So, after ordering a 442 for backup and pocket carry, I get curious. I email Smith & Wesson and ask why the 442 wasn't a recommended carry gun on their site (concealed carry pistols), and why the 442 costs between $70.00 and $100.00 more than the 642 when the only difference I see is the finish. They aswered by saying the 442 wasn't mentioned because of an oversite, and the reason the 642 is cheaper is because they wanted to equal a competetor's price on a very similiar pistol (I assume they meant Taurus), so they lowered the price on that model. I paid more money for the identical pistol because of the blue finish...what a dumb ass! Don't make the same mistake I did.:barf:
Okay, Smith & Wesson, you got me!
- Thread starter walt65
- Start date
22-rimfire
New member
When I bought my 442 earlier this year (3 months ago), the price of the 442 was a little less than the 642. Wouldn't have mattered if it was the same price as I prefer a "blue" finish which in this case is more of a black than blue. I have noticed the price differential on the S&W website though.
Yep, Smith got you... you bought what I consider the premier pocket revolver made today.
Yep, Smith got you... you bought what I consider the premier pocket revolver made today.
The M642 came out first and didn't sell very well because of cosmetics so it was dropped. Then they brought out the M442 for the same price and it wasn't a bad seller. S&W then brought the M642 back out a few years later with the clearcoat to address the cosmetic issue, but buyers still strayed from it. A bunch were sold thru CDNN at a discounted price and the popularity soared thru the roof (hey we guns fans are cheapskates.....lol). The retail price of the M642 was dropped lower than the M442 and even with the finish problem the M642 became the best seller. Adding factory laser sight grips made it even more popular to a lot of shooters.