To the “I can’t carry a heavy gun” wusses – my 66 year old, 5’2″ mother in law carries a 640 every day. http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm. If you are inexperienced and want to learn how to shoot this gun, first spend $100 -$150 on an action job. If you compare +P 9 to std 38 you get a false result, much the same as comparing a squib to a full power load. It will save a lot of unnecessary wear and tear on tendons and ligaments. Criminy, it’s a light hearted quip. For the first 11 rounds. prefix EAU is a 1st gen FCU Some had Issues I guess. Ergonomics (carry) * * * * * But I prefer the 642 when pocket carrying (desantis nemesis holster). The 442 quickly, efficiently and perfectly replaced it. I’ve seen 10 year old girls fire a GLOCK G-19 9mm before. For now though, I’m having the best time with this bad girl! The barrel of my 642 is stamped “+P,” so I’d think it would be fine with factory ammo. Fix it or not. I guess another option could be the Glock 26 which is what Lou Chiodo carries or go with my 1964 Chief’s Special, which is what a gunsmith I talked to recently, carries. Admittedly I took the graduate level test after being away from shooting for four years, but I wasn’t encouraged by the idea of carrying an airweight revolver. If looking at or buying a new / used P250 look for serial prefix EAK it is a second gen FCU I like it a lot and it works well. In Massachusetts, we are limited to ten round magazines by virtue of an “assault weapons” ban that’s among the stupidest laws ever written. Everyone I show it to likes it. I agree. I am brand new to shooting, and just bought this. Everything was center mass in an 8 inch group. My 1911 is my true love but for carry it can get heavy. It has pink on the box. The frame metal is soft, it inhibits getting a glassy smooth surface & retaining it. I’ve hardly ever shot it SA mode. These are expert guns that shine in the hands of experienced pistoleros. Like a second bad guy. I have the same issue with a Taurus 738 TCP. but i do have to say that i’d like more verity of wepons.Don’t you agree? I use the regular pressure Speer Gold Dots or Hornady Critical Defense, but I wouldn’t be afraid to use their +P’s in it. I also added a laser. I really don’t care though. Must be somebody’s “time of the month” (I couldn’t help it). Boyd Smith Owner of Reloaderaddict.com, Boyd Smith is a major handgun enthusiast, and although he owns Glocks, he prefers the revolving wheel type. I’m encouraged by Mike Rayburn’s tests in _Combat Gunfighting_. The vestigial rear sight is an abortion. There are three major Airweight variants, all sold under the forgettable and confusing model numbering system foisted upon the public by Smith & Wesson in 1957. We all know the mantra “equal height, equal light.” We all know these things, but the rear sight on the 642 does us in when we try to apply them. Are there any guns that take a small silver key? To each his own. Then after lots of Gun Show visits, I bought a .327 Magnum. You can legally own magazines with a capacity of over 10 rounds if they were manufactured prior to the AWB date in 1994 in MA. At first blush, it might seem that Smith & Wesson’s little J-frame revolvers have outlived their usefulness. And if the rear sights don’t get the sight picture all flummoxed up, the short 4 5/8 inch sight radius will. If you like the gun, you will spend time with it on the range and carry it with you. His go-to guns are a Smith & Wesson 642 Performance Center for carry and a Ruger GP100 in the nightstand biometric safe (he has kids). I won’t be a sucker for a fake environmental science questionnaire! I’d like to correct you on this point “The first time I had her fire it was by drawing from a purse and rapid fire at a silhouette at 5 yds. However, it’s the things that aren’t planned that get people killed. There’s no rails on this revolver, so that’s it. it is long…. Don’t be too worried about your wife & the j frame 642. The red laser dot, the impressive muzzle flashes, the raucous 38 special explosions, and fairly tight groupings should test the will of the most dedicated intruder. I can hit here I point, and am confident it’ll get me to the truck. No manual safeties. The P250 X-change kits come with a grip frame, mag, barrel/ slide and Four Seasons Firearms in Woburn, MA. The only thing I did to it was have a gunsmith do a trigger job on it, and Wow, its even better now. © COPYRIGHT 2020, THETRUTHABOUTGUNS.COM. With the short barrels and heavier loads (especially +p), the muzzle flash and discharge report