Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight Subcompact Revolver .38 Caliber- full review

[S1986ham]

Why does the guy look like Darth Vader when shooting

[900hardyboy]

my cousand got shot by one of these D':

[JimmyCricket61258]

Heads up...S&W is offering a 642, and 442 without a lock...limited to a prodution of 4,000, last heard about 1,000 remain the model number is 103810

[ComicDude1011]

its loaded...

[TheSOWBand1]

I like all Smith & wesson 38. I have a 1950's model but it's pretty beaten up and the handle is broke :( but I still like it

[MrLooseSkrews]

@Barber2015 Wow. I was going to comment "hammerless" reference, and the weight discrepancy is reasonable, but, mechanically speaking, it IS a plunger, and that is not an uncommon term for the extractor/ejector rod on a revolver. I very much agree with you about the fact that there is no shortage of "know -it-alls" spreading misinformation, but choose your criticisms carefully.

[Jsmooth7444]

you never showed us the groups you were talking about

[hammerogod]

S&W 642 + fingernail polish on the sights = 50% better accuracy.

Use the brightest Orange fingernail polish you can buy for the Front sight and some bright Green for the Rear sight and I promise you will get smaller groups.

Use one of the Long Lasting polishes (Walmart sells several).

Also:

The 642 takes some getting used to as far a trigger pull.

People tell me that a Trigger Job (aka: a lighter spring) will help.

BUT.. remember .. The Trigger Pull force is the only "Safety" this DAO has.

[SnuffitLabs]

.357 doesn't overpenetrate if you use hp or lead semi-wadcutters (I like to use the UMC ones). I use a ported Ruger GP-100 .357 that actually has less recoil than my ruger single six .22. It is bigger than the 642, and mine's stainless so it's heavier. I could see my girlfriend using one of these (the 642)

One question I have for you though. Do you have to use any special cleaning agents as aluminum likes to corrode? Is there a steel insert in the barrel?

[peculiarindividual]

@SnuffitLabs Its an aluminum framed revolver with a stainless steel cylinder and barrel. No problems with mine to date with over 700 rounds. Only complaint with my 642 and there appears to be a clear coat on the aluminum frame that is coming off. If I did it again I would go with the 442 or the 340 m&p.

[SnuffitLabs]

@peculiarindividual I thought there had to be the coating (like on aluminum rims for cars) to prevent oxidization of the aluminum. Thanks for the info!!

[MrLooseSkrews]

@SnuffitLabs The barrel and cylinder are steel. The frame is aluminum. The aluminum is sensitive to harsh cleaning products. I just use Rem Oil on the frame of my 642. It works just fine as long as you clean often.

[RP101140]

what is the intro song??

[granolagirl8819]

I just got this, and I am so excited to get out to the range. I'm a 22 y/o woman who's living alone, and this is my first firearm. It felt great in my hand, so we'll see how it goes tomorrow.

[baldbollocks]

I really liked your review...thanks

Would love to see you hook up with nutnfancy !

[fhp2b]

Nice review, although I could have done without all the Sammy Safety comments. And what the f#ck are you doing wearing that respirator contraption?

[bubba55l]

.357 is great in my N-frame.

I wouldn't do it in a J, though.

[Ep1cMW2videos]

@Ivan951 just for the record "a lot" is two words

[breakneck14]

I have this exact revolver.

I like it. I like the internal hammer.

I've seen ones with a flat hammer and I think that would get bunch of junk in it.

I pocket carry mine. It's light.

It flies out of my pocket easily at the first sight of werewolves and other nasties.

[CHSpaintballer2]

@IMTY54

Don't spread that gun store bullshit, please... No handgun is a one-stop wonder.

[tylertennisman]

Are you sure that's an Uncle Mike's holster? Looks like a BLACKHAWK! size 3 pocket holster.

[pat34ful]

how much it is?

[Ivan951]

This is the first gun i ever bought and sadly im disapointed. Idk what it was but it was very innacurate couldnt shoot a watermelon 20 ft away. The barrell also seems kind of crooked... i was using .38 special and not .38 special +p so im hoping that had something to do with it. Any advice?

[CHSpaintballer2]

@Ivan951

Learn to shoot.

