Question on 442 Finish

ajgunner · #1 01-24-2022, 07:40 PM

I have a 442 serial # BPT9XXX that has a silver finish instead of the regular black. A friend tried to convince me that this is a special "light nickle" finish and was only done a couple of years and in limited numbers. I call BS on this being nickle. While it is certainly a different color finish than my 642, I just don't believe it is nickle. Can one of you with a greater knowledge of these please settle this for me. If you can post a photo of the facts as printed in a book, that would be even better.

Thanks

Not so sure this is a "quality" photo, but here it is.

It has a few flecks in the finish, but serves me well as an office desk piece.

L-2 · #2 01-24-2022, 09:45 PM

I don't know or really care what you/OP have/has, but here's a reference:

"A small quantity of transition frames are found with the new frame size, but with the old style thumbpiece and satin nickel finish manufactured in late 1996.

Supica, Jim,Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (Kindle Locations 9807-9808). F+W Media. Kindle Edition. "

Next time, please consider posting some high quality photos.

demkofour · #3 01-24-2022, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajgunner

I have a 442 serial # BPT9XXX that has a silver finish instead of the regular black. A friend tried to convince me that this is a special "light nickle" finish and was only done a couple of years and in limited numbers. I call BS on this being nickle. While it is certainly a different color finish than my 642, I just don't believe it is nickle. Can one of you with a greater knowledge of these please settle this for me. If you can post a photo of the facts as printed in a book, that would be even better.

Thanks

S&W did in fact build and sell the Model 442 in both matte black and a satin nickel finish. These were built on the original 3 screw Round Butt J Frame with an alloy frame and steel barrel and cylinder. These preceded the 442-1 with the new and updated J Magnum Frame, but as per the SWSC 4th. Edition page #290, apparently satin nickel continued with the new frame but that finish was deleted in 1997. Here’s a couple of old pictures of my 442 no dash with the satin nickel finish. The serial number on my 442 is in the BRB99XX range, so not that far off from your BPT9XXX

326MOD10 · #4 01-25-2022, 03:07 AM

Here is my satin nickel 442.

They are a dull nickel versus the bright nickel you see on most older Smiths.

lkabug · #5 01-25-2022, 03:34 PM

Here's my 442 Airweight, no dash Nickel finish. Serial number BSE36XX. The SCSW places BSE at approximately at 1994.

ajgunner · #6 01-25-2022, 07:31 PM

Thanks for sharing the info. Guess I have been proven wrong.

Truckman · #7 01-25-2022, 08:11 PM

I just checked my old bound book records, and found I had five 442's in nickel finish, all being received in the late 90's to early 2000's from individuals as used guns...

...Ben

NCBeagle · #8 05-13-2023, 04:18 PM

Jumping into this thread. Learned something today.

I have three of the 442 (no dash) in nickel. Thought that the matte nickel ended with the "no dash." As others mentioned above, Smith & Wesson made the 442-1 in matte nickel very briefly before discontinuing the finish in 1997. Saw photos of a matte nickel 442-1 today at a local gun shop. The owner will send more detailed photos.

EDIT: I may have thenoption to buy the 442-1. We’ll see.

Here are the 442 no dash.

yugolovr · #9 05-13-2023, 10:02 PM

I would very much like to have a nickel 442. I guess I will just have to settle for a the 642. I like all the old nickeled air weights.

NCBeagle · #10 05-14-2023, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yugolovr

I would very much like to have a nickel 442. I guess I will just have to settle for a the 642. I like all the old nickeled air weights.

That’s not the case at all. No need to settle. Keep your eyes open for matte nickel 442 on the big auction site and forums. They are not too hard to find.

photoman · #11 05-16-2023, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCBeagle

That’s not the case at all. No need to settle. Keep your eyes open for matte nickel 442 on the big auction site and forums. They are not too hard to find.

They do pop up quite often on GB.

viceunit · #12 05-16-2023, 12:24 PM

I had one BPW68XX that I carried as a duty BUG. Gave it to my son when I retired and he is using it for the same purpose. Missed it and Got a 642 to replace it not long after I gave away the brushed nickel 442.