442 no lock or Wyatt deep cover?

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PLEASE DO NOT BUY THE WYATT DEEP COVER!

You DO NOT want ANYTHING associated with that shop!

Going to add my .02 to the above advice of poster Hapworth. Last I heard, the Model 637 Wyatt was mfg'd by the Performance Center at S&W. At least, the 2 that I own were. I understand the idea of this gun originated from a LGS that was featured in a TV reality show. I know absolutely nothing about the shop, but the PC-mfg'd 637 is a wonderful carry piece.

To carry the logic further, should the world stop using the 5-gallon "Jerrycan," one of the most useful containers imaginable and heavily used by the Allies in WWII, simply because it originated in Nazi Germany?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
Pretty simple...

Just Google "Gunsmoke", "Wyatt", "ATF", "IRS", "consignment"

Did it occur to you that a gun show with national attention such as this may in fact earn special attention from the anti-gun folks ? Especially when the show in question paints guns as a regular way of life for people ( which it is ) and something that, in the proper setting, can actually be fun and enjoyable ? I can imagine the Liberals pulling their hair out every time a commercial came on for one of the gun type shows, such as Top Shot,American Guns, or Sons of Guns.

And honestly, lets face it . The IRS and the BATFE are never wrong and never falsely accuse someone. And they are always the highest pillar of moral standard, right ?

I enjoyed watching all these shows ( as much as you can with ANY reality show anyway ). And thought it was good that someone finally put some airtime into showing the average person that guns can be fun and not all gun owners are scary, dangerous people.

Sorry for disrupting or derailing the thread.
 
I believe the underlying institutional purpose of the ATF (despite any published policy statements or the attitudes of any individual to the contrary) is to confiscate as many guns from "civilians" as they can get away with, to make as many citizens as possible ineligible to own guns, to ban as many guns as they can get away with, and to make it as difficult as they can get away with for the rest of us to buy, own and use the guns that are left.

Thought experiment: if this really was their underlying purpose, what would they do different than they do now? (Remember my qualifier: that they can get away with. For example, I think they tried it on with the ban on green tip 223 ammo and found they couldn't get away with it, so they backed off. Without the uproar, their ban would have stuck, regardless of any underlying law.)
 
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!

The frames of the 442/642 are made from the same aluminum alloy, so I can't see one being more prone to cracking than the other. I've came across several mentions about cracked 442 frames although perhaps not as many 642's. I imagine that might be the case simply because the 642 is more popular, so there's a lot more of them out there.

S&W 442 airweight cracked frame
 
My 442 (no lock) goes with me everywhere. Bought a Wilson Combat spring kit, took out the trigger rebound block and stoned it glass smooth, installed the heaviest spring to insure reliable primer pop. I also send a cylinder or two downrange regularly. It and it's brothers are made in the USA.
 
Did it occur to you that a gun show with national attention such as this may in fact earn special attention from the anti-gun folks ? Especially when the show in question paints guns as a regular way of life for people ( which it is ) and something that, in the proper setting, can actually be fun and enjoyable ? I can imagine the Liberals pulling their hair out every time a commercial came on for one of the gun type shows, such as Top Shot,American Guns, or Sons of Guns.

And honestly, lets face it . The IRS and the BATFE are never wrong and never falsely accuse someone. And they are always the highest pillar of moral standard, right ?

I enjoyed watching all these shows ( as much as you can with ANY reality show anyway ). And thought it was good that someone finally put some airtime into showing the average person that guns can be fun and not all gun owners are scary, dangerous people.

Sorry for disrupting or derailing the thread.

Yes, except that is not the case for Gunsmoke.

As a local, I have been in Wyatt's store on several occasions, even buying a few guns from him (my mistake). His reputation among local firearms enthusiasts is horrible (even before the show), and his treatment of customers (myself included) has been less than stellar. He also is a shyster, which he put on full display during American Guns (ever see the episode with the howdah pistol?)

Sorry, his "misfortune" is NOT a case of government retaliation- he brought upon himself...

Buy a 642, 442, 37, just not the Deep Cover.
 
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I believe the 642 being more popular than the 442 makes the cracked frame appear to be a more prevalent issue.

You're not going to find Brazil as a country of origin on any of these.
20150319_090613 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

The Taurus 85UL is a decent gun if money is a primary concern, but they sure are rough.
 
I have developed some powder burn erosion in the frame above the barrel cone in my 442 should i be concerned. I have only shot a couple hundred rounds through this gun
 
Yes, except that is not the case for Gunsmoke.

As a local, I have been in Wyatt's store on several occasions, even buying a few guns from him (my mistake). His reputation among local firearms enthusiasts is horrible (even before the show), and his treatment of customers (myself included) has been less than stellar. He also is a shyster, which he put on full display during American Guns (ever see the episode with the howdah pistol?)

