This is the response I got last July from Customer Service in response to my questions about the finish on "J" frames. I specifically mentioned that I knew that both the 642 and the 442 had matte finishes.

"....Thanks for your e-mail. The 442 and 642 are both aluminum frames. The 442 is blued, the 642 is anodized and clear coated. They are equally as durable, just a matter of personal preference..."

It appears that some of the Customer Service folks really do not "know" their products well. For what it's worth I bought a 442.

Whatever...I'll use CLP on my 442 and sniff Hoppe's #9 when I clean my Rugers.

Tom