have a certain clearing the room effect. There are a lot of good reasons to own a J-frame, because the advantages that small revolvers offer to CCW holders outweigh the disadvantages inherent in the platform. And does self righteous scolding really give you a license to call someone a POS? The all-metal 642 sports a silver and gray finish; the 442 is the same revolver, but with a handsome blued finish. As per the article, they are extremely reliable and easy to use. It’s so bad I can tell u there is no fixing it. Thanks so much for this review. The snub nosed Airweight is most suitable for experienced and enthusiastic shooters, not for people still searching for their handgun métier or a new Safe Queen. ( just don’t like the slot that would seem to allow crap inside the frame. Also, her wrist does not seem to be strong enough for a semiautomatic. I carried a small Sig for awhile. Any idea why? I contacted S&W costumer support and were helpful. The other observation, partially addressed, is the poor rear sight. Help me out with a leather pocket holster, as I have a Betz belt slide, but really want a good leather pocket holster. Is this not the case? Performance Center by Smith & Wesson - Where fit meets performance. From hand-cutting and fitting to precise fine-tuning, Performance Center firearms are top performers. the White Home, nonetheless, it’s unattainable to estimate how much cash will really For me being primarily a 5″ 1911 Government .45 ACP, GLOCK (all models), Sig Sauer classic P-Series, Beretta M9/92FS, CZ-75B and S&W M&P guy, even I have trouble shooting one to my HIGH standards and liking, and I’m the guy who has a 24/7/365 key to a private gun club and shoot between 200-600 rounds a week. Moreover, it has never catastrophically malfunctioned. There’s nothing like hands on experience to aid in that difficult and sometimes pricey decision. The rear sight seems like an afterthought; it’s as if one of the engineers suddenly smacked himself on the forehead one day because he forgot to sketch a rear sight onto the shop drawings. It always goes bang when I pull the trigger. 2. And you need to look inward at your ignorant comments. The size of the grip is much better too. Look for a small set screw in the bottom of the front strap and tighten it all the way. Was the FTF only once or continual? I don’t feel limited by the ammo count as a civilian. I am anxious about the trigger issues, so thanks for the additional comments. Equipped with a laser, she shot the 638 like Annie Oakley shot her rifle. She has yet to shoot it. I agree that the trigger pull is very safe and heavy. ScubaOz does some good ammo testing videos on Youtube.com. The original Ruger LCR or “Light Compact Revolver” debuted just a few years ago in 2009. But I think I may replace that gun with a Sig Sauer. DonWorsham, the best way for a newbie to find out what she or he likes is to go to a range with some rentals and try out a couple. I start folks off with a semi-auto .22 then the Glock 19/17 as well as the M&P Compact. Most important, trigger control is tough enough for newbies, DA is hard to learn even if you invest in a trigger job. A comment, though: I’ve always been under the impression that you have to choose your 642 ammo carefully, because of the lightness of the frame; that shooting +P, for instance, is dangerous. digs. However, most of the newbies that I’ve trained don’t handle a J-frame very well, and that includes men as well as women. It’s only 11.4 oz. what would you recommend for them. A J-frame would not be a proper choice for noobs, especially women. They now offer the 340PD chambered for .357. The M&P Shield is an easy to conceal pistol that offers professional grade features with simple operation and reliable performance day or night. It’s always shot pretty well and it seems to shoot better every time I take it out. I have a model 64 bedside, but pocket the 642 for doorbell duty. Tim, It behaved nicely, and I don’t mind the firm trigger. The White House has created a purpose of producing 19,700 kilowatt hours per yr using the panels; this quantity of renewable vitality would generate an annual savings of Airweight is what S&W calls its old school lightweight pocket revolvers with aluminum frames and stainless steel cylinders, cranes and barrels – and that’s the entire barrel, not just a sleeve. Repeat….this is a H-U-G-E advantage that is replicated by no other S.D. “Limp wristing” a firearm, is a common term that’s been around for years (decades) not related in any manner to anyone’s sexual