Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight .38 Special 1.875 in 5-Round DAO
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight .38 Special 1.875 in 5-Round DAO? It's a compact J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special designed for discreet carry and personal protection. This double-action-only firearm features a 5-round cylinder and 1.875-inch barrel for minimal footprint, making it ideal for concealed carry applications where reliability matters more than capacity.
What is the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry weapon for personal defense scenarios. Its 15-ounce weight and 6.30-inch overall length make it suitable for all-day carry in waistband or pocket holsters, while the double-action-only trigger provides consistent operation under stress without manual safety manipulation.
How does the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The 642 excels at close-range personal defense while the Stevens 334 Rifle dominates at distance. The revolver's 1.875-inch barrel limits effective range to approximately 7 yards versus the rifle's 100+ yard capability, but the 642 deploys 40% faster from concealment and requires no magazine management.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 642 Airweight weighs 15 ounces empty and measures 6.30 inches in overall length with a 1.875-inch barrel. This specific weight-to-size ratio places it between polymer-frame micro-compacts (like the SIG P365 at 17.8 oz) and all-steel J-frames (like the Model 640 at 23 oz), striking a balance for all-day carry comfort.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for high-volume shooters or those requiring accessory mounting. The 5-round capacity necessitates frequent reloading during extended range sessions, and the lack of Picatinny rails prevents light/laser attachment—unlike modern striker-fired pistols discussed in our rail-mounted optics guide.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Smith & Wesson doesn't include a cable lock or cleaning kit—expect to add $25-40 for basic maintenance supplies and $15-30 for additional moon clips if you want spare loading options.
Is the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight worth it at $537.99?
At this price point, the 642 delivers proven reliability that justifies its cost for dedicated carry use. While you could purchase a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for similar money, the revolver's concealment advantages and simpler manual of arms make it the superior choice for urban defensive scenarios.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 15 oz empty—4 oz lighter than all-steel Model 640
- 1.875-inch barrel reduces snag risk by 60% versus 3-inch barrels
- DAO trigger provides consistent 12-lb pull every time
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity requires frequent reloading versus 10+ round semiautos
- Fixed sights limit zero adjustment—must drift for windage
- Aluminum frame shows wear after 500+ rounds of +P ammunition
Key attributes
| upc | 022188038101 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 103810 |
| action | DAO Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Stainless Steel |
| barrel length | 1.875'' |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.3'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 642 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Double Action Only |
| shipping weight | 1.65 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P ammunition?
- Yes, the 642 Airweight handles .38 Special +P rounds according to Smith & Wesson's specifications. However, I recommend limiting +P use to 20% of your total round count due to accelerated frame wear—stick with standard pressure for 80% of your training.
- Does it fit standard J-frame holsters?
- Absolutely—the 642 uses Smith & Wesson's standard J-frame dimensions that match thousands of holster options. For reference, it shares holster compatibility with the Model 637 and 638, though the concealed hammer may require slightly more clearance than exposed hammer models.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers to Montana typically take 3-5 business days after processing. We ship via FedEx with adult signature required, and Montana residents should add 1-2 days for rural delivery routes beyond major population centers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final under federal law, but we offer a 30-day exchange policy for unused firearms. If the grip doesn't fit, consider aftermarket options from Hogue or Pachmayr—their J-frame grips start at $29 and can significantly alter the handling characteristics.