[Ivan951]

@CHSpaintballer2 Yeah... snappy remark but just got it back in from S & W with its repairs... shoots alot better now.

[argo84]

@Ivan951 Take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out.

[totaldla]

A Kel-Tec PF9 is lighter, shorter, higher-capacity, higher performance and about half the cost of the 642.

[CHSpaintballer2]

@totaldla, it's also a Kel-Tec...

[tylerash1]

Haha im 12 and i have this gun. suck it liberals

[TheSasha555]

"I'll talk about that in a Mormon." HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

[ChromeGhost0219]

why the hell did you wear a respirator?

[arkangel43711]

I have fired my moms .38 thats just like this one, the original handle kinda cgafes and a little more kick than i thought, but it was good, hit the bullseye 2 wice from 10 yards. I think ear protection is only an option, and how could the noise "confuse" you, shure its loud, but i would be more intend on disabiling my assalient. No offense.

[rdl3255]

Hey aracefan2001,

I enjoyed your video, I have carried the black version (model 442) in that same pocket holster you showed, for about 3 years. It carries very well in a pocket and presents well also. Very nice carry system when a belt holster just doesn't fit into the wardrobe, or when deep concealment is needed. It's my "everyday, everywhere" gun.

[municsscareme]

so illegal in Canada

[567zay]

r u wearin a gas mask? y?

[MrHotrod68]

man my first weapon im going to shoot a g18

[chazhuber]

how much lighter is the airweight than the regular 642? does an exra couple of ounces take away from some of the kick when you're shooting with a barrel that is so short?

[DenverBroncosFan17]

What ammunition to you carry in this gun? Also, are the standard pressure hollow points effective in self defense or would you only advocate +p

[BlackHeartModer]

Idiot, unfired shells will fall out with out the ejection rod!!

[johniesmite]

Nice revolver!

What is the price of it?

[NuJoiseyMAN]

What the recoil like?

[blueheadcrazyguy]

does the mask come with the revolver? if so Goose is all over that.

[DaGoalieSniper]

wtf was on your face when shooting? necessary?

[DarkheartTheHeritic]

have you ever herd about the lock actually malfunctioning? or is that just a rumor?

[0102josh]

One question...are you wearing a gas mask at the range? Just wondering. Not trying to be a jerk that sounds like he knows everything haha.

[grizz474]

whats up with bad music?

[jahwarrior72]

i just bought one of these, an older one without the lock. it shot a little high when i first took it out, but once i got the hang of the sights, i was hitting 3" from 20 yards. i can't believe how accurate it was.

[NuJoiseyMAN]

Lmao, you look like your gearing up to fly a MIG.

I like the SA/DA option, but it's a smart design. My S&W 438 catches lint and is starting to rust a bit on the hammer.

[sw640]

love my sw640 up close and personal great pocket gun.

[01gasman]

Very nice gun, I just picked mine up last week. I did replace the grips with Hogue 6100. Gun is very light weight (15oz unloaded). Also accurate, its my everyday carry gun, if i have to use it, I won't be shooting very far anyhow.

[rcazphoto]

Fabulous carry option. One must practice, practice, practice to safely carry this revolver. Please, learn how to shoot a snubnose if it is to be you carry option. Recoil was bearable, lightweight, but I couldn't hit the side of a barn!

[MrMeatballs1945]

The only thing I would recommend is changing that porno music.

[defiythelie]

so your wearing a dust mask at the range why? Lead rounds?

[defiythelie]

I hate very lightweight handguns.  They feel like toys and the muzzle jumps all over.

[VinnyS914]

Also if you have to reload a single action revolver under pressure God help you.

[aran08504]

what does +P mean?

[aracefan2001]

It means that the cartridge generates higher pressure than non +P cartridges. Some firearms are not built to withstand the higher pressure of these cartridges, so it's important to know if your firearm is capable of using them.

[lakerdigital]

@aracefan2001 So why don't they just call it a magnum?

