642 Airweight - none available?

[Intrepyd]

After a little research, I had settled on the 642 for a CC revolver. I was surprised to find that it's out of stock at all the usual places. Is production drying up on this J-frame? Any suggestions?

 

[158Grain]

I have one and love it. Not sure where you are located, but my LGS had a few in stock last time I was there. PM me if you would like their info.

 

[Imaposer]

Hmmm... I've seen several for sale just in the last couple of days, both new and like new. Of course these were all in real brick and mortar stores. Haven't looked online.

 

[wrangler5]

I thought I'd read that the 642 is THE most popular gun in the S&W lineup. If that's so, I would expect 'em to be hard to find on occasion.

 

[photoman]

I was at my favorite LGS this week and noticed their stock of 642's was down to one or two. I would suspect the upcoming election fever is starting.

 

[Rogue686]

I work at a LGS up here in my corner of the woods, and we have been unable to get them from any of the many distributors we deal with. At least as of this last Monday, when I and a coworker tried to look some up for a customer looking for one.

Haven't seen a new one in the shop for a month to two months now

 

[NZshooter]

Wholesale stuff is out at a lot of places for a lot of guns... if you see something you want, garb it. I agree, election jitters have started IMO.

 

[ltxi]

Also post Aurora, CO shooting and lame, follow on copy cat nut cases are spinning things up.

 

[Dump1567]

Plenty on Gunbroker.

Firearms for Sale - Buy Firearms at GunBroker.com

 

[GF]

Gunbroker is where I found mine.
Probably the best pocket CCW going.
Took about a month to find a used but like new no-lock one, be patient and you'll find it.

GF

 

[TheTinMan]

I will add that buying Kuhnhausen's book on S&W revolvers, the right screwdrivers, a small fine ceramic stone, some light grease (TWB25) and SLOWLY smoothing the moving parts inside will make the trigger much smoother and better.

The trigger pull on my 642 was over 12 pounds. It had a rough spot in the middle and a catch right before the hammer release. Now the pull is a little over 11 pounds and so smooth no one believes it's that heavy a pull. No spring changes.

Do NOT touch the actual hammer/sear contact points except with a tiny dab of grease.

Do go very slowly and don't try to get it all done at once.

With an improved trigger pull, I can shoot much more accurately with this little revolver. Kind of important for your primary carry piece.

 

[ltxi]

...............Do NOT touch the actual hammer/sear contact points except with a tiny dab of grease.............

Unless you know what you're doing. Can get a really nice, clean, reliable 8#+ trigger if you do.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I haven't seen as many LATELY. But I was at a local gun show yesterday (Miami), and one of the sellers (from out of town) had a couple new-in-box without internal locks for an asking price of $419.

Roger a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful

 

[baccusboy]

I can respect people who want to invest in the tools and like to tinker, but as a novice to such things, I think I'd rather just pay a gunsmith to do it right.

 

[ltxi]

I don't "tinker" with my professional tools. That be a very bad idea. Like the DMWYT principle in racing. Agreeing with you....if you don't know exactly what you're about with a defense weapon don't screw with it and hire a known good pro.

 

[abroken11b]

They had 2 ay my local LEO/MIL only dealer when i picked up my 442 yesterday

 

[smitty_bs]

Plenty here in Northern Illinois........

 

[Stainz]

How about the 442? Seriously, I haven't noticed a shortage thus far - maybe in ammo. I'll have to monitor the stores more closely. I haven't seen a Governor in a LGS lately, either... a conspiracy, or is S&W production down a bit due to end of summer vacations? Hmmmm - got mine, anyway.

Maybe with it's OEM boots back on, the Governor would look more like a 'pocket protector', like the 642? Naw... it's forte is still it's omnivore appetite. The 642 is still the best 'pocket protector' going. Matched to a Robert Mika pocket holster, it's my pocket companion cutting the grass, buying groceries, or even at a church social - like it was last night! Get one!!

Stainz

 

[TheTinMan]

I don't "tinker" with my professional tools. That be a very bad idea. Like the DMWYT principle in racing. Agreeing with you....if you don't know exactly what you're about with a defense weapon don't screw with it and hire a known good pro.

I understand your point. If the OP is lucky and gets a 642 with a decent trigger to start with and then dry fires it a lot, it may work out just fine for him. If he is not mechanically inclined, then he should know his limitations and stay away from the sideplate screws.

I don't "tinker" with firearms. I educate myself and stay within my limitations.

What does "DMWYT" stand for? Don't Mess With Your Tools?

 

[all5x]

I don't know about the New S&W Company but back in the middle 80's I was informed that a run of 5,000 for any model was considered to be a year's supply..none made until the next year so maybe they are out of stock due to the them all being sold..it is a popular model of course..I have 442's but got a 642 for my son..that was about April of this year..good thing I jumped when I did..all5x