642-1 or 442

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Cal44

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I'd like to add a Centennial 38 to my carry license.

I have two choices.

A current production 642, with no lock.

A 442 no dash, with no lock. The 442 has a nickel finish, so looks just like the 642.

642 - Has a heavier trigger, but otherwise works fine.

442 - Has a better trigger, works great.

Although the 442 has the better trigger, I think I could master either with practice.

Both have had little use as far as I can tell. (I'm sure about the 642 as I bought it new).

Just considering these two guns, which would you choose and why.

I have to list up to three carry guns on my permit, so don't say both as the other two slots are filled.
 
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The better trigger gets my vote.

Buying the poor trigger with the notion that you can learn to live with it is like choosing a wooden leg instead of the one God gave you since you can get used to it.

I also like nickel.
 
I may not have been clear.

I already own both these guns, so the question is which to carry - not which to buy.
 
If I were in your position, I would probably go for the 642. I've never owned a nickel-finished gun, so I don't know how much work is needed to prevent corrosion on the steel components. While the 642's frame finish can be hit-or-miss with regards to durability, the stainless steel components do a pretty good job of resisting corrosion with minimal effort, in my experience.

I also prefer using a current production gun for carry use. Even though I have a twentysomething-year-old 642ND with the much better anodized finish as well as a trigger job, I carry my nearly stock 642-1 (only mods are a set of Spegel boot grips and painted sights). The 642ND is essentially a back-up if something happens to my 642-1.

If neither of those factors matter to you, than it'd probably be a good idea to go with the one with the better trigger, presuming they're both equally reliable.

Tough call. You could literally just flip a coin if you can't decide and end up with a good choice.
 
Get the 442.

I'm not well versed on the 442 no-dash pre-locks, but they probably don't have MIM (or at least as much of it) and if it's got the better trigger which I don't doubt I'd get it over a new 642 any day of the week.
 
Carry guns can take a beating, and while 642s are everywhere, that nickel 442 isn't produced anymore (I think). I'd go for the more easily replaced one, the 642. There's not much logic in that other than my own thinking that I'd worry too much about the finish on the 442. But I'm more picky than many, maybe most people, on guns that arent as commonly available. For what it's worth, I carry a plain old black 442 I purchased new a few years back, and love it.
 
Cal44 said:
I may not have been clear.

I already own both these guns, so the question is which to carry - not which to buy.
Click to expand...

ACTUALLY, IT WAS NOT CLEAR TO ME, THAT YOU OWNED BOTH OF THESE GUNS ALREADY. IMHO--YOU ARE A LUCKY GUY, AND I AM ENVIOUS. I ALSO OWN A 642-1, AND I WOULD LOVE TO OWN A NICKEL FINISHED 442, AS WELL....

I DOUBT THAT WE CAN HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH TO CARRY. IT IS SUCH A PERSONAL THING. IT SHOULD BOIL DOWN TO WHICH OF THE TWO YOU CAN SHOOT BETTER, AND YOU FEEL MORE CONFIDENT, AND COMFORTABLE IN CARRYING......
 
I know cops who prefer the 442 because the 642 will shine, but in your
case that doesn't matter because they both will shine. I would carry
the 642-1 (and I do). The trigger will get better with use. The nickel
442 is kinda rare. Maybe it should be a safe queen.
 
I am gonna go with the 642-1 also
the rarer gun should go in the safe
if you like the shiny strip the finish off the 642
mine looks great like that
 
If it was me, I would carry the 642. It would be easily replaceable if anything should happen to it, such as confiscation by the police if God forbid I should ever have to use it in a deadly force situation.

Other members have also given good reasons, such as EDC guns tend to take a licking more than safe queens. I would want to protect the finish on that nickel plated 442. On the 642 the protective coating is probably going to wear off eventually anyway with use and cleaning.

It's possible to make the trigger better in the 642 also, what with Apex or Wilson spring kits.

Just my $.02!
 
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I would go with which one you like the best. I would consider moving out of a state that puts that kind of burden on you. I have ...oh...8 sidearms and I can carry any or all of them if I choose. I regret you live in the Peoples Democratic Republic of Kalifonia where ones rights are shall we say infringed upon.
 
Bill In Texas said:
If it was me, I would carry the 642. It would be easily replaceable if anything should happen to it, such as confiscation by the police if God forbid I should ever have to use it in a deadly force situation.

Other member have also given good reasons, such as EDC guns tend to take a licking more than safe queens. I would want to protect the finish on that nickel plated 442. On the 642 the protective coating is probably going to wear off eventually anyway with use and cleaning.

It's possible to make the trigger better in the 642 also, what with Apex or Wilson spring kits.

Just my $.02!
Click to expand...
I agree with Bill. Keep that nickel beauty safe. Carry the 642.
Yeah you can get used to the trigger and if you want you could always do a spring change.
 
snubbyfan said:
I agree with Bill. Keep that nickel beauty safe. Carry the 642.
Yeah you can get used to the trigger and if you want you could always do a spring change.
Click to expand...

I suppose I should carry the 642. Another advantage of it is if it quits working, S&W will fix it for free and will have parts.

Here are a couple pictures of the 442. I think people are right, it's too purty to carry:

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a Wilson combat spring kit is very inexpensive [<$10] and will give you a much better trigger. easy to install. i put the 8# main spring and 13# rebound spring in a M&P 340...made a real difference.
 
If it's going to be one of your carry guns, make it the one you shoot best and are the most comfortable with.
Forget all else
 
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