The short answer

Here is how the Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense and the S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery compare. The Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense is the more affordable option, starting at $549.99 versus $999.99. On the spec sheet, the S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery carries more rounds (7 rounds vs 5 rounds) and the Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense is lighter (15 oz vs 31.7 oz).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense and the S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery?

They differ mainly in caliber (.38 Special vs 9mm), model (642 vs 986), capacity (5 rounds vs 7 rounds) and barrel length (1.9" vs 2.5").

Which is cheaper, the Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense or the S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery?

The Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense is currently the cheaper of the two, with a lowest listed price of $549.99 compared with $999.99 for the S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery. Dealer prices are live and can change.

Which holds more rounds, the Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense or the S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery?

The S&W 986 PC 9MM Revolver - Precision-Engineered Stainless Mastery has the higher magazine capacity at 7 rounds, versus 5 rounds for the Smith & Wesson 642 PC .38 Special Revolver - Compact Precision Defense.