[MUSICALGUNNUT45]

@lakerdigital Because its not a magnum cartridge its just a 38 special round with a little more powder behind it most magnums have extended cases and are based off of a shorter cartridge ie 38 special 357 magnum. its not that its just a 38 spl with a little extra pressure + p

[ralph66hd]

+P is just a higher powder load than just a .38 special

[787pilar1]

plus power

[Donhambruna]

You seem to know quite alot about guns, I would like to ask you a question:

In case you are using a gun for defensive purposes, I don't think you will have times to use the headphones and safety glasses you use in the firing range. I know they are used for security, but shouldn't you be ready for using it in action? What if the sound confuses you? What if whatever the glass protect you from happens? (I don't exactly know what they protect you from lol)

Continued on next post

[Donhambruna]

So, under that logic, I think that people who intend to use the gun for defense should NOT use headphones or safety glasses in the firing range. This is to make them ready for any situation.

[smklan]

@Donhambruna The glasses obviously protect from things flying in your eyes. Usually not much of an issue with revolvers, but necessary with semi autos (the ejected shells). Twice I've been hit in the face by glass when an idiot in the next lane shot out the lights. I understand your point about training the way you fight, but guns are loud in general. When confined to a closed room with hard walls (an indoor range) they become deafening. It's not worth damaging your sight or hearing.

[phoenix1916]

U could have showed a little more of the target scorecard there, what distance was it out???

[aracefan2001]

Sorry about that. I thought that it was visible in the video, but once I posted it up on youtube, the quality went down a bit. It was about 10 yards. Oddly enough it was very accurate (that was the first time I ever shot it), and since then I've never been quite as accurate. I don't shoot this one often, and it definitely takes a little getting used to. I recommend that anyone carrying it practices very regularly.

[smklan]

@aracefan2001 The reason for drop in accuracy after shooting it for a while is you are able to anticipate the break (point at which it will fire) and the body reacts to it.

[IllustriousSeven]

Nice voice. Great video. Love the model 642.

[shallnotbeinfringed]

bang bang bang bang bang click best way to die in a self'defense situation

[aracefan2001]

I don't know what you're talking about. But if you're suggesting that 5 cartridges is insufficient to defend yourself, then I think you're mistaken. Unless you're in military combat of course. That's a completely different situation.

[shallnotbeinfringed]

My comment had nothing to do with capacity, I carry a 642 everyday. It had everthing to do with 6 pulls of the trigger with a 5 round gun will get you killed! Watch your vid. Round count is important!! Sorry for the confusion. Thank You

[1911austin]

No. Not having your bigger, higher capacity handgun when you need it is the best way to die in a self-defense situation.

[shallnotbeinfringed]

My comment hand nuthing to do with capacity. the guy didnt count his rounds when he shot that is the point that NO ONE GETS !!!!!!!!! so i guess im a retard but i count my rounds when i shoot thanks

[Spikito]

If youre in a self defense situation, and you cant hit your target in 5 shots, you deserve to die.

If you need to use it, your attacker needs to be up close, not 20 yards out. plus. the sheer sound of popping of 5 .38 specials out of a snub nose should change their mind.

[FaganRoberts]

Why did you get the model with that silly little internal lock on it? I got a 442 model w/out the lock and I bought it for that reason alone. Otherwise I go with an older S&W.

[aracefan2001]

That's the way S&W makes revolvers these days, so that's you're only choice if you want a new gun. Personally, I'd rather have a new gun with a lock than a used gun. Others will disagree. In case someone doesn't know what we're talking about. S&W started including a hammer lock in all of their revolvers around 2001. The key goes in behind the cylinder release. The lock was very controversial when first introduced because some people thought it might accidentally malfunction.

[ChesapeakeArmory]

@aracefan2001 The lock has been proven to break under repeated rapid fire with high power loads. It's not as common on .38 spl guns but, on .357/.44 magnum guns it is a big issue. Their (S&W) company shooters usually remove this lock which says a lot about the design.

[MrLooseSkrews]

@aracefan2001 Agreed. The lock is not aesthetically pleasing, but neither is the revolver. It is a tool that serves it's purpose and does it well. Don't use the lock if you don't like it. Keep it tightly turned to the unlocked position, and it won't move unless you move it. I have a pre-lock 642 and would trade it without a second thought for a new one with a lock. Also, I like the transition music...

