Smith & Wesson Model 442 Centennial Airweight — .38 Special, 5rd

The Smith & Wesson Model 442 Centennial Airweight — .38 Special, 5rd is a J-frame revolver that has earned a permanent spot in my rotation for deep-concealment carry. This is the gun you grab when you need something that disappears under a T-shirt and won’t snag on the draw. The enclosed hammer means no spur to catch, and the aluminum alloy frame keeps the weight down to just 15 ounces empty. Chambered for .38 Special with a five-round cylinder, it’s a proven backup piece that’s been trusted by plainclothes officers and civilian carriers for decades. It ships without the internal lock, which is a plus for those who prefer a cleaner sideplate.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson (per manufacturer specs)
Model	Model 442 Centennial Airweight
Material	Aluminum alloy frame, carbon steel cylinder and barrel
Compatibility	.38 Special +P rated, 5-round cylinder
Finish	Matte black anodized frame, satin stainless cylinder
Weight	15 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New production, no internal lock

Key Features

• Enclosed (concealed) hammer — WHY IT MATTERS: The hammer is fully shrouded inside the frame, so there’s no spur to snag on clothing, holsters, or gear during a fast draw. This is the defining feature of the Centennial series and why it’s a top choice for pocket carry.
• 15-ounce Airweight frame — WHY IT MATTERS: At just 15 ounces empty, this revolver is light enough to carry all day in a pocket holster or ankle rig without dragging your pants down. The aluminum alloy frame cuts weight without sacrificing the steel cylinder and barrel where it counts for durability.
• .38 Special +P rated — WHY IT MATTERS: You can run standard-pressure .38 Special or step up to +P loads for more terminal performance. The steel cylinder is rated for +P, giving you options for defensive ammunition without worrying about frame fatigue.
• Fixed sights — WHY IT MATTERS: There are no adjustable sights to snag or shift out of zero. The ramped front blade and fixed rear notch are set at the factory for a standard combat zero at 7-10 yards, which is the typical engagement distance for a concealed carry revolver.
• No internal lock — WHY IT MATTERS: This current production run omits the internal lock (the hole in the sideplate). For collectors and carriers who prefer a cleaner look and one less potential failure point, this is a welcome detail.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the shooter who values absolute reliability and simplicity over capacity. It’s the backup gun for plainclothes officers, the deep-concealment piece for permit holders who want something they can carry in gym shorts, and the collector who appreciates the classic Centennial design from Smith & Wesson. It’s also a solid choice for someone new to revolvers who wants a snag-free, easy-to-operate defensive tool.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Enclosed hammer eliminates snagging and makes the gun a natural for pocket carry.
• Pro: Lightweight 15-ounce frame is comfortable for all-day carry.
• Pro: +P rated for defensive loads, giving you flexibility at the ammo counter.
• Con: The trigger pull is heavy out of the box (typically 10-12 lbs double-action only). This is standard for a DAO revolver, but shooters used to lighter triggers will need practice to stay accurate.
• Con: Five-round capacity is low compared to modern micro-compact semi-autos. You need to make every shot count.

Comparison vs Competitors

Feature	Smith & Wesson Model 442	Zev Technologies OZ9c	Geissele Super Duty Pistol
Action	DAO revolver, .38 Special	Striker-fired, 9mm	Striker-fired, 5.56mm (rifle)
Capacity	5 rounds	15+1	30 rounds (magazine)
Weight (empty)	15 oz	27 oz	7.8 lbs (complete rifle)
Concealment	Excellent (pocket/ankle)	Good (IWB)	Not concealable
Trigger pull	10-12 lbs DAO	4-5 lbs	4.5 lbs

Note: The Zev OZ9c and Geissele Super Duty are modern semi-autos/rifles with higher capacity and lighter triggers, but neither matches the 442’s snag-free profile or weight for deep concealment. The 442 is a purpose-built backup gun, not a primary fighting pistol.

FAQ

Is the Smith & Wesson Model 442 Centennial Airweight +P rated?

Yes, per Smith & Wesson specs, the Model 442 is rated for +P ammunition. The steel cylinder and barrel handle the higher pressure loads, while the aluminum frame keeps the weight down. Always check your specific serial number if you’re buying used, but current production is +P rated.

Does this revolver have a hammer spur?

No. The Model 442 Centennial uses an enclosed (concealed) hammer. The hammer is completely shrouded inside the frame, so there is no spur to snag on clothing or holsters. This is a double-action-only revolver—you cannot manually cock the hammer for single-action fire.

What is the weight of the Model 442?

The empty weight is 15 ounces per Smith & Wesson specs. Loaded with five rounds of .38 Special +P, it’s roughly 17-18 ounces depending on the load. That’s light enough for pocket carry in a quality holster.

Does this model have the internal lock?

No, this current production run of the Model 442 Centennial Airweight does not include the internal lock (the key-operated safety). The sideplate is clean, with no hole for the lock. This is a preference for many carriers who want one less mechanical part.

What holsters work best for this revolver?

The 442’s size and shape make it a natural for pocket holsters (like the DeSantis Nemesis or Mika’s Pocket Holster), ankle rigs, and IWB holsters. Because of the enclosed hammer, it also works well in soft holsters or shoulder rigs. Always use a holster that covers the trigger guard.

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Browse more in our Revolvers collection, or check out Concealed Carry Gear and Smith & Wesson for compatible accessories.

Last updated: April 2026