smith and wesson centennial 942

**drdano** · July 13th, 2009, 04:07 PM

i' thinking about buying a smith and wesson centennial 942 .38+p

revolver. does anyone have an opionion for concealed carry? any problems

with the gun?

**CerealKiller** · July 13th, 2009, 05:06 PM

Alot of people will probably tell you a revolver is not a good carry weapon due to the lack of ammunition, and reloading time.

I disagree obviously, I carry a Smith & Wesson 629 and 2 extra cylinders worth of ammo with me in speed loaders (these are a good investment if you're going to be carrying a revolver).

I think that's a good gun you're looking at, and easy to conceal. I'd recommend a .357 just because you can still use .38 ammo, but you have the option of the extra put down power. But really anything you're comfortable with is a good carry gun.

**indiandave** · July 13th, 2009, 06:13 PM

Me thinks you mean the 642. The 942 was a prototype Airweight 9mm centennial. Only one was made. This from the Std. catalog of Smith & Wesson.

I have a 642 that I carry. Its been a reliable revolver. I carry mine IWB in a Side Guard Holster or pocket carry in a Mika holster.

The little gun can kick like a mule. I use homemade 148gr wadcutters for practice followed by a cylinder or two of my carry ammunition.

If you are carrying all day the Airweight is the way to go. Nice and light.

**Nic** · July 14th, 2009, 01:10 PM

The Centennial 642 was my favorite carry gun. It is an excellent defensive revolver. Positively reliable, very light, and conceals extremely well.

I eventually (but reluctantly) traded my 642 on a more combat/offensive type handgun. I was involved in an incident which enlightened me to a personal need for a carry gun that held more rounds, and would better function in a street-combat capacity against multiple aggressors - in the off chance a similar incident ever transpired again.

On a side note, S&W's customer service was especially helpful. The finish on my 642's backstrap began to wear. They requested that I send it back to them, they paid for UPS shipping both ways and refinished the entire frame. In a very timely manner I might add.

**kaybur** · July 14th, 2009, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by drdano

i' thinking about buying a smith and wesson centennial 942 .38+p

revolver. does anyone have an opionion for concealed carry? any problems

with the gun?

It looks like a good carry handgun. However, I tried it and did not like it. Too much recoil for me. And I was not very accurate with it.

I am probably not a reliable reference the to 642 as I just got started using handguns. I have and like a S&W M&P 9 mm. But I can not find a good handgun for me that I like. Yet.

ken