Smith & Wesson Model 642 for sale
(20)
Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 642 .38 Special Revolver - 10186
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(20)
Smith & Wesson 642 .38S&W SPECIAL +P Revolver, No Internal Lock - 103810
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(9)
Smith & Wesson Model 642 Crimson Trace .38 S&W Spl +P Revolver, Matte Silver - 150972
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
SMITH & WESSON 642
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Semi-Auto
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
Smith & Wesson 642, S&w M642 163811 38 1 7/8 Ct Ss
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
SMITH & WESSON 642 ULTIMATE CARRY
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Semi-Auto
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(15)
Smith & Wesson 642 LadySmith .38 Special Revolver, Stainless/Wood - 163808
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(5)
SMITH & WESSON 642 AIRWEIGHT
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Pink
(10)
S&W Performance Center 642 Enhanced Action .38 Special Revolver, Stainless - 170348
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(12)
Smith and Wesson 642 Pro Series Stainless .38 SPL 1.875 inch 5Rd No Lock
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight Carry 38 Special, 1.87" Barrel, 5rd, Rose Gold, Internal Hammer
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.87"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Rose Gold
(0)
Smith & Wesson 642 38 Special 1.88in Matte Stainless Revolver - 5 Rounds
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
Smith & Wesson 642 Bundle 38 Special +P, 1.88" Barrel, Silver, Black Rubber Grip, 5rd
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Semi-Auto
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
Smith & Wesson 163810 642 Airweight 38 Special 5 Round 1.88" Stainless Aluminum Alloy Black Synthetic Grip
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.9"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(2)
S&W 642 Deluxe 1.875" .38 Special SS Revolver, Black Croc Grips - 150957
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
Smith and Wesson 642 Deluxe 38spc Rosewood
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
SMITH & WESSON MODEL 642 (USA 250TH ANNIVERSARY VER.)
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Semi-Auto
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Blue
(0)
Smith & Wesson 642 Robins Egg Blue .38 Special 1.875" Barrel 5-Rounds
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Robin's Egg Blue
(20)
Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight Double-Action Revolver
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
SMITH & WESSON 642 38SPL 1 7/8 SS REVOLVER & RANGE KIT
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
2"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
5
Finish Per Color:
Stainless
(0)
Smith & Wesson 1.875" Barrel 642 J-Frame Revolver 38 Special Integral Locking System - Matte Silver - Dirty Bird Industries
Brand:
Smith & Wesson
Action:
Double Action
Barrel Length:
1.88"
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Finish Per Color:
Silver
Marketplace Insights
★ 4.8/5
based on 20 customer reviews across 21 products from 19 retailers
Excellent lightweight EDC revolver with an outstanding Performance Center trigger, though stock grips may need replacement and occasional quality control issues noted.
What customers like
Lightweight & Concealable65%
so light you almost forget you are carrying it
Performance Center Trigger60%
The tuned Performance Center trigger was outstanding
Accurate for Size30%
Surprisingly very accurate for a snubby
Fit & Finish Quality25%
Fit and finish is what you would expect from a Performance Center Smith & Wesson
Great Value20%
worth every penny I saved to buy it
Common concerns
Stock Grips Need Upgrading10%
Factory grips are terrible so factor in added cost
Quality Control Issues10%
There was so much grit in the action that prevented the trigger from resetting
Grip Durability Concern5%
The rubber edges of the grip peel away from the frame under light pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Smith & Wesson 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, compact double-action revolver popular for concealed carry, built on the proven J-frame lineage. It typically retails around $609. The main drawback is a heavy 12-pound trigger pull. If you prioritize reliability and concealability, it's a solid choice.
What is the price range for a new S&W 642?
New S&W 642 revolvers typically sell between $552 and $642, with a median around $609. The manufacturer's suggested retail price ranges from $539 to $789. Prices vary by retailer and any current promotions.
What are the common problems with the S&W 642?
Common issues include the thumbpiece falling off, the extractor rubbing against the aluminum frame when cycling the cylinder, and finish wear from carry. Some users report cylinder sticking early in the gun's life. These problems appear sporadic rather than widespread, and the revolver generally remains mechanically sound.
What is the difference between a 642 and a 442?
Both are Smith & Wesson compact J-frame .38 Special revolvers. The main difference is material: the 642 has a stainless steel cylinder, while the 442 uses carbon steel with a blued finish. Stainless resists corrosion better. The 442 typically costs slightly less. Otherwise they are nearly identical.
Is the Smith & Wesson 642 safe to carry?
Yes, the 642 is safe for concealed carry. Its double-action-only trigger requires a long, deliberate pull, eliminating accidental discharge risk. The hammerless design prevents snagging on clothing. Proven over decades of use, it remains a popular choice. Use a proper holster and practice regularly.
What is the difference between 642 1 and 642-2?
The 642-1 and 642-2 distinction is inconsistent in practice. Forum sources suggest the suffixes correlate to lock vs. no-lock versions, but real-world markings overlap — some guns marked 642-1 shipped in 642-2 boxes. The SKU is a more reliable indicator than the suffix. Both fire .38 Special from a 5-shot aluminum-frame revolver.
When did the Smith and Wesson 642 come out?
Smith & Wesson introduced the internal-hammer Centennial design in 1952 for the company's centennial. The modern 642 Airweight model debuted in 1990, was discontinued in 1993, then reintroduced in 1996 as the 642-1. It remains in production today.
