S&W 642 Airweight: Small 38 Special +P pocket revolver 

Bought mine in 2003 when I opened my first restaurant. Mine has a factory laser grip . It is accurate and never ever misfires. My buddy who is ex military and a police officer told me to get it. Said it’s idiot proof. He’s right. I love it.

I've had a 642 for years, it's a great gun, no problems. It's my warm weather concealed carry. Safe, reliable, and surprisingly accurate and easy to shoot.

always carry my 642 but never add a larger grip.. it defeats the whole purpose of a SMALL handgun.

Just bought this gun today. Perfect conceal carry. So light. Not much bigger than my cellphone with case. Slim fits in the palm of my hand.

I just ordered a new one. Happy to say NO LOCK. I hope S&W takes locks off all their guns. Thanks for sharing!

I just purchased two S&W Performance Center tuned action 642’s for my wife and me. I saw two different one’s available thinking only the grips were different plus one didn’t seem to have the internal lock which I liked. One had all wood grips with the internal lock (Model 642-2) that my wife liked because of it’s all wood grips. The other one has the two-tone synthetic /wood grips Model (642-1) and was cut for the use of using Moon Clips for faster loading. Also, the cylinder flutes and thumbpiece are highly polished along with a polished chrome trigger. Both of the 642’s have a super smooth trigger pull. My wife does have a problem pushing in the thumbpiece because of the stout spring. I have a 686 and 29 that seem to push in easier. I’m hoping to find a way to lighten up the spring pressure for her without making something not work right. I’m not a real fan of the Moon Clip idea on the 642-1 but it looks like the cartridge will still headspace on the edge of the cylinder without using the clips. We haven’t been able to shoot them yet due to the lack of .38 Special ammo, but I do have everything to load hundreds of rounds as soon as I receive the carbide dies that are on the way. I did notice the one with all wood grips seam to roll down more making a better fit in my hand as the two-tone grip feel a bit short. These 642’s make a great lightweight pocket gun and right now I’m reluctant to buy a bigger grip until I shoot several rounds through it. I sure don’t want a big grip getting caught in my pocket if needed quickly.

Carried one of these for over 30yrs. Tried many others but came back to this.Best close quarters combat gun to bet your life on if the SHTF.

I bought a 642 last spring because I wanted a lightweight, reliable, carry gun to conceal under summer weight shirts. It rides in a snug, pancake-style leather OWB from 1791 Holsters. Now that I’ve carried it for a few months and practiced with it consistently I’ll probably just stick with it as my EDC even when the weather cools off.

I’ve always liked those guns. They’re so pointable. And if you can manage the recoil, they can be fairly accurate for more than just close range.

This is my EDC. I love it!!! Great CC option.

I just bought a new model that doesn't have the trigger lock and got a great price on it. Excellent little pistol.

Fun fact: in the tv show gotham the riddler used this gun at the scene where he shoots penguin at the docks.

I have a 642 S&W without the Hillary hole. I measured the distance from my recliner to the front door, 14 feet, then went to the range and shot 5 rounds from that distance. Facing forward, with the gun in both hands, pointed down, I raised it up and let the front sight settle into the back sight and fired. You have to give it a bit of time for the cylinder to rotate between shots. I like the gun. Good review. Thanks.

I have this same exact revolver as my off duty conceal carry pistol I really love this gun alot!

Good video, clear, concise, no bs; thanks. I like the snubnose for edc. Also, wife & daughter, even grandson understand them & use them confidently.

I bought the 642 bout 6 months ago so far so good 👍 shoots well no problem with finish yet. Hopefully won't be. Great video 📹

Just became the owner of one of these last month, inheritance from my father's passing. Perfect gun to conceal carry, only thing I dont love about it is the inconsistent trigger. Regardless, it's perfect for the intended purpose of self protection.

Just got mine I love it I have a 9 mm I got this one for open carry I feel way more comfortable with that I have tiny hands and arthritis and it is way easier than a 9 mm I have trouble getting the safety off of the 9 mm this one I can pick right up and shoot if I need to I keep it in a fingerprint safe when it’s not on me that’s all definitely not Accidentally go off I would recommend this for a single mother or a woman who has kids just make sure you keep this locked up at all times if you do have children place guns don’t kill irresponsible people that leave their guns out do

The Performance Center Pro Series Model 642 is listed at 44 dollars more, and as Smith and Wesson states on it’s website: NO INTERNAL LOCK. It is also cut for moon clips for quicker reloads.