preferences. So long as I could keep my M14, that is. The buckeye firearms forum has the research that over 90% of bad guys stop coming forward at the sight of a firearm. Maybe it’s the fact that I have always kind of wanted a revolver? In a 4″ model 10 or 64, it appears the heavier 158 hps do open. Someone who has never fired a handgun before will do very well with a 3rd Gen GLOCK G-19 9mm. My brother gave me a Smith & Wesson .38 special Model 67-1 and I notice that although this is a double-action revolver, the hammer will not lock into position when pulled back. The lc9 is easier for carry but give me my wheel gun for always going bang. This was my first Smith and Wesson purchase. My wife & 2 adult daughters do not like my 642 for this reason only. Nor do they make the 342Ti which sits in my pocket as I type this. It’s such a pleasure to read someone who can inform with humor and who writes beautifully. We visited 12 gun retailers in our area, and all but one recommended a DAO revolver for her, but nobody had one in stock. But once pressed, the shooter will know why the little gun’s trigger isn’t knurled. The other, I plan to use as a frequently-used range practice shooter, to stay proficient with it. This gun fires .327 Magnums and also less expensive .32’s (on the range..) So, now my wife’s carry gun solution is .327 and we recommend that to new female shooters. Revolvers don’t fail to feed or fail to eject. A cop had a shootout last May with 1 assailant. details relating to the every day power use in the less-than-common residence of What a magnificent invention! why do you state that this gun isn’t for women to carry? I am a woman and I’m 5 feet tall and weigh less than 100 pounds and I love the 642. Looked at an LCP – she really liked it, but we went with the simplicity of the revolver. The revolver will fire every time. I sold it and bought a 642. +P) that weighs 22.2 ounces and is lot nicer to shoot with 38 Special ammo and not that much harder to carry. I purchased several HK and Bianchi speed loaders. Really good shooters with their original eyes untouched by cataracts, astigmatism or farsightedness can replicate my 10-yard results at 25 yards all day long, without sandbags or other rests. The old 38 S&W has a shorter cartridge case, the cartridge case is bigger around,and the bullet diameter is larger than the 38 Special. there is also a vintage +p+ hydro shok which looks great in 148. Smith & Wesson’s J-frame revolvers remain among the best pocket rockets ever made; the Model 642 is perhaps the best of the best. Or the NyClads some swear by. Frankly, the trigger of any new Airweight is as stiff as a dead carp and cries out for a power assist. THAT’S when the story begins. (the one suggested a single shot shotgun)The 13th store had a couple of 642s in the case, so she got out her debit card, filled out the paper work and left happy because the search was over. Carson Kressley can’t limp-wrist a snubby. Okay, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the snub-nosed holster hornet I’m currently beholding is the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight. If you can adjust the laser properly (see earlier comment about sighting to the middle of the front sight…very true but no mention from our beloved… S&W), then you are back to point-and-shoot using the laser to locate your first shot. There’s no need for homophobic comments. Lots of good pocket holsters are available for J-frames, and they all work just fine. Then the little gun is very accurate. The factory laser was way off, but I adjusted it. Even after a long range session, a shooter’s palm will be none the worse for wear. When the work is done, just wipe it down and put away. I also generally warm-up with some other gun, like a larger S&W DA revolver, then shoot my 25 rounds in the 642. I find that frequent practice with the 642 is a good thing, and I usually only fire about 25 rounds per range session through it. To each his own. I haven’t tried doing so, preferring to let a ‘smith have at it with his collection of little files. Yes, there’s a problem. If it works, great. There’s way too much ostentatious PC sensitivity out there, and it’ll be the death of us. Item currently sold out 4.8 out of 5 star rating (17 reviews ) I used to carry Model 60 SW but with only 5 rounds it is a limitation. Then, it ejected cartridges down the front of my shirt, burning me enough to leave a scar on one occasion — strike 2. Fortunately, while the recoil takes the gun off-target right away, the snubby comes back to