S&W 642 or used 442?

C

Cedric

New member
I'm looking for an "all the time" CCW, for pocket carry. I live in the Texas heat, and summer carry/all the time carry is tough. I mostly have an untucked shirt, but want more options. My GM Colt, god bless its little heart, is not really suited to that! Also, this would be my first revolver, and the 442/642 seems to come highly regarded.

The options are to buy a new 642 for $300-$350, or I have a local guy offering to sell his 442 that's had 100 rounds through it for $250. Is the stainless barrel/cylinder (and of course, a factory warranty) enough reason to spend the extra bucks on the 642? Do you think the 442 is overpriced, considering?

Oh, and I also thought about a PM9, but it seems a bit blocky, smaller on paper than the 442/642 but sure looks more like a brick in the pocket than the airweights.

Thanks in advance,
Christopher
 
I would lean towards spending the extra hundred for the 642. I have one and it goes everywhere with me when I am off duty and it is hot. The 442 will probably serve you just as well, but my sweat is hard on finishes, so it is much easier for me to maintain the stainless gun. Just my .02.
 
+1...

Get the 442 and...

100 rounds plinking/paper ammo.

50 rounds defense JHP ammo.

1 HKS speedloader or Bianchi Speed Strip.

1 decent pocket holster.
 
I got a 442 beucase I like black guns....but when the cylinder started pitting, I had it hard chromed...I like that chrome finish better than the 642 since the cylinder and frame match....so you always have that option down the road....

aluminum_442.jpg
 
I love my 642, but would get the 442 if I could spend the saving on practice ammo.


Don't shoot,
What kind of grips are those?
 
Hideout grips from Brownells....around 20 bucks and they come in 4 styles....smooth or stippled in either combat grip (shown) or regular....nice grip..not as slippery as smooth wood since they are hard nylon...
 
Price is decient although a new 442 isn't much more. Check it closely though. I've read where the 442's were prone to finish flakeing problems. I preffer the black but got a 642 myself.
 
I haven't had any rust or flaking problems with my used 442. I thought it was the 642s that had the flaking finish problems.

JT
 
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