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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 09-08-2018, 07:09 PM
Rogmatt Rogmatt is offline
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Default 642 question

Does anyone here have a model 642 or 642 - 1 snubby? I have someone who wants to make a trade with me and that is what they're offering it is one that he carried my concern is instead of the aluminum alloy frame being exposed doesn't this pistol have a coating on it and the coating is prone to chipping and rubbing off creating an uneven finish throughout the frame?
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Old 09-08-2018, 08:39 PM
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Does anyone here have a model 642 or 642 - 1 snubby? I have someone who wants to make a trade with me and that is what they're offering it is one that he carried my concern is instead of the aluminum alloy frame being exposed doesn't this pistol have a coating on it and the coating is prone to chipping and rubbing off creating an uneven finish throughout the frame?
My 642 is going on 10 years old and the finish is perfect. I generally use a Mika pocket holster
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Old 09-08-2018, 08:42 PM
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Did you get to see a pic? They're not all going to be chipped. It just depends.

And even if it is, it's still a good gun. I carry the matte blued version every day. A 442. And I would not hesitate to carry a 642 no matter what the condition of the finish is. Just don't over pay for it. What value is he putting on it and what's the condition?

The late Stephen Camp chose this as his EDC after he was retired from being a police officer.

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Old 09-08-2018, 08:50 PM
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I am considering trading him a plane Bear Creek AR-15 it's well used. Trading me his 642-1 and 100 cash for my AR. It's got some holster wear and rub marks with the finish has come off I think it's a spray-on finish from the factory. Not a big deal as far as function. Has anyone ever considered lightly and carefully buffing off the spray finish and just having a clean alloy finish?
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Old 09-08-2018, 09:09 PM
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Default Re finish wear on 642

Some do, some don't. Some will, some won't. There doesn't seem to be a hard, fast rule. Some members opine that the factory uses different finish compounds at different times and they may be right. You can always expect some finish wear on an EDC weapon. My oldest and most carried 642 has some wear on the edges even though I use a pocket rig.

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Old 09-08-2018, 09:18 PM
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Have mostly pocket and car carried mine for a number of years.
One of the handiest and most useful revolvers you can own.
If offered one in trade, Yes!
Would go for one more!
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Old 09-08-2018, 09:24 PM
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Thanks guys. I am going to do the trade.
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Old 09-08-2018, 09:25 PM
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Not to pile on and with the warning that I have never had much use for an AR of any persuasion, if you think the money's right you will get a handy, durable carry gun.

The finish on mine has worn about like I'd expect a blued gun to wear after 4-5 years of carry in a Glaco horsehide pocket holster.
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Old 09-08-2018, 09:34 PM
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I bought this one NIB in 1997 and have carried it most days. It shows some wear but not too bad.

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Old 09-08-2018, 09:44 PM
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I’ve got a 642 that I edc. Love it. Only problem is my wife likes it too. Need to get her one of her own.
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:06 PM
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Here is the trade I would be getting



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Old 09-08-2018, 10:17 PM
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Smile 642 Question

CORRECT ! The finish does chip/peel off



Quote:
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Does anyone here have a model 642 or 642 - 1 snubby? I have someone who wants to make a trade with me and that is what they're offering it is one that he carried my concern is instead of the aluminum alloy frame being exposed doesn't this pistol have a coating on it and the coating is prone to chipping and rubbing off creating an uneven finish throughout the frame?
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:23 PM
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Finish on mine has not chipped or peeled off. It has just worn off basically on the edges. It is an early -1 model that is not +P rated.

I have seen pictures of some that look like they have chipped or fallen off in flakes.

no chipping...no peeling.

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Old 09-08-2018, 10:26 PM
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That grip looks like it would hurt bad. Is it comfortable? Ever been tempted to put a softer grip on there with some felt recoil reduction?
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:35 PM
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Here is the trade I would be getting



That doesn't look bad at all. And it's a no lock, so that's kind of a big bonus.

