# Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight .38 SPL +P Concealed Carry Revolver **Brand:** Smith & Wesson **Category:** Double Action Revolvers **Caliber:** .38 Special ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .38 Special - **Barrel Length:** 2" - **Capacity:** 5 rounds - **Finish:** Stainless - **Weight:** 15 oz - **Overall Length:** 6.31" - **UPC:** 022188638103 - **SKU:** UCODdGNj ## Description The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is a double-action-only .38 SPL +P revolver with a 1.88-inch barrel, 5-round capacity, and a weight of 14.4 oz. The aluminum alloy frame keeps it light for daily carry. The stainless steel barrel and cylinder handle +P loads continuously. The enclosed hammerless design eliminates snag points on the draw. There is no exposed hammer to catch on clothing or holster material. Matte silver stainless finish. ### Key Specifications - **Brand:** Smith & Wesson - **Model Name:** 642 Airweight - **Caliber:** .38 SPL +P - **Action:** Double Action Only (DAO) - **Capacity:** 5 Rounds - **Barrel Length:** 1.88 inches - **Finish:** Matte Silver Stainless Steel - **Weight:** 14.4 oz (0.9 lbs) ### Detailed Features The aluminum alloy frame is the primary weight reduction. It drops the revolver to 14.4 oz while the stainless barrel and cylinder maintain durability and +P compatibility. The enclosed hammer is the defining feature for pocket carry: no external hammer means a clean, snag-free draw from a pocket holster or waistband. Double-action-only operation keeps the manual of arms simple. Rated for continuous +P use, which matters for defensive loads. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the Smith & Wesson 642?** A: The 642 is chambered in .38 SPL +P, and the stainless barrel and cylinder are rated for continuous +P use. **Q: Who makes the 642 Airweight?** A: Smith & Wesson makes the 642 Airweight. **Q: What type of firearm is the Smith & Wesson 642?** A: It is a double-action-only revolver in the Double Action Revolvers category. **Q: What is the barrel length of the Smith & Wesson 642?** A: The barrel is 1.88 inches long. **Q: How many rounds does the Smith & Wesson 642 hold?** A: The cylinder holds 5 rounds. **Q: Does the Smith & Wesson 642 have an exposed hammer?** A: No. The 642 uses an enclosed hammerless design with no external hammer, which eliminates snag points on the draw. **Q: What is the finish on the Smith & Wesson 642?** A: It has a matte silver stainless steel finish. **Q: Where can I buy the Smith & Wesson 642?** A: Compare current vendor offers on this page. ## What Reviewers Say *Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.* > Even though it's very small, it's just very shootable. > > — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oECcf0-oCF8&t=309s) > I've carried this the last week for pocket carry while working and it's been absolutely awesome it does come with its negatives though. > > — [SPN Firearms](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIwCu9x_WKA&t=4s) > You can come up with some negatives, but there's just a lot of good to be said for a little J frame. > > — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oECcf0-oCF8&t=445s) > That front sight as you're moving that that trigger backward and uh they're hard to beat if you like a revolver. > > — [hickok45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oECcf0-oCF8&t=866s) > Another positive is the trigger pull for instance my fn503 is a longer trigger but a very light trigger this trigger is just heavy right away. > > — [SPN Firearms](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIwCu9x_WKA&t=57s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The 642 Airweight is one of the most-discussed carry revolvers and opinions are well established. Daily carry practitioners consistently cite the 14.4 oz weight and compact dimensions as the primary reasons to own one. It disappears in a pocket holster or on a belt clip in a way that most semi-autos cannot match. The enclosed hammer gets near-universal praise from carry users. A snag on the draw from a pocket is a meaningful problem, and the hammerless design eliminates it. Simplicity and mechanical reliability are also recurring positives. A double-action-only revolver with no external controls is difficult to operate incorrectly under stress. The five-round capacity is the most-cited limitation and generates the most debate. Against semi-autos with double-digit capacity, five rounds feels thin to some owners. The DAO trigger pull is heavier than most semi-auto carry pistols, which requires deliberate practice to shoot accurately at speed. +P loads generate noticeable recoil for the weight, manageable for a cylinder or two, but tiring for long practice sessions, which leads some owners to practice with standard-pressure .38 and carry +P. Sights are minimal and not suited to low-light use without a weapon light, which the frame does not accommodate. ## Pricing **2 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Guns Com | $399.99 | | Guns Com | $501.99 | ## Similar Products - [Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight: Compact .38 SPL +P Defense Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-642-airweight-compact-38-spl-p-defense-revolver/UCODbA7k) - [S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-642-airweight-38-special-p-compact-revolver/UCODakIH) - [Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight Lasergrip .38 Special +P Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-642-airweight-lasergrip-38-special-p-revolver/UCODdGNq) - [S&W 642 Airweight .38 SPL +P Revolver with Crimson Trace Lasergrips](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-642-airweight-38-spl-p-revolver-with-crimson-trace-lasergrips/UCODbCCF) - [S&W 642 Perf. Center: Compact .38 Special +P Revolver, 15oz Masterpiece](https://gunsnation.com/p/s-w-642-perf-center-compact-38-special-p-revolver-15oz-masterpiece/UCODdXOD) - [Smith & Wesson 638 Airweight .38 Special Revolver - Lightweight Defender](https://gunsnation.com/p/smith-wesson-638-airweight-38-special-revolver-lightweight-defender/UCODdESL) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*