442 and 642 ??

[rschlos]

Hey all,
What is the dif between these two j frames, besides the color/finish ?
My local Cabelas carries the 442, but dont see the 642, and I kinda like the silver color of the 642, wont show wear as much.
Thanks

 

[Bud11]

Don't think any difference besides what you mentioned.

 

[daveh75]

According to Supica...

The differences are what you mentioned...if you are having trouble finding a 642 try BudsGunShop.com, right now they have a "no lock" 642 for about three and some change...depending on what your local FFL would charge for the transfer it might be worth it. I would however ask Cabela's if they could order one for you. Either way good luck! I carry one for CCW and back-up, absolutely love it!

 

[texasj]

You will have to decide which look you like best. I had plenty of black already and went with the 642 with the factory installed CT laser.

 

[off road]

Some versions of the 442's have a carbon steel cylinder vs stainless (642 has always been stainless as I recall). I would always want stainless for corrosion resistance, especially for pocket carry and in humid environments. Also, there is a full moon clip/stainless cylinder 442, which is looking pretty good to me!

For example:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[Icopy1]

I thought the differences where that the 442s had a carbon steel cylinder and the 642 had a stainless steel cylinder.

The SS cylinder is why I went with the 642, considering it's my warm weather carry piece.

 

[jrs70]

442-642

Heck I have one of each, both no-locks. Yes the finish on the 642 will chip.

Paul

 

[russp1]

The wife and I went with one of each and the 442 actually came with the S&W pink grips. We moved them over to the 642 for her to carry.

 

[Silver77]

I could not find a 442 NL when buying so got a 642 NL from Jet's for $337 including shipping and of course no tax. Paid $20 transfer. It went straight to the G Smith for a trigger parts up grade and polish. Haven't gotten it back yet.

 

[TACC1]

I've got one of each; I like the 442 better for looks, but they're
both great shooters. TACC1

 

[PALADIN85020]

When I bought my first 442, I was looking for a "no lock" 642, but the dealer had only the no-lock 442 in stock, and that's what I got. I continued to search for a 642 without the lock, but finally settled on an internal-lock 642. No sweat; I removed the lock but it's still ugly. Disregarding the lock issue, I now actually prefer the 442. Its finish seems to stand up better than the clear-coat stuff they put on the 642. That does tend to wear and peel with use. I bought a second 442 for my wife; with the black finish it tends to hide better in her CC purse.

At any rate, I mostly use the 442 in the daytime and the 642 at night, so any threat will be able to clearly see that I have a gun in hand when and if I am forced to draw it.

Can't decide? Get both!

John

 

[photoman]

The 442 is easier to conceal but I think the 642 sights are the better option for dim light shooting. I think both are now made with stainless cylinders and barrels but not 100% sure about that.

 

[off road]

I thought the differences where that the 442s had a carbon steel cylinder and the 642 had a stainless steel cylinder.

The SS cylinder is why I went with the 642, considering it's my warm weather carry piece.

Stainless 442: Product: Model 442 Moon Clip

Think I have seen others that were stainless in the past (ProSeries?), but none on the website right now.

 

[Knightrider03m]

Best of both worlds

 

[photoman]

Best of both worlds

Or... For the man who can't make up his mind...

 

[BarkSlayer]

I bought the 442 for the same reason - didn't want to risk the clear coat on the 642 wearing off or discoloring. OTOH, a little holster-wear on a black framed 442 from years of faithful service is kind of attractive IMHO.

 

[BarkSlayer]

Best of both worlds

I like that!

 

[Brad737]

I bought the 642 from Buds Gun Shop for $320 and added the J Frame kit from Apex for $25. It's a fantastic CCW. Installation was a breeze.
Hope this helps,
Brad

 

[airman]

I bought a 642 for a BUG, shined up the innards, reduced the return spring and added a laser grip. It finally tore up my hands too much and traded it for a SS 3" 60-4. Much better but not so good for a BUG.

 

[jessegpresley]

R
Most folks (yours truly included) don't think the exotic scadnium (sp) framed J-frames are worth the extra $100-$150 price tag for such a minor weight savings over the aluminum alloy airweights.

More like $350-$450 more.