I have owned one for years and never had an issue.

Hint .. Federal HST + p 38 special 130 grain.. Federal achieve plus p velocity by seating so wide hollow point deep in the case.. flush with the case rim like a wad cutter this builds up the plus p velocity without adding more powder the result is a wide expanding hollow point that goes 13 in denim covered ballistic gel and The recoil is like shooting a 22 magnum very light

I just picked up this gun and I love it!

when i was in conceal carry class, the instructor recommended selecting a single weapon for conceal carry and practicing dry firing with just that gun and using only just that gun for all carry situations. tactically that makes sense, but practically, it doesn't work. some guns are bulkier and less concealable than others. some offer specific safety features that are better for certain circumstances than others. i would rather sacrifice the muscle memory in exchange for being able to carry under all circumstances and all social situations. for example, I'd rather carry the lcp II given its incredibly small size when i absolutely don't want anybody to know i am carrying. Anyway my point is that the 642 is imo a fine addition to a conceal carry collection to expand the range of options available. also it's useful for an ankle holster/backup gun.

I think this is the one i need. +P IS just fine. 20 years ago i magnum only now I'm older and put +P in my 357 cause the old bones like thar better.

Love my 642 ! I CCW pocket carry it everyday 😁🇺🇸

That older no lock is in great shape nice 642!

I bought a new 642-2 7 months ago and shot to date about 600 rounds thru it and I had to send it back to S&W last week due to pitting/cracking inside the frame next to the firing pin bushing. That and the ejector was wearing out a groove from opening and closing the cylinder. The gun looked like it was 30 yrs old.... Not a fan of aluminum framed pistols any more.

Awesome video! You gave a perfect amount of detail on each area of the firearm

Good video and a nice overview of the 642. I carried one for many years as my BUG on my body armor (under a uniform shirt) and it is so light I never felt it was there. They are outstanding "get off of me" guns. Scott

Cant wait to save up to ankle carry this , just used all my guns budget for this year.

If you grip it higher on the frame you will notice the kick less. Much more controllable.

You can use a sight paint in the front, nice gun 38SP P+ is good enough

I bought an Airweight a couple of weeks ago and the trigger pull was unbearable. RU-vid reviews said it would get easier with more pulls, so I bought snap caps and dry fired it a hundred times with no improvement. I had to rest my finger every ten pulls because it became so painful. And in aiming with the Crimson Trace laser, the hard pull made the gun wiggle. I then ordered the Apex trigger spring kit and had a gunsmith install it, at a cost of about $35 for the kit and $65 for labor. Now the trigger feels OK, like S&W should have made it to begin with.

Got me this gun yesterday! Been dry firing it here and there to get comfortable with the trigger...think I prefer it this way! Either way, love the review and love the gun! Will be an excellent BUG.

hall of fame gun !

excellent as always, very professional as always

I just bought this gun today! I love it

You dont have a 1000 rounds but it also doesnt pull ur pants down if it's in ur pocket....if you are practiced with it, 5 38 rounds are plenty for everything and with some speed strips and quick hands multiple problems would be no problem

Going to buy one tomorrow for summer athletic short carry.

I've mentioned before that I've got one& love it, though it does at times pinch my trigger finger, since the pulled trigger rests against the back of the trigger guard. Orange paint on my front sight is one of my "go to" moves.

my wife's model 642-1 has all the hallmarks of the 642-2 without the trigger lock??? great video!

I carry this gun in my pocket all of the time, even when I skate. Definitely don't want a lighter trigger. The whole point of this gun is to keep it in your pants pocket or jacket pocket and blast a mother fucker right through the pocket. Great gun for when you don't feel like carrying a gun.

Awesome video I just purchased mine and couldn't be happier.

I carry this in my pocket, and a glock 19 with 407c on my waist. Perfect combo. Also this is a very accurate gun (for what it is). At 20 yards I can shoot about a 4 inch group. Just kinda stings a little after a couple cylinders. I'll shoot 10 from this" 50 to 100 from the 19, then 10 from this till I'm done for the day. Anyways I love this gun.

Excellent presentation.

I have a 642 and am seriously looking at a 43 c in 22lr.

I bought this gun yesterday!

Very thorough review. I far prefer the Ruger LCR over the 642 though. Beats it in every category imo.