I'm not sure how much you have into your bear creek though. But I would value the revolver at about 300-350. 350 being kind of high. I think you can get a brand new 442 / 642 for about that kind of money right now. But.... I don't think they lose their value all that much and some people will pay more for the no lock.
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:41 PM
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Here is the trade I would be getting



My opinion, and please regard it as such:

The 642/442 was recently on sale for $319 at several retailers with a $30 rebate. The rebate is over but grabagun still has the 442/642 for around $325 + shipping + ffl - $350+-.

That puts the used value of one right around $250-$275. Again, my opinion, but if a used gun isn't more than $50 less than a new one, I'll buy the new one every time.

So depending on the value of your AR (not familiar with the pricing on them), if the money/trade is right, go for it. As far as the finish wearing; it's a carry gun and it will never be a collectible - I wouldn't mess with it. As long as the innards are good and it functions fine, it'll do its job. I have a 442-1 and it's a great pocket J.
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:55 PM
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I bought my -1 new back in January for $362 including shipping and a $40 FFL fee.

I carry it in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, and in 9 months it aint got a mark on it. I don't carry anything else in the pocket I carry it in. Keys, and change would probably do a number on the finish.
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:58 PM
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That grip looks like it would hurt bad. Is it comfortable? Ever been tempted to put a softer grip on there with some felt recoil reduction?
For sure. This is the same 642 I have pictured in post#9 of this thread...Pachmayr grips are my friend.
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Old 09-09-2018, 01:43 AM
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As stated the 642-1 is a good gun. Most of the chipping and peeling complaints I know of were on the -2 as I think S&W changed the finish for awhile and have since gone back to the original finish. Either way I have a 642-2 and a 642-1 and the -1 gets daily use as it's a No-lock and no undue wear on either.
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Old 09-09-2018, 07:44 PM
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My 642-1 definitely shows wear, it's been carried a lot. The paint is worn off all the edges and there are a few chips and scuffs. I think it just adds character, no fears about reliability.
Tried to get a pic but hardly any of if shows up.

I don't know what your AR15 is worth but I find used 642's for $300 to $325 all the time.

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Old 09-09-2018, 07:58 PM
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It is a pre lock. Take that value into consideration. The no lock does make it more vaulable. That makes it a great carry piece.
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Old 09-09-2018, 08:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogmatt View Post
Does anyone here have a model 642 or 642 - 1 snubby? I have someone who wants to make a trade with me and that is what they're offering it is one that he carried my concern is instead of the aluminum alloy frame being exposed doesn't this pistol have a coating on it and the coating is prone to chipping and rubbing off creating an uneven finish throughout the frame?
IT HAS HAPPENED TO SOME, BUT NOT ALL M642s. REMOVE THE GRIPS AND INSPECT IT VERY WELL.....

IMHO---CARRYING IT IN A VERY HUMID CLIMATE, OR CARRYING IT LOOSE IN A POCKET, INSTEAD OF IN A HOLSTER, MIGHT AFFECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FINISH.....

MY NO LOCK M642-1, CARRIED IN A MIKA POCKET HOLSTER, STILL LOOKS GOOD AFTER 4 YEARS......

MY WEAPON WEARS A SET OF CT LG-405s, WHICH COVER THE BACKSTRAP, THUS PROTECTING IT FROM SWEATY PALMS.......
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Old 09-09-2018, 08:08 PM
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My 642-1 had some issues on the anodizing. Probably could have sent it back to S&W for refinishing... but opted the Robar route.



