442 Question

[IndyHD]

Buying a 442 tomorrow from a local gun shop. I went shopping around town the other day and everyone had new guns at new gun prices. I end up going back in the local shop when I got back to town and the guy pulled out a 442 and told me I could have it for what seems like cheap. I jumped on it. Put some cash down and I'm picking up tomorrow.

But last night while searching for the end of the internet I came across a few places where people where saying their satin nickel finish was flaking off. Some had pictures that looked pretty bad. Others said they had sent their guns back to S&W and they had repaired or even exchanged the gun. I'm thinking that doesn't apply to second owners. I'm pretty sure they guy said this gun was Satin Nickle and it looks like the pictures. Also there was no big ultralight emblem or anything on the gun. It has a solid finish on both sides. Didn't see a lock either. I'm thinking its a mid 90's gun?

So I'm now I've started thinking I should fork over the extra cash for a new model with a tougher finish since I've ordered hip-grips and intend on wearing iwb.

What y'all think?

 

[IndyHD]

Let me add that I would really prefer to buy the older 442 if I don't have to worry about the finish wearing off. I like that it's bare and completely hammerless and without a lock as the new ones he had were not.

 

[Buford57]

The 642 has the satin finish frame with stainless cylinder and barrel. The 442 is a blue/black finish that is reportedly more durable. Both are currently available with or without lock. I bought a new manufacture 642 without lock last year. It has "airweight" in relatively small letters below the cylinder on the right side.

I haven't seen any degradation of the finish and its been pocket carried and shot.

 

[panamajack310]

Hey, If it is a really good price I say take the chance and buy it. Worst comes to worse you can have the gun reblued. Why pass up on a good deal. I would personally buy it and take the chance. just my 2 cents

 

[IndyHD]

Thanks! It was the cheapest price I'd been shot all day and I jumped on it. Guess in hindsight I didn't ask too many questions about the gun. When I go in tomorrow I'm going to look it over a little better but I'll probably be bringing it home.

I will ask this also. When I was shopping for a .38 I looked in the cylinders of two 'new' guns at two different shops and both had lead rings in each chamber. Both places assured me the guns were 'new'. Do they get test fired at the factory?

 

[panamajack310]

Indy, Yes, S&W fires the revolvers at the factory, 6 shot cylinders will have every othe cylinder fired.. In the 5 shot I have seen 3 cylinders and all 5 cylinders fired on new guns. My 642 had all 5 cylinders fired.

 

[ltxi]

Thanks! It was the cheapest price I'd been shot all day and I jumped on it. Guess in hindsight I didn't ask too many questions about the gun. When I go in tomorrow I'm going to look it over a little better but I'll probably be bringing it home.

I will ask this also. When I was shopping for a .38 I looked in the cylinders of two 'new' guns at two different shops and both had lead rings in each chamber. Both places assured me the guns were 'new'. Do they get test fired at the factory?

Not sure what you mean by "lead rings". .38 cylinders are counter bored to prevent chambering of .357. Hence visible rings.