Smith & Wesson is updating one of their best selling handguns: the model 642. The 642 is an aluminum framed .38 Special revolver that is carried by thousands of cops and armed citizens as a pocket or ankle gun. In fact, it may be the most popular back-up gun in the United States.
The new S&W 642 features a 2 1/2″ barrel and a full-length, shrouded extractor. The current 642’s have a 1 7/8″ barrel and a diminutive extractor.
Two of the most popular Smith and Wesson handguns, the models 442 and 642, have been re-introduced without the infamous internal locks. These J-frame snubbies are the classic blued and stainless steel .38 Special revolvers with the internal hammers.
Perfect for pocket, ankle, and other forms of concealed carry, these revolvers have been great sellers for Smith and Wesson for many years. Like all S&W revolvers, in recent times, a consumer could only buy these with the internal lock. Unfortunately, these locks have had a few problems and consumer confidence in them is very low. Smith and Wesson have listened to their customers and brought these two classic J-frames back without internal locks.
If you have been wanting one of these sidearms, but have hesitated, wait no longer.
I am a proud owner of the model 642-1 that I bought more than 10 years ago. It is a great gun! I have carried it daily in a pocket and on an ankle. It has always performed perfectly and is very accurate. I have no doubt these new models will be outstanding revolvers.
Smith & Wesson updated the 442 and 642 line with “Pro Series” models. The difference: they do not have locks – the same as these revolvers. Here is what I wrote on the new Pro revolvers when they were announced in December 2009: