I'm having a hard time deciding which gun to get, and I'm hoping someone can tell me which finish on the aluminum frame holds up better - the silver finish on the new 642-1, or the black finish on the new 37 no-lock?

I'm having a hard time deciding which gun to get, and I'm hoping someone can tell me which finish on the aluminum frame holds up better - the silver finish on the new 642-1, or the black finish on the new 37 no-lock?

Get em both like I did. You cant go wrong!
These may be collectibles one day!

Though they are two different guns, I have been wondering the same thing. I have seen a lot of used 642"s (with the lock) selling that looked pretty funky. Maybe they were cleaning them wrong and destroyed the clear finish.

Me too. It seems like all the photos of old 37's on this forum look a little worn, but still have most of the black (anodized?) finish. The worn 642's I've seen always look like more of the finish is gone, and some start turning shiny in spots, but not having either one, I don't know how they hold up.

Yep!

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Sure you did

Does anyone know if they use anodizing on both, or some type of clear coat on the 642?

Perhaps the 642's you see are pocket carried more than the 37's? That constant sweat and friction will put a lot of wear on the finish.

I prefer the black gun. I also think the black holds up better than the clearcoated finishes, don't know why, but it seems to.

I have a 37 that has seen a lot of carry since about 2001. The finish has not worn at all. It hasn't been shot a whole lot, but that's not the issue. It has recently been replaced since I got one of the no lock 642s. I wanted a 442 but finding one without the lock for a decent price has proven difficult. I've carried the 642 for a week with no finish wear!