Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this incredible double-action-only revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson 42, also known as the Centennial Airweight!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 42
Serial: L6572
Date of Manufacture: 1971-1974
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action-Only
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 42 is a double-action-only revolver chambered in .38 S&W Special, originally introduced in the early 1950s. Built on the concealed-hammer JCA frame, this lightweight "Airweight" model features an alloy frame paired with a steel five-shot fluted cylinder measuring approximately 1.53" in length. Exceptionally rare, only 37 units were ever produced with an alloy cylinder. The revolver sports a 2" pinned barrel, either blued or nickel-plated, and is fitted with a unique grip safety on the backstrap—a hallmark of the JCA frame design. Standard grips were checkered walnut Magna-style with S&W medallions and a diamond around the screw escutcheon, though some examples featured smooth, high-horned wood grips. It has a fully enclosed hammer, a 1/10" serrated ramp front sight, and a .240" wide serrated trigger. Three variations of the flat-latch thumbpiece have been documented.
Model: 42
Serial: L6572
Date of Manufacture: 1971-1974
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned Barrel
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action-Only
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 42 is a double-action-only revolver chambered in .38 S&W Special, originally introduced in the early 1950s. Built on the concealed-hammer JCA frame, this lightweight "Airweight" model features an alloy frame paired with a steel five-shot fluted cylinder measuring approximately 1.53" in length. Exceptionally rare, only 37 units were ever produced with an alloy cylinder. The revolver sports a 2" pinned barrel, either blued or nickel-plated, and is fitted with a unique grip safety on the backstrap—a hallmark of the JCA frame design. Standard grips were checkered walnut Magna-style with S&W medallions and a diamond around the screw escutcheon, though some examples featured smooth, high-horned wood grips. It has a fully enclosed hammer, a 1/10" serrated ramp front sight, and a .240" wide serrated trigger. Three variations of the flat-latch thumbpiece have been documented.
"Airweight" is roll-marked on the barrel, and a small S&W trademark logo is stamped on the left side of the frame. The Model 42 shared serial numbering with the Model 40, ranging from 1 to 30160 before transitioning to an "L" prefix in 1971, which continued up to approximately serial number L9861 by 1974. The grip frame design is unique to the Model 42 and Model 40, making it incompatible with standard J-frame grips; however, these grips may loosely fit other J-frames. Weighing just 13 ounces, the Model 42 was produced from approximately 1952 until 1974.
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching factory-labeled box and all the paperwork pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
