S&W 642 and 442 finish question

9

9mm

New member
I am thinking about buying a 442(black model, no IL, you can find these at the gun shows, and onei s coming up in a week!!)

I have the 642 really like it but want another snuby. So the difference in the finish, one is stainless steel the other is black? does that matter for rust or anything? Would the stainless model be better than the black? Same price. I want the black but if I am getting less product for the same... hm.... They run $330-$360 no internal locks.
 
442 = lightweight, alloy frame, black finish
642 = [edit] alloy frame, light finish [edit]

I have a 442, purchased before they made locks. I like the weight and finish.
 
Last edited:
Actually I believe the 642 is also an aluminum frame. Basically I think they are the same gun one is just black and the other is unfinished with a clear coat. I might also add the clear coat has been known to flake off of some gun, but not sure if that is still an issue.

I have the 442 and have experienced no problems and in my onion it probably has the better all around finish.


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764961_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
 
My 642 is an alloy 15 oz revolver, same as the 442. Last time I looked at a catalog the 442 had a black finish.
 
Both have alloy painted frames(black vs grey, not clearcoat). Difference is the way the barrels and cylinders are finished(blued vs stainless).
 
Then let me get this straight, the 642 finish would hold up better than the 442 correct? because of stainless finish.
 
Same product different finish. I have the black and have always preferred it.

I have had no issues with the black finish, but I don't carry it every day. I don't worry about the finish on a carry gun. It is a tool like no other.
 
Then let me get this straight, the 642 finish would hold up better than the 442 correct? because of stainless finish.
Click to expand...

The 642 and 442 both have aluminum frames, with a stainless barrel and cylinder. The older S&W 640 in .38 special only is the stainless version of the 642 or 442 built on the centennial style frame. Although the newer 640's are now made with a longer frame, barrel, and full underlug to accommodate the .357 cartridge. In fact the older 640's in .38 are slightly shorter in frame length and cylinder length compared to the 642, actually making for a slightly smaller overall package. They now machine all the J frame cylinders the same length regardless if it's for the .357 or .38.
 
This topic has been covered before. The 642 has the softest, least durrable finish of any gun I've handled. Mine looks like total poo and the finish can be scraped off with my fingernail.

It does shoot well and I carry it 90% of the time but a good looker it is not!
 
The 642 and 442 both have aluminum frames, with a stainless barrel and cylinder.
Click to expand...
Thats what I needed to know.


finish can be scraped off with my fingernail.
Click to expand...
Mine mustbe defective.


Going to look for another j frame at the show soon, S&W 442.
 
The 642 has a spray on clear coat finish that royally sucks. It will peel off with very little rubbing. Products like Gunscrubber will strip it right off. Go for the 442.
 
\
The 642 has a spray on clear coat finish that royally sucks. It will peel off with very little rubbing. Products like Gunscrubber will strip it right off. Go for the 442.
Click to expand...

I've had one for years and it hasn't pealed a bit. Very durable finish.
 
Actually I believe the 642 is also an aluminum frame. Basically I think they are the same gun one is just black and the other is unfinished with a clear coat. I might also add the clear coat has been known to flake off of some gun, but not sure if that is still an issue.
Click to expand...

The 642 is an aluminum frame and I've never had an issue with the finish on mine.
 
I pocket carried my 442 and got sweat all over it the 4th day I had it. It rusted the cylinder, S&W said they would refinish it for me but I just buffed it out. I make sure to wipe it down every couple of days now and havent had a problem since. Great gun but I think I would have gotten the stainless one or the pro which I think is stainless with a black finish.
 
I carry a 442 all the time IWB and I think the black is less visible. I regard it as an SD tool and don't worry about the finish much. I have noticed that the cylinder ring shows prominently, but the black is holding great. When I chose it, I had a 642 on the counter too, and have no regrets on the choice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top