442 no lock or Wyatt deep cover?
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I bought a 642-1 with out the lock at a Phoenix gun show about 4 years ago for right at $400.00 and have had not one single issue with it. I carry 110gr +P+ loads and every couple of months shoot the carried rounds along with 50 or so lead SWC and the little gun is tight as a drum. This weekend I am going back to Phoenix to another gun show and if I can not find the Nickel Model 15 I saw last time, I am thinking about getting another 642-1. SO, that would be my pick.
Pat
Pat
I'd pick a stainless airweight over a 442 simply because my 442 is prone to rust on the yoke when I carry it IWB and don't remember to wipe the yoke down with an oily or silicone rag every night. The 638 that replaced it as my daily carry piece doesn't have that problem. If you like the concealed hammer design I'd pick a 642 over the 442. And would certainly get a no-lock version, as it would have just that many fewer parts to go wrong.
I would go with a 642 over the 442 for the stainless steel. The internal lock is pretty much a deal breaker for me on a small carry snub. I think the enclosed hammer frame has a lot more practical advantages compared to a bobbed hammer one.
ContinentalOp
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If I were in your position I'd get a no-lock 642-1 for the reasons others have mentioned. I have a 642-1 for my carry gun and I'd have no qualms about getting another one (or three).
.455_Hunter
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PLEASE DO NOT BUY THE WYATT DEEP COVER!
You DO NOT want ANYTHING associated with that shop!
You DO NOT want ANYTHING associated with that shop!
Rick_A
Member
My lowly, cheap, two year old 442 is among the finest guns I own. Save for the typical aluminum flashing around the barrel (which was easily removed), it is perhaps the most flawless firearm I have ever purchased. There are several hundred rounds through it and I hope it lasts forever. I'm considering a 642 as well. The 442 frame finish is known to be more durable, while the 642 should be more rust resistant.
The "Deep Cover" guns come with a pretty slick action but are too gimmicky for my tastes.
The "Deep Cover" guns come with a pretty slick action but are too gimmicky for my tastes.
629shooter
Member
I don't like the ILS in the Airweight or Air Lite J-frames. For that reason, I would pick the 442-1 every time.
You need to qualify that kind of advice.
petemacmahon
Member
As to the above quote - I just remarked the same in another post about a cracked 642. I've heard of many of them, but nary a 442.
I've had a 442 for probably 15 years or so, I've lost count. It has become my constant companion. It was one of the first run of +p certified air weights but does not have the +p marking. Right after I purchased it, I contacted S&W for that confirmation and they told some of the first batch did not get properly marked. I usually practice with light to normal 38 spl ammo. The only +ps that have ever been shot through it are my selected carry load - Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition 38 Special +P 135 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point. Believe me, I dislike shooting them more than the gun does!
You can't go wrong with a 442!
Samuel P. Morris
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...or a 642 made within the last few years and remember despite what it's rated for a steady diet of hot ammo will wear a gun out quicker.
mgriffin
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I love my 442. It goes with me more than any other gun I own. It is a no lock and I also carry it with the Speer Gold Dots 135 gr. ammo. For me, I just like the fact that it is black and not as shiny as the 642. Never an issue with the 442 and for me, recoil is not a problem. Also, I have CT LG-405 grips on it. I'm just not as big of a fan of the brighter stainless........
It's a 442 for me. Goes wherever I go.
Vulcan Bob
Member
I avoided the aluminum J frames for a long time but one day I ran across a new no lock 442 and gave it a try. To sum it up I like it, a bit more recoil than my steel frame models but manageable and maybe I got lucky a pretty decent trigger pull and shoots to the sights as well. It spends a lot of time in a El Paso pocket holster these days.
Samuel P. Morris
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642 coming out of a size 3 Blackhawk pocket holster bought on the cheap at Wallyworld. (always the low price leader)
Draw time .03 seconds to cover anyone closer than 15 feet with a knife ready to cut ya up like a Thanksgiving turkey. (try that when your semi-automatic jams)
Draw time .03 seconds to cover anyone closer than 15 feet with a knife ready to cut ya up like a Thanksgiving turkey. (try that when your semi-automatic jams)
Shorty 45 MK2
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My vote is for the 442 pro or the 642 from the PC.
Don't care to much for the Whyatt do to the cheesy looking logo, but several members here say they are slicked up nicely.
Don't care to much for the Whyatt do to the cheesy looking logo, but several members here say they are slicked up nicely.
Samuel P. Morris
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What I don't like about it is that 'grip clip'. No one should be sticking a gun anywhere on their person without a holster. That's a disaster waiting to happen. Very surprised that S&W would agree to produce this, no doubt their lawyers gave the go ahead. Good luck suing if you shoot the gonads off.
Shorty 45 MK2
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The clip grip can be easily swapped out if it bothers you.
Samuel P. Morris
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Problem is people are buying it for that reason and because of the Wyatt hype.
Better off to just buy the regular 642 to start with then spend more money later right.
Too each their own.
Better off to just buy the regular 642 to start with then spend more money later right.
Too each their own.
I had a chance to fondle the Wyatt at the LGS a while back. The trigger was awesome and I really liked the Clip Grip. I did not like the price tag however.
I bought the Wyatt Deep Cover's less sexy cousin, the 637-2 used for a song. Took me all of 30 minutes to remove the ISL and bob the hammer. Bought a Desantis Clip Grip (just like the Wyatt has). The trigger pull is heavier than the Wyatt, but it's smooth.
Get what you like. Who care's if the barrel says "Gunsmoke"? It's going to be residing in your pocket or waistband. If you can get it for a good price, I say go for it.
I bought the Wyatt Deep Cover's less sexy cousin, the 637-2 used for a song. Took me all of 30 minutes to remove the ISL and bob the hammer. Bought a Desantis Clip Grip (just like the Wyatt has). The trigger pull is heavier than the Wyatt, but it's smooth.
Get what you like. Who care's if the barrel says "Gunsmoke"? It's going to be residing in your pocket or waistband. If you can get it for a good price, I say go for it.
To me the Wyatt thing is a advertising hype to sell a gun at a pumped up price. It may have a better trigger but not enough to make the difference in price worth it, IMHO. I've carried a Model 442 nickel for years w/o a single problem, and my M38 was purchased used in the early '70s and is still shot and carried often. I'd go for either the 642 or 442 w/o the lock.
I've seen differing opinions regarding if the barrel and cylinder are both blackened stainless steel. I've also contacted multiple people at S&W and get a different answer every time.
mgriffin
Member
@rogo 12, Are you saying the 442's are made in Brazil?
Seriously? My 638-3, that says "SPFLD MA" and "S&W USA" on the frame (as does my 442) was actually made in Brazil? Stunning info. Has to be one of the best kept secrets in the gun biz. (I'm still looking for the smiley.)
F75gunslinger
Member
The extra cost on the Wyatt model is because, at the end of the day, it's a performance center model. Smith and Wesson has been using television shows as a way of putting their products more into the mainstream buyers market. Think " Bone Collector". It is just another model of J frame gun. Gunsmoke probably collaborated with designers on what they thought were good modifications, and then S&W produced them. The difference between a regular 637 and a Deep Cover is $90 MSRP. You can't get all the work done on your 637 for that price. And I don't think that the gun looks bad at all. The difference between most models from standard and performance center is usually more. So in my opinion the Deep Cover model isn't a bad option. And you can find it much cheaper online obviously than MSRP. Places like Bud's have good deals alot of the time.
With the long, heavy trigger pull on my J-Frames, it ain't gonna happen. It's hard enough to intentionally pull the trigger.
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