New S&W 642!

Smith & Wesson is updating one of their best selling handguns:  the model 642.  The 642 is an aluminum framed .38 Special revolver that is carried by thousands of cops and armed citizens as a pocket or ankle gun.  In fact, it may be the most popular back-up gun in the United States.

The new S&W 642 features a 2 1/2″ barrel and a full-length, shrouded extractor.  The current 642′s have a 1 7/8″ barrel and a diminutive extractor.

The new 642 has a pinned, black blade front sight, the standard fixed rear notch and the seemingly “hammerless” fully enclosed hammer.  Unloaded weight is only up to 16 ounces, and the overall length is 7″.

As a very nice extra, S&W is including Tuff Strips with the new 642.

Although the current 642 may hold a slight edge for pocket carry, I have to say I really like the idea of this update to the 642 line.  The extra barrel length can add critical velocity to the .38, which is what I consider a ‘bare minimum’ for defensive work.  Additionally, the extra length can help tame the sharp bark of +P rounds fired from the lightweight revolver.

MSRP is set at $640.  I expect that S&W will be showing these off at the 2010 SHOT Show.  GunsHolstersAndGear.com will have photos and videos from the Smith & Wesson booth of this and other new products.