So, I posted a thread earlier gathering lots of good information on the various j-frames and have decided another 642 is in my future.

Now my dilemma is which one to get.

I can get a standard 642 without the lock for $400.

There is a Davidson's exclusive 642 that supposedly has some performance center action work but isn't actually a performance center model for $450. Downside is it has the lock which I really don't want.

My other option is a 642 performance center model for $500. No lock. It has a "tuned action" and I do like the polished trigger but some of the other "upgrades" are more cosmetic and aren't huge selling points for me.

Having the lock isn't a deal breaker for me but I do find it visually unappealing and would rather not have it.

I'm leaning towards the $400 base model without the lock and using the money saved over the performance center model for a nice set of grips and any action work that I feel might makes it a nicer shooter.

The only thing steering me slightly towards the performance center model is the fact that I might get better resale value should I decide down the road that I don't want it.

I'm horrible at making decisions.

The only, hopefully helpful, comment I can make is I decided on a 442 instead of a 642. Mine has the lock which doesn't bother me. I had read several places that the finish holds up better on the 442 versus the 642. Since it was to be used - and is used - as a pocket carry revolver I wanted the longest lasting finish as possible. The only change I made to mine was to dump the worthless S&W rubber boot grip and buy an S&W rubber banana grip - like the ones they sell on the 360J. The trigger on my stock 442 is great for accuracy out to five yards - I can keep five rounds on a playing card sized area at that range. Just food for thought ...

I'd get the 642 base.(no lock) A Wilson J frame spring kit makes them nicer than a PC trigger pull.

Thanks. I was back and forth between the 442 and 642. I've owned two 642's and one 442 in the past. While I'm usually partial to the look of a black gun, for some reason I think the 642 has more visual appeal.

I got the 642 Pro Series that can be used with moon clips. It has no lock.

The performance center model I am looking at is cut for moon clips. I don't plan on using them though. Mostly because I don't like to carry my reloads on the clips.

I personally would get the PC 642 with the rubber grips that have the wood inserts. It's cut for moonclips, no lock and has the PC action job, plus the polished trigger and flutes ect. Buds has them for around $460-$470. Otherwise I'd get the 642 Pro and do a spring upgrade and polish. Buds has them for around $400 or just under usually.

I'd recommend the basic 642-1. Just my opinion, but I think the other, more expensive, models may give some performance improvements, but I'm not convinced it would be that significant in a real world sense, at least enough to justify the higher prices. But ultimately it's your wallet so go with what you think suits your needs/wants.

ETA: Just saw your comment regarding moonclips. Even more reason, in my opinion, to stick with the basic model.

CDNN has the PC 442 on sale for $399.


CDNN SPORTS - SMITH WESSON 442 38 SPECIAL +P PC CUSTOM TUNED

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Thanks. I'll look into that one.

Thanks again for the heads up.

Just ordered that one. I like the two tone look and it's basically the same gun as the 642 PC model that I was looking at but priced about the same as the base model 442/642.

Hopefully it hits my FFL before the weekend and I can go pick it up.

^That is a nice looking little centennial. I may have to get one of those myself..

Looks like it's going to ship out today. Should hit my FFL on Wednesday. I'll be picking it up on Friday or Saturday.

I also ordered some replacement grips for it since I'm not a huge fan of the ones that come on it.

I'll post up some pictures with the new grips installed once I get them.

Thank you all for the thoughts, opinions, and the link to the good deal.

^^^Very nice contrast with the blued 442-look and a stainless slynder. If my Glock 42 was worth anything, in trade, at the LGS - I would get one ...

I bought the no lock when you first had a choice. No need for other spring kits, just watch TV and practice dry fire.

No lock 642 is my choice but that one from CDNN is sharp! My 642-1 has Altamont Combats

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That is a great price and you will really like your 442.

I have one and carry it most of the time. I like the look and the action is pretty nice out of the box.

Wasn't a big fan of the clip grip so had to replace it with the old version UM Boot grips.

If you ever do get a J frame cut for moon clips the benefit is loading what is in the gun with the moon clip for great ejection if you were to need to fire it. You could then reload with a speed loader or strip. Have a 640 PRO and that is the method of carry when I carry it.

Enjoy your purchase.

Thanks. I likely will load it with the moon clips. I just don't like to carry a reload in moon clips or speed loaders due to the bulk. I usually just carry a speed strip.

I picked up that same PC 442 from Buds when they had them on sale last winter for that price. It's one of my favorites, has a real nice smooth trigger, and is almost always in my pocket in a Mika holster. I also changed out those grips with some black corian Don Collins.
I think you made a good choice.

No lock anything over one with a lock.

The 442 no lock is my favorite. The finish is up to you. After a lot of dry firing and shooting both have a smooth action. I never lighten the triggers. I just dry fire until smooth.

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I see some issues with moon clips for a j frame. One is bulk they are darned near as big around as the cylinder. Two is fragility If you bend it.... Finally with my speed strip I can fire and do a partial reload with out dumping out ammo

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Is that 442 cut for moon clips? The ad didn't mention it. That's a great price on it.
I have a 642 that is and I really like the option.
In a Mika, Blackhawk or Nemesis type holster, either one works very nice in most pockets ( at least for me )

The one I ordered might not be cut for the moon clips. I thought it was the same as the 642 PC I was originally looking at (which is set up for the moon clips) but maybe the 442 isn't. I'll know for sure either way when I get it in my grubby little paws this weekend.

Nope, no moon clips on this 442. I carry a speed strip or two with mine.

I've had quite a few J frames over the years, currently down to two, a 360J in 38 Spl and a 36-6 3" adjustable sights. Last week I was at Cabelas and they had a sale on, $299 for a 642. It had the lock but at that price I don't care. I got it home and this one has the best DA trigger of any J frame I've ever had. I pocket carry the 360J in a Mika holster quite a bit, but worry about it in our hot sweaty humid summers. This 642 will take over and I won't worry as much.

Congrats on the 442 you will love it. I carry a std no lock 442 in my pocket always.

I picked up a 637 PC on a whim this weekend after feeling its trigger. I tried the 642 PC and was equally impressed. I've done the trigger kits in 642s before and they were... ok. The PC trigger is great. Much smoother on the pull and reset than the other trigger replacement options out there.

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- The Federalist #46 -

A couple of years ago I was looking for a 438/638 to back up my duty revolver. (Yes, duty revolver.) I walked into the LGS into a S&W Factory sale. The 438s/442s (w/lock) were priced at $399.95 and the 642-2s (w/lock) were $329.95. Since I was working on a budget, I picked the 642-2. The factory rep told me to "Pick a box," as he removed the empty display gun box from the stack. I just took the one off the top. He said, "Open it." O-o-okay. I did, and there was a $100.00 off coupon from the LGS inside. $249.54 OTD. I put an Apex Duty Spring kit in it and haven't looked back. It rides in my pocket at work and sometimes off-duty. I also have other holsters for it.

Get the best deal you can.

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Luke 22:36

My vote is to get a used 642 with no lock with a little honest wear for under $300 OTD.

Thank you all for the advice and opinions.

I made my choice back in post #11.

Looking forward to picking up my purchase this weekend.

Disregard. Missed earlier reply

Hope you enjoy that 442PC..I can't get one as CDNN won't ship handguns to Ma. Company policy..which is kind of ironic as the revolvers are made here in Ma. Oh well..

Well that stinks.

Looks like my FFL signed for mine today. Hopefully I'll have time to run down and pick it up Friday.