Airweight 642
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Shorty 45 MK2
Member
I carry one everyday and have for almost four years now.
I really like it, think it's about right as far as weight goes. (Lighter and it would be no fun to shoot, heavier and you'd have a hard time carrying it on your ankle.)
I like the fact that's its DAO, so it forces you to get good at shooting DA.
I do wish that it had a pinned or dovetailed front sight and the finish flacks easy. (At least on mine, but it is used a lot.) the J-frame is also about the hardest revolver to shoot well. (You need to practice your DA trigger pull a lot as well as build up the muscles in your trigger fingers.)
All that being said, if I could only have one J-frame, it would be a 642, thankfully I can have more!
Here's a photo of my smallest S&W.
I really like it, think it's about right as far as weight goes. (Lighter and it would be no fun to shoot, heavier and you'd have a hard time carrying it on your ankle.)
I like the fact that's its DAO, so it forces you to get good at shooting DA.
I do wish that it had a pinned or dovetailed front sight and the finish flacks easy. (At least on mine, but it is used a lot.) the J-frame is also about the hardest revolver to shoot well. (You need to practice your DA trigger pull a lot as well as build up the muscles in your trigger fingers.)
All that being said, if I could only have one J-frame, it would be a 642, thankfully I can have more!
Here's a photo of my smallest S&W.
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I like the M 42, 38 and 40 more , but the later models are excellent sd arms if you put in the effort.
I carry one everyday and have for almost four years now.
I really like it, think it's about right as far as weight goes. (Lighter and it would be no fun to shoot and heavier and you'd have a hard time carrying it on your ankle.)
I like the fact that's its DAO, so it forces you to get good at shooting DA.
I do wish that it had a pinned or dovetailed front sight and the finish flacks easy. (At least on mine, but it is used a lot.) the J-frame is also about the hardest revolver to shoot well. (You need to practice your DA trigger pull a lot as well as build up the muscles in your trigger fingers.
All that being said, if I could only have one J-frame, it would be a 642, thankfully I can have more!
Here's a photo of my smallest S&W.
Great reply--what I'm looking for. Thx.
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I agree with Shorty 45, have been carrying a 642 since 2000. Also have 43C, 351C and 640 in the Centennial family. Still looking for a pre 40 or 40 to add to the group.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
The Centennial series are all great guns for pocket carry especially. Many people carry them as backup, while others like me carry one as primary SD. In a good pocket holster or IWB rig they're unobtrusive and a fine balance of size, power and concealability. Mine's all steel, but the Airweights are hugely popular and highly regarded.
JAREDSHS
Member
Shorty45 pretty well said it all. I have owned and Airweight 637,638, or 642 for years. They are excellent pocket carry 38plus P revolvers. Everyone should have at least one of these. I carry my 642 every day in my blujeans front pocket. My wife carries her 637 every day. The ONLY negative that I can note is the "clearcoat" paint used on the aluminum frame.. Some posters will swear that it is still perfect on their particular gun. Over the years I have owned at least 8 diferent Airweights and the coating eventually
failed on all of them. My wife's 637 is now coatingless and the new 642 I brought home
a month ago is starting to flake---I will eventually get around to wiping it down with Acetone and the coating will be gone on the 642. I don't care,Icarry it every day.
Best of luck to you on your choice----the 642 is hard to beat.
failed on all of them. My wife's 637 is now coatingless and the new 642 I brought home
a month ago is starting to flake---I will eventually get around to wiping it down with Acetone and the coating will be gone on the 642. I don't care,Icarry it every day.
Best of luck to you on your choice----the 642 is hard to beat.
wrangler5
Member
I've carried the 442 (same gun but black, with carbon steel instead of stainless) but prefer the 638 because . . . well, just because. Any of the hammerless/shrouded hammer airweights will carry and shoot about the same. Light enough not to be a burden, and so less likely to be left behind, small enough to go in a pocket (although mine are always in an IWB holster if I'm out of the house), and adequate punch with dead nuts reliability. Pretty much the ideal compromise for what they're being asked to do.
I will strongly recommend a Crimson Trace laser grip as the best money you'll spend on one of these little beasts, though. It's probably the best training aid available, as you can dry fire in your living room with instant feedback of where your "shot" just hit. Strengthen your trigger finger, tighten up your grip and forearm muscles, and watch the playoffs at the same time. Doesn't get much more better than that.
I will strongly recommend a Crimson Trace laser grip as the best money you'll spend on one of these little beasts, though. It's probably the best training aid available, as you can dry fire in your living room with instant feedback of where your "shot" just hit. Strengthen your trigger finger, tighten up your grip and forearm muscles, and watch the playoffs at the same time. Doesn't get much more better than that.
Edmo
US Veteran
What Shorty45 said...
