442 Nickel

[Torakan]

I picked up a 442 No dash with brushed nickel finish yesterday. Someone on a Facebook group stated they were Quite rare, and from what I could find out S&W made these for a few years before introducing the 642. Just wondering if these are really that rare. I’m aware these pre date the +P rated J frames.
I traded a Beretta Nano for this one.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I can't comment on the rarity of the nickel finish, but it seems you've also got the original grips, Uncle Mike's boot grips, which were basically a licensed rubber version of the famed Spegel boot grips. I'd hold on to those if I were you as those can be hard to come by.

 

[Torakan]

I can't comment on the rarity of the nickel finish, but it seems you've also got the original grips, Uncle Mike's boot grips, which were basically a licensed rubber version of the famed Spegel boot grips. I'd hold on to those if I were you as those can be hard to come by.

I’m aware of the Uncle Mike OEM grips. Since the gun is LNIB I’m prob not going to change anything.

 

[Jeppo]

I have one in similar condition and I believe a friend may have more than one. I’ve seen them, occasionally, back in the days when there were gun shows. Not sure they’re rare but I think you made an excellent trade.

 

[Kansasgunner]

I agree with the above posts you made a good trade. Yours looks like a very nice one.

 

[JayFramer]

Excellent! A safe queen for sure, that one is too nice to carry. Congrats!

 

[S&WIowegan]

Excellent trade

I can see from your photos that the gun hasn't been fired much if at all. I don't know how rare the nickel 442s are but I don't recall having seen one. I would keep it as is.

My regular pocket carry revolver is a 442 and I've actually won some BUG matches with it.

 

[Torakan]

I can see from your photos that the gun hasn't been fired much if at all. I don't know how rare the nickel 442s are but I don't recall having seen one. I would keep it as is.

My regular pocket carry revolver is a 442 and I've actually won some BUG matches with it.

I have a couple No lock 642-1’s That I’ll rotate for carry and prob keep this one for the collection.

 

[haywood]

That’s a good looking gun. The 442 is a long time favorite and most carried guns.

 

[Jessie]

I can’t say that I’ve seen a nickeled 442 before. I would think it’s rather unique.

 

[viceunit]

I had one for a while. Then my son talked me out of it about 9 years ago to use as a BUG in his LEO job. Finish is still holding up nicely. I got a 642-1 to replace it.

 

[Lightfoot4]

My wife has one. We bought it new in the early 1990s.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

I have seen a few nickel 442s in my life. I don’t know that I would call them rare.

 

[mattallamerican]

nice find never new they made them in nickel learned something new today thanks for sharing

 

[NCBeagle]

I have a couple nickel 442(no dash) and black 442(no dash). The nickel is sharp. In fact, been carrying one this week. It's not "rare" but definitely less common. Made for a few years. 1993-1997, I think. Don't have the Book in front of me. Nice piece. Don't be afraid to carry / shoot it.

 

[colt_saa]

The satin nickel 442 has always been a favorite of mine. I think it looks better than a 642

I had to sell my first one because of cash flow issues

I acquired a used one years late

Yours was manufactured on April 30th of 1994 and looks wonderful

 

[NCBeagle]

The satin nickel 442 has always been a favorite of mine. I think it looks better than a 642

Agreed, if we're talking about the current finish 642. But, it's hard to compete with the clear anodized 642 (no dash). I have a weird soft spot for the no dash 442 and 642...and the 638 an 637 no dash.

 

[NCBeagle]

I have always liked this picture. The no dash matte finish looks clean.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jframejoey]

Ive been lucky enough to have owned three 442s from the early 90s. one mint nickel that my oldest nephew now has, a mint blued and a finish worn nickel I just bought early this year for about 250. Great fit and finish and all three had great triggers. All used no box and all were under 300 each. Rare? I'm not sure but I think its a matter of those who have them seldom part with them.

 

[kaaskop49]

I can't comment on the rarity of the nickel finish, but it seems you've also got the original grips, Uncle Mike's boot grips, which were basically a licensed rubber version of the famed Spegel boot grips. I'd hold on to those if I were you as those can be hard to come by.

Good post! It's always wise to remove these grips before taking a J in for service. Guaranteed to vanish. Same for a Tyler T-grip. I keep a few beater grips on hand for these rare occasions. At one time, UMs were listed at $14.95 in the "remainder bin" in the S&W website "Store." The factory knockoffs were $27.95 IIRC. I must have bought out their supply of UM boots as they were not listed shortly thereafter. This was before the Covid crisis, so no guilt about hoarding. I would shoot and carry this fine revolver. That's what it was designed for.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103