This is my 642-1 that I found at gun shop around 2005. According to S&W it was made in July 1997. It was like new in the original box with all paperwork. I've had a lot of people say all 642-1s are rated +P. I've searched the internet and found many and all I've seen are rated +P. All I've seen are stamped +P on the left side of the barrel. But, Not this one. I asked S&W if it was rated +P and they said No. I asked S&W why and they said because it was not tested with +P and they can't recommend using +P in it. I have shot probably 25 rounds of +P through it with no problems. There's really not much difference between +P and not anyway so I don't really care.
I'm just curious as to why it's not rated +P. It's the same gun. Why would they make some 642-1s and some not using the same model #. I always thought that's what they used the Dash - and extra numbers or letters for. Especially when noting a more powerful round. I'm sure they would have to test with more that one round. So do they take every 642-1 off the line and put 10, 50 or 100 rounds through it and take it back and exam each one under a microscope or what ever for cracks?
Like I say, I'm just curious. What you think?
I'm just curious as to why it's not rated +P. It's the same gun. Why would they make some 642-1s and some not using the same model #. I always thought that's what they used the Dash - and extra numbers or letters for. Especially when noting a more powerful round. I'm sure they would have to test with more that one round. So do they take every 642-1 off the line and put 10, 50 or 100 rounds through it and take it back and exam each one under a microscope or what ever for cracks?
Like I say, I'm just curious. What you think?