I have a 642 Performance Center (same as the 442 except with a matte silver finish), and the trigger action is definitely smoother operating and feels lighter to me than any standard 442/642s I have personally handled. The slightly longer rosewood grip is an improvement too. Overall very much worth the relatively small premium in my book. My best bud had never been able to shoot a snubby accurately in DA, and the first time he fired mine he hit 5/5 10 inch plates at at 10-12 yards. In fact he ordered one of his own later that very same day and it's his been his EDC ever since.