New release 642 J frame?

[Outlaw2013]

I peruse the S&W website a lot. My version of window shopping/dreaming. Today on the Performance Center page I noticed this little gem:



Product: Model 642

In searching the web for availability it seems slim and vague:

Search results for 10186 | Slickguns


Did I stumble upon a new release? Prices look to be around $480-$500 in those few sites listed. Sounds to me like a deal and a half for a 642 with:

• Performance Center Tuned Action
• High Bright, Polished Cylinder Flutes
• High Bright, Polished Thumbpiece and Side Plate Screws
• Custom, Synthetic Grip with Wood Inserts
• Chrome-Plated, Polished Trigger
• Cylinder Cut for Full Moon Clips

If its not new, apologies. Figured the J nuts/wheel nuts/PC nuts on here like me would be interested.

[mhl6493]

Yep, I saw that one the other day. Very nice!

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I'm not real up to date with stuff from the PC but the first I heard of it was member MarkAlt's thread.

642 Model II

Sure looks like a sweet one!

[Hapworth]

Palmed one today at my LGS. New grips feel good. Nice to see more no lock models, and moon clip models, too.

The trigger is good, and will probably break-in very nicely, but is only a hair smoother and lighter than a stock 642/442, and nothing a reasonably informed DIY-er couldn't replicate with an ultrafine stone.

Fine piece overall, wouldn't blame anyone for picking one up, but not sure it's worth the premium over a 642/442 Moon Clip.

[OldBoldPilot]

Those appear to be Altamont grips. You see them here. Quite inexpensive.

[haywood]

Do the Grips cover the backstrap or is it still open?

[MarkAlt]

Originally Posted by Hapworth

Palmed one today at my LGS. New grips feel good. Nice to see more no lock models, and moon clip models, too.

The trigger is good, and will probably break-in very nicely, but is only a hair smoother and lighter than a stock 642/442, and nothing a reasonably informed DIY-er couldn't replicate with an ultrafine stone.

Fine piece overall, wouldn't blame anyone for picking one up, but not sure it's worth the premium over a 642/442 Moon Clip.

I agree with this. Would also add that the physical trigger face itself is polished and rounded, slightly thinner (maybe perceived, didn't measure) and appears to have a nice snappy reset similar to the M&P340.

The finish also differs from a stock 642.

[Outlaw2013]

Probably glass bead finish. Seems to be a trend right now with PCs like the 3" 460XVR PC. The grips and polished stuff (that I would be afraid would get marred or lose its polish) is meh. The no lock, moon clip cuts and PC action seem to be where the deal is for what $70-$100 more than a stock IL 642 goes for?

[MarkAlt]

Originally Posted by Outlaw2013

The no lock, moon clip cuts and PC action seem to be where the deal is for what $70-$100 more than a stock IL 642 goes for?

Exactly. Some very practical core updates and a few cosmetics for less than a good dinner at the steakhouse.

Mmm... Steak.