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Holsters for Smith & Wesson 642

All Smith & Wesson Model 642 - 2" Holsters

How to choose the best holster for your Smith & Wesson 642

This revolver’s small, light, and built for carry, so your holster needs to do its part. First thing: don’t guess on fit. A Smith and Wesson 642 holster should match the gun exactly. If it’s too loose or wasn’t made for a snub-nose revolver, you’ll feel it shift, and that throws everything off. Next, think about how you dress and move through your day. Jeans and a belt? You’ve got solid IWB or OWB options. More time in a car or wearing lighter clothes? You might lean toward pocket, ankle, or purse carry. The goal’s simple: keep the gun secure, covered, and easy to reach, without it bugging you every time you sit, bend, or walk.

 

 

Best Smith and Wesson 642 IWB Holster

IWB Holster w Steel Clip – $89. This leather holster can be carried both IWB and appendix style, offering flexibility in how you choose to carry your Smith and Wesson 642. The steel clip design is perfect for those who dislike removing their belt when attaching or detaching the holster. It also features a reinforced thumb break strap, adding extra durability and increasing the holster’s natural retention, making it a highly secure option.

Best Smith and Wesson 642 OWB Holster

Open Top Belt Holster – $89.  The Open Top Belt Holster is an excellent choice for those seeking easy access and a quick draw. Its pancake design provides a slim, low-profile fit, ensuring that your Smith and Wesson 642 remains concealed even in an OWB carry position. This holster is not only practical but also extremely comfortable for daily wear.

Best Smith and Wesson 642 Shoulder Holster

Shoulder Holster System – $215. For shoulder holster fans, the Shoulder Holster System is the best option for the Smith and Wesson 642. This leather shoulder system allows you to carry your gun in a horizontal position, secured with a thumb break strap for added safety. The system includes a double ammo holder and tie-down straps that attach to your belt, offering excellent balance and security. As a bonus, the holster can also be used as a regular belt holster, giving you two carry options in one.

Carry Options for Smith & Wesson 642 holsters

Concealed Carry

The 642’s size makes it ideal for discreet carry, if the holster fits right. A Smith and Wesson 642 concealed carry holster should ride close to the body, stay hidden under light layers, and keep steady as you move. Slim builds and low-profile clips help it disappear, while good retention makes sure the draw stays clean when it counts.

IWB Holsters

IWB is one of the easiest ways to carry this revolver. A good Smith and Wesson 642 IWB holster tucks it in close and keeps it low-profile under a shirt. Look for one that rides just right, not too deep, not too high, and has some kind of sweat barrier so it doesn’t rub raw. If you carry all day or spend a lot of time driving, this setup won’t get in your way.

OWB Holsters

OWB works if you want easier access or carry under layers. A snug-fitting OWB holster for the Smith & Wesson 642 won’t stick out much if you’ve got a jacket or overshirt on. It’s a solid choice for cold weather, range days, or if you just like having the grip right there when you need it. Just make sure the holster holds firm and angles how you want it to draw.

Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder carry isn’t for everyone, but it can be a lifesaver in winter or long drives. A Smith and Wesson 642 shoulder holster shifts weight off your belt and spreads it across your upper body. It’s easier on your lower back and keeps the gun accessible even while sitting. Great for jackets or when belt space is tight.

Pocket Holsters

The 642 was made for this. A solid Smith and Wesson 642 pocket holster keeps the gun upright and hides the outline. You don’t want it tipping over or catching on the draw. Works best with pants that have decent pocket depth, cargo pants, jackets, or anything not skin-tight. Simple, quick, and no belt needed.

Ankle Holsters

An ankle setup works well if you’re sitting most of the day or want a backup. A Smith and Wesson 642 ankle holster should hug your leg tight so it doesn’t bounce or slide. Padding helps, especially if you’re moving around. It takes a bit to get used to the draw, but once you do, it’s a quiet way to stay armed.

Purse Holsters

If you carry off-body, the holster still matters. A Smith and Wesson 642 purse holster keeps the gun locked in one spot, no digging, no shifting. Whether it clips into a dedicated carry purse or just has strong retention, the key is having the grip where you expect it, every time. Loose in a bag isn’t an option.

Appendix Holsters

Appendix works for folks who want fast access and don’t mind some upfront adjustment. A good Smith and Wesson 642 appendix holster rides low and stays out of the way when you sit or move. You’ll want one with a bit of give, or something you can angle, so it doesn’t jab. It’s a clean, central option once it’s dialed in.

 

Material Options for Smith & Wesson 642 Holsters

 

Smith and Wesson 642 Leather Holsters 

Leather holsters provide superior comfort and gradually mold to both your gun and body for a personalized fit. Their premium Italian or full-grain leather construction offers a timeless look and natural retention.   

Smith and Wesson 642 Kydex Holsters 

Kydex holsters offer a rigid structure that provides excellent retention and quick, consistent draws. They're molded specifically to each gun model and resist wear, moisture, and deformation.   

Smith and Wesson 642 Nylon Holsters 

Nylon holsters are lightweight, flexible, and great for casual carry or use with multiple firearms. They provide solid comfort without sacrificing accessibility. 

See Our Holsters in Action

This short video highlights the versatility of our Smith & Wesson 642 holsters. Watch as we demonstrate the ease of draw, stability during movement, and the comfortable fit that supports all-day concealed carry.

 

 

Summary

The right Smith and Wesson 642 holster won’t make you think about it all day. That’s the goal, secure, comfortable, and out of the way until you need it. Whether you carry inside the waistband, in your pocket, on your ankle, or off-body, the holster has to match both the gun and your daily rhythm. Fit is everything. If it shifts, pinches, or slows your draw, it’s not doing its job. A good holster for the 642 should hold firm, feel natural when you move, and make access easy without advertising that you're carrying. Start with how you dress, where you spend your time, and how you want to draw. From there, you’ll find the Smith and Wesson 642 holster that actually makes carrying feel like second nature.

 

About Smith & Wesson Model 642 - 2"


Gun Facts

Barrel length: 1.875"
Caliber: 38
Width: 1.4"
Height: 5"
Length: 6.3"

Holsters for Smith & Wesson Model 642 - 2" reviews

5.0
6 reviews

Latest reviews

Lenny

Very nice. Extremely comfortable and keeps the grip pulled in nicely. I like it.

04/22/2025 United States

Greg I

Awesome holster Compact and lightweight. No blemishes in the leather like some of my other brands. I would recommend this holster for OWB to anyone

11/08/2024 United States

Michael PanicPrankster

Excellent fit and craftsmanship! The best part and the reason I choose this holster,is the belt attachment strap. More secure than a clip and looks better as well. It also sits nice on my waistline,doesn't slip or rise. Don't sweat the shipping time,it's worth it.

09/18/2023 United States

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Best Gun Holster Accessories

Choose the right accessories below that will enhance your carry. Don't forget that a proper magazine pouch, a belt or a concealed carry bag are always good choices.

MAGAZINE
POUCHES

Get yourself a custom mag pouch or speedloader pouch. Because there is never "enough ammo" right?

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GUN BELTS

A solid and stable gun belt is what you need to prevent your holster and the rest of your EDC from sagging.

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care kits

Don't forget to get yourself a handy kit that contains everything you need to make sure your holster will last you a lifetime.

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