Which pistol should I pick for concealed carry?

For concealed carry, consider compact or subcompact pistols that weigh under 28oz. Popular choices include striker-fired 9mm pistols with polymer frames for lightweight daily carry. Use our selector to find options matching your hand size and experience level.

What's the best handgun for beginners?

Beginners should look for pistols with manageable recoil, simple operation, and proven reliability. 9mm striker-fired pistols with polymer frames offer the best balance of ease-of-use, affordability, and training cost. Avoid high-recoil calibers and complex manual-of-arms.

Should I choose a polymer or metal frame pistol?

Polymer frames are lighter and better for carry, while metal frames (steel/aluminum) absorb recoil better and provide more stability for shooting. Choose based on your primary use case: carry weight vs shooting comfort.

What caliber should I choose: 9mm, .45 ACP, or 10mm?

9mm offers the best balance of manageable recoil, capacity, and affordable training ammo. .45 ACP and 10mm provide more stopping power but with increased recoil and cost. For most users, especially beginners, 9mm is the optimal choice.

What new guns were released at SHOT Show 2026?

The 2026 SHOT Show featured new pistol releases from major manufacturers. Browse our collection to see the latest 2026 handgun models, including new concealed carry pistols, competition guns, and innovative firearm designs debuted at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

Where can I see the 2026 SHOT Show new pistols?

Gun Selector features all the new 2026 SHOT Show pistol releases. Filter by the 2026 SHOT Show badge to see the latest handgun models announced at the show, with detailed specs, pricing, and comparison tools.

smith-wesson

S&W Model 642 Airweight

$539 MSRP

PocketClassicSnubnose

Featured in: Home Defense Revolvers Best Snubbies

S&W Model 642 Airweight - 38 Special +P revolver handgun by smith-wesson

Specifications

Caliber 38 Special +P

Capacity 5

Weight 14.4 oz

Barrel Length 1.88"

Overall Length 6.3"

Height 4.3"

Width 1.3"

Frame aluminum

Action revolver

Size Class micro

Trigger Reach 3"

Optic Ready No

Release Year 1990

Country of Origin USA

Carry Analysis

Comfort Index

Excellent

0.41

Weight-to-size ratio measures how heavy the gun feels for its dimensions. Lower values indicate a lighter carry experience.

Pocket Index

Compact

7.63"

Diagonal footprint measures concealability. Lower values mean easier pocket or IWB carry.

Overview

Fully enclosed hammer design prevents snagging during pocket or ankle carry.

Similar Handguns

Compare the S&W Model 642 Airweight to these similar 38 Special +P pistols:

Diamondback SDR-A

38 Special +P | 6 | 15.6oz

$614

S&W Model 442

38 Special +P | 5 | 14.6oz

$569

Kimber K6xs

38 Special +P | 6 | 15.9oz

$679

S&W Model 442 UC Boot Grips

38 Special +P | 5 | 15.3oz

$679

S&W Model 642 UC Boot Grips

38 Special +P | 5 | 15.3oz

$679

S&W PC Model 642

38 Special +P | 5 | 14.5oz

$669

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