Price on new 642 - reasonable?

[bameroni]

I found a S&W 642 (no lock) yesterday for $469 and I think they throw in a couple hours of range tine for free with the purchase. I didn't get it because I wanted to at least test-shoot an Airweight revolver first and they didn't have one available to rent. I did rent and shoot a S&W model 60 with .38 Special 158 gr ammo - they said this would give me an idea of the trigger & recoil but to expect the recoil to be a little sharper in the 642. I found the Model 60 not too bad but a bit heavy for the conceal carry I'm looking for. I'm going to check some other ranges today to see if they have any Airweights to rent. Thanks for any advice.

[PointOneSeven]

I'd hate to stomach that when I paid $350 2 years ago for my -2. New 642-2's are going for a little over $400 around here now. Also, it's used I take it? Having a lock isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be, and not worth paying a premium like that.

Awesome gun though.

[Don P]

From what I have seen on this site and talking with friends in different parts of country, it all depends on where YOU live. The price you stated seems good to me.:eek: I paid $469 for a S&W 649 Bodyguard about 18 months ago. That was here in Central Florida. I personaly think you will be better off with the 642 instead of the Airweight. IMO more weight to the gun means easier on the recoil. Just my .02 worth.:cool:

[cslinger]

You should be able to find a NIB 642 No Lock for around $420+tax, tags, title etc.

Chris

[The Terminator]

Mine was $429+tax. I got a free range session card, worthless, as I shoot near my home.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z292/Othalt/airweight.jpg

[azredhawk44]

I paid $409 + transfer for mine, w/ no sales tax. No-lock 642-1, this year's manufacture, new in box.

Basically, the FFL transfer fee ($30) took the place of sales tax.

I think the price is a bit high.

[Kreyzhorse]

I'd go around $430 on the high side. $469 seems pretty pricey to me.

[Kraziken]

I think I got mine for under $400.

[rodney1968]

got mine last weekend at a gunshow in NC for 420.00 out the door

[redrick]

I paid $440 plus tax for mine about 2 months ago.

[22-rimfire]

That is in the ball park price-wise. There are local differences in pricing. It is not worth buying online to save $20-$30. Buying from a local gun shop is more important than the price difference.

The 642 is a good carry piece. I carry the 442 when I carry. Yes it will be a bit snappier on the recoil side, but I don't really shoot it all that much beyond 10 yds. If I can hit center of mass, I'm happy for what it is. Never bought it to shoot fleas off the back of a squirrel.

[thesecond]

$469, a little high, but in the ballpark for a no-lock in .38 +P (be sure to check, if non +P is a dealbreaker for you), and always factor in shipping, tranfer fees, NCIC, another reason to try to support local. But Wild West Guns (Go WildAlaska!), topgunsupply are two that I can remember offhand in the $420-440 range. I don't want to say when they're gone, they're gone, but the only exceptions I've seen to Smith's "rock on with the lock on" policy have been with 37's, 40's, 442/642, and the semi-autos (no single action in revolvers). And I'll be the first to admit paying up to and above $100 fmv for pre-lock/no-lock Smiths. Good luck .... the 642's solid.