Brian Cagle Absolutely correct. Practice is always mandatory for good shooting with snubbies, but it's not hard to "get decent". The 642 is a sweet little revolver.
Seems like there would be a chance of debris getting in the slot at the top of the hammer shroud and causing problems , especially for pocket carry(change , 22 ammo , agates, lint , screws and all other sorts of things end up in my pockets)
The big selling point for the 638 and single action option is not in self-defense situations but for dispatching four legged varmints, because it is the gun you have on you.
I’ve carried a S&W model 38 for almost 30 years and recently purchased a 642 because I’ve always wanted one. Still grab the 38 more than the 642 because it feels like part of me after all these years. They are both of equal quality and basically the same gun. One isn’t better than the other. Love them both.
I paid $495, for my 638. (New.) I bought mine at my FLGS. They did throw in a box of Black Hills Ammunition, with the deal. (+P Honey Badger.) Thanks for the content!
Got my 637 for 340$ bucks at my local pawn shop second hand came with a Wilson combat spring kit already installed great gun I love the 38 special round it's good for everything from self defense to hunting small game if you know your way around a Lee hand loader and powder charges lol
Really wanting a 638 as an alternative to my Ruger LCR which would allow SA/DA as you demonstrated in your shooting video. Every time I go pick one up locally they seem to disappear just before I go to purchase it in today's market. Thanks for the video.
Very good video. Well-done! Both are excellent for conceal-carry; however, I'm partial to the 638 because of the single-action option with the snag-free, shrouded hammer (assuming that there is time to cock the hammer). In short, the double/single-action on the 638 is a big plus. But at approx. 14 ounces you can't go wrong with either, and it just comes down to personal preference.
OMG i remember having to qualify with these in the Police Academy. Felt like a grenade going off in your hands lol. And only stock wood grips were allowed. 200 rounds every 6 months. And sore hands afterwards. The new rookies got it easy.
Shannon, just curious…..what academy was that ? I have never heard of any State run Academy ever using a 2” Air-weight in any basic qualifying class !?
@@ethanthompson9935I bought a used MSP Model 49 for $250 back in the 1990s. It had an M stamped on the back of the crane. Carried it as a backup for years.
Love my [pre-Hillary-hole] model 638. I swapped my grips out for a pair of CTC laser. The bad guy may question your aim but rarely the red dot on his chest.
I have a 642 as a pocket gun, but i would much rather carry one of my auto loaders, like my gen one XD-S 3.3 in 45 for a lower profile. I've really been considering getting a sig 365xl. All that being said, the 642 is a good gun but a bit snappy for what it is.
Had a 638 12 years ago for my wife I loved it but she hated the recoil so I ended up selling it wish I would have kept it. Just got a Taurus 856 ultra lite 6 shot snubby and it’s a good shooter. (Update) just got another 638 and slapped on some altamont batleur combat rosewood grips Dam it’s sexy also got a s&w 686 plus 3 inch 7 shot 357 and it’s now my favorite revolver of all time.
I got a 638 at Rural King before COVID-19 started to create shortages. If you get either of these, and I’ve carried and shot both extensively, you won’t be srry. I installed spring kits in both to mitigate the heavy DA trigger pull. One more thing...Ruger LCR’s are a great too, got one of those also, chambered in 327 magnum...Six shots instead of five and a wider selection of recoil ammo. But, I digress....
The air weights are nice but IMO the 60 series (640&60) are the best! You get a full steel gun with the option of shooting .357 or .38. But then again I’m a appendix carry guy, definitely not a fan of pocket carry.
I sometimes carry my model 638 in my Mike's pocket holster when I go out side to check the mail, or if I'm around in the yard. I like having the ability to shoot single-action when practical. I bought this to replace my old non- +P rated model 38. But the 638's grips make it nearly impossible to use my HKS speed loader. So I switched the grips with my model 38, which does allow adequate room. You'd think that S&W would have thought about this before making the slightly-beefier boot grips for their model 638.
Great for the flannel pocket for late night insomnia-fueled cigarettes in the war zone I live in. Shoots from the pocket easy. Never jams. Wadcutters shoot light and very accurate and snappier stuff is not terrible at all. Buffalo makes several adequate loads depending on what you want to accomplish. Get a pocket holster from DeSantis, they are killer. And one can whack a fool upside the head with it. Highly recommended.