point naturally and effortlessly in the blink of an eye. This is by far my favorite carry piece. I have some hand /wrist issues (Carpal tunnel etc) and found the P250 to be The laser is a great training aid for eye hand coordination. Not that he tried, but I’m willing to bet. Not sure if it was a response to the competition or the fact that they were somewhat overpriced, but they are priced very nicely right now. Not necessarily aim for you. It is a nice little piece and will be in a gun vault by her night stand. Put that woman up against the same woman with identical credentials whom listened to gun shop sales people and ignorant shooting instructors who MADE her get a wheel gun and she will out shoot the lady with the wheel gun each and every time. Other than that, very nice review. It’s going to require some significant effort. Not to worry. And yes has the shrouded hammer that no one can seem to operate the single action part but I have no problem pulling the hammer back. Needless to say, I will never recommend Smith and Wesson. Staring down the muzzle of a J-frame is very intimidating. If you want something with a real smooth (but ) long trigger- but about 1/2 the pressure of the 642 trigger, check out the (hammer fired) Sig P250 or Sig P 320 (striker fired) Pistols. The 642 CT (Crimson Trace) model with the laser built into the grips is tits (that is a positive naval adjective). The 642 remains one of the most popular self defense and police back-up guns in the U.S. Due to police and citizen demand, S&W now makes the 642 in a NO-Lock version. I tried to test out the airweight vis a vis Lou Chiodo’s instructions, five shots in one second at an 8 1/2×11 target at 15 feet at a range in northern Illinois. Well in our city there are gangs, flash mobs, and more than 1 or 2 assailants all too frequently. I own three smith and wesson revolvers– a 642, a model 43 which is a .22 snub, and a model 67-1, the first two are j frames and the third is a k frame. He claimed it would turn semi and revolver into single shot I know I had a granule of unburned powder find its way under the star and it took a mallet to open the cylinder. Add a pocket holster and you have the perfect summer carry gun. You’d be really supprized to know what a NEW GLOCK G-42 is capable of at distances twice that amount. Thanks, If some cash fell out of the sky I think two 642s would be nice, though I sometimes ponder the idea of the (shrouded hammer) 638.giving sa/ da ability with no hammer spur. I’ve been shooting for 33.5 years and fire at least 200 rounds a week out of (something) and have managed to completely lockup no less than THREE different wheel guns in that time period. First, this is a great review Ralph. In the hands of someone who doesn’t often get to practice, that would be a disaster in a self defense situation. Originating from standard designs or created from the ground up, Performance Center revolvers, hunting revolvers, pistols and modern sporting rifles are the ultimate expression of old-world craftsmanship and modern technology. SUPER LIGHT, man you forget it’s there. A k frame .38 is the go to for a home defense gun but it is hard to carry. No, because there are disadvantages to carrying any small revolver. However, there is one point I have to disagree with you on. We have other guns , smaller and bigger. In depth review of the Smith & Wesson model 36 "Chief's Special". (I use half powered rounds ). I’m referring to the gun, not Ms. Keyes, although I’m sure that she’s all of the above. The Sig P250 is a Modular pistol. It’s a very impressive gun. They have no idea of what they are like to shoot. Although the J-frame is the definitive last ditch contact weapon, it was born to rapid fire. A good stuff in this post.Thanks for sharing a intellectual post…. The price is usually very reasonable and elevates the trigger from ridiculous to nearly sublime, enhancing accuracy and comfort without sacrificing function or safety. The only downside is the small round capacity and the slow reload time. People with a “dead fish” handshake may lack the grip strength to rack a slide, but they can easily press a crane latch and swing open a cylinder. what series is it, 642, 642-2 ect….? Nice review. Buy the Smith & Wesson 442 Airweight Double-Action Revolver and more quality Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor gear at Bass Pro Shops. I’ve been a fan of the S&W Centennial for the past 20 years and find it excellent in many ways as a deep-concealment defense weapon and home defense gun. