Today I picked up what appears to be either a nickel or stainless 442. No internal lock and the barrel is marked for 38 special with no reference to +p. Can someone enlighten me as to this creature? What is it made of? When were they made? Can it handle +P loads? Does its value differ from a black 442 or a stainless 642?

If it is marked a 442 and is silver, it would be nickel plated. 642 is the stainless version of the same gun. 442 came in black or nickel.

I bought mine 15 years ago. The nickel finish is similar to Colt's electroless nickel
and is far superior to the finish on a 642, which flakes and peels. The gun handles +P's easily and has a nice trigger too. It was replaced in my pocket by a 340 PD only for the weight reduction.

I bought a matte nickel finish 442 when they were introduced.

The nickel plating on mine peeled off the face and side of one chamber during the first range session. The folks at S&W refinished the cylinder.

Nickel plated (satin finish) apparently were made for a couple of years in the early to mid 90's.

I bought mine used about 7 or 8 years ago and it, obviously, had been carried as there are a few spots or discolorations on the frame but they are minor. It gave me one I would not have to worry about the finish down here in this hot and humid climate.

I have a number of J Frame snubbies for pocket carry and the nickeled 442 is my most-carried J frame. Would like to find another for sale!

Thank you for the replies. It's definitely a 442, and it must be the nickel finish. A further point of confirmation is that the cylinder star is black. It has Crimson Laser grips. This finish isn't perfect. The seller claimed the original owner told him it was shot only a few times to adjust the laser. Of course I can't tell how many times it was shot, but it was clearly carried more that it was shot. Unfortunately no box or papers. It confused me when I saw it. I thought it was a pre-lock 642.