The Smith & Wesson 642 is a popular choice for concealed carry, particularly pocket carry. This review delves deep into its features, performance, and suitability for everyday carry (EDC), helping you decide if it's the right firearm for you. We'll cover everything from its pros and cons to real-world experiences and compare it to similar options.
The 642's Strengths: Why People Love It
The Smith & Wesson 642's enduring popularity stems from several key strengths:
Compact and Lightweight Design: Ideal for Pocket Carry
The 642's small size and lightweight design (approximately 15 ounces unloaded) make it exceptionally comfortable for pocket carry. Its diminutive profile minimizes printing (the outline of the gun showing through clothing), making it ideal for discreet concealment. Many users appreciate being able to carry it without significant discomfort throughout the day. This is a major factor for those who prioritize concealability and comfort.
Reliable Performance: A Proven Track Record
Smith & Wesson has a long history of producing reliable firearms, and the 642 is no exception. Its simple, robust design minimizes the chances of malfunctions. Many owners report thousands of rounds fired without a single issue. This reliability is crucial in a self-defense situation where malfunctions can be catastrophic. The double-action-only (DAO) trigger mechanism, while requiring more trigger pull, is less susceptible to accidental discharge.
Affordable Price Point: Accessibility for Everyone
Compared to many other concealed carry options, the Smith & Wesson 642 boasts a relatively affordable price tag. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for individuals on a budget who still want a reliable and effective self-defense firearm. The lower cost point doesn't compromise on essential features, making it a great value for money.
Easy to Maintain and Clean: Simple Design
The 642's simple design translates to easy maintenance and cleaning. Disassembly and reassembly are straightforward, even for novice gun owners. This simplicity ensures that the firearm can be kept in optimal condition without requiring specialized tools or expertise.
Potential Drawbacks: Areas for Improvement
While the 642 excels in many areas, it's essential to acknowledge some potential drawbacks:
Recoil: A Consideration for Smaller Users
The .38 Special round, while effective, produces noticeable recoil in such a lightweight firearm. This recoil can be more pronounced for individuals with smaller hands or less shooting experience. Practice is essential to master controlling recoil and to develop smooth and consistent shooting. Consider the recoil impulse before committing to this model.
Trigger Pull: DAO Trigger Requires Practice
The double-action-only (DAO) trigger mechanism requires a longer and heavier trigger pull than single-action or striker-fired pistols. This longer pull can slow down target acquisition, and requires significant practice to develop proficiency. This requires deliberate training to become comfortable with the trigger.
Limited Capacity: Small Magazine Size
The 642's five-round capacity is relatively small compared to some other concealed carry options. While this capacity is sufficient for many scenarios, it might be considered limiting for some individuals. It’s important to understand that ammunition capacity must be balanced against concealability and comfort.
Sight Acquisition: Basic Sights
The 642's sights are quite basic. They're functional, but not as advanced as those found on more expensive models. This can impact accuracy, especially at longer ranges. This might lead some users to consider upgrading to night sights or other improved sights.
Real-World Experiences and User Feedback
Online forums and reviews reveal a generally positive reception of the 642. Many users praise its reliability, concealability, and affordability. However, some users, particularly those with less experience, report challenges with the heavy trigger pull and recoil. Ultimately, user feedback suggests the 642 is well-suited for experienced shooters who prioritize concealability and reliability over features like a lighter trigger pull or larger capacity.
Comparison to Similar Models
The 642 often gets compared to other small-frame revolvers like the Ruger LCR and the Taurus 85. Each model offers a slightly different combination of features, price, and performance. Key differences often revolve around trigger pull, recoil, and material choices. Researching these comparisons can help you narrow down your options.
Conclusion: Is the 642 Right for You?
The Smith & Wesson 642 is a solid, reliable firearm well-suited for those seeking a discreet and easy-to-carry option. Its strengths in concealability, affordability, and reliability make it a popular choice for pocket carry. However, it’s important to acknowledge its drawbacks, such as the heavy trigger pull and noticeable recoil. If you prioritize concealability and reliability above all else, and are willing to invest the time in practice to master its trigger and control its recoil, the 642 may be the perfect choice. However, if you are a novice shooter or prioritize a lighter trigger and lower recoil, you might want to consider other options. Ultimately, the best way to determine if the 642 is right for you is to handle it, and if possible, shoot it at a range. Remember to always prioritize proper training and safe gun handling practices.