SMITH & WESSON 642 AIRWEIGHT
Posted May 19, 2023
The Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is a pocket sized, double action only revolver that is lightweight, reliable, and well suited for everyday concealed carry and personal defense. It is chambered in .38 Special and has a five shot capacity. The cylinder is made from stainless steel and the frame is aluminum with an integral grip and a rounded butt for close and comfortable concealment. The 642 is light enough for easy and comfortable extended carry, yet robust enough to stand up to regular use in tough conditions.
The Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is one of the most popular concealed carry revolvers on the market and rightfully so. It is a well designed and thoughtfully crafted gun which offers reliable, light weight, and accurate performance.
The 642 Airweight's double action only trigger pull is smooth and consistent with no stacking or gritty feel. The pull is roughly 9.5 pounds which is mimizable for a revolver of this size. The trigger reset is quite short ensuring that you can get a quick follow up shots if needed. The 642 also has a very low bore axis which helps to reduce felt recoil.
The 642 Airweight also features a combat trigger guard for a more secure grip and the grip frame is checkered for added retention. The textured rubber grip panels provide an excellent grip and feel in the hand.
The 642 is also equipped with an external hammer that does not snag when drawing from a holster. This hammer is not intended for cocked and locked carry, the 642 must be carried in double action mode for safety.
At only 13 ounces unloaded, the 642 Airweight is one of the lightest carry guns on the market. The light weight makes it comfortable to carry all the time, either in your pocket or in a holster. The loaded gun is a bit heavier, but still manageable.
The 642's sights are simple yet effective. The front sight is a square notch and the rear sight is a V-notch without any adjustment. The sights are more than adequate for close quarters self defense work but if greater precision is desired, aftermarket night sights or fiber optics sights can be installed.
The Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is also incredibly affordable and can be found for as low as $350. This makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget or new shooters who want a quality concealed carry gun without breaking the bank.
One potential downside to the 642 Airweight is the cylinder capacity of only 5 rounds. Many people feel that having 2 extra rounds is a necessity for a concealed carry weapon, and larger revolvers such as the S&W 686 offer this additional capacity. However, for those who are committed to the idea of carrying a small and lightweight revolver and are willing to practice good shot placement, the 642 Airweight could be an excellent option.
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an everyday carry revolver. It is lightweight, reliable, well built, and surprisingly accurate given its small size. It is relatively inexpensive, and has plenty of aftermarket support if you decide to add custom sights or grips. The only issue with the 642 Airweight is the limited capacity, but for those who are comfortable with 5+1 rounds, the 642 is a top tier concealed carry revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros of the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight:
- Lightweight design makes it ideal for carrying
- Easy to use, simple design
- Double-action trigger keeps you safe
- Reliable firing on multiple rounds
- Easy to conceal and small frame makes it a great choice for concealed carry
- Lifetime Service Policy from Smith & Wesson
Cons of the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight:
- Low capacity of only 5 rounds
- Single-stack magazine increases reload times
- Difficulty in mass producton due to its size and complexity
- Not suitable for larger hands due to the short grip
- Trigger pull could be smoother
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a compact, reliable, and easy-to-carry revolver. It is well suited for concealed carry, as well as for home defense. Those who are new to firearms and shooting should consider a more familiar form factor, such as a semi-automatic pistol or even a revolver with a larger cylinder. As a 6-shot .38 Special revolver, it is not particularly well suited to hunting or target shooting, since a higher capacity semi-automatic pistol or even a larger capacity revolver would be preferable.
Comparisons
| Similar Product #1 | Similar Product #2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 7/8" | 2" | 1 7/8" |
| 5 | 6 | 5 |
| 15.1 oz. | 19 oz. | 18.5 oz. |
| Aluminum Alloy Frame | Steel Frame | Steel Frame |
| Double Action Only | Double Action/Single Action | Double Action/Single Action |
| Matte Black | Stainless | Matte Black |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Action: Double action only
• Barrel Length: 1.87”
• Overall Length: 6.3”
• Front Sight: Integral
• Rear Sight: Fixed
• Grip: Synthetic
• Weight: 13.5 oz. (unloaded)
• Frame: Aluminum alloy
Popular Accessories
REVOLVER?
- Laser Sight – A laser sight helps with better aim, enables you to shoot accurately, and helps you quickly acquire targets.
- Speedloader – This allows for reloading the revolver quickly and efficiently without having to fumble with individual rounds.
- Hogue Grip – A grip with a rubberized finish is often beneficial for increased comfort and improved control.
- Holster – Help to secure the firearm while providing quick access.
- Trigger Lock – Helps protect against unauthorized use of the weapon.
- Extended Magazine Release – Helps to make reloading easier and faster.
- Grip Accessories – Options for improved ergonomics and better control.
- Sight Enhancement – Options for improved accuracy and better visibility.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is one of the most accurate snub-nose revolvers available. The short barrel with its traditionally-rifled bore provides excellent accuracy with .38 Special rounds, particularly with the higher-end ammo. The aluminum frame and tight construction reduces muzzle flip and makes follow-up shots easy. The 642 is known to be quite accurate at indoors ranges and can group shots with satisfactory accuracy at 10 yards or sometimes even further. As such, the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is considered to be an excellent choice for personal defense and target shooting.
