The Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is a .38 Special +P double-action-only revolver with a 1.875-inch barrel and a 6.3-inch overall length. It weighs 15 oz. The frame is aluminum alloy with a glass beaded stainless finish, and the grip is custom wood. Capacity is 5 rounds. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson 
• Model Name: 642 Performance Center 
• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 1.875 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.3 inches 
• Weight: 15 oz 
• Sights: Integral Front; Fixed Rear 
• Grip Material: Custom Wood 
• Finish: Glass Beaded Stainless Finish 
• Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The Performance Center designation means this gun received a tuned action before leaving the factory, which results in a noticeably smoother trigger pull than the standard 642. The aluminum alloy frame keeps weight at 15 oz, well below steel-frame J-frames. The glass beaded stainless finish is a Performance Center detail that sets it apart visually from the standard matte stainless version. At 1.875 inches, the barrel is long enough for .38 Special +P loads to perform adequately while keeping the overall package short for pocket or ankle carry. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
The 642 is primarily a pocket carry and backup gun. The DAO action and no-snag profile make it practical for pocket holsters where snagging is a concern. For home defense, the 5-round capacity is a trade-off buyers should weigh against the simple, reliable revolver operation. At the range, the tuned action makes shooting more pleasant than the standard 642, though .38 Special +P from a 15 oz frame is still stout.

The 642 Performance Center gets its strongest praise for the factory-tuned trigger, which is consistently cited as noticeably smoother than the standard 642. The 15 oz weight is the main appeal for concealed carry, particularly in pockets or ankle rigs where every ounce matters. The custom wood grips on the Performance Center model draw aesthetic appreciation. The .38 Special +P caliber is trusted by most owners for its stopping power relative to the gun's size.

The compact grip is the most common ergonomic complaint. Shooters with larger hands find it harder to control during fast follow-up shots, and extended range sessions with +P loads are uncomfortable. The 5-round capacity comes up repeatedly as a limitation, particularly for buyers comparing it to small semi-auto alternatives. The lack of modern features like an optic cut or higher capacity is accepted by buyers who specifically want a traditional revolver platform but noted by those comparing it to newer designs.