Performance vs. Ladysmith vs. regular

Paints-n-cows · Dec 17, 2014

I was looking at possibly buying a 637 or 642 and am trying to figure out if the additional cost is worth it. (Yes, the additional issue of the different models as well). Just trying to narrow it down.

Now, outside of aestethics (i.e, grips), is the Performance Center one worth the extra $120+? Or the Ladysmith worth an additional $75?

Is the Performance Center cut for moonclips like the Pro or is that an additional model that I need to consider?

They are all stainless and it has been my experience that a little time with a polishing compound can make them slick.

kaaskop49 · Dec 17, 2014

Hey, partner. I shoot and carry the standard 637 and 642 revolvers, and have handled and dry fired the PC versions. I can feel little or no difference between the PC and standard versions. I passed up the PC models which is difficult, as I absolutely adore J-frame snubs. Those I've seen were not cut for moon clips. Never tried the Ladysmith 642; some have posted the springs are lighter.

There is a 637 DAO bobbed hammer version called the Wyatt or Gunsmoke model. It is a PC model. Many dislike it for the logos which they consider cheesy. They may be right, but they are passing up the fact that it is one of the slickest carry pieces out there. I have 2 and would find it hard to pass up a third. Maybe you should get one before I buy it ahead of you!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

jonh1373 · Dec 17, 2014

640/642

I have the PRO in both the 640 & 642. I find both are smoother than the standard production. I highly recommend the PRO series.

Hapworth · Dec 18, 2014

Of the ones you list, I'd opt for the 642 Pro; it's a small $30 step over the standard 642 for a significant improvement in your carry options -- moon clip use, if you prefer (though not required, works fine without them).

There's nothing to the PC or LS versions that to me justify the added expenditure.

Outside your stated considerations, take a look at the 442 Moon Clip -- identical to the 642 Pro, but black. Big, bad, tactical black -- I know -- but allegedly a more durable finish.

Jon H · Dec 18, 2014

Ladysmith 642

There are a few benefits associated with the Ladysmith I bought for my girlfriend: a. the Ladysmith engraving on the 642 is classy and IDs the gun as hers (kind of); b. there is a nice pedigree associated with the Ladysmith name; c. the rosewood stocks that came with it were unique to the LS although the GF hated 'em. As far as any easier trigger pull, no difference out of the box at all; totally factory feel. All in all, considering the rosewood LS stocks are unused, I really only paid for the engraving of Ladysmith on the side. YMMV

Recamundo · Dec 18, 2014

Love the Lady

Can't comment on the other models you mention - I have owned the LS for about 10 years now. I can't speak highly enough about the gun - it's my "go-to" gun all the time. Solid, compact, shoots straight, the finish is typical S&W (great) and the low maintenance SS just is a plus. Personally I don;t think you can go wrong with any S&W. I have the LS and wouldn't sell or trade it. Period.

Paints-n-cows said:
I was looking at possibly buying a 637 or 642 and am trying to figure out if the additional cost is worth it. (Yes, the additional issue of the different models as well). Just trying to narrow it down.

Now, outside of aestethics (i.e, grips), is the Performance Center one worth the extra $120+? Or the Ladysmith worth an additional $75?

Is the Performance Center cut for moonclips like the Pro or is that an additional model that I need to consider?

They are all stainless and it has been my experience that a little time with a polishing compound can make them slick.

thibaultfelix40 · Dec 18, 2014

I have had a stock 637 that I bought years ago when they retailed for $280. I had gone through several rubber grips for my kitgun until I found the right one for me. I bought a similar one for the 637. The only other change I might make is to add a fiber optic tube.

