Smith & Wesson Model 642-1 Airweight .38 Special +P Revolver – 1.875" Barrel, DAO, No Lock
The Model 642-1 Airweight blends Smith & Wesson’s enclosed-hammer design with a lightweight aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel cylinder. Rated for continuous .38 Special +P use and built on the stronger J-Magnum frame, this 5-shot revolver offers a snag-free, double-action-only trigger in a package that remains easy to carry and fast to deploy. The 642-1 variant shown here was produced without the internal key lock, a feature many shooters prefer.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor superficial scratches and small blemishes are present on the matte silver finish. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson blue plastic hard case
- Smith & Wesson Safety & Instruction Manual (Revolvers – Modern Style)
- Smith & Wesson factory test-fire casing envelope with firearm label
The Airweight name comes from its aluminum alloy frame, which keeps weight down while the stainless steel barrel sleeve and cylinder handle +P pressures with confidence. A matte silver finish resists glare and blends well with the black synthetic boot grip for a low-profile appearance.
Because the 642-1 uses the enclosed-hammer layout, every draw is smooth and snag-free. The revolver fires in double-action only, and its smooth combat trigger offers a consistent pull on every shot. Internal safeties include a recessed hammer channel, rebound slide, and transfer bar to block the firing pin unless the trigger is fully to the rear.
The 1.875" barrel carries an integral serrated ramp front sight, while a fixed rear gutter groove is milled into the top strap—simple, durable, and always on. Sideplate screws are visible for traditional S&W serviceability, and this example bears serial prefix CPH on the butt and yoke cut.
Notably, the revolver was manufactured without the internal key lock, preserving the clean lines and uninterrupted trigger feel that many shooters seek in a carry revolver.