Does anyone know what the actual finish is on the frame of the S&W Airweight J Frames. Is is anodized aluminum, or some type of coating? How does it hold up in daily carry usage? Does either the silver or black hold up better to daily holster use? It seems like the finish would scratch fairly easily.

The 642 has a spray-on 'clear coat.' Some folks have had trouble with it peeling and other folks have had good luck with it. I think the first few years of the clear coat were the most problematic.

Smith and Wesson warns not to use harsh cleaning chemicals on the finish. I have had my 642 for several years and carry it regularly. I have had zero problems. The finish, so far, has worn better than most of my older blued firearms. The wear is so unnoticable I would have to show you where it is.

I use Breakfree CLP to clean, lubricate, and protect the stainless parts (cylinder and barrel). I use paste wax on the clear coat. As I have stated before, you must wear through the wax before you can wear through the finish.

The 642 is actually two different layers of paint, one silver and one clear. It does chip. I'm not sure what the 442 has but it seems to be a single layer and scratches easily. Both finishes are somewhat fragile.

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Centennial Every Day

442s are easily touched up with Aluminum Black. You can't touch up a 642.

Oh how I long for the days when they really anodized aluminum. I have a Daisy air-pistol I bought for my son some 25 to 30-years ago and it still looks almost brand new.

I know the 317 also has the coating and after a few thousand rounds, it will begin to peel off the cylinder and leave a brownish ring at the juncture of where it is and where it ain't. The frame will also scratch very easily and I recommend the use of a rubber screwdriver to remove any screws.

It is what it is.

[QUOTE=snubbiefan;136389645]Oh how I long for the days when they really anodized aluminum. I have a Daisy air-pistol I bought for my son some 25 to 30-years ago and it still looks almost brand new.

I think they want the different parts to match, so everything just gets painted. I would rather that each part would get whatever finish works best for that metal. That would probably mean leaving the stainless steel "bare". Then, the aluminum could be properly anodized . I don't think the stainless can be anodized.

rat

I am not sure if the Scandium framed guns are much differant in their finish process but I have a 342PD Airlite that I bought used a year or so ago and even with daily wear it shows no wear. I shoot it regularly but its not like you are going to be putting it in and out of the holster all day. I wear mine in an Alliessi deep cover and it fits tight with no rubbing, too tight maybe. The Titanium on the Airlites will discolor but I consider mine a tool and not a show and tell item, i have others for that. I only ever use a soft cloth and Lucas gun oil on the outside.
I did recently buy a M&P 9 and that finish is practicly rubbing of in my hand, it wont last like the alloys.

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