Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 1996
Also known as: 642 Airweight, Centennial Airweight, J-Frame, 642-1, 642-2
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is a five-shot, double-action-only J-frame revolver chambered for .38 Special and rated for continuous +P use. It is widely considered the quintessential concealed carry revolver. The 642 features an aluminum alloy frame that brings the unloaded weight to just 15 ounces (425 grams), making it one of the lightest practical defensive revolvers ever produced. Its defining characteristic is the Centennial-style fully enclosed (shrouded) hammer, which eliminates any external protrusion that could snag on clothing, holsters, or pockets during the draw stroke. This snag-free design makes it exceptionally well-suited for pocket carry and deep concealment. The stainless steel cylinder, barrel, and crane provide corrosion resistance and durability where it matters most, while the aluminum alloy frame keeps weight minimal. The 1.875-inch (48mm) barrel delivers typical .38 Special +P velocities of approximately 790 fps (240 m/s) with 130-grain loads, producing around 233 joules of muzzle energy. The double-action-only trigger pull is approximately 12 pounds (53 N), which is heavy by modern standards but serves as an inherent safety feature for a carry revolver with no external safety lever. Fixed sights consist of an integral front ramp and a fixed rear notch cut into the top strap. The Model 642 was originally introduced in 1990 as a variant of the Centennial series, discontinued briefly, and reintroduced in 1996 as the 642-1.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 425 g (15.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 490 g (17.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Barrel Length | 48 mm (1.89") |
| Height | 109 mm (4.29") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Sight Radius | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 53 N (11.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 240 m/s (787 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 233 J (172 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Silver |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9.07x29mmR
- .38 Special +P — also known as .38 +P, .38 Spl +P, .38 Special Plus P
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block Safety, Internal Lock, Heavy Double Action Trigger
- Features: J Frame, Centennial Style Enclosed Hammer, Snag Free Design, Aluminum Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Cylinder, Stainless Steel Barrel, Integral Front Sight, Fixed Rear Sight, Synthetic Rubber Grip, Rated Continuous Plus P, Five Shot Cylinder
Variants
- S&W Model 642 (No Internal Lock) — No Lock
- S&W Model 642 LadySmith — Ladysmith
- S&W Performance Center Model 642 — Performance Center
- S&W Model 642 with Crimson Trace Lasergrips — Laser Equipped
- S&W Model 442 Airweight — Finish Variant
- S&W Model 640 — All Steel
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Backup/Off-Duty) · as Authorized Backup Weapon
- Private Investigators & Security Professionals
Production
Production years: 1990-1993, 1996-present
One of the most produced J-frame revolvers; the Centennial series has been in continuous production in some form since 1952
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Model 642 is perhaps the best-selling dedicated concealed carry revolver in America. Its simplicity (point and pull the trigger) makes it a popular recommendation for self-defense by firearms instructors, and it has maintained strong sales even as semi-automatic micro-compacts have come to dominate the CCW market. The heavy DAO trigger pull is both the revolver's greatest liability (difficult for some shooters to master) and its greatest safety feature (virtually impossible to fire accidentally). The light aluminum frame transmits significant felt recoil with +P loads from the 1.875-inch barrel, making extended practice sessions uncomfortable. Most experts recommend using standard-pressure .38 Special ammunition for practice and reserving +P loads for carry. The Model 442 is the matte black (blued/Armornite) finish variant of the same gun. The Model 640 is the all-steel (heavier, 23 oz) version. The LadySmith variant features a more refined finish and wooden grips. Performance Center versions offer custom actions with smoother, lighter trigger pulls. The internal lock (added circa 2001) is controversial among owners and a no-lock version has been periodically available. SKU 163810 is the standard production model. MSRP is approximately $539 with typical street prices around $400-450. The 642's rifling twist rate is 1:18.75 inches (476mm) with 5 grooves, right-hand twist. The loaded weight estimate includes five .38 Special +P cartridges at approximately 13g each.
Background
The J-frame Centennial series traces its lineage to the original Model 40 Centennial introduced in 1952 to mark Smith & Wesson's 100th anniversary. The enclosed hammer design was considered revolutionary at the time. The Model 642 and its siblings have become synonymous with concealed carry revolvers in America, earning the nickname 'the gun in every nightstand' for their ubiquity as home and personal defense weapons. Many firearms instructors recommend the 642 as a simple, reliable backup gun because it has no safeties to disengage, no slide to rack, and will fire even when pressed against an attacker's body -- advantages no semi-automatic can match.