[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. On 04.07.93, I bought a revolver primarily as a BUG for duty use as a peace officer. It was a NIB S&W Model 042. The anodizing on this gun was originally shinier than on current Model 442's and it is on the smaller "non-magnum" J-frame and with the thinner front sight. Like all of the .38 J-frame snubs, it holds but 5 shots. There is no +P designation on it anywhere, but it has digested more than a few.

This gun was never used as a primary on anything and never drawn against another person...unlike the belt gun it was quietly backing up, but it went with me on narcotics raids, routine patrol, a couple of barricaded persons situations and other police activity and was often what I carried off-duty as a BUG and sometimes a primary.

When I retired from policing in '98, it didn't, and was my 24/7 revolver for a few more years.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWModel042rock1.jpg
This one may be a bit worn, but it has been a faithful servant though one that required regular practice so that I could do my part in seeing that it did its. I believe the snub Airweight to be a really decent BUG, but do NOT think it is the best choice at all for new shooters, be they male or female.

On 06.25.06, I replaced the faithful 042 with a common, run-of-the-mill Model 642. The reason was simple. I carry the snub primarily via a pocket holster and 24/7. Summers are hot in Texas and even daily cleaning was still not always enough to keep rust spots from popping up. I don't mind honest 'battle scars" or signs of use, but cannot abide rust.

Now the Model 642 is showing signs of constant carry, but it is much easier to maintain corrosion free.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWModel642rock1.jpg
This Model 642 continues to serve well and while I "like" and trust it, the ol' 042 remains my favorite between the two. I'm not sure why unless it is that I actually prefer blue/dark guns.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWModel042expammorock1.jpg
Both the 642 and 042 are loaded with the same ammunition: Remington's 158-gr. LSWCHP +P. I've tried others but in this caliber, I still prefer this "old techology" cartridge. (Federal's version seems to work about as well as the Remington FWIW.)

If you are considering a compact, but reasonably potent BUG, I suggest taking a look at the Airweight line. I personally prefer the older versions w/o the lock...to the point that I will not own one with it. These aluminum-framed revolvers are plenty light to carry, but heavy enough that one doesn't have to be concerned with bullets unseating themselves during recoil. I've never had it happen nor has anyone I'm familiar with.

These do require practice in order for their users to be able to get the shots where they need to go and their payload doesn't leave much room for error in terms of either power or number of immediately available shots, and reloading is not nearly so quick as with an automatic.

Still, they offer what I consider "adequate" power...in practiced hands. These guns are convenient to carry and usually reliable in the extreme assuming at least a minimal amount of care.

The Model 042 and 642 follow a fairly long line of Airweights I've carried over the years and for me, they remain a top choice. Others will disagree and that's fine, but IF you are looking for a compact little gun to be with you 24/7 and you are willing to practice with it, I think this type revolver is tough to beat.

I guess I'm not alone as they've been around in this role for decades.

Best.

[sm]

Mr. Camp,

Thank you for another excellent write up from both a Professional Proven Perspective , also from a Civilian one . A Given the pics are always going to be as quality as the writing. :)

Steve.

[MCgunner]

Both the 642 and 042 are loaded with the same ammunition: Remington's 158-gr. LSWCHP +P. I've tried others but in this caliber, I still prefer this "old techology" cartridge. (Federal's version seems to work about as well as the Remington FWIW.)

Well, heck, if it ain't broke, why fix it????:D

[Dollar An Hour]

Mr. Camp - Terrific pics and writing to match!

I agree the snubby is a great tool to have, but requires patience to become proficient. I've seen some newer shooters get completely turned off by starting off on the unassuming little snubnose. The recoil turns them off and they can't hit the target which only adds to their frustration.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello and thank you very much for your comments and observations. I appreciate your taking the time to do so.

Best.

[Dienekes]

I would be lost without my 442. Unfortunately during my LEO career the Centennial style guns were out of production and BUGs were frowned on anyway. When the "hammerless" guns came back I jumped on this one and have carried it daily for years now.