[mconnell85]

I have large hands, and I handled the 642 with crimson trace laser grips, and they are a perfect fit! Yes, they aren't as compact as the original factory, but I can live with the compromise, if I were to acquire one like my buddy!

[condorlegion89]

Good video man, but show us more shooting dammit! 5*s . def on my favs niggaaaaa xD

[bigranger16]

man I was using single action and the pull was so light, that I went to aim and I shot the roof at the end of the range...

[gmknotts2008]

For goodness sake, buy better grips, because it kicks like hell when +P is used.

other than that. I Love mine,(with hammer.) And your right about double action.

[aracefan2001]

I agree about the grips. I replaced them with a pair of Hogues, but they aren't perfect. I'm still looking for the right pair. I tend to favor Pachmyr, but the Pachmyr grips for this gun are huge!

[condorlegion89]

gmknotts2008, the gun grips are alright. Quit whining and stop watching gun videos your vagina might get wet xD

[freeronmexico]

will u talk about that in a morment.....lmao

[aracefan2001]

I aim to entertain.

[kimberandkenpo]

Also, did you know the 40. cal round used by most police officers today, is superior to the 357 magnum as far as wound ballistics go. The 40. round can exhibit more recoil than the 357 magnum. Point is if a person has to use a gun, they wont remmeber the recoil wheather its 357 or 38 special. id take the 357 any day

[aracefan2001]

I respect your opinion. But I think the 357 is far too much for the average user. It simply has too much power and penetration. So it's likely to go straight through the target. If that were to happen, then the target would absorb only a fraction of the kinetic energy of the round. Of course, hollow points might help. But it's difficult enough to shoot such a small barrel accurately. Why make it even more challenging by adding such extra kick? Thanks for your post.

[kimberandkenpo]

the plunger is for after youv fired the rounds. they wont come out so easily then. you will need it

[aracefan2001]

Yes, I have learned this from experience. Thanks. You speak the truth.

[willisdav]

I just bought one. Thanks for your info. It's just as you described. It does take a little time to get used to the "buck" as compared to a semi auto. But - much easier to conceal.

[aracefan2001]

I'm glad you like it. Yeah, it does take a little getting used to. I changed the grips, which made shooting more comfortable, but this was at the expense of size. Now it looks like a normal S&W J-frame.

[hasbeendez]

good info... great tunes...

[BumpyPickles]

What do gun laws include? Is it legal to carry a firearm on you anywhere? If attacked and you shoot someone can you be charged with murder/manslaughter?

[2clones]

State laws differ and many circumstances come into play. Disparity of force and level of threat for example.

[BumpyPickles]

Single action is the way to go. Better accuracy. don't waste bullet's like candy if you have an accurate shit.

[mywytefeet]

Are you wearing a gas mask while at the indoor range? Does the recoil hurt your hand? I've heard it does. Do you wear shooting gloves? This guns fits me like a glove so I just had to buy one today--can't wait to get to the range.

[khalsasikh]

He is wearing a respirator.  You can find them online or at Home Depot or similiar hardward store. You want to find one that will protect you from fiberglass or lead dust. He is wearing a respirator to protect himself from the lead dust particles that are prominent in any indoor gun range. I wear a respirator also because I fire EVERDAY. If you go once a month or something like that, you don't need it. People die from lead poisoning frequently. There are other lead health hazards also.

[mywytefeet]

interesting.

[Horrorshow655321]

See ya' in a morment dudes!!!!

[mcomcorp]

This little J Frame has been my cc carry for the past few years. I have big hands and had to replace the grip with a slightly longer Hoague which fits my hand perfectly and eliminated the bucking motion of the kick. Once I learned to load the trigger first, then squeeze lightly the last 20% of the pull, I got very accurate with it. I can routinely put 18 out of 25 shots in a 5 inch ring at 25 feet. I practice with knock down steel plates at 8 to 12 feet.

[STEEPPOW]

Yes, this is true, but only if the gun were semi-auto. There is no need to pull the trigger once again with a revolver, as it is supremely obvious that the gun is empty whence all of the chambers are empty.