NP3 Plus, which was beneficial when I got my 9mm cylinder to convert it. Sent that out to Robar, and matched perfectly. No issues. 642 question
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Old 09-09-2018, 08:11 PM
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It is a pre lock. Take that value into consideration. The no lock does make it more vaulable. That makes it a great carry piece.
The 642-1 no lock is still available new at no increase in price
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Old 09-09-2018, 08:43 PM
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I have never understood the coating that the factory puts on it. A clean polished aluminum alloy would look better and would not peel wear or chip and the finish would last longer. Sort of like stainless steel. I sure am going to be tempted to find a way to safely remove that worn finish and just have a clean aluminum alloy finish.
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Old 09-09-2018, 08:54 PM
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Rogmat-
Recommending grips is like recommending underwear.
First shoot it with the grips that come on it.
Then you can decide if you want to swap out the grips.
I have a number of J Grips on Hand, but my 642 still has the original grips.
They seem to be a little sparse with +P ammo, but OK with regular 38s.
The general rule is, larger grips are more comfortable with hotter anmo.
But as the grips get larger, it’s harder to carry it concealed, especially pocket carry.
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Old 09-09-2018, 08:54 PM
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Bare aluminum is extremely susceptible and prome to corrosion! Especially if in contact with salt!!!!

If you go to bare aluminum lok, better put a clear coat over it, or it won’t last long!
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Old 09-09-2018, 09:26 PM
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"Unlike iron and steel, aluminium does not rust or corrode in moist conditions. Its surface is protected by a natural layer of aluminium oxide. This prevents the metal below from coming into contact with air and oxygen.

Aluminium is high in the reactivity series but it does not seem to react with water or acids. IT WILL REACT/CORRODE WITH ACIDS AND WATER ONLY WHEN IT IS FRESHLY MADE.This is because, when the surface of freshly made aluminium is left in the air, a thin layer of aluminium oxide quickly forms on its surface:

4Al(s) + 3O2(g) → 2Al2O3(s)

This layer is only about 0.0002 cm thick,but this is enough to make the metal resistant to corrosion,This tough layer sticks tightly and does not flake off the surface.The oxide layer is unreactive.

The acidity or alkalinity of the environment significantly affects the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloys. At lower and higher pH, aluminum is more likely to corrode but by no means always does so. For example, aluminum is quite resistant to concentrated nitric acid. When aluminum is exposed to alkaline conditions corrosion may occur, and when the oxide film is perforated locally, accelerated attack occurs because aluminum is attacked more rapidly than its oxide under alkaline conditions. The result is pitting. In acidic conditions, the oxide is more rapidly attacked than aluminum, and more general attack should result."
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Old 09-16-2018, 09:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cocked & Locked View Post
Finish on mine has not chipped or peeled off. It has just worn off basically on the edges. It is an early -1 model that is not +P rated.

I have seen pictures of some that look like they have chipped or fallen off in flakes.

no chipping...no peeling.

That's an older 642 with a clear anodized finish (which wears great over the years). The new ones are basically painted. S&W stopped using the clear anodized finishes when folks (or so I heard) complained that the frame didn't match the cylinder/barrel.

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Old 09-16-2018, 09:26 PM
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Been carrying my 442 for many years. No finish issues on the blue. Sure there will be some holster wear. Just like there will be honing marks on a pocket knife used daily. Adding some
Altamont grips make the 642/442 one nice carry pistol.
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Old 09-16-2018, 10:31 PM
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Bare aluminum is extremely susceptible and prome to corrosion! Especially if in contact with salt!!!!

If you go to bare aluminum lok, better put a clear coat over it, or it won’t last long!
I polished my 642 in 2014, have carried it quite often when going out in a leather pocket holster and it still looks pretty much the way it did when I was done. I waxed it one time when I was done but have never done it again.

It was pretty beat up finish wise.Lots of chips and marks along the back of the grip frame.

So I polished my 642...

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My opinion, and please regard it as such: it's a carry gun and it will never be a collectible -
I would say this statement is false. There are so many guns that people have said that about through the years for various reasons. Milsurp,high production count etc. And yet some have gained a HUGE bump in value. It all depends on what happens in the future. You can never really tell what will be a collectible and what won't. Now as far as his gun goes, probably not since it's already worn some.

As far as value goes for your gun these guys are right in the ballpark. No idea what you have in the AR but these are still not much more than $300-$350.
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