SMITH & WESSON 642 PERFORMANCE CENTER
Posted May 26, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is one of the most popular and sought after handguns on the market, and for good reason. Designed specifically for concealed carry, it is a gun sure to fit the bill for most shooters. While it is a bit on the heavy side, it is well built, reliable, and, if given the care it deserves, it can be a reliable and accurate handgun.
First, let's look at the construction and quality of the Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center. Built from a stainless steel frame and rubber grips that offer a significant amount of grip control, this handgun is designed with concealed carry in mind. The sights are fixed, but they're still quite decent and have a fairly good sight picture. The trigger pull is a bit on the heavy side, but it's still quite manageable. The performance-enhancing accessories (such as the extended magazine release, extended slide stop, and performance-enhanced trigger) make this handgun easy to operate and comfortable to shoot.
When it comes to accuracy, the Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center does not disappoint. The barrel is rifled and has a 1-in-15-inch twist, which helps the bullet stay on its path. Shooting the 642 at 25 yards brings tight groups that are definitely competitive with other handguns of similar size.
The reliability of the Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is outstanding. While it can be a bit picky with ammunition, other than that, it is extremely reliable. The hammer-fired, double-action design ensures consistent ignition of the primer, as well as providing reliable feeding and extraction. It passes all U.S. Military torture tests with flying colors due to its robust design.
Carrying the Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is a dream. It is incredibly lightweight for its size and its small size allows for easy and discreet concealment. The rubber grip helps to prevent printing, ensuring that it won't be noticeable when concealed. Additionally, the included pocket holster allows for maximum concealment by actively preventing direct contact with the skin when individually carried.
The price of the Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is a bit on the high side, but it's definitely worth the money. The quality of the components used in the handgun is excellent, and it has all the modern features and refinements needed for a top-class handgun. Additionally, its accuracy, reliability, and concealability make it an excellent choice for every day carry.
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and easy to carry handgun for every day carry. It may be a bit pricey, but its great quality construction and performance enhancements more than make up for its price tag. It’s a handgun that will serve you well for years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight
-Excellent grip
-Holds 6 shots
-Encapsulated trigger system for comfortable shooting
-Good accuracy
-Excellent safety features
Cons:
-Limited support for aftermarket parts
-High cost compared to other similar firearms
-Exposed hammer may be a snag hazard
-Limited customization options
Who Should Buy
This revolver is not recommended for first-time handgun owners. This performance center is designed for experienced shooters who understand the complexities of a revolver and shooting fundamentals. It is not suitable for novice shooters. The revolver is chambered in .38 Special +P for self-defense and target shooting. The revolver is a bit more expensive compared to standard models, so financially it may be out of reach for some gun owners. People with a bit more experience in shooting, who are able to appreciate the extra performance this model offers, should consider this revolver.
Comparisons
| Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 |
|---|---|
| Caliber: .38 Special | Caliber: .38 Special |
| Barrel Length: 2.75” | Barrel Length: 3” |
| Capacity: 6 Rounds | Capacity: 6 Rounds |
| Action: Double Action | Action: Single/Double Action |
| Weight: 22.2 oz | Weight: 19 oz |
| Overall Length: 7.75” | Overall Length: 6.63” |
| Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy | Frame Material: Alloy Steel |
Features / Specs
Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center:
-Barrel length: 1.87"
-Overall length: 6.3"
-Frame material: Aluminum alloy
-Finish: Matte silver
-Weight: 15.0 oz.
-Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
-Action: DA/SA
-Capacity: 5 rounds
-Sights: Black ramp front/adjustable rear
-Grip: Synthetic
Popular Accessories
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- Laser sight
- Extended magazine
- Grips
- Holster
- Magazine loader
- Speedloader
- Flashlight/Laser Combo
- trigger job
- Low Profile Night Sights
- Hogue Bantam Grip.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center is known for its accuracy and reliability. It is a great choice for concealed carry, as it is small, lightweight and the recoil is manageable. The 642 features a two-inch barrel, a smooth and crisp five-pound trigger, and a fiber-optic front sight and adjustable rear sights make it very accurate with no sight adjustments needed. Most people who have used this gun agree that it is extremely accurate, even at long distances. It is an excellent option for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