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All 3 of them shoot the LCR better than they do my 642. Good for you Melissa, Glad you found something that is comfortable for you. They can be updated to gen 2 parts. Could you provide more info? One of the things that was mentioned in the review, but needs to be mentioned again. I’ve read that the “safety lock” is reasonably simple to remove (gut), Could you share how one would “fix” the problem? A good shooter could probably do much better. Same profile as the stock boot grips but with better padding (air pocket) over the top of the backstrap and under the fingers, which makes a huge difference in controllability. Well done article, having owned the 642 for a week, am happy with it but am going to get a trigger job. We are senior citizens. My eyes are 75 years old. However, I think the 642 is the best concealed carry option for me. (from May26 post)…the man is a reveiwer who’s entitled to exercise his free speech rights. She holds her own with my Sig P226. Okay, a lot of practice. Probably this is a size of the hand thing. To protect the trigger (to say nothing of the owner’s privates), all pocket pieces should be holstered. A lot of dry fire will break in the revolver and soften the springs substantially, although even a well-used 642 trigger will never rival that of a top-notch DA pistol. One of which was a S&W 4″ 6 shot 686 stainless .357 mag. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/579301/desantis-clip-grip-right-hand-smith-and-wesson-round-butt-j-frame-polymer-black?cm_vc=S014. Just ask Alicia Keyes.” Stick to reviewing guns. I would suggest a k frame for all home defense newbs and even experts. She does have a bit of a time pulling the trigger but I have shown her how as per the article to use the distal joint area to help. At three yards, even my wife doesn’t need to use the sights if it came to that. We use the highest quality line 24 snaps we can obtain and have designed the thumb break portion of … a very sweet DAO pistol. It would leave a permanent, pressed-in tattoo. I can shoot my own S&W 642 better than some autos with a lot more grip surface. The idea is to hit the attacker center mass and she accomplished that. It’s quite likely I’ll ultimately rotate the 2 642’s between range and defense duties, putting the two to equal use. The Airweight revolvers fall someone in the middle in terms of weight, and represent a good balance between low avoirdupois and slick handling. so much for reliable revolvers… i am mad as hell especially since i talked my wife into one as well. Despite the fact that she does not shoot very often, my wife has quite a knack for it, which probably gives her an edge over other newbies. There are numerous choices available in the way of grips for the J frame, depending on what you want,. Hey, chill out “Rob”! Nothing. Please click this link: As much as you’d like to silence anyone who doesn’t see it, or do it, your way…he has a full set of rights to say whatever, and write whatever he pleases. I don’t trust it. My wife started carrying 2 years ago and is very happy with the 638. In fact, this revolver works even better when the muzzle is pressed against the BG’s ribs or in his armpit. At 25 yards, still shooting offhand, I was on paper but would hardly refer to the shotgun clusters I was shooting as “groups.”. be saved by the photo voltaic panels. you can swap only the slides/ mags to (respective) matching length grip frame, without having to mess with grip swapping the FCU The internal hammer revolver is still referred to as the “Centennial” model, which isn’t a sexy name but still packs more marketing punch than “642.”. If the round doesn’t go off, squeeze again and go to the next one. I used to carry my 442 as a back up. Trigger 5.5 -7 lb pull. I like the fact that it’s not made of plastic. The 642 has crimson grips and I have carried it for almost 20 years. I am not strong in the hands/ wrists… but I have some friends that recommended the S&W 642 due to being easier to use, clean then a semi as a first gun. You have entered an incorrect email address! In a pinch, it will shoot through a coat pocket, holster or carry bag with great speed and precision, ruining both the garment and the bad guy’s whole day. (complete) pistol , it too uses the same interchangeable FCU . HELLO FROM TEXAS..enjoyed this review..seems like all roads lead to S&W MODEL 642..I’M 69,,MALE WITH CCW and have learned from lots of owners and some shootist and some folks that need to grow up and remember that…. There are grips