442 vs 642

Apyung · May 18, 2021

Good Afternoon All,
It’s been a while since I last posted. I’m looking to add to my collection. Torn between a 442 Performance Center model 12643 (Crimson Trace LG105 grip) or a 642 Performance Center model 10186 (synthetic/wood grip). I’ve done a bunch of comparisons. Does the old hold true about how the finishes hold up, blued more durable…silver rubs off with some solvents? I held both and can’t really tell if one rank sight was quicker to pick up over the other. All previous J frames I’ve own had been either a 442 or M&P 340 variant. I personally like the PC models as I feel the trigger is lighter and smoother. Up front cost of the 642 PC is cheaper but when adding cost for the same CT grip it’s nearly $21 more than the 442 PC. Can any provide insight on the finishes on current models and if there is a there of which color is easier to pick up the front ramp on? I appreciate it.

bigfatty · May 18, 2021

I have owned both models. The 442 is absolutely gorgeous with the two tone and polished stainless screws, etc. I replaced the LG105 with a larger, rubberized model. It was not comfortable to shoot. The finish held up nicely.

The 642 is very comfy to shoot with the Altamont rubber and wood grips. It is also cut for moon clips, which is nice. The finish held up fine. It looks very mundane, like any other lightweight J frame.

Both triggers were great, very smooth. I would get the 442, replace the CTLG with a larger one and sell the LG105. You could also just sell the LG105 and buy the same 642 grips from Altamont.

Apyung · May 18, 2021

Thanks for the response this is what I was looking for. Now got to decide to order and ship to a FFL or drive 6 hrs round trip to pick one up.

Model 10-8 · May 18, 2021

Road trips are nice. Clear your mind, go some place new. Yea...I might go somewhere new. Thanks for the idea.

crazyphil · May 18, 2021

My grandson, a cop, tells me that most cops prefer the 442 for a BUG
because it won't shine like the 642 could. That could possibly be a problem
in certain circumstances.

buckshotshorty · May 18, 2021

I’ve had both, and now I have only the 442. I carried the 642 for 6 years and the finish flaked off and looked terrible, but it was always good and reliable. I traded it mostly because I couldn’t stand the lock hole, and made certain when I bought the 442 it was a “no Lock” model.
So far, the finish on the 442 has remained pristine, and I think it will hold up much better than the finish on the 642.

Apyung · May 18, 2021

Thanks for the replies. I’m a “cop” (detective) as well. I’m hoping to carry a it as a backup as well. I’m really worried about the flaking on the 642 as it seemed to be an issue for some. I appreciate all the replies. I’m set on the 442 PC.

S-W4EVER · May 18, 2021

You won’t regret buying the 442, I carry mine everyday and it’s as pretty as the day I bought it (new).

blues7 · May 19, 2021

I carry a 642-1 but either would be fine. (I like the sweat protection of the 642.)

When I started in law enforcement in NYC in the early 80's, most departments authorized blue steel only on the J frames we carried.

I stopped carrying one as a back up in the mid 90's.

Whether or not that is still considered an issue or not, I do not know.

Now that I'm retired, stainless works fine for me.

Both great guns.

transit · May 19, 2021

The 442 Pro Series (#178041) is cut for moon clips, and priced substantially below the Performance Center model.

IMHO, I'd take the moon clip option over the laser grips every time.

The polished parts on the PC gun are pretty though!

Wonder if I could order that thumbpiece and screws for my M&P 340?

Edited to add, I have a '99 642 that I carried for years as a back up. The finish is excellent.

Ray1970 · May 19, 2021

My older 642’s seemed to have some sort of paint like finish on the frame. The one I currently have almost just appears to be glass beaded aluminum and doesn’t seem to have the same finish as the older ones. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

I’ve been carrying my latest 642 on and off for a couple of years now and it still looks new. Also, for whatever reason, the last performance center 442 I owned had a very poor trigger. I have had pretty decent triggers on the last three or four 442/642’s I’ve owned and they were just standard models so the performance center was a bit of a disappointment.

Ray1970 · May 19, 2021

If the decision comes down to black or silver you can always just split the difference.

Bob512 · May 19, 2021

I have both a 442 and a 642.....both are excellent. I prefer the 442 for my EDC as I like the dark finish.......but you can’t go wrong either way!

VictorLouis · May 19, 2021

There are both Aluma-Black and Aluma-Hide products that will do a relatively nice job of touching up nicks and wear on black-anodized aluminum. On the 'white' guns, I know of nothing close, save for Testor's model paint, or nail polish, which will stand right out to the eye. That said, I am all about the black guns, in an AirWeight. On all steel, it has to be stainless, as my acidity would quickly trash a blued-grip frame if my lazy arse didn't stay on top of it.

Apyung · May 20, 2021

Just curious, for the ones who have owned both the 442 and 642 did you notice picking up the front ramp sight quicker on one compared to the other?

slabside2 · May 20, 2021

The only down side to the 442 is the carbon steel cylinder compared to the 642 that has a stainless steel cylinder. If that’s not an issue for you the 442 finish holds up really well.

S-W4EVER · May 20, 2021

Apyung said:
Just curious, for the ones who have owned both the 442 and 642 did you notice picking up the front ramp sight quicker on one compared to the other?

I had to paint the front sight black so I could see it on my 940 (obviously not necessary on my 442-2). I know I’ve said it before, S&W got this one right.

rich5674 · May 20, 2021

Liquid white out

Apyung said:
Just curious, for the ones who have owned both the 442 and 642 did you notice picking up the front ramp sight quicker on one compared to the other?

I use liquid whiteout on the sight of my 442 to make it stand out. Sticks well, easy to apply

diyj98 · May 20, 2021

Apyung said:
Just curious, for the ones who have owned both the 442 and 642 did you notice picking up the front ramp sight quicker on one compared to the other?

I find the black front sights easier to see outdoors. I noticed my 38 special 360J actually has a wider rear sight than then 642's I own which also helps. I'm not sure it this was intentional in the design or just some manufacturing fluke.

442 vs 642

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