442 vs 642?

[JayFramer]

Guys I'm thinking on getting back into the J-frame game for CCW.

What are the pros/cons between the 442 and 642? I used to own a 642 but sold it years ago. Thinking about getting a 442 as it looks more like a classic blued gun. Going to put some wood service stocks with Tyler-Ts on whichever gun I get.

Thoughts?

 

[wood714]

I bought the 642 because I like stainless. Especially when I'm carrying it in a pocket holster.

 

[OLDSTER]

Flip a coin. Either goes without saying, an iconic revolver. IMO, simply a matter of looks and personal preference. Enjoy which ever you buy. This 642 has been my partner for over 8 years.

 

[MichiganScott]

I have carried a 642 for about 12 years in a Mika pocket holster. The finish on the frame has held up exceptionally well, but I believe it to be anodized with a clear coat over the anodizing. The newer finishes have the reputation of peeling.

The 442 is a beautiful revolver. I have not heard or read of any abnormal issues with the finish.

 

[AJ]

I am going to add another to the mix. I don't carry all the time, but when I do it is a 342 in a pocket holster. Light enough that you can forget it is there. Just thought I'd add another option.

 

[TomkinsSP]

640, steel frame.

 

[Mister X]

I have both, but prefer the 642 as a carry weapon due to the stainless steel. The 442 is prone to developing rust due to its carbon steel in humid climates. I also subscribe to the Massad Ayoob perspective that if I draw a gun, I want them to be able to clearly see it and the 642 will offer more visibility in low light.

 

[AJ]

I have had the 442 and the 342, but never a 642. The 642 to me is to heavy for extended carry, especially in summer clothing. The 442 is not bad as far as weight goes. When I found the 342 with it's very light weight I bought it and tried it out. At the time I had two 442's, both are gone now. I put Hogue grips on mine and carry it when I feel the need. The 342 is made of scandium and titanium. Not sure what S&W makes now that replaced it. I have had no issues with wear on the gun so far and have had it for over 10 years. The 342 is silver toned, so no problem with the bad guy understanding you have a weapon.

 

[mgriffin]

As always, I vote for the 442.....

 

[safearm]

I have a 442 and don't have any problems. I've owned/carried, at one time or another, a 637 and a 642; first J frame was a blue model 36 in 1976. Nothing wrong with stainless/alloy finish, I just prefer the matte black color of the 442. There are times when I carry the 442 in an ankle holster. I find the dark color helps the gun disappear in the holster and the black background of my socks. A 642, or any other stainless/alloy frame gun, "could" be revealed if my trouser cuff inadvertently caught on something. With the 442, I don't worry about it.

I recently bought a Charter Boomer and got the one that comes in black nitride. The finish is more gray than the black on the 442, and it holds up extremely well (so far) in the heat and humidity of the south.

 

[eb07]

I am a 442 NO LOCK kind of guy

 

[purplek]

I have had the 442 and the 342, but never a 642. The 642 to me is to heavy for extended carry, especially in summer clothing. The 442 is not bad as far as weight goes. When I found the 342 with it's very light weight I bought it and tried it out. At the time I had two 442's, both are gone now. I put Hogue grips on mine and carry it when I feel the need. The 342 is made of scandium and titanium. Not sure what S&W makes now that replaced it. I have had no issues with wear on the gun so far and have had it for over 10 years. The 342 is silver toned, so no problem with the bad guy understanding you have a weapon.

the 442 and 642 weigh exactly the same/////


SKU: 150544
Model: 442
Caliber: .38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Action: Double Action Only
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Integral
Rear Sight: Fixed
Overall Length: 6 5/16"
Weight Empty: 15 oz.
Grip: Synthetic
Material: Aluminum Alloy Frame/Carbon Steel Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black

SKU: 162810
Model: 442
Caliber: .38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Black Blade Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Centennial Style
Finish: Blue / Black
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Material: Alloy
Weight Empty: 15 oz.

 

[hkcavalier]

I just got this 442 and added a couple bits.

I think it's the best of all worlds. I too was concerned about the peeling on the 6xx J-frames. No lock, some stainless parts, looks good, and they are darn cheap right now.

 

[Cal44]

The 442 has a carbon steel cylinder that can rust. The 642 cylinder is stainless.

This might be an advantage in hot, humid climates.

 

[AJ]

the 442 and 642 weigh exactly the same/////


SKU: 150544
Model: 442
Caliber: .38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Action: Double Action Only
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Integral
Rear Sight: Fixed
Overall Length: 6 5/16"
Weight Empty: 15 oz.
Grip: Synthetic
Material: Aluminum Alloy Frame/Carbon Steel Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black

SKU: 162810
Model: 442
Caliber: .38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Black Blade Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Centennial Style
Finish: Blue / Black
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Material: Alloy
Weight Empty: 15 oz.

I guess it is just how I perceived it. The 642 just felt heavier. But the 342 is what I like now.


