I was wondering if an older model 042 has the same firing pin as say a new 442?
The 042 has the firing pin bushing pin you have to remove (from the outside frame) to get the firing pin out, as compared to the new 442 which only has a pin inside the side plate.
I was mainly wondering if they are the same shape, and/or interchangeable? Thanks in advance for any info.

I was wondering if an older model 042 has the same firing pin as say a new 442?
The 042 has the firing pin bushing pin you have to remove (from the outside frame) to get the firing pin out, as compared to the new 442 which only has a pin inside the side plate.
I was mainly wondering if they are the same shape, and/or interchangeable? Thanks in advance for any info.

Yes, the firing pins are the same. The newer model makes it easier to get to the firing pin and to clean it out. With the old pin under the rear sight it was a pain to pull the pin.

NO they are NOT the same. JFYI Completely different.

allglock is correct, The pins are not the same, Very different, They do use the same firing pin return spring..
The older style the 042 uses which is also the same as my 642 & 940 has a pin through the frame that holds a firing pin bushing the retains the firing pin that is removed from the recoil shield, were the newer style is simply retained by a small pin under the sideplate & removes to the rear after the hammer is removed or cocked.
Here's a pic of a broken older style pin with the newer pin in the background..
I had to send this pic to S&W to get the right pin for my 940, Finaly I got someone on the phone who would listen & they wanted a pic so I emailed them this..
I ended up with 6-8 new FREE newer style firing pins with this one transaction, They also sent me a return spring & bushing too.. FREE..
Gary/Hk

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

Here's a few pics of how I installed the bushing & a complete pic..
I've only done one of this type but own three of this kind..

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

Thanks for the lesson, Headknocker. Very interesting. I've never needed to do the proceedure but you just opened a new file in my memory....just in case!