domenad:
The Smith & Wesson 642 is a 5-shot .38 Special revolver that is easily concealable on different parts of the body. As I said, I carry mine in a pocket holster in my right front pants pocket. This is my daily carry weapon that I take with me everywhere except for when I am sitting at my desk at work or am at a customers' site.
"Revolvers vs Semi-Autos" is a debate that I'm sure will rage here. I have no problems with semi-autos however here are some issues to consider:
Revolvers are small and really pack a punch. The .38 is in my opinion more concealable than most Glocks and while at 5 shots they have less capacity than a small Glock, I think the .38 Special +P will do more damage at close range than a 9mm. Some of the ballistics nerds here (I use that term lovingly, FRiends!) I'm sure will offer charts and other evidence either for or against my claim.
Revolvers will never jam. If you pull the trigger and nothing happens, simply pull the trigger again, and the clockwork will rotate the cylinder moving another round into the fire position.
Revolvers don't spit out shellcasings. God forbid someday you might be in a situation where you have to shoot and kill an individual. And God forbid you may be in a situation for whatever reason where you want / need to leave the scene. Revolvers do not spit shellcasings out, they stay in the cylinder.
The Smith & Wesson 642 doesn't have a safety, the safety is in the weight of the trigger pull, which is heavy. I can't find an exact weight right now. So in the event of an emergency, you draw the weapon, pull the trigger, and repeat as necessary.
I carry a Desantis Nemesis model pocket holster. The outside is a VERY grippy rubberized material that is designed to both FIT in your pocket without coming out but also STICK in your pocket without coming out. The inside is a very slick pack cloth material. The gun comes right out of the holster like greased lightning when you draw it, but stays tight when you want it concealed. I've tried 3 or 4 different holsters of various materials at various costs and this is the highest quality, at the best price ($20 + shipping). Additonally, this holster conceals VERY WELL and does not "print" like some other holsters do. Meaning it looks like a wallet or a cell phone in your pocket, not a .38 Special.
check out the holster here:
http://www.desantisholster.com/n38.html
For more info you can surf over to The High Road, a nice gun forum where there is a "642 Club" of S&W 642 owners. This is by far the best firearm I have encountered for daily conealed carry. I know 4 people who carry this gun with them daily and swear by it. I do too, I can't say enough good stuff about this weapon. Hopefully soon you and your wife can "join the club"!