Sorry, his "misfortune" is NOT a case of government retaliation- he brought upon himself...

Buy a 642, 442, 37, just not the Deep Cover.
The Wyatt/Gunsmoke name on the gun, regardless of what he's done, doesn't negate the usefulness of the revolver or the fact that it's a nice package of upgrades for a small premium over a standard 637. There's a ton of products on the market that have links to business people that have broken the law and gone to jail, if you have personal issues with that don't buy the product. But, you can't deny that Martha Stewart's magazine is full of good advice, hints, and tips, regardless of her conviction and jail time. And, no one thinks you're a coke dealer if you choose to restore a DeLorean because you're a fan of the Back to the Future trilogy.

Wyatt might be a crook and a jerk, I don't know him. What I do know is that no matter who or what he is, the Wyatt 637 is a well built, well appointed, snubby with an excellent action. And if you look past the laser engraving you'll find a sweet little carry gun that too many people are ignoring and not giving it's due for the same reasons you are. I'll bet if I had one bead blasted and let 100 people like you shoot it and try it out, 99 of them would want one just like it.:rolleyes:
 
You're making a bunch of interesting initial posts starting out here.

I'm an interesting sort of person. :)
On a more serious note however I would strongly advise anyone looking at buying a S&W to give Ruger a closer look. Yes they too are a public co. that has to fill the needs of the investors but it seems S&W has gone way to far to the 'right' and are being run by a Mitt Romney capital venture types.

S&W like so many other things in America is only in name. They are about as American as Walmart is. Only good for collectors of vintage models. Who needs to spend the extra just for the name Smith & Wesson. And for them to now offer that so called life-time service warranty says a lot. Just another marketing gimmick, cause even they like Taurus, Charter Arms, Hyundai and Kia and all the rest who hype the life time warranties know their product lines are junk. Pure marketing gimmick to reel in the sheep.

What good does it do if's it's garbage to begin with and the aggravation to have to constantly send it back to be fixed. And S&W takes it even one step further by offering you an upgrade for extra money.

Nothing but Wall-Street pimps.
But that's how America rolls, build it as cheap as you can somewhere else and than screw the public over. We have no more sense of pride in this country, the kids today would still buy it even if a Muslim terrorist made it, as long as it said Smith & Wesson on it.
 
Go with the 442 Pro Moon Clip. Looks better than the 642, but still stainless. The moon clip option is great for quick, easy, reloads. I've had mine about 10 months...flawless.
 
@rogo12,

As been mention get what feels good to you and if it matters anything only the 642 snubs are made in America. All the other J-frame snubs are made at the Taurus plant in Brazil. (S&W's dirty little secret)
So you can be like a phony patriot on the forth of July stuffing your face with process apple pie while you wave your Chinese American flag and drink foreign brewed Budweiser.

"looky here ma I got me a genuine Smith & Wesson and you said I'd never amount to noth'n without a grade school education"

I too would like to see documentation to back up that post, which I think could most tactfully be described as provocative. And I am trying to be tactful. So far so good.
 
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+1 on 642 or 442 no lock version over the gunsmoke 637.

I've been carrying a 642 for a couple years. The finish wears off. But I don't care and have several hundred rounds through mine.

Honestly, you're not going to go wrong with either one.

As far as all the other nonsense on this thread...well I just don't know what to say...
 
Yes, except that is not the case for Gunsmoke.

As a local, I have been in Wyatt's store on several occasions, even buying a few guns from him (my mistake). His reputation among local firearms enthusiasts is horrible (even before the show), and his treatment of customers (myself included) has been less than stellar. He also is a shyster, which he put on full display during American Guns (ever see the episode with the howdah pistol?)

Sorry, his "misfortune" is NOT a case of government retaliation- he brought upon himself...

Buy a 642, 442, 37, just not the Deep Cover.

My personal opinion, if S&W used his name to get more publicity , and to have someone who watched the show and enjoyed it buy the gun, it's a marketing strategy. Not unlike the Jerry Miculek line of guns. It's a marketing strategy. Not unlike the Bone Collector line of guns. A marketing strategy. Now whether or not Rich Wyatt is a decent guy or not isn't really up for debate. The OP asked what gun he should buy, a 442 or a 637 Deep Cover. On that basis, for the money involved, I would go for the Deep cover hands down. Because..

#1: It's a performance center model at a great price.

#2: I'm not a fan of black for the sake of black. The black coating on the cylinder and barrel, over time,won't hold up as well as stainless for everyday carry use.

#3: If I were to buy a regular 637, I would buy a spring kit, and spend the time changing springs and trying to get the action tuned better, and would still not be as nice as one done by the performance center.

