442's cylinder - stainless?

[Triggernosis]

I'm considering purchasing a new 442 no lock. My concern is the cylinder - is it stainless or not?

 

[Pisgah]

From the S&W website, Model 442 --

• Carbon steel cylinder

 

[armorer951]

According to the latest information I received from S&W Customer Service about 3 months ago, the barrel is stainless, and the cylinder is 4140 carbon steel, and has a "black oxide finish"....according to the CS rep I communicated with. The incorrect information on their web site which claimed the cylinder and barrel were both stainless was recently corrected.

Model 442 | Smith & Wesson

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, gentlemen. The 442 is a definite no-go for me, then. I'll get the 642.

 

[M29since14]

This coating baloney on a handgun from a reputable maker with a name like Smith & Wesson's is just beyond the pale...

I wouldn't mind having a new 642 but I can't see buying one, knowing what lies ahead.

 

[haywood]

When I worked at gun shops we sent two or three 642's back for customers with finish problems. I know one gun was replaced for sure I think the other two just repaired. We pushed the 442's because I've carried one for years in my pocket in a pocket holster and it's finish has held up well.

 

[one eye joe]

BEFORE I SENT A 642 BACK TO S&W FOR A RE-APPLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL FINISH AT MY OWN EXPENSE, I WOULD RESEARCH THE ALTERNATIVE FINISHES--SUCH AS "HARD CHROME", ETC......

 

[armorer951]

I didn't mean to hijack the OP's thread. We can discuss my finish problem later, and I'll post some photos.

 

[blues7]

So what then does the following pledge on the Model 642 page cover?...Mechanical failures? Other?

ALL BACKED BY OUR SMITH & WESSON LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY

SERVICE COMMITMENT

THE SMITH & WESSON ADVANTAGE™

In addition to providing some of the highest quality products available today, Smith & Wesson is committed to providing our customers with support and services second to none. When you purchase a Smith & Wesson handgun, you receive the Smith & Wesson Advantage™, comprised of four service features:


Lifetime Service Policy

We will repair any defect in material or workmanship without charge to the original purchaser for as long as you own the handgun.


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I'll be very interested in this as I have a 642 (no lock) inbound Wednesday.

 

[Trojansteel]

442 pro series has stainless cylinder


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[armorer951]

The 442 Pro Series cylinder is carbon steel.....if you are referring to this model listed below:

Content | Smith & Wesson

 

[Mister X]

S&W has changed the carbon/stainless description back and forth on the 442 and 442 pro/moonclip multiple times over the last few years. Every CS rep has a different answer.

I think it makes sense the cylinder on the 442 pro would be stainless, but who really knows.

I'm more concerned about rust and corrosion on the cylinder and barrel than I am finish issues and possible oxidation on the aluminum frame, so I opted for the 642.

 

[Fchewy]

I have had a 442 for years carried alot and it has no rust, with just a little care it won't.

 

[mgriffin]

I have pocket carried my 442 no-lock for years with no rust problems. The only maint. I do is clean after shooting it.

 

[slabside2]

If you could live with the looks the Ruger LCR has a stainless barrel and cylinder as a bonus it trigger great.

 

[GCF]

Of course there is also the M&P340...

M&P(R)340 No Internal Lock | Smith & Wesson

Pretty hard to beat - for EDC

 

[Triggernosis]

Of course there is also the M&P340...

M&P(R)340 No Internal Lock | Smith & Wesson

Pretty hard to beat - for EDC

No thanks - too pricey for essentially the same gun as the 442/642.

 

[GCF]

No thanks - too pricey for essentially the same gun as the 442/642.

Well to be clear, I absolutely was not offering to sell you mine...

 

[Triggernosis]

Well to be clear, I absolutely was not offering to sell you mine...

Nor did I take it that way.

 

[edkato]

I have both a 442 no lock, produced this year; and a 442 Pro Moon Clip, produced this year. The 442 Pro seems a different finish on the cylinder...which appears to wear a bit better (I pocket carry and shoot both regularly). Smith does claim they are both carbon steel...according to the updated web site. BUT they do appear different, finish wise.