The satin nickel Model 442 "no dash" is far less common than the basic black/blued "no dash" variant, having been produced for just a few years in 1990s and in limited numbers. The satin nickel 442-1, however, is rare. That's probably a fair description.
I thought, incorrectly, that the satin nickel finish ended with the 442 "no dash" in 1996. Last week a friend/gun shop manager shared photos of his friend's satin nickel 442-1. Total surprise to me. Thought that there was a mistake or misstamp, etc. Well, I checked the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition and, "A small quantity of transition frames are found with the new frame size, but with the old style thumbpiece and satin nickel finish; manufactured in late 1996." The photo showed one such example and I had to have it. Smith & Wesson discontinued satin nickel in 1997.
The seller / original owner purhased it in 1996 as backup while working as LEO. He later joined a federal LEO agency that did not allow J Frame backup and it sat unused for more than 20 years.
I negotiated a trade to acquire the satin nickel 442-1 this evening and will pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Its owner dropped it at the gun shop. I inspected and photographed it earlier today. It has the J Magnum frame but old style thumbpiece, forged internals, and barrel marked ".38 S.&W. SPL.," as opposed to +P. It is just sort of an oddball. Anyone else have one?
I'll post better photos tomorrow after we close the deal. The seller may have the original box, docs. Here are a few taken earlier today.
I thought, incorrectly, that the satin nickel finish ended with the 442 "no dash" in 1996. Last week a friend/gun shop manager shared photos of his friend's satin nickel 442-1. Total surprise to me. Thought that there was a mistake or misstamp, etc. Well, I checked the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition and, "A small quantity of transition frames are found with the new frame size, but with the old style thumbpiece and satin nickel finish; manufactured in late 1996." The photo showed one such example and I had to have it. Smith & Wesson discontinued satin nickel in 1997.
The seller / original owner purhased it in 1996 as backup while working as LEO. He later joined a federal LEO agency that did not allow J Frame backup and it sat unused for more than 20 years.
I negotiated a trade to acquire the satin nickel 442-1 this evening and will pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Its owner dropped it at the gun shop. I inspected and photographed it earlier today. It has the J Magnum frame but old style thumbpiece, forged internals, and barrel marked ".38 S.&W. SPL.," as opposed to +P. It is just sort of an oddball. Anyone else have one?
I'll post better photos tomorrow after we close the deal. The seller may have the original box, docs. Here are a few taken earlier today.
Last edited:
that thing is purty, congrats!