Things being what they are, if the flag ever flies this is most likely what will be close to hand. It's not the ultimate, or even close to the gun of choice--but it will let me observe Rule One.

Now if we can only keep S&W focussed on 4" N frame HD type guns we will really be getting someplace.

[Iggy]

Thanks for the post Mr. Camp.. Well done.

I'm like you, I not dressed unless I'm wearing a 38.

[nitesite]

As always, Mr. Camp, your observations are very much appreciated.

I also spent time as an LEO but did not own a Centennial Airweight until later in life. It is now a constant companion of mine, and I actually find it quite accurate thru regular practice. For reasons I cannot explain, I am able to shoot mine extremely well, even shooting double-taps at five yards that can be covered with my hand.

Mine is a no-dash 442 without the later frame, and of course was built with no lock. It accompanied my wife and I to dinner and a movie tonight and I was very reassured by it's presence.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/442web1.jpg

If you would care to comment, I have a question for you.

I have been carrying Speer Gold Dot 135-gr +P loads in mine but am giving strong thought to Remington 158-gr LSWC +P. Not the LSWCHP, but the solid semi-wadcutter.

What are your thoughts? And have you chrono'd your Remington load thru either of your 2" J-frames?

[nitesite]

Mr. Camp~

One more observation and a question...

I notice that both of our blued Centennial Airweights have a pin thru the frame immediately behind the recoil shield near the top strap. I always assumed that this was some sort of internal firing pin retainer. But it is lacking on your 642.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/442web4.jpg

What gives?

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Yes, I've chronographed it from several.

The following information is based on 10 shots fired 10' from the chronograph screens:

Remington 158-gr. LSWCHP +P:

S&W Model 042:
Average Velocity: 838 ft/sec

S&W Model 642:
Average Velocity: 800 ft/sec

S&W Model 638:
Average Velocity: 812 ft/sec

I have not worked with the Speer 135-gr. Gold Dot. From what I've read and heard, it appears to be a very fine load for the snub. I do not know which is "best" or if there is any real difference in effect in the real world.

I do remain convinced that more important than bullet type is placement and the ability to get accurate repeat hits if required coupled with the actual willingness to shoot when no other reasonable alternative exists.

As to the pin thing, I believe that there were some isolated problems with firing pin breakage with this setup so S&W changed it with later guns. I am not sure of this, but such is what I've been told. That said, I have not had any breakages with either revolver.
Best.

[albanian]

I carry a 642 almost all of the time. Sometimes I will carry my Kahr K-9 but not so much lately. It does take practice to be able to hit with a snubby, probably more so than any other handgun. They can be very quick though. I have emptied the 5 shots and thought I only shot two or three times. You can really rip them off and 5 .38s is nothing to sneeze at if they are all in your chest.

I don't have any particular love for the snubby unlike many that carry one. I respect it but wish there was something better and flatter. As far as I know, there is still nothing as light and small that is as reliable as a light weight snubby. My 642 is the worst CCW gun there is, except for all the others so to speak.

[nitesite]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Do you have any idea if the LSWC has significantly less terminal performance compared to the LSWCHP?

My idea for possibly using them is to insure the deepest penetration possible while still cutting a clean hole throughout a wound channel.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. No, sir. I do not know but I think that the larger expanded diameter of the LSWCHP is probably the better of the two. If it fails to expand, you have the SWC shape, albeit without the sharper edges of the hard cast SWC.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/Blue38RemvsWin158grLSWCHPfrom2.jpg
On the left is a Remington 158-gr. LSWCHP +P fired into water from a snub. On the right is Winchester's version of the same thing. In every informal test I've run or seen done, the Remington has better chances for expansion than the Winchester. From 3" or longer, it doesn't seem to make any difference; results are very similar. Assume that for whatever reason the Remington doesn't expand, but acts more like the Winchester from the snub. It would resemble to sometimes recommended wadcutter, but at higher velocity.