I have a Smith & Wesson .38 S & W SPL + P not touched for years. I can't budge the safety but am also not positive how to change on/off. I wanted to see you show how.

just bought one today ...!

Ladies do not carry in your purse. that is the first an aslant wants. if he finds your pistol they might turn it on you

MINE!!!! WANT THE TRIGGER JOB LADY HAD. .... THANK YOU FOR REVIEW🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍🤠

Newer one says Springfield, MA, USA

Nice job.

Best mod ? remove the lock and install block off kit from a number of vendors.

Great reivew, thank you! Am considering this gun for myself. Where's the video with the apex trigger kit?? It didn't go on into that one, & I'm not seeing it in your videos. That interests me, as I'm 67 & not as strong as I once was.

Got one yesterday

Great review

Is the trigger rust and discoloration normal on these

Mine should be here today...hopefully

Lol at 4:46 that’s called getting somebody off ya ass

exposed hammer with airweight 642 discussed. I prefer the exposed hammer that I carried carried for years with a under shoulder inverse holster

well done. thanks

You contradicted yourself, first you said the 642 had the trigger kit at the end the 642-2

Thanx

why do the stock triggers look so tarnished, even out of the box?

What’s the small black dot above the release button for the chamber

Awesome

Why do the triggers look unfinished?

Good Vid Thanks!

Smith & Wesson M642 .38 Spc STAINLESS

Question, would it be acceptable to call 38+P "38 magnum" ?

I'm thinking about getting one. I need to save for my dream gun 686+ performance

Where can i buy the same lazer? Oh.. Crimson tracer. Thank you.

As a female this was sold to me and the trigger and recoil on it is unbearable. Is there anything I can do to lessen it?

I shot this gun so poorly lol

How’s the recoil with standard pressure 38s? I’m used to a double action trigger but in a bigger revolver

I had an M&P 9mm for about 2 years and had to give it up because of a little nerve damage in my arm/neck. It was getting harder for me to cock the gun so I traded my son for his Taurus 38 special revolver. Used it at the range and hate it ... missed the target 7 times out of 10, so damn frustrating. Idk why I had such a hard time ... maybe because I never used a revolver? Anyway, I saw these at the range and held it, pulled the trigger ... it is very light weight I loved it. Not sure how I will do at the range with it, but I like this little thing. What is your opinion between this one and the Taurus? I am a woman btw

I love the Ruger but it doesn't work in a pocket holster.

I put a houghe monogrip makes it manageable- not before

I have one. Mine has an Ergogrip Delta grip.

Are modern 642's drop safe? It looks like the hammer rests on the firing pin when the trigger is at rest? Is that safe? Alos, what is the longer grip on the top gun? Thanks.

Don't leave home w/o it 😈

Are you very accurate when shooting a lil more rapid? I’m looking into a new j frame but can’t seem to let go of the exposed hammer.

You recommend a holster to cover the trigger, the trigger has a long pull on it so why need a holster?

Back up gun?? This is a primary carry gun. I heard that in at least 40 states, a backup gun is illegal.

Can you convert the S&W sd40 into a 9 mm? The man in me wanted the 40 at the time but I'd rather have a 9 mm now. Or a 357 Sig conversion if one ever became available or the sd40ve. I turn it into a carbine style gun with

442 pro is the best in this format black easy to hide. Moon clip reloads

This is a dope gun but rounds are hard to come by stock up

Hi hammer striker do you know what is the part name of the extractor guide lock under the barrel. I just realize I am missing that part in my gun. Maybe it fell off or what.

My mom carries one of these but it come with a factory built in laser

I need a gun with a soft pull due to an hand injury from years ago, my hand it a little week and I am having an awful time with my accuracy with the .38 I have. Is this gun good for that or any suggestions?

Is 460 out the door a good deal

Dumb Question: Would you be able to paint the front side as other S&W revolvers that have a dot?

I have your right a about that it will beat your hand up

Too bad, Houge doesn't make those grips anymore.

Tbh...after a while the trigger softens...gotta have patience!

Does it hurt to “dry fire” this gun?

Why would you shoot + P rounds in this gun ??? i have one i shoot 148gr wadcutters because they cut a nice round hole in a target you will not get a hollow point to expand out of short barrel ever time it will plug up and become a lead round nose bullet !!!!

Do you know if these can shoot +P Ammo if it's stamped 38 SPL. ?