JcMack · Dec 18, 2014

The only thing stainless on the 637, 642, and any aluminum frame gun is the barrel and cylinder. If you attempt to polish anything other than the barrel and cyl. (the frame) you'll remove the anodizing (finish) which is a bad idea. You could buy a 642 or 637 and change springs to suit your needs as opposed to spending extra cash.

exdetsgt · Dec 18, 2014

Kaaskop49,

Why is the Wyatt "one of the slickest carry pieces out there"?

jdlahood · Dec 18, 2014

Smith 642 and lady smith

Hello friend, i own a Smith 642 and i do know the only difference between the Lady Smith and the 642 are the Rosewood grips with the official Smith logo. It is also engraved Lady Smith. Aftermarket rosewood grips go for about $40-$50. As far as polishing and i found this out the hard way. The only thing on either of these revolvers you can polish is the trigger. Even though the barrell and cylinder are stainless they are also anodized with the same coating as the aluminum frame. You can either rub them down with a Remwipe or wax them with Johnsons paste wax or similar. If you want to polish stainless revolvers the Smith and Wessons polish up very fast as i had a snub nosed stainless 686 .357. The Rugers take forever because they leave the factory much rougher with lines in the steel. I have been working on a GP-100 for like years and just started a SP101. Nice guns but rough.

up2ztop · Dec 18, 2014

I have the 442 Pro it is cut for moon clips.I was told via S&W email that if its a newer one I can shoot .38 Super Auto +P. Also with the Pro the cylinder is SS but painted black. I love it except for the trigger pull.

Mark6005 · Dec 18, 2014

Wanted to get my wife a ls seems a long wait for one. This was the 642. We have a smith 60 357 da sa same gun without the engraving and nice grips. I wanted the da model but can't find one. You're doing better than me if you can find one. Hope you do. That's a Merry Christmas gift!

kaaskop49 · Dec 18, 2014

exdetsgt said:
Kaaskop49,

Why is the Wyatt "one of the slickest carry pieces out there"?

Hey, Sarge! First, the bobbed hammer spur which enables me to draw from a pocket rig without snagging (Yeah, guys, I know all about the 642, but I wanted to get another J

). Second, the refined PC action which has to be felt to be believed. Easier and quicker to put a round each on 3 pieces of typing paper at 5-7 yards than with my other Js. Third, altho purely subjective and no indication of performance, the polished trigger, hammer and cylinder flutes.

I did, however, change out the grips. Good talking again, Sarge. Stay safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

exdetsgt · Dec 18, 2014

Thanks for your comments re: the Wyatt. I may see if I can find one. With what grips did you replace the stock ones?

kaaskop49 · Dec 18, 2014

exdetsgt said:
Thanks for your comments re: the Wyatt. I may see if I can find one. With what grips did you replace the stock ones?

Nothing extraordinary. UM boot grip on one, and the factory Magna "peanut" + Tyler T on the other. So I can tell them apart

.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

exdetsgt · Dec 18, 2014

Sounds like reasonable solution, sir.

F75gunslinger · Dec 18, 2014

I bought a 642...but HATED the trigger pull out of the box...bought a full set of Wolff springs ( I think it was $15 or $17 for 7 or 8 different springs
), took the gun apart and did some polishing work while I was in there. I would say for the extra $30 it would be worth it for the pro if that's already done.

chasmatic · Dec 19, 2014

I own and carry a Model 65-5 Ladysmith, 3" barrel and a 60-14 Ladysmith snubbie, both in .357 mag. Don't know much about Performance Center but both my pistols have smooth actions and overall fit and finish is a notch above standard production guns. it is my understanding that extra care was taken with the LSs. I didn't need to change any springs, action worked in real smooth as is. I never understood the reasoning behind the "Ladysmith" designation, like was it intended, get more women shooting? I don't care if they call 'em arfy darfy, they are some of my best performing revolvers.

murphydog · Dec 19, 2014

"I never understood the reasoning behind the "Ladysmith" designation, like was it intended, get more women shooting?"

Correct, it was a marketing push back in the early-mid 1990s. Most had (relatively) smaller stocks and fancier (more colorful

) cases, and in the examples I've handled the trigger pulls seemed lighter and smoother than comparable guns of the same era. Don't know if the current ones follow this pattern.

Regarding the original question, it would probably be worth having the three models your mention side by side to see if any of them appeal to you specifically if possible. My guess is there is probably enough individual production variability to have the standard one to be the best to you.

BTW, you can polish a model 640 everywhere if you want since it is all steel. Good luck in your decision.

FSTJACK · Dec 19, 2014

jonh1373 said:
I have the PRO in both the 640 & 642. I find both are smoother than the standard production. I highly recommend the PRO series.

I agree 100%.

Performance vs. Ladysmith vs. regular

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