New In Box SMITH & WESSON, Model 342 Airlite Ti Centennial Revolver, 38 Special,
1 7/8" Stainless Steel Barrel, Internal Lock, Uncle Mike's Boot Grip.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Caliber: 38 Special +P
Action: Double Action Only
Saftey: Internal Lock
Frame: J-Small; Round Butt.
Mag Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Hammer: Internal
Trigger: .312" Smooth Combat
Safety: Internal lock prevents trigger or hammer
movement
Front Sight: Pinned Black Serrated Ramp
PD Model- Red Ramp
Rear Sight: Fixed Notch
Grips: Uncle Mike's Boot
PD Model-Hogue Bantam
Weight: Uncle Mike's Boot 12 oz.
PD Model- 10.8 oz.
Overall Length: 6 5/16"
Material: Aluminum Alloy Frame, Barrel Shroud and Yoke;
Titanium Cylinder
Finish: Black/Gray, Matte Stainless/Grey

 

[Old cop]

Like others have said the two models are about the same. I just prefer a dark revolver b/c it can be more discreet under certain situations. Walking through a dark parking lot or garage, when things make you uncomfortable, you can carry in your hand hidden behind your leg and it won't be as obvious as a silver colored or shiney gun.

 

[the perfesser]

Because of my job, I also carry only occasionally. I like my 442 in a Nemesis pocket holder and with aftermarket rubbery Hoguegrips to cushion my middle finger knuckle from recoil. Had a trigger job done to bring the pull down just a bit. I think that my 637 would do just as well without snagging on the draw.

 

[sdb321]

I personally love stainless steel guns. "Stainless is forever"!!! My 640 Pro is on or near me always. It's like a AMERIAN EXSPRESS CARD, I never leave home without it!!!!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I carried my 642 for a very long time. It replaced my Beretta 950 BS after carrying that for an even longer time. But I have recently switched to a 649. I like everything better about a full weight J frame over a lightweight and in jeans or shorts, dress slacks, suit pants, whatever, it carries easily.

It's not the only gun I carry but since the house fire it is until I get re-organized.

 

[haywood]

I like the 442. The one with bootgrips has been carried in my pocket for 7 years. The one with Hogue Tamer has been carried mostly in the waist sometimes in the pocket for 6 years. Both get shot a couple times a year. The Hogue Grip gun get shot twice as much. The finish is holding up well. Three months out of the year they are in Florida. The rest of the year mostly in Ohio.

 

[EricR]

I bought the 442 for my wife. But it came back to me when she declared she wasn't comfortable shooting it. I love it. Has shown little wear in the year or so I've carried it. It's my No.1 EDC choice. And while it's hot here it's the reason cargo shorts will never go out of style with me. Gun, holster, speed strip, knife, wallet, eyeglass case, car keys, something I'm carrying for my wife...

Only "issue" I've observed was rust forming around the grip screw head. But now I just remember to hit it with a drop of CLP on a toothbrush. Otherwise, it's just an occasional wipe down with a homemade silicone cloth. And I love the stock boot grips.

 

[blatzpac]

I really wasn't a J Frame kind of guy, then I won a 442 Power Port in an NRA drawing a few years back. I dry fired a couple hundred rounds with snap caps just to get the feel of it and break the parts in a bit. I took a liking to it. I ended up putting a Wolff spring kit in it and doing a few armorer trained tricks to it, nothing fancy. I also put a Crimson Trace grip on it. I am happy with it, it shoots very well with 125 gr. handloads. I like the fact that the action can be clocked just like my K and N frame guns, makes for a very precise trigger break.

 

[Fchewy]

Flip a coin. Either goes without saying, an iconic revolver. IMO, simply a matter of looks and personal preference. Enjoy which ever you buy. This 642 has been my partner for over 8 years.

Looks to Clean

 

[JcMack]

Bottom gun is my 442

 

[rogerwnuss]

Either, as long as no lock.

 

[OLDSTER]

Looks to Clean

Old photo. But doesn't show much more wear currently

 

[les_garten]

I am going to add another to the mix. I don't carry all the time, but when I do it is a 342 in a pocket holster. Light enough that you can forget it is there. Just thought I'd add another option.

Ditto!

10.7 oz unloaded w/Laser

 

[serger]

When I got my 442 at the Denver gun show it was 15 bucks
less than the 642's. Since then the 642 my buddy bought the
same day had the clear coat peal. I didn't buy the 442 for that
reason but it's as good as any to prefer it.

I've never had a problem with corrosion on it. I prefer the dark
color. It's a lot more discrete. With the Crimson Trace grips it
rides in the Mika holster nicely.

For shooting however, I prefer the 640's I got from Centerfire
Systems a couple years ago. The all steel construction help keep
the recoil down.

 

[shouldazagged]

Another vote for a steel framed gun. The weight difference isn't that great. Shooting comfort and control for a second shot are significantly greater, especially with +P.

If you like the Centennial enclosed-hammer configuration, you can get a 640. Since your original choices were both no-frills .38 Specials, a no-dash would be fine, but people who have them (I'm one) tend to hold onto them. A -1 .357 Magnum is an excellent gun, but if I had one I'd carry +P .38 Special ammo in it.

 

[AgentM]

I'd go 642 for the stainless construction. You WILL sweat all over your concealed J-frame! The 642 will hide nicely in a pants pocket, IWB/OWB holster, or ankle holster. Keep metal brushes away from the frame and the clearcoat will remain problem-free. You can't clean a 642 like a 36 Chief's Special! I couldn't help but notice several people cast a "write-in vote" for the 640. I agree! It is a FANTASTIC gun, and you could do qualification courses back-to-back with full-power .357 ammo given choice-of-grip. The Hogue Tamer is superb, and they make a Centennial-specific version that goes HIGH on the backstrap.