shoot the CPU, not the monitor

The absolute best Airweight is the 442/642. It's everything you need - and nothing you don't need - for a CCW. Of course, why would you want an Airweight if it wasn't intended as a CCW? It's often overlooked attribute is it's cost. As S&W's best selling revolver (642), you save a lot of money to apply towards something else that will be a far better plinker.

Stainz

My favorite "Airweight" is the shrouded hammer nickel model 38 (Right) , Shown next to a Stainless 649 (left)

My second favorite is this classic 3" pencil barrel square butt Model 37.

Third is this slightly large Square butt K frame "Airweight" Model 12-3 with pinned barrel.

I think the best is the one I have, 624. I like the fact that it does not have a hammer to get snagged in my pocket. I normally use the Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

My Airlight

Ditto. BTW did yours come with that hammer or did you swap it out???

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Forum consigliere

I kinda like the Model 12.

Sure like my Airweight model 37 (no dash) in (gleaming) nickel with a 2" barrel. I gotta' have that hammer (exposed)... yes, I AM "old-school." The Pachmayr Gripper grips ease the kick a bit and improve double-action accuracy. Love being able to shoot single AND double action. That feature makes it a good gun for the range AND self-defense carry. Have a Nemesis for the front pocket and a nice Tagua leather slide for the belt.

I can’t believe there’s 5 pages and not one 340PD.

Here’s my 340PD with the Green Hi-Viz front sight:

M12 or 642, I don't feel under-gunned with either...

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	twelve.jpg (63.4 KB, 58 views)
	642.jpg (52.7 KB, 47 views)

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"Shall not be infringed"

I carry a 37-2 in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake.

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WALSTIB

I agree with everyone that mentioned a 642/442. I carry both models depending on my preference for the long (442) or short (642) Crimson Trace grip. I use to carry a M38 for the single action option, however, with practice I am now able to keep most of my 642/442 shots in the silhouette center of mass.
Mark