S&W Model 642 Airweight .38 Special 1.88 in 5rd Lasergrip
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight is a J-frame, double-action-only revolver chambered in .38 Special, designed as a primary or backup concealed carry handgun. It uses an aluminum alloy frame to achieve a carry weight of 15.5 ounces, paired with a stainless steel barrel and cylinder for controlled corrosion points. This specific configuration arrives with a Crimson Trace LG-305 Lasergrip pre-installed, offering an instantaneous aiming aid integrated into the grip frame itself.
What is the S&W Model 642 Airweight used for?
This revolver is engineered for urban or civilian concealed carry, where garment print and weight are critical constraints. The 1.88-inch barrel, five-round capacity, and snag-free shrouded hammer make it suitable for deep-concealment roles in ankle, pocket, or inside-the-waistband holsters. I would not recommend it as a primary duty or defensive firearm for extended engagements, as the limited capacity and short sight radius prioritize concealment over extended combat accuracy.
How does the Airweight compare to the Ruger LCR?
The Model 642 trades the Ruger LCR's polymer frame with a monolithic aluminum alloy J-frame, making it 1.8 ounces heavier but offering a more traditional revolver feel and trigger geometry. Where the Ruger's trigger pull is often smoother out of the box, the S&W's trigger breaks with a more defined, albeit heavier, 12-pound pull that requires deliberate training for consistent shot placement. For shooters already trained on J-frames or who prefer the metallic heft, the 642 is the better choice; for those prioritizing absolute minimum carry weight and a polymer feel, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a fundamentally different tool for a different job.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 15.5 ounces (439 grams) unloaded and measures 6.31 inches in overall length with a cylinder width of 1.32 inches. The 1.88-inch barrel length provides a compromised but functional sight radius for close-quarters engagements within 7 yards. The aluminum alloy frame is the primary weight-saving component, while the cylinder and barrel remain stainless steel to handle the pressure and heat of .38 Special +P ammunition, ensuring the critical wear surfaces don't compromise under fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a suitable firearm for new shooters seeking a soft-recoiling range plinker or for anyone unwilling to invest in regular, high-round-count practice with +P defense loads. Recoil with standard pressure 158-grain loads is manageable, but +P ammunition produces a sharp, snappy impulse that can be punishing over a 50-round session. If your primary goal is recreational shooting or home defense without concealment constraints, a larger-frame revolver or modern striker-fired pistol like those discussed in our compact-frame comparison will offer better control and higher capacity.
What's in the box?
You receive the Model 642 Airweight revolver with the Crimson Trace LG-305 Lasergrip installed, one key for the laser's integrated lock, a cable-style trigger lock for transport compliance, and the manufacturer's manual and warranty card. Notably, the factory box does not include a traditional hard case, spare batteries for the laser, or a holster, requiring an additional $75-$150 investment for proper carry setup and maintenance.
Is the Airweight worth it at $769?
At $769, this package justifies its price if you require the specific combination of a Crimson Trace laser on a J-frame platform from the factory. The laser unit itself retails for approximately $250, putting the base 642 revolver cost at around $519—a fair premium over a standard no-laser model for a integrated, zeroed system. The value proposition hinges entirely on whether you intend to use the laser; if not, a standard Model 642 and aftermarket grips will save you nearly $200.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 15.5 oz — 4.5 oz lighter than an all-steel J-frame like the Model 640.
- Includes zeroed Crimson Trace LG-305 Lasergrip — a $250 value installed from the factory.
- 1.88-inch barrel provides full powder burn for standard .38 Special defensive loads.
- Double-action-only trigger eliminates risk of snagging during a draw from concealment.
Trade-offs
- Aluminum frame is not rated for a steady diet of +P+ or reloaded ammunition — limits long-term durability.
- Fixed sights are milled into the frame; cannot be upgraded without significant gunsmithing.
- Five-round capacity is half that of comparable micro-compact pistols like the SIG P365.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188638110 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 163811 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 1.88" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 6.31'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
| model | 642 |
| product type | Revolver |
| sights | Integral Front/Fixed Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Crimson Trace laser compatible with aftermarket holsters?
- Most Kydex or leather holsters molded for standard J-frame grips will not accommodate the LG-305's profile. You will need a holster specifically designed for Crimson Trace Lasergrips, which adds approximately 0.25 inches to the grip circumference. Brands like DeSantis and Galco offer dedicated models, but expect a 2-3 week lead time for custom orders.
- Does this work with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Model 642 is rated for +P ammunition. The cylinder and barrel are stainless steel and capable of handling the increased pressure. However, I recommend a thorough cleaning after every 50 rounds of +P to prevent accelerated leading and fouling in the forcing cone due to the shorter barrel.
- How long does the laser battery last?
- The CR2 battery in the LG-305 provides approximately 4 hours of continuous runtime. Under typical carry conditions with intermittent activation, expect a service life of 9 to 12 months. The grip housing includes a storage compartment for a spare battery, which you should replace annually as a maintenance protocol.
- Can I install different grips without removing the laser?
- No. The LG-305 laser module is integrated into the grip panels themselves. Replacing the grips requires removing the entire laser system. If you want a traditional grip, you must purchase a separate, non-laser version of the Model 642, as the laser housing is not a removable rail-mounted unit.