The short answer

The S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver and the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power are both double action revolvers. The S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver is the more affordable option, starting at $479 versus $1262.97. On the spec sheet, the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power carries more rounds (8 rounds vs 5 rounds) and the S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver is lighter (15 oz vs 23.1 oz).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver and the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power?

They differ mainly in caliber (.38 Special vs .357 Magnum), capacity (5 rounds vs 8 rounds), overall length (6.31" vs 7") and weight (15 oz vs 23.1 oz).

Which is cheaper, the S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver or the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power?

The S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver is currently the cheaper of the two, with a lowest listed price of $479 compared with $1262.97 for the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power. Dealer prices are live and can change.

Which holds more rounds, the S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver or the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power?

The Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power has the higher magazine capacity at 8 rounds, versus 5 rounds for the S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver.

Are the S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver and the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power the same caliber?

No. The S&W 642 Airweight .38 Special +P Compact Revolver is .38 Special and the Smith & Wesson 327 PC .357 Magnum Revolver - 8-Round Compact Power is .357 Magnum.