I have finally decided I am going to purchase a smith j-frame. I'm going back and forth between the 642 and the 442. I believe a prefer the looks of the 442, but I'm wandering about the finish. I have done some fairly extensive research on the finishes of the two, and have come up with conflicting stories. Some say the 642's finish holds up better, and others say the 442 does. What have you guys/gals experienced? I appreciate any input.
S&W snub question
- Thread starter jacob2745
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I have both, but carry the 642 a lot more.
No special reason, other than i've owned it a lot longer. Finish has held up well.
No special reason, other than i've owned it a lot longer. Finish has held up well.
Armchair Warrior
Member
I doubt you will have trouble with the finish on either.
351 WINCHESTER
Member
I have seen the finish of several 642's flake off, but never on a 442. I think the finish on the 642 is baked on paint of some kind.
black_powder_Rob
Member
Yeah, If I could do it again I would have gone with the 442 as my 642 has some flaking problems on the frame near the hammer. Other than that though I have loved this gun.
Both of the models have the same end purpose . . . they'll be "always on you" tools, and thus in time they'll all be a little "shop worn." Frankly, I'd treat 'em like a baby but also not worry about it.
Guns that never get used are called "safe queens" for a purpose. Your J-frame will be an honest, working revolver! Get the one that gives you the most satisfaction, then enjoy!
Guns that never get used are called "safe queens" for a purpose. Your J-frame will be an honest, working revolver! Get the one that gives you the most satisfaction, then enjoy!
Previous 642s had complaints about flaking finishes; don't know if S&W has corrected that.
Some complaints about 442s with carbon steel cylinders and barrels rusting quickly; don't know if that's factory or user issue. The 442s with the stainless cylinder and barrel don't seem to have this problem, if problem it actually is.
I'd get the 442 Moon Clip for the moon clips -- which are fantastic -- the absence of the internal lock, and the stainless cylinder and barrel.
The one I've used has had zero issues with the finish.
Some complaints about 442s with carbon steel cylinders and barrels rusting quickly; don't know if that's factory or user issue. The 442s with the stainless cylinder and barrel don't seem to have this problem, if problem it actually is.
I'd get the 442 Moon Clip for the moon clips -- which are fantastic -- the absence of the internal lock, and the stainless cylinder and barrel.
The one I've used has had zero issues with the finish.
Indifferent
Member
I found the 642's sights easier to pick up. My 642 has no flaking issues it has seen thousands of miles hiking and spelunking in a pocket.
My 638's finish has not held up very well, particularly on the rear of the grip that is exposed. I don't have a 442 to compare it to. I DID paint the sight with orange fingernail polish, which would seem to negate any sight issue. I've only painted it once and it has stayed on at least for 2 years now.
jad0110
Member
Either finish will wear if carried fairly often. Actually, I like the wear my 642 has picked up in the last 6 or 7 years, including some flaking on the backstrap. Gives it character. I was kinda sad when it went back to S&W for repair (I slipped in my garage with the gun in my pocket and I landed on it, bending the crane a bit) and they replaced the barrel (b/c gap was a bit wide at around .012) and with it 4 years of nice patina.
Neither is a pretty gun to begin with, so I just went with the one I could get for the best deal at the time.
Neither is a pretty gun to begin with, so I just went with the one I could get for the best deal at the time.
I've carried a 637 (same finish as the 642) everyday for a few years now and I'm experiencing some finish wear but it's nothing that bothers me...
Considering how many times a day I practice drawing with it, I'm surprised that's all the finish wear I have.
If you are worried about flaking, go with the 442. I've never seen anything other than holster wear on those.
Considering how many times a day I practice drawing with it, I'm surprised that's all the finish wear I have.
If you are worried about flaking, go with the 442. I've never seen anything other than holster wear on those.
jbauch357
Member
No issues with my newer production 638. A buddy even ran it over with his car, made a nasty little gauge in the cylinder from a rock in his tire - my smith just took an ultra-fine file and cleaned it up, haven't had any flaking or ware issues since.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
M442 is 2 years old and carried daily. The M642 is 4 years old and was carried for 2 years before I bought the M442. The M638 is 6 years old and has been carried for almost all of the 6 years between me and my son, none have finish problems.
If you clean your M442 and use a good oil you will see no rust on the cylinder. The M442 is my favorite carry.
If you clean your M442 and use a good oil you will see no rust on the cylinder. The M442 is my favorite carry.
jbauch357
Member
we were in the middle of moving and for some reason I decided leaning my work pack (eagle pack with concealment pouch) up against the passenger side of his car was a good idea. he went to leave for a beer run, cranked the wheel to get out of the driveway, and rolled over my pack just right to mar the pistol. yeah, stupid, and not the way I prefer to earn battle scars on my gear.
bannockburn
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I have had a Model 638 for two and a half years now and it still shows no signs of any kind of finish wear.
420Stainless
Member
Deleted - posted in the wrong thread somehow.
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Jakemedic
Member
340
My 340's "clear coat" wore and the gun genuinely looked like hell. Purchased new and sent in warrantee card. Contacted customer service and they sent me a prepaid shipping label. Ended up replacing the frame and when I got I back it now has a more mat finish. This was after carrying the weapon for almost 5 years on an everyday basis
I carry the snub everyday and would recommend any of the concealed hammer snub to anyone needing a small, easily concealed weapon.
God Bless America!
My 340's "clear coat" wore and the gun genuinely looked like hell. Purchased new and sent in warrantee card. Contacted customer service and they sent me a prepaid shipping label. Ended up replacing the frame and when I got I back it now has a more mat finish. This was after carrying the weapon for almost 5 years on an everyday basis
I carry the snub everyday and would recommend any of the concealed hammer snub to anyone needing a small, easily concealed weapon.
God Bless America!
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MSRP of $479; most dealers sell somewhere below that...
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
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