Thinking about buying one of these and wonder about your experience and preference between the two finishes.

Thanks in advance.

I would go with the 442. I have had a 642 and several 638s. I found the finish to be prone to wear and discoloration after prolonged carry.

Note the shiny edge below/in front of the yoke and the spots on the cylinder:

I am very happy with the appearance and durability of the 442. It's my EDC and is usually a pocket carry. I've no experience with the 642 but read enough about the possibility of issues with it's surface treatment that I went with the 442. And I'm in line for Craig Spegel grips so it's gonna be quite a looker for an EDC.

I prefer the darker finish for carry purposes, and my 442 has a lot of miles on it, so I'm not overly concerned with it's appearance.
Stainless can be a plus if your gun is exposed to a lot of sweat or humidity.
Both fine revolvers.

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Because of the metric system?

Funny, I just posted a picture of this gun in a discussion about J frames. I switched off them as a general EDC thing but I carried this 642 in pocket holsters for years. I don't know if the picture shows all of the wear on the finish but there is a reasonably significant amount. This is not something I give a second thought to with respect to a carry gun but if you are concerned about such things a 442 is likely a better choice.

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M 642.jpg (221.4 KB, 73 views)

Well, I have a 442 that is a third option.

Nickel finish.

I may start carrying it at some point, but also worry about the finish.

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I've had both the 442 and 642 and much prefer the 442. The frames are the same - aluminum alloy. The barrels are the same - stainless steel, but matte black coated on a 442. The cylinders are different - stainless steel versus carbon steel. The finishes are different - clear coat on the 642 and a durable matte black on the 442. Buy the 642 if you want a shiny gun with a more rust resistant cylinder and a less durable finish. Buy the 442 if you want a less conspicuous gun with a more durable finish and easier to see sights.

Best Regards,
ADP3

I prefer the 642 for the lower maintenance requirements. The finish on the alloy frame can be hit or miss; some people don't have any issues, others have accelerated finish wear. The finish wear on the frame doesn't affect function, so it doesn't bother me.

The 442 is a good choice, but you will have to stay on top of preventative maintenance to prevent rusting.

Either choice will serve you well. Just go with your preference.

I have neither, but I do have a 637 which has the same finish as the 642. It's D.O.B. is 2011. I've been fortunate that in the 6 years the finish has held up pretty well. It is beginning to show a few spots of wear in the usual places. It doesn't bother me in an honest carry gun, which it is. I have heard a little car wax seems to help, so when I think of it after cleaning I'll put a little wax on it. Hope this helps!

What ADP3 said....nothing to add. Love my little 442.

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Who watches the watchers?

I have both but carry the 642 more for some unknown reason.
I think the 442's finish wears better but theyre all character marks from honest use so I don't worry about it. If it bothers me at some point, I'll duracoat it until it needs it again. I think the factory may still re-finish and maybe under warranty.
ETA:
I know a guy that will spray any of the current epoxy-based finishes (dura, cera, KG, etc.) for $50 in my choice of color.

PSA just sent out an EM they are selling 442s for $319. At that price who cares about the finish? Just get it and carry and shoot the heck out of it.

Actually, earlier today, they emailed the 642 @ $300. That's what made me post my question. I added the 642 to my cart but they sold out almost immediately.

Anyway, it seems the consensus is to go with the 442 for durability. My go-to gun seller normally offers those for $319. With him I must pay tax (well, we should all be paying out-of-state sales tax on our annual return) but there's no FFL to bother with.

Thanks for all the advice!!!!!

PSA has 642's no lock on sale for $299.99 which includes shipping if that makes your choice easier

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Forum consigliere

I know cops who prefer 442 because not as shiny as 642, which I
suppose could be important in certain circumstances.

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In Omnia Paratus

Truth is you can't go wrong either way. I always smile when I hear people say the finish isn't holding up on their edc, like it's somehow a manufacturing flaw. Well an edc doesn't have to be like wearing a luxury watch, people. The 442/642 are among the cheapest guns available. That's right I said cheap. They are also among the most practical ever made. They're not supposed to be a Rolex.