Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight .38 Special 1.9″ Barrel 5-Rounds For Sale

What’s the difference between Smith and Wesson 442 and 642?

The primary difference between the Smith & Wesson Model 442 and Model 642 is the material and finish of the frame.

– **Smith & Wesson Model 442**: This model has an aluminum alloy frame with a carbon steel cylinder, and it typically has a matte black finish.

– **Smith & Wesson Model 642**: This model also has an aluminum alloy frame but features a stainless steel cylinder, giving it a silver finish.

Both models are part of the J-frame series, are chambered in .38 Special, and are commonly used as small, lightweight revolvers for concealed carry. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference regarding the finish and material of the cylinder.

What is the best ammo for a Smith and Wesson 642?

The best ammo for a Smith & Wesson 642, which is a .38 Special revolver, typically depends on your intended use, such as self-defense or target shooting. For self-defense, many people prefer high-quality, reliable hollow point rounds. Popular choices include:

1. **Federal Premium Personal Defense HST Micro .38 Special +P** – Known for excellent expansion and penetration.

2. **Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P** – Designed specifically for short barrel revolvers like the 642; offers reliable expansion.

3. **Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P** – Features the FTX bullet design, ensuring consistent performance.

4. **Remington Golden Saber +P** – Another favored self-defense round due to its performance and penetration.

For target practice, more affordable full metal jacket (FMJ) ammo is suitable:

1. **Magtech .38 Special FMJ** – Known for reliability and reasonable pricing for practice sessions.

2. **Winchester White Box .38 Special** – A common choice for cost-effective practice ammo.

Always ensure your revolver is rated for +P ammunition if you choose those options, and consider practicing with your chosen self-defense ammo to understand its handling and performance.

What is an airweight 38?

An Airweight .38 refers to a line of lightweight revolver firearms produced by Smith & Wesson. These revolvers are chambered for the .38 Special cartridge and are part of Smith & Wesson’s J-Frame series. The “Airweight” designation indicates that the revolver is made with lightweight materials, typically incorporating aluminum or a scandium alloy, to make the gun easier to carry, particularly for concealed carry purposes. These revolvers are known for their compact size and relatively low weight, making them popular choices for personal defense.

How big is a 642 airweight?

The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is a revolver known for its compact size and lightweight design, making it suitable for concealed carry. It typically has a barrel length of 1.875 inches, an overall length of approximately 6.3 inches, and it weighs around 14.4 ounces (unloaded).

Is 9mm better than 38 Special?

The comparison between 9mm and .38 Special depends on the context in which you are evaluating them, as they each have different characteristics and advantages:

1. **Purpose**:
– **9mm**: Often preferred for semi-automatic pistols and is favored for self-defense, law enforcement, and military use due to its high capacity, relatively low recoil, and widespread availability.
– **.38 Special**: Traditionally used in revolvers, it’s known for being easy to handle and having manageable recoil, making it a popular choice for self-defense, especially among new shooters or those who prefer revolvers.

2. **Ballistics**:
– **9mm**: Generally offers higher velocity and energy, which can result in better penetration and expansion with modern hollow-point ammunition.
– **.38 Special**: Generally has lower pressure and velocity, which can be less effective in terms of penetration and stopping power compared to high-performance 9mm loads. However, it can still be effective with the right ammunition.

3. **Availability and Cost**:
– **9mm**: Ammunition is widely available and often more affordable due to its popularity.
– **.38 Special**: Although still available, it may be less common in some areas and typically costs more per round than 9mm.

4. **Gun Design and Capacity**:
– **9mm**: Semi-automatic pistols often have a larger magazine capacity compared to revolvers chambered in .38 Special.
– **.38 Special**: Typically used in revolvers, which are generally considered more reliable and easier to maintain for some users.

In conclusion, neither is objectively “better” than the other; it depends on personal preferences, specific needs, and the context in which they are used. For higher capacity and modern self-defense applications, 9mm is often favored. For simplicity, ease of use, and for those who prefer revolvers, .38 Special remains a popular choice.

What ammo does a Smith and Wesson airweight use?

The Smith & Wesson Airweight series, such as the Model 642 or Model 638, typically uses .38 Special ammunition.

What is the lightest S&amp,W revolver?

The lightest Smith & Wesson (S&W) revolver is the S&W Model 340PD. It is an AirLite model chambered in .357 Magnum and is known for its lightweight design, primarily due to the use of scandium alloy in the frame and titanium in the cylinder. As of the last update, it weighs approximately 11.8 ounces.

What is the strongest round revolver?

The strongest round typically used in revolvers is the .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. It was developed by Cor-Bon in partnership with Smith & Wesson and is known for its significant stopping power and heavy recoil, making it popular for big game hunting and as a bear defense cartridge.

What does S&amp,W stand for Ammo?

S&W typically stands for Smith & Wesson, a well-known American firearms manufacturer. In the context of ammunition, it usually refers to the cartridges or ammunition designed for firearms they produce, like the .40 S&W or .500 S&W Magnum.

Can you shoot 38 Special out of a 38 Smith and Wesson?

No, you should not shoot .38 Special ammunition out of a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver. The two cartridges are not the same and have different dimensions. The .38 Special is longer and has a higher pressure, which can result in unsafe conditions if used in a firearm chambered specifically for .38 Smith & Wesson. Always use the correct ammunition for your specific firearm as indicated by the manufacturer.

What is the smallest Smith and Wesson pistol?

The smallest Smith & Wesson pistol is typically the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380. This is a compact .380 ACP pistol designed for concealed carry, featuring a lightweight polymer frame and a small profile.

What does P mean on 38 Special?

On a .38 Special cartridge, the letter “P” typically stands for “Plus P” or “+P.” This indicates that the ammunition is loaded to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special rounds, resulting in higher velocity and more stopping power. “+P” ammunition is designed for use in firearms that are specifically rated to handle the increased pressure.

What Ammo do most revolvers use?

Most revolvers typically use rimmed cartridges, with .38 Special and .357 Magnum being among the most common calibers. These calibers are known for their reliability and effectiveness in both personal defense and law enforcement settings. However, revolvers can be chambered for a wide variety of calibers, so the exact ammunition can vary based on the specific model and manufacturer.

What Ammo does a 38 Special Smith and Wesson use?

The .38 Special Smith & Wesson uses .38 Special ammunition.

What is the strongest Smith &amp, Wesson revolver?

The strongest Smith & Wesson revolver is generally considered to be the Smith & Wesson Model 500. This revolver is chambered for the powerful .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, making it one of the most powerful production revolvers in the world.