The Smith & Wesson Model 642 Ultimate Carry is an aluminum-framed double-action-only .38 Special built for pocket carry. It has an MSRP of $679. Both sights sit in dovetails, with an XS tritium dot at the front and a black U-notch at the rear, where the standard version of this revolver has a ramp machined into the barrel and no way to change it.

The charge holes are chamfered and the front edge of the cylinder is beveled, so rounds from a speed strip find the chambers and the cylinder clears a pocket mouth. The Endurance Package internals are fitted, and there is no internal lock on the frame. The grip is Smith & Wesson's enhanced boot grip in rubberized polymer. The hammer is enclosed and the gun fires double action only. At 15.3 oz it is 0.7 oz heavier than the standard version, on the same 1.88-inch barrel.

If you're cross-shopping, the standard Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight has an MSRP of $539 and weighs 14.6 oz, with a machined front ramp and no dovetails. The Ruger LCR has an MSRP of $759 at 13.5 oz, with a pinned front sight that can also be replaced and its own cam-driven action. The sights, the cylinder machining and the deleted lock come with an MSRP $140 above the standard 642.