The Model 642 is Smith & Wesson's Centennial-pattern J-Frame: a five-shot .38 Special with the hammer fully enclosed inside the frame, so nothing catches on a pocket or a cover garment on the draw. The aluminum alloy frame holds weight to 15 ounces, the cylinder is stainless steel, and the barrel measures 1.87 inches for an overall length of 6.31 inches. It fires double action only, wears polymer grips and fixed sights, and this limited run leaves out the internal lock.

This is the revolver for a New Mexican who wants something that disappears in a pocket or waistband. At 15 ounces it is light enough to carry every day without noticing it, and the smooth, hammerless profile is why people pick this pattern for pocket carry. Holders of a New Mexico concealed handgun license skip the seven-day wait at the dealer. Five rounds, a short sight radius and a double-action pull mean practice pays off at close range.

Key features

• .38 Special, five-round stainless cylinder
• 15 ounces, aluminum alloy frame
• 1.87-inch barrel, 6.31 inches overall
• Enclosed hammer, double-action only
• No internal lock, polymer grips

Pickup is at a New Mexico FFL dealer after Form 4473 and the NICS check; dealers require handgun buyers to be 21.