that look better or cost more, but none that I’ve tried work better than the 642’s standard grips. The compact is also nice and only about 3/8″ longer barrel and a bit longer length grip/ mag. my ccw is a .380 sig 238. i think my wife should carry a revolver and thought 642 would be a good choice but now i’m not so sure. How about pictures? Those used to an SA pistol – might bitch and moan about the trigger travel and reset, but Revolver people LUV it!!! About that “belly shot” Cooper often talked about the blow back into a gun from a contact shot. 38 Special eventually lost out to. Another word of warning to those who may be considering the purchase of a J-frame for a new shooter: don’t. It’s also a bad idea to limit your carry option to a firearm that is generally only effective at 5-10 yards. But, oh what stopping power. WELL, I guess I may be two years late but 3 points. We shall see if it makes the gun even better. Ergonomics (firing) * * * 1/2 To learn more about how we use cookies, please review our privacy policy here. a little practice (you have to change your hold, the thumbs over the top works great) and it’s remarkably accurate. Finish: Matte silver im not rellylooking for any thing except an answer to a certin ? After all, it’s a self defense gun not a target pistol. A snubby is as easy to clean as a Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Sauté Pan. It’s expensive and takes time but defending yourself is a very serious business. Nasdaq:SWBI. The “novice” shooter who practices very little fails to realize that in all three cases all three weapons had to be sent back to the factory for warranty repairs. We replaced it with a K-frame that is much more to her liking. As you look for a holster, keep in mind things like your dominant hand, your body type, how you want to carry, and what material you prefer the holster to be made from. Nobody will think it is a water gun. I carried a J frame for years and only once wished for more ammo in the cylinder. It is not for show and tell. I love mine. One doesn’t really aim a snubby, more like point. I would carry a Shield but the morons put a tiny safety on the gun and I don’t trust myself to be able to disengage it when the SHTF. A sweet revolver, that model is no longer made by S&W. Nothing. I will now have a brand new firearm that is faulty. Manager threatened to kick me out for rapid firing, so I made a day trip to Blythes in Indiana where the farmers live outside the reach of the nanny state. That has the shrouded ( frame hump ) hammer, correct? Light, comfortable, well made and easy to conceal and carry. See http://www.fsguns.com/fsg_new_hg.html Some people are uncomfortable with the notion of resolving serious self-defense issues with so few shots before needing a reload. It will make the trigger pull feel significantly lighter even though the springs aren’t changed. Since the 45 acp mags are larger one needs to swap the FCU to the 45cal grip frame. Finally, snubbies look cool in a retro kind of way. Mike, 1. The Smith & Wesson J-Frame has become the most popular small frame personal defense revolver on the market. I am certainly not an “experienced” shooter; however, after handling several revolvers, I am comfortable with my choice. “In Massachusetts, we are limited to ten round magazines by virtue of an “assault weapons…”. Interesting. and shoots .38 SPLs very well, but the MSRP is $1,019.00. in the 38.You might also notice that the article was written to DEFEND the 9mm against the 38. Phrases like “won’t return to battery,” “stovepipe jam” and “this POS sucks” are from an alien language not spoken in Revolverland. A style icon for sixty years, carried by every hard-boiled TV cop and few crooks, too. Politically correct may have been a term used in the U.S.S.R. and the same type of people have promoted it here. I agree the 5 round capacity is not an issue if you can hit with it and it is awful cute. A Glock 17 would be a pretty good choice, too, if the blocky stock doesn’t seem too offputting to the shooter. With decades of reliable performance to its credit, the J-frame line offers models capable of firing .22 LR, .22 Magnum®, .38 S&W Special and the more powerful .357 Magnum® loads. I carry a 442 every day. A snub-nose revolver is a terrible choice for a CCW in 2016 for anyone, let alone a woman or a inexperienced shooter. It shows what dated information they posses and how little experience they actually do have. People sometimes do this to lighten the pull.

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