Early Model 642 Finish Issues and Model 042

NCBeagle · #1 05-12-2024, 09:22 PM

I understand Smith & Wesson perceived finish issues on early 642, paused the project, and used the frames to make the Model 042, with the overstamp, etc. There are several threads on the topic.

What, specifically, was the finish problem? When Smith & Wesson finally released the 642 it was stunning. The clear anodized frame and stainless barrel / cylinder look great. How is it different than the first attempt? Anyone have photos of the early 642 that Smith & Wesson ditched?

If the early 642 really was a mess, then this proves that you can polish a ****. Smith & Wesson took the early 642 frames and parts and created (in my opinion) the most attractive J Frame in the 042.

Please post photos of, or describe, the early 642 finish issue that lead to 042.

Also, wouldn't mind seeing some 042 photos.

Engine49guy · #2 05-12-2024, 10:05 PM

I have an 042 squirreled away in the safe,
Mine has a satin black finish IIRC,
I can't quite recall the issue the factory had, just did a quick review in my old SCSW 2 , they call it a transitional model that was the first Centennial with an internal floating firing pin.
The "6" prefix would indicate a silver finish, will have to see if mine had the "0" added to 42 or had the "6" overstamped, if so would make sense if they were originally some sorta clear coated frame then refinished black but that's just a guess.

Iirc there were a couple variations

jimmyj · #3 05-12-2024, 10:35 PM

In the past, past I had finish issues with two Model 642s that the factory replaced with replacement Model 642s. Later a third model had the finish issues but this time the factory advised that the finish was not covered under warrenty as it did not affect the the function of the weapon.

Baltimoreed11754 · #4 05-13-2024, 12:24 AM

From being carried every day in a pocket holster my 642’s clear coat wore off and the metal wore so I had it ceracoated. It wore off again so I had it redone. I havent been using it since the last redo as im using a ltwt Colt Mustang now.

demkofour · #5 05-13-2024, 09:32 AM

Hey Ryan, from what I recall, the powers that be at the S&W factory were unsatisfied with the “almost two-tone” finish the first run of the new 642 presented. The aluminum frame had an attractive matte or brushed finish which contrasted with the shinier stainless steel barrel, cylinder and yoke. My opinion- it looked great, but it fortunately led to the birth of the 042!
The factory decided to refinish the components in a matte blue and/or a shiny polished blue and the frames were over stamped with Mod-042. On some frames the over stamping completely hides the original Mod-642 stamping and on some it’s clearly visible. It’s kind of hard to see on my two 042s. FWIW, here’s some pictures of my early 642. The finish contrast is much more obvious in person.

demkofour · #6 05-13-2024, 09:39 AM

Here are my two Mod-042 pistols, both finished in the shiny polished blue. The over stamping is very obvious, but the original Mod-642 is not as legible as in other samples I have seen.
The 042 shipped, as far as I recall, with the oversized UM combat grips, as in my first example. The second one is wearing a set of VZ boot grips.

Hawg Rider · #7 05-13-2024, 10:22 AM

I bought this 642-2 from my son years ago when he decided to upgrade his CCW revolver, and I got it cheap! It is one of my EDCs, along with a PC Shield Plus 9mm. You can see some of the finish wear spots that are attributable to my shooting (hundreds of rounds) and carry. I always carry this in a pocket holster...either a Sticky Holster or Malabar Gun Leather bullhide pocket holster. Yes, my 642-2 has a Hillary Hole and some finish issues, but I just ignore both. It's been a very dependable and accurate snubby and is very easy to carry.

InTheWoods · #8 05-13-2024, 12:31 PM

Put a couple of coats of Johnson's Paste Wax on your 642 and the finish will last. Gotta wear through the wax to get to the finish. I wax mine every couple of years, use/carry it a lot, and the finish is all but perfect. Pretty simple, really.

rincar · #9 05-13-2024, 08:26 PM

My 042 I purchased at a gun show. I used the new credit card my wife had given me and had told me that I was not to use it except in emergencies. I considered the 042 an emergency. I Got a lot of static, but I still have that 042. Its been carried a lot as a back up and off duty. The finish is worn but it still works.

NCBeagle · #10 05-13-2024, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demkofour

Hey Ryan, from what I recall, the powers that be at the S&W factory were unsatisfied with the “almost two-tone” finish the first run of the new 642 presented. The aluminum frame had an attractive matte or brushed finish which contrasted with the shinier stainless steel barrel, cylinder and yoke. My opinion- it looked great, but it fortunately led to the birth of the 042!
The factory decided to refinish the components in a matte blue and/or a shiny polished blue and the frames were over stamped with Mod-042. On some frames the over stamping completely hides the original Mod-642 stamping and on some it’s clearly visible. It’s kind of hard to see on my two 042s. FWIW, here’s some pictures of my early 642. The finish contrast is much more obvious in person.

Jim, thanks. I guess this is where I get confused. The 642 (no dash) (1990-1992) with a clear anodized frame, is a really nice looking revolver. It is beautiful. Same with the 638 (no dash) and 637 (no dash). Is this the finish with which Smith & Wesson was so dissatisfied that it decided to scrap the model? That might be the case, based upon 642 (No dash) starting in 1990 and ending in 1992. I assumed that there was some hideous interim finish that nobody could tolerate. If correct, it's sort of ironic that the subsequent 642-1 and 642-2 have a utilitarian, painted, two-tone look.

So, in terms of timeline:

- 642 (no dash) introduced 1990
- S&W decides that 642 (no dash) is ugly
- S&W discontinues 642 in 1992
- S&W uses old 642 frames to make 042 (1992)
- S&W introduced 642-1 in 1996.

I always thought that the really nice looking 642(no dash) came after 042. That the 642(no dash) is the perfected finish. That cannot be the case, based on the timeline. Do I have this right?

Here are a few photos of 642, 638, and 637 (all no dash). Same clear anodized finish. The 638 and 637 no dashes are limited production, just under 500 of each for Ellett Brothers in 1989. All three look great. They look better in person.