S&W 642 Airweight .38 Spl +P 1.875" 5rd DAO Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is the standard by which concealed-carry revolvers are measured. This J-Frame snub-nose chambers .38 Special +P in a 5-round cylinder, with a stainless steel barrel and cylinder seated in a lightweight aluminum alloy frame.

The concealed hammer and double-action-only trigger make the 642 completely snag-free. There is no hammer spur to catch on clothing during a draw from a pocket holster, ankle rig, or inside-the-waistband setup. The DAO trigger pull is long and deliberate, providing a built-in safety margin against negligent discharge.

This model ships without an internal lock — a feature many experienced revolver shooters prefer for reliability and simplicity. The synthetic grip keeps the profile slim and manages recoil from +P defensive loads.

At just under 15 ounces unloaded, the 642 Airweight practically disappears in a pocket or on an ankle. It has served as a backup gun for law enforcement and a primary carry piece for civilians since its introduction, and the design has proven itself over decades of real-world use.