When I'm not packing my Glock 19 I'm packing a Smith and Wesson 637 stoked with corbon DPX or Speer Gold Dot short barrel, I feel plenty safe in the North End of Kansas City.
@louis cypher hater lol guess you can't appreciate German quality. Ever seen a hy hunter cowboy 357 mag? German made great old revolver. They now hold a pretty price way more than when they came out not many guns go up in price after being used and fired sir. Snoogans
I use the older skinny grips on these guns . they give me 3 finger hold on them. and I find wadcutters do pretty good out of these guns. little recoil but nice penetration. and Paul Harrel's video on carrying the 38 special showed wadcutters going 660 fps did the same amount of damage to his meat targets as the hornady 110 ftx plus p load did. but with alot less recoil.
I choose the 638 over the 642 because I like the option of having that single action trigger pull whenever I need it! I do at times carry my Snub Nose Revolver but my EDC is my G43 with a 7 +1 load!
I have owned a 642 for over a decade. Having said that I disagree with you on this being a pants pocket gun.Maybe a jacket pocket....Second while you can stage the trigger on a 642 ,but it isnt a single action trigger. IF you have either gun you should be able to stage or cock the trigger in a assault and these action need to be practiced
I want to buy a snub nose revolver and I can't decide between the S&W 642 or the Ruger LCR. Currently doing research and I'm getting varying opinions on both. Which one would you choose?
@@mac_91 Not yet. They're both pretty expensive and I have yet to fire either of them. I'm waiting for the range near my home to open up again to test each out before I purchase one. The S&W 442 is another alternative I'm considering. It's exactly like the S&W 642, but in a black finish from what I read online. Plus it's a little cheaper compared to the 642 at most gun shops I've seen with it. From just dry firing my friend's Ruger LCR I really love how smooth the trigger is and how well it fits in my hands. I have yet to hold a S&W 642 or 442 yet.
I have both. Shield and 442. They both serve a different purpose for me. The 442 is easier to conceal and better for close hand to hand encounter,the Shield is great too,more RDS, accurate etc but comes in a few ounces heavy and will print more.
Always thought that the 642 DA was a ridiculously foolish choice when the 638 SA/DA is available. The 637? Pretty, but just another Smith and Wesson Snagmaster.
Great firearms! I greatly admire my 638 for all the reasons you mentioned!
I carry the 642. I like it. Good accuracy at 7 to 15 yards and easy lightweight carry. If u practice with it it's a good handgun for easy safe ccw.
Brian Cagle Absolutely correct. Practice is always mandatory for good shooting with snubbies, but it's not hard to "get decent". The 642 is a sweet little revolver.
I like Rocky Road ice cream
Seems like there would be a chance of debris getting in the slot at the top of the hammer shroud and causing problems , especially for pocket carry(change , 22 ammo , agates, lint , screws and all other sorts of things end up in my pockets)
A very good "go anywhere" gun
The big selling point for the 638 and single action option is not in self-defense situations but for dispatching four legged varmints, because it is the gun you have on you.
I agree not all threats are human
Good video but the 638 does not print anymore than the 642.They are pretty much the same.
I got the 642 38spl. It is a good carry handgun. Perfect for any clothes and wear. Simple and easy
I’ve carried a S&W model 38 for almost 30 years and recently purchased a 642 because I’ve always wanted one. Still grab the 38 more than the 642 because it feels like part of me after all these years. They are both of equal quality and basically the same gun. One isn’t better than the other. Love them both.
I paid $495, for my 638. (New.) I bought mine at my FLGS. They did throw in a box of Black Hills Ammunition, with the deal. (+P Honey Badger.) Thanks for the content!
Got my 637 for 340$ bucks at my local pawn shop second hand came with a Wilson combat spring kit already installed great gun I love the 38 special round it's good for everything from self defense to hunting small game if you know your way around a Lee hand loader and powder charges lol
642 all day long.. Have carried mine forever and bet my life on it daily.
Love my 642! Easy to conceal. Heck, I can just put it in my pocket.
Love my 442! Bought a set of Hogue grips directly from Hogue, great customer service!🇺🇸🙏🏻🇺🇸
Really wanting a 638 as an alternative to my Ruger LCR which would allow SA/DA as you demonstrated in your shooting video. Every time I go pick one up locally they seem to disappear just before I go to purchase it in today's market. Thanks for the video.
Hate shooting a 642; love carrying a 642
442 has served well over the years.
