smith and wesson 642 .38 revolver

**drdano** · April 20th, 2009, 08:27 PM

I'm thinking about getting a smith and wesson model 642 .38

hammerless revolver with a 2" barrel. Does anyone have any experience

with this gun. I want it for concealed carry and want a reliable gun

**shelley66** · April 20th, 2009, 11:58 PM

I can't really help you a whole lot as I just bought one of those, but haven't even fired it yet! I'll be looking to see what others think about it though...

**wjh2657** · April 21st, 2009, 12:46 AM

I carry pocket carry a 642 daily in the summer with a TN HCP. I have shot over a 1000 rounds through mine and have had no problems. It is a good sound little gun. I have had mine stripped down and have inspected it thoroughly (I was a Unit Armorer in service) using S&W checklist. There is no discernable wear or damage after 1000 rounds. I do recommend you use standard pressure .38 Spl in it though. +P can hurt like hades! Using oversized grips to control recoil means losing concealability, its greatest virtue!

**TinGLOCK** · April 21st, 2009, 12:47 AM

I have the 442, which is the 642's blued cousin.

It's a great firearm in my opinion, and reliable to boot.

Pick one up--you won't be sorry.

**camper** · April 21st, 2009, 07:33 AM

I have this and I like it. Small for my hands, but would make a nice pocket gun/summer carry I think. Haven't fired many rounds through it, but S&W are reliable revolvers.

camper

**A/C guy** · April 21st, 2009, 08:53 PM

I have one and use an Uncle Mike's pocket holster with it. I load wadcutters for practice and use Corbon for carry. It will never jam and if one round fails to go bang, just pull the trigger again.

It's not for long range, but up close and personal, it's OK.

**gf45acp** · April 21st, 2009, 09:22 PM

Another 442 person here. Great gun, no problems. I carry WW Silvertip 110 gr. standard pressure rounds, easy recoil, better to stay on target.

**BigMikeM31** · April 21st, 2009, 10:12 PM

I carry the 640, the 42's big brother in .357, very often. It is a fantastic gun that is very accurate and very reliable. I would definitely recommend these guns.

**Spartos** · April 23rd, 2009, 05:36 AM

I also just bought a 442, a couple of weeks ago. I love it! Using a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster it's very concealable in my right front pocket especially when wearing jeans as opposed to dress pants. It has become my standard carry weapon. For me the recoil is a little uncomfortable with the small grip. But that's the price of it being concealable. I've ordered a KHolster for it to try out IWB.

**CXMan** · April 23rd, 2009, 01:45 PM

My wife has the 442 Airweight 38 Spl. Its light and concealable. My snubby is the Taurus 651 CIA Protector 357 magnum. We both love our snubbies but practice, practice, practice. They are meant for close range but you can get somewhat accurate with them.