Edmo
Edmo
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I carry the 442, same thing different color (see Wrangler5's post) and I haven't had any problems with the finish. Yeah there's the normal carry wear but that's about it.
Another relevant answer. Thx.
I've carried the 442 (same gun but black, with carbon steel instead of stainless) but prefer the 638 because . . . well, just because. Any of the hammerless/shrouded hammer airweights will carry and shoot about the same. Light enough not to be a burden, and so less likely to be left behind, small enough to go in a pocket (although mine are always in an IWB holster if I'm out of the house), and adequate punch with dead nuts reliability. Pretty much the ideal compromise for what they're being asked to do.
I will strongly recommend a Crimson Trace laser grip as the best money you'll spend on one of these little beasts, though. It's probably the best training aid available, as you can dry fire in your living room with instant feedback of where your "shot" just hit. Strengthen your trigger finger, tighten up your grip and forearm muscles, and watch the playoffs at the same time. Doesn't get much more better than that.
Good info. Thx.
ridgewalker
Member
I have had the 642 for a while but decided I needed a 442. I wanted the more traditional black look. Mines a 442 Pro which all the steel parts are stainless with whatever black coating S&W uses to color it.
For whatever reason I can shoot the 442 a little bit better than the 642.
Shorty has it right. If it had a replaceable front sight it would be close to perfect.
For whatever reason I can shoot the 442 a little bit better than the 642.
Shorty has it right. If it had a replaceable front sight it would be close to perfect.
pineappleshooter
US Veteran
One advantage the 442 has is that, being black, it will not "shine" as much if it peeks out from under your shirt or out of your pocket. Also, I prefer black or blue guns since you get less glare when shooting in the daylight. That being said, these are point and shoot at close range guns, you aren't going to chew the center out of a target at 25 yds with one. I train to point shoot at 7 yds and can usually keep my shots in a 4 inch circle without using the sights. I have the CT laser grips and love them for training purposes. They are also handy if you are in a scuffle with someone and get knocked down, even if you are shooting upside down and backwards, if you can see the dot, that is where the bullet is going. I carry a 442 in my right front pocket every day.
Rick_A
Member
• Inherently accurate
• Lightweight
• Controllable
• Compact
My 442 mainly does back up duty, buy if I've gotta carry it alone I'd feel plenty secure. I can manage 4-5" groups at 20-25 yards unsupported, and that's about as well as I can manage with anything these days.
• Lightweight
• Controllable
• Compact
My 442 mainly does back up duty, buy if I've gotta carry it alone I'd feel plenty secure. I can manage 4-5" groups at 20-25 yards unsupported, and that's about as well as I can manage with anything these days.
Rick_A
Member
The only con is a heavy ish trigger. Instead of the spring kits everyone uses, I workout my finger instead.
RichCapeCod
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Probably the best pocket revolver made today. Perfect balance of just light enough to be comfortable, just heavy enough so that it doesn't beat you up when shooting it. Also, quite accurate if you do your part:
Night qualification fired at 5/10 and 15 yards.
I used another officer's 642 at the time.
Night qualification fired at 5/10 and 15 yards.
I used another officer's 642 at the time.
Ranger514
Member
Heavy ish trigger means somewhere on the order of a 12 pound pull. Like Rick said, you can smooth out the trigger and also strengthen your trigger finger with a lot of dry fire practice, or you can cheat like I did, and install an Apex Kit that will immediately reduce the trigger down to a more manageable 9 pound pull. Purists don't like it, but it works, and I've not had any light primer strikes, or other issues.
629shooter
Member
Considering a "no lock" can be bought for less than $400 NIB the 642/442s are hard to beat.
I do prefer the Centennial Js because, there is no hammer spur to snag on the draw. The Bodyguard Js work well too, if you want the ability to shoot SA.
Like others have said, J frames take some practice due to the heavy trigger pull. But, after a few hundred rounds, you don't even notice.
I do prefer the Centennial Js because, there is no hammer spur to snag on the draw. The Bodyguard Js work well too, if you want the ability to shoot SA.
Like others have said, J frames take some practice due to the heavy trigger pull. But, after a few hundred rounds, you don't even notice.
petepeterson
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If you buy one, you somehow don't end up with just one...
Everyone hit all the high and low points. The only thing that I would add the list of pros it that they are cheap enough to get 2. One to beat like a pinata in training and one to shoot enough to verify POI and function then carry.
On the con list, they need to come from the factory with the Apex duty kit installed. I know the pro does but the base models should too. And...go back to the original Uncle Mikes version of the boot grip. They were not made of a tacky rubber like the new ones and they didn't grab clothing.
On the con list, they need to come from the factory with the Apex duty kit installed. I know the pro does but the base models should too. And...go back to the original Uncle Mikes version of the boot grip. They were not made of a tacky rubber like the new ones and they didn't grab clothing.
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indiandave
Member
I carry one and like it. I changed the grips to Pachmayr Compacts. they handle the recoil better. I also painted the front sight with bright orange nail polish. Makes it easier to see. It's a great carry gun.
Rick_A
Member
I think a steel framed J snub makes a great stablemate. Such ideas cost me money.
linkscoach
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You have to balance the good with the bad with a snubby.
Pros:
Very reliable
Very easy to carry
Very versatile. It's kind of like carrying a knife. You can carry one just about anywhere on your body. If you can pull the trigger they will fire even from pockets.
They are capable of more accuracy than most people realize. Hits on 8" plates at 50 yards are very doable.
Inexpensive to own. No need to buy extra magazines. Low initial cost.
Cons:
The sights on a stock 442/642 are pretty bad. There are options to upgrade but it's expensive. Painting the sights helps some.
Low capacity
Slower reloads compared to autos.
Recoil can bother some people
Heavy trigger. It can be improved though. Apex is a great place to start but not required. A lot of people learn to love a good DA revolver trigger.
Must be willing to put in the work to be proficient with it. Most people are not willing to put in the work required to really be proficient with a snubby. It takes a lot more work than say a Glock 26 or Shield to get and remain good with one.
They are a great option for most people. If you're planning on belt carry I think there are better options. For pocket carry they are very hard to beat. There are some great options for trainers but snubby specific classes are getting harder to find.
Pros:
Very reliable
Very easy to carry
Very versatile. It's kind of like carrying a knife. You can carry one just about anywhere on your body. If you can pull the trigger they will fire even from pockets.
They are capable of more accuracy than most people realize. Hits on 8" plates at 50 yards are very doable.
Inexpensive to own. No need to buy extra magazines. Low initial cost.
Cons:
The sights on a stock 442/642 are pretty bad. There are options to upgrade but it's expensive. Painting the sights helps some.
Low capacity
Slower reloads compared to autos.
Recoil can bother some people
Heavy trigger. It can be improved though. Apex is a great place to start but not required. A lot of people learn to love a good DA revolver trigger.
Must be willing to put in the work to be proficient with it. Most people are not willing to put in the work required to really be proficient with a snubby. It takes a lot more work than say a Glock 26 or Shield to get and remain good with one.
They are a great option for most people. If you're planning on belt carry I think there are better options. For pocket carry they are very hard to beat. There are some great options for trainers but snubby specific classes are getting harder to find.
I had the 642, but for some reason I prefer the very subtle weight difference of the 638 (might be all in my mind). I only shoot it double action. Put an Apex trigger kit in it and love it. Have a 438 (black) for formal occasions.
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Helderberg
US Veteran
I would also add that as a close quarters gun you can not beat a revolver. An auto can mis fire or jam or one of your hands may be hurt or otherwise occupied during an altercation and you may need to clear it. A revolver, while nothing is perfect, is a much more reliable gun in a contact situation than any auto. Also, if you consider a situation where one of your hands is damaged and need to load a magazine with just one hand, well you can not. A revolver is not the answer to all the problems you may encounter but as a civilian it can be the best solution you find. I have a 642PC and it takes all the trigger issues out of the equation. Good luck and choose what you think is best for you.
papajohn428
Member
I cut my teeth on DA revolvers, but was never much good with a snubby, hence I waited 25 years before I bought one to carry. When I did, it was the 642, I prefer the hammerless design for concealed carry. I did one of my better trigger jobs on it, and got the DA pull down to a very smooth 9 pounds. I'm no sharpshooter with it, like I am with my other DA revolvers but I can hit your hat out to about 20 paces, as far as I'm ever likely to shoot it. Clay pigeons on a dirt bank at 7-10 yards are in serious peril with every shot.
As mentioned, the tiny little sights are horrid, and it doesn't help that they're matte finished, they're hard to see in good light, let alone in the dark. I've learned to point shoot with the little blaster, and despite the horribly slow reloads, I carry it pretty often. I'm not big enough to make pocket carry work for me, so I use a metal clip (available from Midway for the ridiculous price of $20, but it works) attached to the starboard side for appendix carry, and it simply disappears under a t-shirt, given enough gut to disguise it. Most of us geezers don't have that issue, the "flatbellies" (as my Dad use to call them) might need to get a little more creative, or carry at 4 o'clock, meaning behind the right hip for northpaws. The clip alleviates the need for a holster, and if there's a downside, it's that the clip goes BOING when you fire it. It's a little irritating, but you can get used to it.
Painting the sights with brightly colored fingernail polish helps immensely when there's enough light, and if you don't like your color choices, a little acetone will let you remove it and try again with different colors. You might get some funny looks when you buy fingernail polish in billious colors, but you can either say it's for your girlfriend, or just wink and sashay out the door, your choice.