Very good video. Well-done! Both are excellent for conceal-carry; however, I'm partial to the 638 because of the single-action option with the snag-free, shrouded hammer (assuming that there is time to cock the hammer). In short, the double/single-action on the 638 is a big plus. But at approx. 14 ounces you can't go wrong with either, and it just comes down to personal preference.
What happens if you cock it, don’t take a shot and are filled with adrenaline?
Mmmmmm, that's what I bought yesterday but it was tagged 642.
OMG i remember having to qualify with these in the Police Academy. Felt like a grenade going off in your hands lol. And only stock wood grips were allowed. 200 rounds every 6 months. And sore hands afterwards. The new rookies got it easy.
Shannon, just curious…..what academy was that ?
I have never heard of any State run Academy ever using a 2” Air-weight in any basic qualifying class !?
Michigan state police issued them as backup guns for quite sometime
@@ethanthompson9935I bought a used MSP Model 49 for $250 back in the 1990s. It had an M stamped on the back of the crane. Carried it as a backup for years.
638 is my next purchase. I love them.
Go with the 638. single action trigger pull is sweet!
Stoke it with Buffalo Bore 158gr soft lead hollow points for self defense.
I recommend wadcutters for self defense. Hollow Point +P from a 2” won’t expand in most cases.
Got the 638 with pink grips for my wife last Christmas, it payed off very well !
442 has been with me as back up or primary or 3rd (coat pocket in winter) for a long time. 642 may be next just to have both.
Love my [pre-Hillary-hole] model 638. I swapped my grips out for a pair of CTC laser. The bad guy may question your aim but rarely the red dot on his chest.
642 my favorite
Love my 642 hammerless , with a duty spring kit makes a sweet shooting CCW snub ! I pocket carry mine everywhere everyday . 🇺🇸😁
My SW snub .38 is my go to in summer. Fits in the pocket
I have a 642 as a pocket gun, but i would much rather carry one of my auto loaders, like my gen one XD-S 3.3 in 45 for a lower profile. I've really been considering getting a sig 365xl. All that being said, the 642 is a good gun but a bit snappy for what it is.
Had a 638 12 years ago for my wife I loved it but she hated the recoil so I ended up selling it wish I would have kept it. Just got a Taurus 856 ultra lite 6 shot snubby and it’s a good shooter.
(Update) just got another 638 and slapped on some altamont batleur combat rosewood grips Dam it’s sexy also got a s&w 686 plus 3 inch 7 shot 357 and it’s now my favorite revolver of all time.
Carry these two guns for many years, as a backup or primary. Just have to practice with it.
I got a 638 at Rural King before COVID-19 started to create shortages. If you get either of these, and I’ve carried and shot both extensively, you won’t be srry. I installed spring kits in both to mitigate the heavy DA trigger pull. One more thing...Ruger LCR’s are a great too, got one of those also, chambered in 327 magnum...Six shots instead of five and a wider selection of recoil ammo. But, I digress....
The air weights are nice but IMO the 60 series (640&60) are the best! You get a full steel gun with the option of shooting .357 or .38. But then again I’m a appendix carry guy, definitely not a fan of pocket carry.
I suggest loctite 222ms on the cylinder release screw, after several +p rounds it came loose
I sometimes carry my model 638 in my Mike's pocket holster when I go out side to check the mail, or if I'm around in the yard. I like having the ability to shoot single-action when practical. I bought this to replace my old non- +P rated model 38. But the 638's grips make it nearly impossible to use my HKS speed loader. So I switched the grips with my model 38, which does allow adequate room. You'd think that S&W would have thought about this before making the slightly-beefier boot grips for their model 638.
To go get mail?? lol
Thanks for including the 638 in this review. The 638 and 649 just don't get much love.
I have always wanted a 642 or 638.
Love my 642
wow...gun prices sure have gone up...those new are now $519...inflation is a bit*h
Great for the flannel pocket for late night insomnia-fueled cigarettes in the war zone I live in. Shoots from the pocket easy. Never jams. Wadcutters shoot light and very accurate and snappier stuff is not terrible at all. Buffalo makes several adequate loads depending on what you want to accomplish. Get a pocket holster from DeSantis, they are killer. And one can whack a fool upside the head with it. Highly recommended.
When I'm not packing my Glock 19 I'm packing a Smith and Wesson 637 stoked with corbon DPX or Speer Gold Dot short barrel, I feel plenty safe in the North End of Kansas City.
