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 is their finish. The Model 442 typically has a matte black finish, often anodized aluminum alloy, giving it a more subdued, tactical appearance. In contrast, the Model 642 usually features a satin stainless finish or clear-coated aluminum alloy, giving it a silver appearance. Mechanically and functionally, both revolvers are similar; they are lightweight, five-shot, .38 Special revolvers with a shrouded hammer design, making them nearly identical except for their exterior color and material finish.

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

The best ammo for a Smith and Wesson 642 typically depends on the intended use, such as self-defense or target shooting. For self-defense, many recommend using a .38 Special +P hollow point round due to its balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. Popular choices include the Speer Gold Dot 135-grain +P, Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain FTX, and Federal HST 130-grain +P. For target practice, standard .38 Special full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds from brands like Winchester or Remington are sufficient and more cost-effective. Always ensure that your choice is compatible with your specific firearm and practice with your chosen defensive ammo to ensure reliability and comfort.

What is an airweight 38?

An “airweight .38” typically refers to a lightweight revolver that is chambered for .38 Special ammunition. The term “airweight” is often associated with Smith & Wesson models, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 642 or Model 637, which are known for their lightweight aluminum frames. These revolvers are popular for concealed carry and self-defense due to their manageable recoil, compact size, and light weight, making them easy to carry and handle.

How big is a 642 airweight?

The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is a small-frame revolver. It typically has a barrel length of about 1.875 inches and an overall length of approximately 6.31 inches. The weight is around 14.4 ounces, making it relatively lightweight and compact, suitable for concealed carry.

Is 9mm better than 38 Special?

The choice between 9mm and .38 Special depends on various factors, including the intended use, personal preference, and specific needs. Here are some considerations for each caliber:

**9mm:**
– **Higher Capacity:** Typically, 9mm firearms have higher magazine capacities compared to .38 Special revolvers.
– **Recoil and Control:** Generally, 9mm offers manageable recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
– **Ammunition Availability:** 9mm is widely used and readily available, often at a lower cost compared to .38 Special.
– **Modern Advancements:** Recent developments in 9mm ammunition have improved its performance for self-defense.

**.38 Special:**
– **Revolver Simplicity:** Being primarily used in revolvers, .38 Special can offer reliability without the complexities of semi-automatic mechanisms.
– **Recoil:** Typically has mild recoil, which can be advantageous for shooters seeking comfort.
– **Performance:** While older, the .38 Special is known for its effectiveness in a variety of scenarios.

Ultimately, the “better” caliber depends on your priorities, such as capacity, firearm platform preference, recoil tolerance, and specific use case like self-defense or target shooting. It’s important to consider these factors and, if possible, try both to see which suits you better.

What ammo does a Smith and Wesson airweight use?

The Smith & Wesson Airweight typically refers to a series of lightweight revolvers, commonly chambered for either .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition, depending on the specific model. It’s important to check your particular model for its specific caliber designation.

What is the lightest S&amp,W revolver?

The lightest Smith & Wesson revolver is typically the Smith & Wesson Model 340PD. This revolver is made with a Scandium alloy frame and a Titanium cylinder, and it is chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special. The Model 340PD weighs approximately 11.8 ounces, making it one of the lightest revolvers available.

What is the strongest round revolver?

The strongest round for a revolver is typically the .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. This cartridge is known for its significant power and is often used in large-frame revolvers designed to handle high pressures and recoil. It was introduced in 2003 and is renowned for its stopping power, making it popular among hunters and firearm enthusiasts who require a high-performance round for big game hunting.

What does S&amp,W stand for Ammo?

S&W stands for Smith & Wesson, a well-known American firearms manufacturer, which also produces ammunition.

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 firearm. Although the names are similar, these are different cartridges with different dimensions and pressures. Using the wrong ammunition can be dangerous and may damage the firearm or cause injury. Always use the specific type of ammunition that is recommended by the firearm’s manufacturer.

What is the smallest Smith and Wesson pistol?

The smallest Smith & Wesson pistol is typically considered to be the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380. This is a compact, lightweight semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry, chambered in .380 ACP. It features a slim design and is known for its ease of use and portability.

What does P mean on 38 Special?

The “P” on .38 Special ammunition stands for “plus P” (often written as “+P”). This indicates that the cartridge is loaded to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special rounds, resulting in increased velocity and stopping power. It is important to ensure that a firearm is rated for +P ammunition before using it, as the increased pressure can cause excessive wear or damage in guns not designed to handle it.

What is the strongest Smith &amp, Wesson revolver?

The strongest Smith & Wesson revolver is the Model 500. It is chambered in the powerful .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, making it one of the most powerful production revolvers available.

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) and .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) are both cartridges used in firearms, but they have distinct differences:

1. **Type & Origin**:
– **.44 S&W**: This cartridge is typically associated with revolvers. It was developed by Smith & Wesson in the late 19th century.
– **.45 ACP**: Designed by John Browning in 1904, this cartridge is commonly used in semi-automatic pistols.

2. **Dimensions**:
– **.44 S&W**: This cartridge has a bullet diameter of approximately 0.429 inches (10.9 mm).
– **.45 ACP**: The bullet diameter for this cartridge is approximately 0.451 inches (11.5 mm).

3. **Use & Popularity**:
– **.44 S&W**: Less common and often considered a historical cartridge, primarily used in some vintage revolvers.
– **.45 ACP**: Widely popular for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. It’s known for effective stopping power and is used in many modern handguns.

4. **Performance**:
– **.44 S&W**: Typically generates less pressure and velocity compared to modern cartridges, with milder recoil.
– **.45 ACP**: Offers moderate recoil with effective stopping power, making it a favored choice for self-defense and tactical use.

5. **Compatibility**:
– **.44 S&W**: Typically chambered in older or reproduction revolvers.
– **.45 ACP**: Chambered in a wide variety of modern firearms, including iconic pistols like the M1911.

These differences reflect their intended use and development periods, with the .44 S&W being more of a revolver cartridge associated with historical firearms, while the .45 ACP is a more modern, versatile cartridge used today.