642 vs 442

F

fleiger

New member
I'm trying to figure out why there is such a substantial price difference between these two models when as far as I can tell from the spec sheets they are absolutely identical except one is aluminun alloy/stainless and the other is aluminum alloy/carbon steel. I always thought stainless was more expensive than carbon steel but I guess I'm wrong as far as these models go. The 442 goes for over $100 more generally than the 642. Is there some other difference I'm mssing? They both weigh the same and are identical in all other respects except for material. Thanks. Fleiger
 
S&W lowered the price on the model 642 in the fall of 2003. I'd "heard" it was because the factory wasn't happy with the two tone look of the "clear coat" finish, along with durability problems with the finish. There were rummors the 642 was going to be dropped, but they appear to have been false.

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Solid value. Just make sure you clean it properly to protect the clear coat.

Joe
 
Your guess on the price difference is as good as mine. Normally, a price slash like that indicates an attempt to clear overstock, or a fire sale on a discontinued item; as JoeHatley pointed out, however, this doesn't appear to be the case here. I guess only the folks at S&W know for sure, and they haven't talked, yet.
 
For what its worth; S&W flooded the market with 642's a little while back; and every gun shop I know of has a sale on them since they were able to pick them up from the distributors so cheap. Shops in my area are $100 higher for the 442 also.
 
If I had to make a guess, I'd say there are more 642's running around in pockets and purses than just about any other snubby model there is. They are very popular indeed. And for good reason. I sure wouldn't mind having a 442, but I'm very happy to have a 642 myself.

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I think it just comes down to the finish and how easy it is for the dealer to get it -- my thoughts. Though generally the stainless usually goes for more, at least that's how it works with Berettas and Sigs.
 
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