Love my 357 mag windicator runs flawlessly outta the box great gun .
@louis cypher hater lol guess you can't appreciate German quality. Ever seen a hy hunter cowboy 357 mag? German made great old revolver. They now hold a pretty price way more than when they came out not many guns go up in price after being used and fired sir. Snoogans
You were on the wrong video nobody's talking about that gun
I use the older skinny grips on these guns . they give me 3 finger hold on them. and I find wadcutters do pretty good out of these guns. little recoil but nice penetration. and Paul Harrel's video on carrying the 38 special showed wadcutters going 660 fps did the same amount of damage to his meat targets as the hornady 110 ftx plus p load did. but with alot less recoil.
Thanks for the great review!
442/642 are Centennial models to celebrate S&W 100 years of production
I choose the 638 over the 642 because I like the option of having that single action trigger pull whenever I need it! I do at times carry my Snub Nose Revolver but my EDC is my G43 with a 7 +1 load!
Get a Crimson Trace... the grip that it comes with feels like you are sitting in bucket seats. No metal exposed.
No no no! Not an apostrophe in your title! Arg!
Lol. I saw you video about this.
637pc and 642pc joined my family recently.
The 642 sells for $450 new now.
That's cheap these days.
@@williamryan7403 Yep.
642 has lock. 638 has hammer. Hard pick
three years and they're over $500 now... thanks for the inflation
Watching a 2 year old video. Now the MSRP is $532. 😢
That’s the inflation tax you pay for our out of control politicians that spend like drunk sailors
@@donh1572 luckily I found it on sale for $375 through Brownells and got it.
I just paid 550
Good, thx
Nice. I just paid $514 for my 642
That's a lot of money for this gun...
Yea man.. I got mine for 419$
I paid 399 with the crimson trace laser on it new
I picked up a 442-2 that was barely used for $150.... I hate it, lol
Shit, I'd take it
@@mikemerrill175 lol, I appreciate it, but I turned down double that last month
I have owned a 642 for over a decade. Having said that I disagree with you on this being a pants pocket gun.Maybe a jacket pocket....Second while you can stage the trigger on a 642 ,but it isnt a single action trigger. IF you have either gun you should be able to stage or cock the trigger in a assault and these action need to be practiced
I have carried my 642 in my RF pocket for over 20 years. Very confortable
Had a 642 and got rid of it. Did not like it at all, much happier with my 686
If u decide to take a precise shot with your last round, dont.
@gothael1 no answer yet lol
Now there 500.00.
I prefer my electroless nickel 442.
I want to buy a snub nose revolver and I can't decide between the S&W 642 or the Ruger LCR. Currently doing research and I'm getting varying opinions on both. Which one would you choose?
Did you decide?
@@mac_91 Not yet. They're both pretty expensive and I have yet to fire either of them. I'm waiting for the range near my home to open up again to test each out before I purchase one. The S&W 442 is another alternative I'm considering. It's exactly like the S&W 642, but in a black finish from what I read online. Plus it's a little cheaper compared to the 642 at most gun shops I've seen with it. From just dry firing my friend's Ruger LCR I really love how smooth the trigger is and how well it fits in my hands. I have yet to hold a S&W 642 or 442 yet.
I EDC the 642 with the crimson laser trace - I love it...I have a LOT of S & W and Rugers (along with many Sigs)...you can't go wrong with either!
Smith 638
Check out prices @ Rural King.
How's the recoil?
I Would not recommend buying this gun for a first time gun owner...Buy the mp shield 9...
I got the M&P 2.0 compact for my first gun than came back a month later for the 642
I have both. Shield and 442. They both serve a different purpose for me. The 442 is easier to conceal and better for close hand to hand encounter,the Shield is great too,more RDS, accurate etc but comes in a few ounces heavy and will print more.
638 has more recoil than 442/642, I own both there is a noticable difrerence.
Good, I just ordered a 642 and its sitting at my FFL gotta pick it up.
Why is that? It’s the same gun and caliber
I’ve have shot both and they feel exactly the same to me.
Now there 500.00
Two finger grip is no good. Micro semi with extended mag much better
638feet
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Always thought that the 642 DA was a ridiculously foolish choice when the 638 SA/DA is available. The 637? Pretty, but just another Smith and Wesson Snagmaster.