Handguns · Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Model 642

Pocket carry · Backup revolver · Lightweight defense

ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
CategoryHandguns
Caliber.38 Special
ActionDouble-action revolver
Barrel length1.9 in
Capacity5
Weight14.4 oz

About the Smith & Wesson Model 642

The Model 642 is Smith & Wesson's Centennial J-frame: a hammerless, double-action-only revolver whose firing mechanism sits behind the frame so nothing catches on clothing during a draw. The Airweight aluminum frame and cylinder hold five rounds of .38 Special and keep unloaded weight near fourteen ounces for pocket or ankle carry. The 1.9-inch barrel trades velocity for concealment, so defensive loads designed for short barrels matter more here than in longer guns. Every shot is a deliberate double-action pull with no hammer to cock, which keeps the manual of arms simple under stress.

Best ammo for the Smith & Wesson Model 642

Live picks from Top Ammo Supply — in-stock .38 Special ammunition, sorted by price per round. Prices and stock refresh throughout the day.

.38 Special training & range ammo

Full metal jacket and lead loads — the cheapest way to train.

PMC 38 SPECIAL AMMO 132GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographPMCPMC 38 SPECIAL AMMO 132GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 500rd$248.39$0.497/rdCCI BLAZER 38 SPECIAL AMMO 125GR PLATED FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographCCICCI BLAZER 38 SPECIAL AMMO 125GR PLATED FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 50rd$25.91$0.518/rd38 Special - Speer Lawman 125 Grain Total Metal Jacket Ammo (53733)- 50 Round BoxSpeer38 Special - Speer Lawman 125 Grain Total Metal Jacket Ammo (53733)- 50 Round Box 50rd$26.46$0.529/rdPMC 38 SPECIAL AMMO 132GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographPMCPMC 38 SPECIAL AMMO 132GR FMJ BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 50rd$26.99$0.540/rd

.38 Special defensive loads

Hollow points tested for duty and self-defense use.

FIOCCHI DEFENSE 38 SPECIAL AMMO 158GR JACKETED HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX — product photographFiocchiFIOCCHI DEFENSE 38 SPECIAL AMMO 158GR JACKETED HOLLOW POINT BRASS CASED 50RD BOX 50rd$27.22$0.544/rd

Full selection: Browse all .38 Special ammunition at Top Ammo Supply →
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Specifications are approximate and can vary by variant and production year. Verify with the manufacturer before purchase. Ammunition purchase and shipping restrictions vary by jurisdiction — Top Ammo Supply enforces shipping rules at checkout.