The S&W 442 Airweight Gen 1: Compact .38 Special DAO Revolver, 15 oz is a .38 Special +P double action revolvers. It is available from 1 vendor at $451.49.
Name: S&W 442 Airweight Gen 1: Compact .38 Special DAO Revolver, 15 oz
Category: Double Action Revolvers
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Barrel Length: 1.9"
Capacity: 5 rounds
UPC: 022188893359
SKU: UCODeKml
Recently Added
Concealed CarryBest 9mm HandgunsBest Semi-Auto Shotguns9mm RevolverOptic-ReadyWeatherby Mark VMatch Pistols
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.
The Smith & Wesson 442 Airweight is a double-action-only revolver chambered in .38 Special +P, built for concealed carry and self-defense. At 15 oz and 1.88 inches of barrel, it carries easily and disappears under clothing.
The DAO mechanism means no manual cocking — every trigger pull cycles and fires, which keeps the manual of arms simple and consistent. The .38 Special +P rating gives you access to higher-pressure defensive loads without stepping up to a larger platform. Recoil is noticeable given the light alloy frame, but manageable for follow-up shots at defensive distances.
The 1.88-inch barrel handles well in close quarters and keeps the overall profile short enough for pocket or IWB carry. The lightweight construction helps over a long carry day, though it does mean the gun moves around more during rapid fire compared to heavier steel revolvers.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Model | 442 Airweight |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Barrel length | 1.9" |
| Action | Double Action |
| Color | Black |
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.
The S&W 442 Airweight has a strong reputation as an everyday carry revolver, and most owners back that up in practice. The weight — 15 oz unloaded — comes up constantly as the main selling point; people who carry it all day appreciate not noticing it.
Reliability gets consistent positive marks. The DAO action is widely appreciated for its simplicity, particularly by newer shooters who prefer not to manage a hammer.
The trigger pull generates the most debate. Some find the long, heavy pull smooth enough after practice; others consider it a liability for precise shooting and suggest dry-fire work to build the muscle memory. The .38 Special caliber also divides opinion — it's effective for self-defense and controllable, but shooters who prioritize capacity or terminal performance sometimes look at 9mm semi-autos instead.
Aftermarket support is solid: grips and holsters are widely available. Pricing is generally considered fair for a S&W aluminum-frame revolver, though a few buyers note that budget alternatives exist if cost is the primary concern.
Price Range: $451.49 - $451.49
| Vendor | Price | Condition | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buds Gun Shop | $451.49 | New | Buy Now |
.38 Special
.38 Special +P
.38 Special
.38 Special
.38 Special
.38 Special
.38 Special +P
.38 Special +P
.38 Special
.38 Special +P
.38 Special
.38 Special +P