Some who seriously study "stopping power" advise no enhanced effect of SWC over RN; others disagree. Me, I don't know, but do think that a wadcutter or SWC with less rounded edges might very well be a bit more effective than those with more rounded eges.

Best.

[Purple95]

Mr. Camp,

As always, a most informative post.

I cannot think of a better way to benefit the firearms hobby with my first post here at THR than to request....

Would you please consider writing a book on revolvers, specifically the 2" snubbies, similar to your excellent work, "The Shooter's Guide to the Browning Hi Power"?

Your experiences and expertise on these guns should be chronicled for the benefit of us all. I have come to respect your views and opinions a great deal and would welcome another autographed copy of your works to my collection.

Thank you,
dan :)

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I might but much, much, much research would be required as I've just been a shooter of the S&W snubs and don't know much about their history and so forth.

Best and thanks for the interest, trust, and kind words.

[Bob79]

I have owned many different small handguns over the last several years, both autos & revolvers. I have given up almost 100% on autos, and will never own another "small" or "pocket" size auto. I just got sick & tired of the misfires, jams, etc.

I now own a 442, and a 60, and will not make the mistake of getting rid of them. They are a little bigger than I'd like, but I feel there is no better weapon that balances, size, weight, power, and reliability better than a J-frame.

I too noticed my 442 (no dash) has that strange pin located behind the recoil shield at the top of the frame. Someone above posted how it is part of the firing pin, and that S&W had some isolated incidents of breakage with that set-up, thats kind of scary. I havent' had any problems with mine, but I bought it used earlier this year, but the guns appears in excellent shape. Again, no issues with it, but I have only fired maybe 100-200 rounds through it.

As far as ammo in the airweights (mine is not rated for +P) I like the Federal 110 grain JHP standard pressure .38's. They do about 850-875 FPS through the little gun, which isn't bad, plus they do not recoil that bad. They also are accurate out of my 442, and I know there are rounds that perform better, but these work for me.

I would like to get a second Airweight J-frame .38 WITHOUT THE LOCK to put away in the safe as a back-up to possible breakage of my 442. The longer I wait, it will be harder and more costly to find a good pre-lock one. And I know S&W will fix your gun, but should anything really bad go wrong with and they need to replace it or do a big overhaul you could end up getting one with the lock on it. And if that happened I wouldn't fire it or anything, it would go up for sale the same day I got it back.

Again, great post Mr. Camp, I agree with you 100% about how great the S&W Airweight J-frames (pre-lock) are. And if you or anyone else has any additional info about that pin on my 442 I'd appreciate it.

[Just Jim]

Mr Camp

Do you have any holster recomendations for the Airweight? For different types of carry like ankle, poket and hip.

jj

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I have used only a Galco pocket holster for years and it's done what I wanted. In the past I had good luck with Uncle Mike's ankle holster but used it primarily with boots, which helped support the gun and kept it from riding downward toward the ankle.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/SWModel642holsterammorock1.jpg
This Galco pocket holster is what I have used for many years.

Best.

[Just Jim]

I have never used a pocket holster. Does it fit well in loose jeans or do I have to upgrade what I wear:) ?? Uncle Mikes, would you trust it without the boots on?

jj

[SAWBONES]

Hello Mr. Camp;
Those stocks on the 442 in your opening post look like some I have from Precision Gun Specialties; is that what they are?
If so, they work quite well IME, even though they're harder and a little "fatter" than the Uncle Mike's rubber Spegel copy.

I agree that you should consider authoring a "snubby" revolver tome along the lines of your Hi Power and 1911 texts. Many of us would enjoy and appreciate it, I'm sure!

There are an awful lot of folks, myself included, who carry these little "friends" as primary or backup guns or both, including, I'll bet, many of the advocates of various bigger and heavier .357 Magnum and .45ACP guns for "optimal" personal protection.

