442 vs 642?

[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.

 

[Ziggy2525]

I have a 642. Like it, but the clear coat pealed. I guess it has "character" now.

 

[dpast32]

I learned to cease worrying about finish wear on my primary carry weapons. I took me time to develop the mind set, but when you always have a handgun on you, it is going to exhibit at least some signs of wear & tear. As long as it remains fully functional, you ready shouldn't concern yourself about it. If it truly bothers you, just have it factory refinished at some point, or perhaps have it coated with one of the newer type finishes. I've been carrying my 642 L/S now for over 20 years, & yes it does show wear here & there. But, I know where & how it shoots with all my chosen loads, and that's what is important to me. I was fortunate enough to find one of the factory ported 642's when I went to trade in my 640 for it's alloy version, & you just imagine how happy I was to come across it. Now, if I could only find a 3" barrel 642 somewhere ? Of my do get desperate enough for one, I may have to settle for a Ruger LCR-X, which might keep me happy for the interim. Oh, as far as finish goes, always buy Stainless when planning to carry it frequently. Trust me on that ! Good luck.

Best, dpast32

 

[Matt C.]

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?

Owning both I can pick up the sights much easier/faster on the 442 especially with the front ramp painted white. So that's my go to J frame.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Ebony...
and Ivory....
live together in perfect...
Harmony....

Too much thinking. Not enough shooting

 

[kscharlie]

Pick the one you like best. I have had a 642 since 2010 and carry it a lot around home in a cross draw holster. No matter which one you choose, I would suggest pitching the dinky boot grips that come on it and get a set of Hogue Tamer grips. My hands are not overly large, but the boot grips just do not work. I need some grip purchase for my pinky, especially when shooting +P.

 

[Dirtman]

My wife has a 642 & I have a 442. I added Crimson Trace lasers to both. Same gun, different color. In the words of an insane political figure who once said: "what difference does it make"?

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've got the 442. It's more matte black than blued. I've got the CT LaserGrip, which fits my hand better than the S&W rubber that come with. I've heard there were some finish problems with the 642, but I think they've got that corrected. Wouldn't matter to me anyway, because a daily carry pistol is eventually gonna look like a daily carry pistol. Either is an excellent choice . . .

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?

 

[Ziggy2525]

Pick the one you like best. I have had a 642 since 2010 and carry it a lot around home in a cross draw holster. No matter which one you choose, I would suggest pitching the dinky boot grips that come on it and get a set of Hogue Tamer grips. My hands are not overly large, but the boot grips just do not work. I need some grip purchase for my pinky, especially when shooting +P.

Which cross draw holster do you use?

 

[HorizontalMike]

Stainless? NO!!

I hate to pop everyone's balloon, but the 642 does NOT have a stainless steel frame. It is an alloy that has a painted/beaded/anodized finish to "look" like SS BUT that ends up looking like Kr-rapp rather quickly if you actually carry it for SD. See attached...

The 642 works well since it is so lightweight, but a beauty contest winner it is not.

I have a new Kimber K6S arriving sometime today, as my chosen replacement. It has an ACTUAL SS frame and cylinder. I learned my lesson as far as alloy SS look-a-like gun finishes.

 

[medic15al]

Any self-respecting handgun should be blue or black. More discreet, sights easier to use, esp. if white or orange is applied, and the finish isn't that fragile. Spend 30 seconds wiping it down every day or two and no concern for rust. Also builds much more familiarity. I cannot abide the stainless look of a firearm, although a Model 64-5 is my favorite D/A revolver......