My 642 originally came with a Crimson Trace grip, which is a wonderful tool for low-light applications, especially when you put the dot on the bad guy's nose.......NOBODY wants to get shot in the face, and that garbage about putting it in the middle of his chest is hooey, he probably won't see it. Put it on his nose and he'll go into duck-and cover mode INSTANTLY. Unfortunately, most of the Crimson Trace grips are on the large side, and don't help the carryability aspect. But they sure make point shooting a lot easier!
If I only had one J-frame, it would be the 642. It was my first, but not my last!
but I can hit your hat out to about 20 paces, as far as I'm ever likely to shoot it. Clay pigeons on a dirt bank at 7-10 yards are in serious peril with every shot.As mentioned, the tiny little sights are horrid, and it doesn't help that they're matte finished, they're hard to see in good light, let alone in the dark. I've learned to point shoot with the little blaster, and despite the horribly slow reloads, I carry it pretty often. I'm not big enough to make pocket carry work for me, so I use a metal clip (available from Midway for the ridiculous price of $20, but it works) attached to the starboard side for appendix carry, and it simply disappears under a t-shirt, given enough gut to disguise it. Most of us geezers don't have that issue, the "flatbellies" (as my Dad use to call them) might need to get a little more creative, or carry at 4 o'clock, meaning behind the right hip for northpaws. The clip alleviates the need for a holster, and if there's a downside, it's that the clip goes BOING when you fire it. It's a little irritating, but you can get used to it.
Painting the sights with brightly colored fingernail polish helps immensely when there's enough light, and if you don't like your color choices, a little acetone will let you remove it and try again with different colors. You might get some funny looks when you buy fingernail polish in billious colors, but you can either say it's for your girlfriend, or just wink and sashay out the door, your choice.
My 642 originally came with a Crimson Trace grip, which is a wonderful tool for low-light applications, especially when you put the dot on the bad guy's nose.......NOBODY wants to get shot in the face, and that garbage about putting it in the middle of his chest is hooey, he probably won't see it. Put it on his nose and he'll go into duck-and cover mode INSTANTLY. Unfortunately, most of the Crimson Trace grips are on the large side, and don't help the carryability aspect. But they sure make point shooting a lot easier!
If I only had one J-frame, it would be the 642. It was my first, but not my last!
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I replaced the stock grips with the old style Uncle Mike's boot grips, which have enough clearance for speed loaders. The downside is that if you are at all recoil-sensitive (like my wife) they do nothing to mitigate the bite. I have been using Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. +P and haven't noticed. When traveling long distances in the car I use an ankle holster and the rest of the time a Galco horsehide pocket holster (also old style) in the right front pocket. It suits me fine. It is not a target gun and wasn't meant to be. It would not be my first choice if I was working robbery stake-outs, but it's fine for trips to the store.
I carried Colt Agents and Cobras as BUGs when I was on the job, but that was when the original Centennials had just gone out of production and the new generation hadn't come out yet. If the 442/642 line had been available there would have been a pair in my wardrobe.
I carried Colt Agents and Cobras as BUGs when I was on the job, but that was when the original Centennials had just gone out of production and the new generation hadn't come out yet. If the 442/642 line had been available there would have been a pair in my wardrobe.
Goldstar225
Member
I've lived with one for over a dozen years as an on-duty back up gun and a sometimes carried off-duty gun. For me;
Pros: - It's an always gun. Unless I take up streaking there will never
be a time that I can't carry the 642.
- It' accurate. Certainly not match grade but 8" plates at 15 yards
are no problem.
- In a good pocket holster (I prefer Mika), you can have your hand
on the gun in a firing grip without anyone knowing should
circumstances be "questionable".
- Spare ammo in speed strips carry flat and fit well in a watch
pocket
Cons: - You have five rounds before a reload is necessary, make 'em
count, don't waste them.
- The finish flakes. So what. I think it says "I'm a working gun,
not a safe queen. I've been there at the ready for hundreds
if not thousands of days".
I can and do carry other guns but I will never be without a 642.
Pros: - It's an always gun. Unless I take up streaking there will never
be a time that I can't carry the 642.
- It' accurate. Certainly not match grade but 8" plates at 15 yards
are no problem.
- In a good pocket holster (I prefer Mika), you can have your hand
on the gun in a firing grip without anyone knowing should
circumstances be "questionable".
- Spare ammo in speed strips carry flat and fit well in a watch
Cons: - You have five rounds before a reload is necessary, make 'em
count, don't waste them.
- The finish flakes. So what. I think it says "I'm a working gun,
not a safe queen. I've been there at the ready for hundreds
if not thousands of days".
I can and do carry other guns but I will never be without a 642.