[steble01]

its hard to take your review seriously.....have all your facts lined up before you film so you dont say the wrong thing and then have to correct them by inserting bubbles into your video....also dont film yourself shooting at a range while not being able to keep track of how many rounds you have fired.....the thing only has 5 rounds for christ sakes and you pulled the trigger 6. also maybe show a close up of your target to show your "impressive performance".

[freekufnaytur]

If you have ever had any training at all, you would know that it is standard practice to pull the trigger one extra time to ensure that the gun has fired all rounds.

[steble01]

another view point i will not take seriously due to the fact you obviously have no clue what you are talking about......with a 5 shot pistol, 5 bangs mean that the pistol no longer has anything but empty shells..........

[shaokem]

depending on what you're training with

[cdlmn63]

like your comments for the rookie, mj.

[maltieskitten]

what if you're an american jew? are you a stupid leader then? my balls itch, you should order me a pizza! have you ever put your phone up to your dick while your pissing and asked if your mom was thirsty? is it wrong to look at a fat guys tits like you look at a woman's?

[megadeth22885]

of course the rounds come out easy.. theyre unfired... after firing the round it expands within the chamber which is why only the fired cartridges stay in

[dannyboy768]

i have a very old (i dont know how old)smith and wesson six shot revolver and want to now the exact name and how old it is.....can anyone help or should i take it to an expert? (i tried to fit a 9mm into it and it was a little to big)by the way this gun belonged to my great grand father, i did not buy it! aslo, the barrel is about 2 times as long as the barrel of the gun shown in this video...thanks in advance!

[cdlmn63]

take it to a real gun store they will know if not gtf outta there, o never sell it at all untill u know it,s all cleared,atf etc, or u will go to prison

[jonah70757]

What do you think about the trigger pull? It hard, since I shoot Glocks . What I do is run a silicone cloth through after cleaning so rounds slide out easily and I do a visual check for rounds. As for the Uncle Mike Holster cant stand it, I have one that loops over belt and you wear inside your pants and I have found the gun tends to move and want to drop out. In retrospect I would not purchase this gun again because I dont like the trigger pull. It is a light reliable compact carry gun.

[nextexhale]

Good review. I suggest you always use the "plunger" instead of just letting cartridges drop out of the cylinder. A friend once "dropped" the cartridges out of a S&W 44 mag before he handed the gun to me. I immediately checked the cylinder when he handed it to me and found that one of the cartridges had stuck in it's chamber! It could have been really bad. Also on my J Frame one cartridge will stick in the cylinder sometimes when it gets hung up on the cylinder stop. Use the plunger!

[Broadsidejohn]

Hey F101, Americans don't pronounce Nicaragua "Nikker-a-gyoo-ah" or Jaguar as "Jag-you-are." Anyway, this is a good review. But, Is the ignition with transfer bar? Have any ammo recommendations? What did you shoot at the range? I just bought one and bought some S"W 125g nyclad (non+P) I think will make this puppy controllable. Here in Calif.the libs are trying to make every firerarm illegal. Had to go outside of L.A. to buy this. The commissars in city hall have put a length minimum on .

[Firearm101]

why do americans pronounce aluminium like "Al-oo-min-um" it is "Al-a-mini-um!

[Flomounier1]

because we piss on our grandmothers teeth

[HiCapacity]

Because it's spelled ALUMINUM, smart guy.

[Firearm101]

lol you dumb fuck, it is spelt ALUMINIUM, smart guy

[HiCapacity]

Touche I just looked it up. It's spelled both ways. But who the fuck spells it ALUMINUM?

[Firearm101]

lol the yanks do

[HiCapacity]

Yeah and we're number one.

[Firearm101]

U.K is number one, you are talking our language, don't you forget it

[HiCapacity]

I don't think so. We might be speaking your language, but you assholes are still alive because we didn't invade you yet.

[mongol63]

All of north america dipshit, except for those stupid brits who have fucked up accents

[NuJoiseyMAN]

What are you some health freak? LOL but your right to each his own.

I got a quick question.. ammo prices for .38 and availability?

[aracefan2001]

.38 special is running kind of pricey right now, around $20+ for 50 rounds. Availability varies widely, but overall I'd say it's limited.