[BillinNH]

What a great thread this is. Really like the Airweght comments and pictuires. I chose a m38 Airweight Bodyguard which is very light and thin, easy and comfortable to carry. At 15 ounces it is a handful to shoot with self defense rounds but you just have to keep reminding yourself that you have to tough it out if you actually have to use it. As to accuracy, you only have to empty your cylinder into into a pie plate at 20 feet under stress. That's not very demanding accuracy. I practice with a heavier but similar gun but always fire some defense rounds through the Airweight just before leaving the range.

I think the lightweight D-frame Colts (Cobra, agent) are also good candidates for pocket carry and I also like the 2.5 inch Charter Bulldog in 44 spl.

Here's my m38. I like the Pachmayr Compac grips as the best combination of reasonable size, recoil handling and control.

Bill

[ravencon]

Excellent commentary on a tried and true classic.

The 642 is certainly not my favorite gun to shoot, but it is the one I carry most frequently.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. The grips on the Model 042 are the "Hideout Grips" sold at Brownells for under $20. I modified the top of the grip to work with the HKS speedloader. I'm not sure who made the grips, which are of nylon.

Best.

[fiVe]

I always enjoy a good review of snubbies (I'm biased, I know), and especially if it is written by Stephen Camp. Always complete, always thorough, always informative. Some of the best info I've gleaned from THR has come from your posts, Stephen. Thanks again. I look forward to next time!!


I have never used a pocket holster. Does it fit well in loose jeans or do I have to upgrade what I wear ??

JJ: You can't beat a Robert Mika pocket holster (http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/). It works great with any pocket. (I really enjoy my round-cut.)

R/fiVe

[Rob1035]

As per usual, excellent write up and pictures Mr. Camp. Your essays on the snub-nose revolvers were instrumental in my decision to pick up a 642 for civilian CCW duty, and I am very pleased with the choice. A little paint to make the sights stand out, a Robert Mika pocket holster, and a Hume owb means I feel very "comforted" in almost any situation. The pistol shoots very well, and groups as well as bigger, better sighted, less concealable pistols.

:cool:

[Black_Talon]

Err....., hate to sound anal, but 6-25-06 hasn't happened yet, at least out here in Kali. I assume this is a typo?

On 06.25.06, I replaced the faithful 042 with a common, run-of-the-mill Model 642.

[Dollar An Hour]

There's alot of snubbie love in this forum, and threads like this do a couple things to me:

1) Make me glad I found a super nice pre-lock J-frame.

2) Make me think I should get another snubbie - maybe a steel frame this time - nothing wrong with having two, right? :uhoh:

[aguyindallas]

This is one of the best threads I have ever read. Great work and info here.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. By golly, you're right. It was in '02.

Best.

[Bob79]

I called today about that odd pin that slightly sticks out on the 442 no dash by the firing pin area, near the topstrap.

The initial guy on the phone had no idea what I was talking about so he put me through to the warranty/repair dept. The guy there was very nice, and helpful.

It is a pin that holds in the firing pin. Its different from all the subsequent J-frames because it's an external pin that is put in after the gun is assembled. Now there is a bushing that holds in the firing pin that is internal, and just assembled along with everything else. He said it was just an older design, and that it was in no way weaker than the current set up. And he said from a mechanical/repair standpoint he liked the external pin better.

Off the subject I told him I was concerned about this pin, because I like my gun without the internal lock, and did want to get stuck with a newer gun with the lock. He said he didn't mind the internal lock, and said they have made improvements to the lock, and made it more heavy duty inside. He said they did see problems with the 329, where some piece was rubbing, and caused problems, but that they fixed it. But he did say that he hasn't seen any problems with the internal lock, since it has been improved. Now I didn't get into asking which models had the "improved" lock and when it was implemented because the conversation was going on for about 10 minutes now, and I still do not plan on buying any S&W with the lock. Just thought I'd pass on the info.