SMITH & WESSON 642-1 AIRWEIGHT
Posted May 14, 2023
The Smith and Wesson 642-1 Airweight is a great choice for anyone looking for an easily concealable, double-action only revolver that packs a punch, even in a small frame. Chambered in .38 Special, the 642-1 Airweight is light, reliable, and easy to use. In terms of size and weight, it is one of the smallest and lightest firearms on the market, making it the perfect handgun for anyone looking for a concealed carry weapon.
For starters, the 642-1 features a 2-inch barrel, making it perfect for concealed carry and easy to fit into a small holster. On top of that, the 642-1 features an adjustable rear sight and a distinction between the front and rear sights, along with a trigger stop lever, allowing you to get off quick, accurate shots. The Smith and Wesson 642-1 Airweight also features a bobbed hammer, eliminating the snag potential of a regular hammer when drawing the weapon.
The design of the 642-1 Airweight is snub-nose and classic, with a traditional frame that makes it look more like a wheel gun than a modern-day firearm. It's also one of the few truly lightweight revolvers on the market, weighing in at just 15 ounces unloaded. That light weight makes it easy to carry, while still offering enough weight to offer good recoil mitigation.
In terms of grip, the 642-1 Airweight features the traditional Smith & Wesson rubber grips. They don't offer the same level of comfort or gripping surface as Hogue or Pachmayr, but they get the job done and keep the gun from slipping during recoil. It’s also worth noting that, depending on the model of the 642-1 Airweight, it may also come with Smith & Wesson’s “Pocket Kit”. This pocket kit includes a rubber grip, an additional cylinder, and a pocket holster. The pocket holster is great for deep concealment carry, but it can also be used for larger holsters as well.
The 642-1 Airweight uses moon clips for reloading. This is great for shooters who need to reload quickly, as the clips will hold up to five rounds at once. The downside is that moon clips are expensive and can be difficult to find. Additionally, the 642-1 Airweight also has a reputation for being a bit finicky with moon clips. This isn't a huge issue, but it is something to consider.
When it comes to shooting, the 642-1 Airweight is a great choice. The trigger is smooth, with a consistent pull and no grit or stacking. The double-action trigger pull is on the longer side, with an average DA pull weight of 11.2 pounds. The single-action trigger pull is a bit better, with an average of 5.1 pounds.
Recoil is surprisingly mild, thanks to the gun’s light construction. For those interested in shooting competitively, the 642-1 Airweight can easily be modified with lighter springs, making it a viable option for competition shooting. The 642-1 Airweight also boasts excellent accuracy due to the adjustable sights, with most shooters being able to keep their shots within a six-inch circle at 25 yards.
The Smith & Wesson 642-1 Airweight is an excellent handgun for personal protection, recreational shooting, and competitions. Its light weight makes it easy to carry and its size makes it discreet and easy to conceal. The smooth trigger and adjustable sights also make it an ideal choice for putting rounds downrange quickly and accurately. The moon clips, while somewhat finicky, make reloading quick and easy. The 642-1 Airweight is also very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget. All in all, Smith and Wesson’s 642-1 Airweight is an excellent firearm that is sure to meet the needs of any handgun owner.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight and easy to conceal.
-Simple, intuitive design.
-Highly reliable.
-Reasonably priced.
-Pocket sized for easy transport.
Cons:
-Limited capacity (5 rounds).
-More recoil than larger frames.
-Snag-free design can make it harder to draw from a holster.
-No external safeties.
-Aluminum cylinder can make the gun less durable.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 642-1 Airweight is an excellent choice for a concealed carry revolver. It is lightweight, dependable, and accurate. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable hideout gun.
That said, the 642-1 Airweight isn't ideal for everyone. It has a limited capacity of 5 shots, so it wouldn't be ideal for anyone who needs more firepower. Additionally, it has a limited range and could be difficult to shoot accurately at long distances. It also doesn't have a manual safety, so that may not suit everyone's preference. Lastly, its small size can make it difficult to hold for larger hands.
Comparisons
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson 642-1 Airweight | .38 Special | 1.87" | 15.98 oz |
| Ruger LCR | .38 Special | 1.87" | 13.5 oz |
| Taurus 85 | .38 Special | 2" | 17 oz |
| Charter Arms Undercover | .38 Special | 2" | 16.5 oz |
| S&W 642 CT | .38 Special | 1.87" | 15.3 oz |
Features / Specs
- Stainless steel cylinder and frame
- 2” fully shrouded barrel
- Cylinder holds 5 rounds of .38 Special cartridges
- Single/double action
- Overall length of 6 ⅜”
- Lightweight aluminum alloy shrouded hammer
- Weight: 15 ounces
Popular Accessories
?
- Holster: A holster is the most popular accessory for a Smith & Wesson 642-1 Airweight. Concealed carry holsters are a great option for keeping the gun concealed and secure while on the go.
- Rail Mount: Another popular accessory is a rail mount which allows you to attach a red dot sight, flash light, or laser sight to your revolver.
- Grips: Another popular accessory are rubber grips which can give you a better grip on your revolver and can also improve the look of the gun.
- Speed Loaders: Speed loaders are a great addition to your revolver allowing you to quickly load your revolver without having to fiddle around with individual rounds.
- Cleaning Kit: A cleaning kit is also an essential item to own when owning a firearm. Keeping it clean and lubricated will ensure its longevity.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 642-1 Airweight is one of the most accurate handguns on the market. It is designed with a small frame and lightweight frame, making it easier to shoot with precision. This gun is designed to fire both .38 special and +P ammunition. It also has a smaller barrel and double-action trigger pull, allowing for quicker and more precise shots. The 642-1 Airweight is a favorite among home defense and concealed carry users because of its accuracy and reliability. The 642-1 has been tested for accuracy and has consistently performed at a very high level. Many users report being able to consistently hit targets at 25 yards and beyond while using standard .38 special ammunition.
