Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight Stainless .38 Special +P 1.88″ Barrel 5-Rounds For Sale

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

The primary difference between the Smith & Wesson 442 and 642 revolvers lies in their finish. The 442 typically features a black or matte black finish, while the 642 has a stainless (or silver) finish. Both models are part of the J-Frame lineup and share similar specifications in terms of size, weight, and functionality, offering .38 Special caliber and often +P rating for higher pressure loads. The choice between the two generally comes down to aesthetic preference and how each finish might better suit an individual’s needs regarding visibility, maintenance, or concealment preferences.

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 the intended use, such as self-defense or target shooting. For self-defense, many recommend using high-quality hollow point ammunition like the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135-grain +P, Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain +P, or Federal Premium Personal Defense 110-grain Hydra-Shok Low Recoil. These options are designed to expand upon impact and offer improved stopping power. For target shooting, standard full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, such as American Eagle or Winchester White Box 130-grain FMJ, are usually economical and suitable. Always ensure that the chosen ammunition is safe for your firearm, especially when considering +P loads, and it’s a good idea to test different rounds to see which performs best in terms of accuracy and reliability for your specific gun.

What is an airweight 38?

An Airweight .38 refers to a type of lightweight revolver, typically chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. These revolvers are designed to be lightweight and easier to carry, often constructed with materials like aluminum or scandium for the frame. The Smith & Wesson J-Frame Airweight series is one of the most popular examples, known for its compact size and ease of use, making it a preferred choice for concealed carry and personal defense.

How big is a 642 airweight?

The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is a compact, lightweight revolver. Typically, it has a barrel length of 1.875 inches, an overall length of about 6.3 inches, and a weight of approximately 15 ounces (or 425 grams) when unloaded. It’s designed for easy carry and concealment, making it popular for personal defense.

Is 9mm better than 38 Special?

The comparison between 9mm and .38 Special depends on several factors, such as the intended use, preferences, and specific scenarios. Here’s a general comparison:

1. **Performance and Ballistics:**
– **9mm:** Generally offers higher velocity and more energy than .38 Special. It is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols and has a higher capacity in a similar-sized magazine.
– **.38 Special:** Known for its manageable recoil and has been a popular choice for revolvers. It can be very effective, particularly with modern high-performance ammunition.

2. **Usage:**
– **9mm:** Popular for self-defense, law enforcement, and military applications. The higher capacity and faster reloads of semi-automatic pistols are advantages.
– **.38 Special:** Often preferred for concealed carry and home defense due to its reliability and simplicity in revolvers.

3. **Recoil and Control:**
– The .38 Special is usually easier to control due to lighter recoil, making it suitable for shooters who prioritize comfort and precision in a revolver format.

4. **Availability and Cost:**
– Both calibers are widely available and similarly priced, but the 9mm may have a slight edge in terms of availability due to its widespread use.

In summary, neither caliber is strictly “better”; it depends on personal needs and preferences. Consider what fits best in terms of performance, handling, and the specific application you have in mind.

What ammo does a Smith and Wesson airweight use?

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

What is the lightest S&amp,W revolver?

The lightest Smith & Wesson revolver is typically the Smith & Wesson Model 340PD. This model is an AirLite series revolver, made from a combination of titanium and scandium alloy, and weighs approximately 11.8 ounces unloaded. It is a popular choice for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-carry revolver.

What is the strongest round revolver?

One of the strongest rounds for a revolver is the .500 S&W Magnum. It was specifically designed to be one of the most powerful production revolver cartridges and is often used for big game hunting due to its incredible stopping power. Revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 500 are chambered for this round and are renowned for their strength and power.

What does S&amp,W stand for Ammo?

S&W in the context of ammunition typically stands for Smith & Wesson, a well-known firearms manufacturer.

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

No, you should not shoot .38 Special ammunition out of a firearm chambered for .38 Smith & Wesson (also known as .38 S&W). These are two different cartridges with different dimensions and pressure specifications. Using .38 Special in a .38 S&W firearm can be dangerous and could cause damage to the firearm or injury to the shooter. Always use the correct ammunition specified for your firearm.

What is the smallest Smith and Wesson pistol?

The smallest Smith & Wesson pistol is the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380. This compact semi-automatic pistol is designed for personal protection and concealed carry, featuring a lightweight polymer frame and chambered in .380 ACP.

What does P mean on 38 Special?

On a .38 Special cartridge, “P” typically stands for “Plus P” (denoted as “.38 Special +P”). This indicates that the ammunition is loaded to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special rounds, offering increased velocity and stopping power. It is important to ensure that your firearm is rated for +P ammunition before using it, as not all guns designed for .38 Special can safely handle the increased pressure.

What is the strongest Smith &amp, Wesson revolver?

The strongest Smith & Wesson revolver is typically considered to be the Smith & Wesson Model 500. It is chambered in the powerful .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, which is designed for maximum stopping power and is often used for big game hunting.

When did Smith and Wesson 442 come out?

The Smith & Wesson Model 442 was introduced in 1993.

What’s the difference between 44 S&amp,W and 45 ACP?

The .44 S&W (Smith & Wesson) Special and the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) are both handgun cartridges, but they have several differences in terms of design, performance, and typical usage:

1. **Caliber**:
– The .44 S&W Special has a bullet diameter of .429 inches.
– The .45 ACP has a bullet diameter of .451 inches.

2. **Case Design**:
– The .44 S&W Special is a rimmed cartridge, originally designed for revolvers.
– The .45 ACP is a rimless cartridge, designed for use in semi-automatic pistols.

3. **History**:
– The .44 S&W Special was introduced in the early 1900s (1907) by Smith & Wesson as an improvement over its predecessor, the .44 Russian.
– The .45 ACP was designed by John Browning in 1904 and adopted by the U.S. military in 1911 for the Colt 1911 pistol.

4. **Typical Use**:
– The .44 S&W Special is commonly used in revolvers and is favored by some for its lighter recoil and accuracy, making it suitable for target shooting and personal defense.
– The .45 ACP is widely used in semi-automatic pistols and is a popular choice for military, law enforcement, and self-defense due to its effectiveness and widespread availability.

5. **Performance**:
– The .44 S&W Special typically has lower velocity compared to the .45 ACP but can deliver a heavier bullet, which can be advantageous in certain defensive scenarios.
– The .45 ACP is known for its moderate recoil and effective stopping power, with a typical bullet weight ranging from 185 to 230 grains and velocities between 800-1,000 feet per second for standard loads.

Each cartridge has its own set of advantages and is chosen based on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter.