SMITH & WESSON 642-2 AIRWEIGHT
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 642-2 Airweight revolver is an iconic product in the firearms industry, and is a testament to the quality engineering and manufacturing that Smith & Wesson has long been known for. This double action only revolver has been around for over 20 years, and is still a popular gun among shooters of all skill levels. The 642-2 Airweight is a .38 Special +P revolver, meaning it can fire any ammunition within .38 Special +P caliber range. Its light frame, reliable functionality, and compact size make it an excellent choice for a self-defense firearm.
The Smith & Wesson 642-2 Airweight is clearly a well designed revolver. The first thing one notices is its aluminum frame, which gives the 642-2 its “airweight” moniker. This lightweight construction makes the revolver easy to carry and conceal, as well as light enough to be comfortably used for an extended period of time. The aluminum alloy frame also gives the gun a strong, yet lightweight feel in the hand, and makes recoil manageable.
The 642-2 Airweight is a double action only revolver, meaning it can be fired in either single or double action. In single action, the hammer must be manually pulled back and released. In double action, the shooter simply pulls the trigger to fire the revolver. This keeps operation of the firearm simple and safe, and allows for quick follow-up shots. It also prevents the user from accidentally firing off-target shots in a stressful situation.
The Smith & Wesson 642-2 Airweight features a smooth trigger pull, which feels like it can be pulled off the glass of polished granite. There is no detectable over-travel, and the trigger breaks consistently and consistently clean. This is important for accurate shooting, and helps to ensure reliable accuracy when shooting. The easy trigger pull also eliminates the need for trigger work, making the 642-2 an excellent choice for shooters who want an out-of-the-box accurate revolver.
The 642-2 Airweight is chambered for the .38 Special +P cartridge. This is a popular self-defense round, and offers good terminal performance. The .38 Special +P is an excellent balance between stopping power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. The 642-2 features a five round cylinder capacity, providing enough capacity to handle most self-defense scenarios. The revolver also features a hammerless design, which eliminates the need for a manual safety and makes the gun easier to conceal, carry, and draw.
It is also important to note that the 642-2 Airweight is highly concealable. The gun features a smooth, rounded profile that makes it hard to notice when concealed. The cylinder and frame are smaller than that of a full-sized revolver, making it even easier to conceal and carry. Additionally, the gun features a snag-free barrel that helps to ensure the gun won’t get caught on clothing when carried.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson 642-2 Airweight is a well-crafted revolver that is well suited for self-defense. It features a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, a simple double action only design, and an excellent trigger pull. The 642-2 also packs a powerful .38 Special +P cartridge, and is easily concealable and carryable. Compared to other revolvers in its price range, the 642-2 Airweight is an excellent option for those looking for an accurate, reliable, and concealable revolver for self-defense.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight - only 15.9 ounces.
- Hammerless double action (DA) only design for enhanced safety.
- Available with a built-in laser sight for added accuracy.
- Aluminum alloy frame with stainless steel cylinder for improved durability.
- Short grips for better concealment.
Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity (five rounds).
- Lack of an external safety means that all trigger pulls are live.
- Laser sight adds another level of complexity to use and maintenance.
- Expensive ammunition for the .38 Special.
- Short barrel length reduces accuracy at longer distances.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 642-2 Airweight is a great choice for concealed carry, and it is suitable for shooters of any skill level. Those looking for a lightweight and compact revolver for self-defense, target shooting, and competition should strongly consider purchasing the 642-2 Airweight.
However, those with more limited budgets may prefer to purchase a less expensive revolver. Furthermore, the revolver is not built to withstand the rigors of military and law enforcement use, so those seeking a firearm for these activities should look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON 642-2 AIRWEIGHT | SMITH & WESSON 686-4 | SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 | SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 SPL | .357 Magnum | .41 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 1.87" | 4" | 6" | 1.875" |
| Finish | Stainless Steel | Satin Stainless | Satin Nickel | Matte Black |
| Weight | 15 oz | 34.7 oz | 44 oz | 12.5 oz |
| MSRP Price | $469 | $919.00 | $819.00 | $759.00 |
Features / Specs
• Model: S&W 642-2 Airweight
• Capacity: 5 Rounds
• Caliber: .38 Special
• Action: Double Action Only
• Barrel Length: 1.875"
• Overall Length: 6.3"
• Weight: 15 oz
• Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Grips: Synthetic
• Sights: Fixed
Popular Accessories
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- Holster
- Speed Loaders
- Laser Sight
- Extra Magazine
- Extra Grips
- Recoil Pad
- Target Sight
- Flashlight
- Cleaning Kit
- Grip Extension
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 642-2 Airweight is an extremely accurate handgun. The 642-2 features a 6-shot cylinder chambered in .38 Special +P, and is constructed of Scandium alloy to make it lightweight (just 13 oz. unloaded). Test reports indicate that the 642-2 can produce groups of roughly 2.5 inches at 15 yards. This handgun is also highly reliable, as the internal hammer works in conjunction with a double-action trigger pull for multi-strike ignition and long-term reliability. To further help with accuracy, the 642-2 has a cylinder, yoke, and forcing cone that are all precision-machined, as well as standard front and adjustable rear sights. These features combine to make the 642-2 Airweight an extremely accurate, reliable, and lightweight handgun.
