S&W model 642 for sale
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Smith and Wesson 642 Pro Series Stainless .38 SPL 1.875 inch 5Rd No Lock
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.875
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
Marketplace Insights
★ 4.5/5
based on 12 customer reviews across 2 variants from 18 retailers
S&W 642 revolver receives strong praise for compact carry, reliability, and customer service, with minor concerns about recoil and occasional quality issues.
What customers like
Compact carry design50%
Great little carry revolver, love the full moon clips and no lock
Accurate and reliable42%
Pistol is great. More accurate than I expected.
Excellent seller service42%
Really good experience with grab a gun, From price to order to delivery
Smooth trigger quality33%
Trigger is smooth and gets better even with 50 rounds through it
Common concerns
Significant recoil25%
recoil is significant GirlFriend had a red mark on her hand after 5 rounds
Quality control issues17%
Trigger would stick at the end of pull just before the break
Frequently Asked Questions
S&W model 642 for sale
Is the S&W 642 a good gun?
Whether it's "good" depends on your needs. The 642 is a reliable, proven concealed carry revolver with a compact aluminum frame and five .38 Special rounds. Users praise its dependability but note the double-action trigger is stiff. Typically around $522, it remains popular for pocket carry.
What is the price range for a new S&W 642?
New S&W 642 revolvers typically sell between $450 and $570, with an average around $522. Smith & Wesson's MSRP ranges from $539 to $789 depending on finish and configuration.
What are the common problems with the S&W 642?
User reports mention thumbpiece detachment, extractor rubbing against the frame during cylinder release, cylinder sticking on early examples, and severe recoil that can cause physical injury such as blood blisters and difficulty maintaining grip. Poor fit and finish complaints also appear. Most issues seem isolated rather than systemic design flaws.
What is the difference between a S&W 442 and 642?
The 442 has a carbon steel cylinder and barrel with a blued finish, while the 642 uses stainless steel components. Both share an aluminum alloy J-frame and are functionally identical five-shot .38 Special revolvers. The 642 handles humid or pocket carry better due to its stainless construction.
What is the difference between 642 1 and 642-2?
The 642-1 and 642-2 are both five-shot .38 Special aluminum-frame revolvers. The suffix numbering does not cleanly indicate whether an internal lock is present or absent — a gun marked 642-1 on the frame may ship in a 642-2 box. Check the specific SKU to confirm lock status.