#4: If I did said work to get the action smoother, and had an issue, S&W may not honor my warranty because i had been inside the gun.

#5: If I decided to sell the gun at a later date, all things being equal, a performance center model will hold value better than a plain jane airweight.
 
The Wyatt/Gunsmoke name on the gun, regardless of what he's done, doesn't negate the usefulness of the revolver or the fact that it's a nice package of upgrades for a small premium over a standard 637. There's a ton of products on the market that have links to business people that have broken the law and gone to jail, if you have personal issues with that don't buy the product. But, you can't deny that Martha Stewart's magazine is full of good advice, hints, and tips, regardless of her conviction and jail time. And, no one thinks you're a coke dealer if you choose to restore a DeLorean because you're a fan of the Back to the Future trilogy.

Wyatt might be a crook and a jerk, I don't know him. What I do know is that no matter who or what he is, the Wyatt 637 is a well built, well appointed, snubby with an excellent action. And if you look past the laser engraving you'll find a sweet little carry gun that too many people are ignoring and not giving it's due for the same reasons you are. I'll bet if I had one bead blasted and let 100 people like you shoot it and try it out, 99 of them would want one just like it.:rolleyes:

That's fine if you want to buy one. I won't, and will gladly tell you why- kinda like not patronizing antigun businesses, even if the Levi's fit just perfect.

Wyatt was also well known for adding a Gunsmoke billboard to the slide of guns brought-in for simple gunsmithing, like adding an ambi-safety to a 1911, WITHOUT direct consent of the owner.

You should have seen the eyeroll from the S&W factory rep at the LGS last week when I asked him if they were going to keep making the Wyatt Special. They dropped him like a rotten potato. Just put the same features in a 637 Custom Shop Pro...
 
It's been underway now for a few years. Ever wonder what this means,
'Marcas Registradas'.

Honestly, do YOU know what it means, how long it's been used and why ? I'm thinking not since you're crowing about it like it's anything new. A quick google search will point out this very forum, of which there are an amazing number of people who are willing to help with any and all questions. I'll save you the trouble and post the thread and the reason that it is on S&W guns.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...n-did-spanish-start-appear-s-w-revolvers.html

I majored in Latin in college and did some graduate work in classical linguistics, which qualified me to do nothing in adult life except (1) teach a couple of dead languages, and (2) answer questions like this.

The word "marca" is not Classical Latin. The word exists in Medieval Latin, where it is a loanword from (probably) a germanic term. The participial form "registrada" is neither classical or medieval Latin, though it has been shaped by rules of Latin word formation. The proper Latin form (if the underlying verb actually existed) would be "registrata," with a t before the final vowel.

"Marca Registrada" is the term for "Trademark" in both Spanish and Portuguese, though the spelling "registada" is also seen in Portuguese-speaking countries. S&W had experienced problems with Spanish knock-offs of their revolvers in the early 1900s; they had also fulfilled two huge contracts to provide weapons to Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking nation, in 1937 and 1946. Roy Jinks has reported that the company found it necessary following an infringement lawsuit in the 1920s to mark their exports to Spain with a Spanish-language trademark to protect their legal rights there. Before WWII, some exported guns were so marked. Shortly after WWII, with the recent 1946 Brazilian contract still visible in the rear view mirror and with the possibility of new international trade opening up in Spanish-speaking countries, president Carl Hellstrom decided to simplify export labeling by just putting the phrase on all company products. It was easier to mark all guns than to keep track of the ones going to specific countries and labeling only those. The order to make the change to the four line address block containing the phrase "marcas registradas" was issued in April of 1948.

S&W wasn't the only company to do this. Am I the only one who remembers the "marca registrada" phrase molded into Coke bottles in the 1950s? I guess there was a body of international copyright law that required imported products to carry trademark notifications in the language of the importing country.

I'm not sure why Brazilian contract guns, all shipped before 1948, don't have the phrase; perhaps the court case had no effect outside of Spain and it is only coincidence that the Spanish phrase is also used in Portuguese.
 
Do you honestly think that most Americans believe that EVERY piece of every " Made in USA " thing they buy is made in America ? Dodge, Chrysler,Ford,General Motors,Harley Davidson,and just about any other big company that makes a consumer product has things that are outsourced to other companies in this day and age. It isn't news. And it doesn't mean that it's junk because of it.

Merrily we troll along...

What he said....^^ And with that, you've earned my first ignore on this forum. Congrats.
 
This thread has been closed, it seemed to devolve quickly into the political area and any useful information has already been presented.

3. Do NOT descend into personal attacks on a member.
Naiveté, or viewpoints different from yours are no reason to call a member an idiot or moron.
If a poster is obnoxious, report him and ignore him.
Do not feed trolls.
 
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