442 or 642

[S&W1006]

I am seriously considering purchasing a 442 or 642 for pocket carry in the summer. My everyday carry is a Ruger SP101. I love the gun but it is too heavy and bulky for pocket carry. I normally carry inside the waistband. With hot weather naturally I dress in lighter clothes and my holster won't work very well without a belt.

I usually prefer stainless but the aluminum frame of the 642 doesn't look as good to me as the all black 442. How well does the finish hold up on the 442? I sweat puddles here in the hot humid south and my sweat is toxic to blued guns which is why I avoid them. I know the frame on the 442 is aluminum but I am concerned about the steel parts. I will be using a pocket holster which should help and I will keep it as clean as I can but if the 642 will hold up better I will get it. My local gun store has both in stock and neither have the lock and the price is the same.

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[snubbyfan]

I've carried my 442 for several years, either in my pocket or on my belt in one of my homemade holsters. I just make sure to wipe it down with an oily rag daily when I get home. I haven't had a problem with the finish, just a bit of holster wear.

 

[MichiganScott]

I've carried a 642 for twelve years in a Mika synthetic pocket holster and the finish still looks good.

 

[Old cop]

I've had the 442 for awhile and it still looks like new, but given your needs & climate the 642 may be a better choice for you.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I had a 642 and replaced it with a340pd . Lighter

 

[Lyonsgrid]

Both are going to show some wear. I like the 442's for looks alone. Can't go wrong either way. Just keep them wiped down.

 

[Kadonny]

Go with the 642 just to be safe with the moisture. No lock is the way to go, I went with the Pro that's cut for moon clips. I love that little gun.

 

[M&P Freak]

Here in rainy Oregon I was concerned about rust, so I went with the 642. I too think the 442 looks better, but if it's concealed...

 

[psjoe]

Hi-
Take a look at the 442 Pro Series. It has black PVD coated stainless bbl and cylinder, and is cut for moon clips. No rust and all black.

 

[S&W1006]

I had a 642 and replaced it with a340pd . Lighter

Love the 340 PD and I would love to have one but I can almost buy a 442 and a 642 for the cost of a 340PD.

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[S&W1006]

Go with the 642 just to be safe with the moisture. No lock is the way to go, I went with the Pro that's cut for moon clips. I love that little gun.

How easily do the moon clips bend for the J frames? A buddy had a k frame cut for moon clips and the clips are way to fragile for concealed carry. I had considered having the SP 101 cut for moon clips but as many times as I bump and bang my speed loaders getting in and out of a car I was afraid I would bend moon clips and in an emergency that could be bad.

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[ADP3]

I went with the 442 because I see the black sights of the 442 far better than the silver sights on the 642.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[John Erickson]

I have a 642 and no wear at all and put a dot of orange flow paint for a front bead. Still stays on after 3-years.

 

[71velle]

I have a 642 and if I were to buy again I would get a 442 or the M&P model because of the dark color. In some pockets of my pants and shorts you can see in and notice the you the contrast of the silver frame and black grips. If it were all black it wold be a lot harder to make out whet it is.

 

[M3Stuart]

I've carried my 642 pro in a Desantis pocket holster with NOoooooo problems whatsoever.

 

[pineappleshooter]

Carry my 442 in a Mika. The black hides better in your pocket if the butt happens to peek out of your pocket. The Mika is hard on the finish, I have edge wear carrying mine for just over a year but on the plus side the Mika is waterproof so no rust issues.

 

[Engine 21]

Bottom line...get what you like and do the p.m. on it - you will be fine.

A lot of people want something and settle for something else and are always wishing they hadn't.

Those mistakes can get expensive...

 

[eveled]

Love the 340 PD and I would love to have one but I can almost buy a 442 and a 642 for the cost of a 340PD.

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I thought the same thing, I went to buy my second 442 and there was a used 340pd in the case calling my name. So I bought it, it really is a much nicer gun. Don't forget the M&P340 rides the line between the two of them.

I go with the black models, because they are easier to conceal. Like if your pocket is open a little, Ed

 

[Rpg]

Get what you like.

I don't like white guns, but that's a matter of taste. (I love nickel).

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I have a Model 642 equipped with a Model 442 cylinder that was cut for moon clips by TK Custom that I purchased from a fellow Forum member. This used to be my EDC, and I always carried it in an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster. I like to use a coat of paste (car) wax on the exterior of my guns, and while the finish on the frame has held up nicely, not so much on the cylinder. I've since switched to a pair of Air Weight Bodyguards (Model 38-0 with a nickeled cylinder, and a Model 638-1) as my EDC - that's an all stainless steel Model 649 on the lower left hand corner of the photo. The Model 642 is my wife's favorite revolver, though she has never shot it. She likes the simplicity of DAO, and its small size. The main reason I like the Model 38/638 is the ability to make a precise SA shot if the need ever arises. Yes, I have envisioned occasions when such a shot may be needed.

I think a key advantage of the moon clip is that all of the cartridges will eject together - even with a non-full length ejector rod as is found on the 2.0 inch barrel. I usually carry speed strips for a reload rather than a speed loader or a moon clip.

Regards,

Dave