642-1 issues

[kpla51]

Arnorer951 is right. The last two "j" frames I purchased this year (one was a 640 Pro Series) had to have the ratchets worked on. For the money I had to pay for them that's a shame. It didn't cost me anything to get them fixed but just the principle that makes me disappointed.

I had a m&p 340 that had a lopsided cylinder. ended up getting my money back, when you would spin the cylinder the whole gun would wobble. I bought another one though and it sits in my safe

with that being said I've bought a colt 1911 that was 1500 bucks and the finish on it was poorly done and they had to replace it, i think I have bad luck with firearms in general

 

[mditurno]

I recently bought a new 642-2 - this was probabaly the 3rd or 4th 442/642 either my wife or I have owned in the last 5 years. Great tool or all around carry / self defence that is easy to carry. Sadly this was the first ever one I had a problem with (most of my S&Ws are older). I noticed as I was cycling the trigger at the end of the rebound cycle the trigger would occasionally hang up and not allow a subsequent shot ( of course this did not happen at the LGS). I quiclky noticed there was always a distinct 'click' sound that needed to happen before I could fire the next shot. Let me add at this point I have 10 S&W revolvers of .38 or .357 and have shot them double action almost exclusively so I know how to shoot DA and let the trigger reset.

I thought at first maybe something was binding on the rebound spring assemble so I took it all appart, cleaned all the gunk from the inisde, and polished the rebound assemply and matig surfaces. before I put it together I tried it a few times. Problem not solved. so I very carefully studied the moving parts while working the trigger and looking for what may be hanging up and what was making the click that seemed to make it all work again. I don't recall the name of the part but it was the part of the hammer that mated with a part from the trigger that pushed the hammer back for fire. After the fire cycle was complete this small spring loaded part was not always returning to position. I took it all apart and polished the parts very well and then lightly lubed. The problem has not happened in over 100 dry fires (and the action is smother now too). I think what we have now is just more parts being turned out on machines with nimimal QA and no really knowledgable people slamming the parts together. Lower cycle times and higher production and the trade is marginal quality.

I'm not a gun smith but I have taken my guns apart for the last 30 years without incident - just take your time and be careful. If you are not sure, don't do it yourself.

Mike

 

[Jeppo]

Me too?

I believe you've perfectly described the problem I'm having with my newish (1 or 1.5 boxes only) 442. This is only my second revolver so I'm still quite a newbie. I came to the conclusion that I was doing something equivalent to not letting the trigger go all the way back to the "reset" on a semi-auto.

I took the plate off, didn't see any chunks of metal rattling around, and tried again. Same problem. I guess, according to your experience, I need to completely disassemble it.

Thanks for the diagnosis.

 

[Old cop]

Sad to hear about brand new revolver problems from S&W, I haven't purchased a new one in years and likely will not do so now. Knowing my limitations (all thumbs, not mechanically inclined) I've never removed a side plate and never will b/c I'd likely have parts left over.

 

[jeeps]

The clearcoat paint on the inside of 642 frame can bind the action. Clean it up ,reoil. The 442 with the hard anodized finish does not do this.

 

[jimmyj]

I have purchased several Model 642s. Finish issues is the only problem so far.

 

[slabside2]

Remember when we used to say revolvers are way more reliable than semi autos? Seems like them days are gone no matter what manufacture it is.

 

[mditurno]

I believe you've perfectly described the problem I'm having with my newish (1 or 1.5 boxes only) 442. This is only my second revolver so I'm still quite a newbie. I came to the conclusion that I was doing something equivalent to not letting the trigger go all the way back to the "reset" on a semi-auto.

I took the plate off, didn't see any chunks of metal rattling around, and tried again. Same problem. I guess, according to your experience, I need to completely disassemble it.

Thanks for the diagnosis.

I found this pic online. These are the exact two mating parts that were sticking. Take the cover off and dry fire it until they hang up and then re-release the trigger and see what clicks into place. I bet it is the same issue. If you are comfortable doing it that is - don't risk it if not, you can send it back and 'hope' they experience the issue and then resolve it. They are not hard to disassemble / reassemble - just take your time and pay attention to what went where.

 

[armorer951]

Bad idea to dry fire under spring tension with the sideplate off.....especially an alloy frame gun.

 

[mditurno]

Bad idea to dry fire with the sideplate off.....especially an alloy frame gun.

yeah - do it slowly and watch the parts carefully. If it was like mine you wont have to dry fire it many times for it to happen!

 

[Jeppo]

Bad idea to dry fire under spring tension with the sideplate off.....especially an alloy frame gun.

When I tried that, a pin went towards the heavens.

 

[Jeppo]

I found this pic online. These are the exact two mating parts that were sticking. Take the cover off and dry fire it until they hang up and then re-release the trigger and see what clicks into place. I bet it is the same issue. If you are comfortable doing it that is - don't risk it if not, you can send it back and 'hope' they experience the issue and then resolve it. They are not hard to disassemble / reassemble - just take your time and pay attention to what went where.

Excellent...thanks so much. I ordered the spring tool (back-ordered) and a couple extra screws. As soon as I get everything, I'll have a look.

 

[crazyphil]

Here is my 642-1 on the left.
Never had the issue that you mention.
Never had any issue with the 642.
I clean and oil after every use.
The one on the right is my model 60
altered to DAO.