[19brandon66]

Good info and good production! Looking toward the 442 with Crimson Trace though. Thanks

[mmanuela43]

i am getting one excactly like that one but mine is going to have a hammer

[chrisredfield3636]

the .357 "The Classic Zombie Round!"

[JAX750]

nice mask. hahaha

[fredde90210]

Dude a gas mask??? Jeeesusss

[aracefan2001]

I prefer not breathing lead particles. To each is own.

[diosbestfan]

i dont want to breath in particals ether i have a life to live!

[motomissle]

I just got the 642 PowerPort - Pro Series Revolver I hope I made the right choice

[aracefan2001]

I think that's an excellent choice. Looks beautiful and the porting should help with recoil.

[Blue5248]

Why is it you consider the .357 Mag to be inadequate for a deffensive cartridge when it is considered among the best for 1 shot stops according to numerous test?

[aracefan2001]

It's not that I consider the .357 inadequate. In some cases, I think the .357 is over-powered for personal defense. It depends on the environment in which you intend to use the cartridge. For concealed carry, follow-up shots are more likely to be inaccurate (when compared to the .38). If you're in a rural area, then .357 might be good for home defense. But in an urban area, one needs to consider the risk of collateral damage, and over-penetration (outside of the home for example) is possible.

[motomissle]

I have never ever heard of the .357 being inadequate... infact alot of people nick nme their .357 things like "the beast" maybe your thinking of .38?

[patinaz2000]

I second the respirator. I was shooting some of my reloads in the desert 2 days ago, and I caught a lung full of Titegroup smoke. I'm still coughing and hacking.

Nice review.

[aracefan2001]

Thanks. Yeah, the guys who work at the range always wear a respirator when they enter the range. So I figure, maybe they know something I don't, and if it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me. I don't wear one when I'm shooting a rifle outdoors.

[tylord73]

HE GO TO WAR LIKE ME WITH AH TREY8 nice....

[PAGunGuy]

Are you wearing a gas mask at the range?

[aracefan2001]

It's a respiratory. I always wear one at an indoor range. One of the ranges I shoot at has poor ventilation.

[PAGunGuy]

I'm seriously considering this as my new concealed carry gun.

[aracefan2001]

If you do choose this one, you'll be happy you picked such a light gun.

[houmaboy22]

im not sure id carry a loaded gun in my pocket

[aracefan2001]

A lot of people would agree with you, and in fact carrying in your pocket is less desirable than carrying in an appropriate holster. I don't carry myself, but if I did, I would probably carry in an under arm holster or cross draw.

[2clones]

In the event of an accidental discharge, using a holster outside of the pocket offers no more protection than a holster inside of the pocket. What it does offer is better concealment and better protection from being disarmed.

[aracefan2001]

I just want to encourage everyone watching this video to join the NRA, or if you are already a member, go ahead and make at least a small donation. This may be a critical time in the defense of 2nd amendment rights. Thanks.

[jimitl5]

I have a S&W 442 which is a cousin of the 642. Great pocket gun. Don't leave home without it.

[JSM10069]

Sweet pea, the reason those bullets slide out of the cylinder so easily is because you haven't fired them yet.

[dancingrizz]

Its actually 15oz not 13oz.

An otherwise good review. I have carried one for years. Also the extraction is easy for loaded rounds but spent brass is a little harder to extract. For that reason I wish I kept my 357. You may still fire 38spl but extraction is much better.

[millie710]

Excellent review. I agree that the best handgun for self defense (carry durring the rule of law) is the same. Check out kholster on the net. Excellent IWB, comfortable and only 35.00 delivered. ( I don't work there but I own one) Thanks, and watch THE OBAMA DECEPTION here on y.t.. Vote Pro gun!

[Warrantofficer13]

Get armed, NWO is comin around the corner, when the army hits the streets and martial law comes to round u up for the fema camps, u need a quick under the pillow weapon to use and conceal why you run away and join the north american resistance, Revolver is where its at, no .357s either.

[icemaniceman1111]

A clear concise review of a practical revolver for concealed carry. I would use it if I did not live in Massachusetts, one of premier gun grabbing states that make it almost impossible for a law abiding citizen to carry a firearm and exercise their Second Amendment rights.