Advice on 642

[dubshooter]

Need some advice on a 642.

I currently have a 442, it’s cut for moon clips. It’s a 442-1 and not marked “pro series” or “Performance Center”, so not sure if it’s either one of those.

I like the idea of the moon clips for positive extraction, but use a speed strip for reloads (speed loader at work as it’s a BUG)

I see smith has the Pro series and the Performance Center 642’s. I know on at least the Performance Center, the action is supposed to be tuned. I also know the flutes and other pieces are polished.

What are the difference between the Pro Series and Performance Center? And are either of these worth the extra ~$100 of a standard no lock 642?

 

[326MOD10]

I believe the Pro Series is the one cut for moon clips.

I have a Performance Center model and the trigger is nicer than a standard out of the box. But they are not cut for moon clips. Mine was a smoking good deal and about the same as buying a regular 442.

I do have a couple of J frames cut for moon clips and agree the initial rounds in the moon clips and the reloads in speed strip or speed loader.

Unless of course they are 9mm then you have to use the clips.

 

[L-2]

After looking at the website, S&W sku 170348 specifically puts "enhanced action" in this 642's name; it does have the LOCK; and does come with some nice wood grips (which may not be of use to the OP as a BUG).

Sku 178042 is the Performance Center "Pro Series" which does not have the lock; has the moonclip machined cylinder; and doesn't mention anything about any changes to its action; no special grips either.

If either of these models sound desirable over a no-lock sku 103810, then do one's diligence to get the best out-the-door price.

I also carried a 642 no lock (#103810) as a BUG when I was working (and sometimes still do carry it as a BUG even though now-retired). Even though it was for work, it was ok for me to modify the action with one of the various spring kits on the market. If one's handy with tools and can do one's own work, it may not be worth an "enhanced action" model, but even so, those wood grips which come with the PC/EA model may be worth it to others.

If the moonclips are essential, I can't see getting this done anywhere for the $30 difference in msrp between the PC/Pro model and the regular no-lock model (actual street prices may differ of course).

 

[scruffy]

I just bought a Model 642 Performance Center gun today. SKU 10186. No lock, it's cut for moon clips and has the Performance Center tuned action. Model 642 | Smith & Wesson

The action is both lighter and smoother than my standard 442-1 and I like the smooth chromed trigger and grips. The extra $100 was worth it to me. Check the B/C gap before you buy. I didn't. Not happy that mine measures .012".

 

[L-2]

Post#4, I didn't see (I missed it) that 10186 model. That should be perfect for the OP (maybe for me, too).

 

[dubshooter]

I’m trying to decide between the 10186 (Performance Center) and 178042 (Pro Series)

Both are no lock models with moon clips. I think the difference is the cosmetic (polished cylinder flutes, trigger, cylinder release) and trigger job.

 

[scruffy]

I’m trying to decide between the 10186 (Performance Center) and 178042 (Pro Series)

Both are no lock models with moon clips. I think the difference is the cosmetic (polished cylinder flutes, trigger, cylinder release) and trigger job.

The trigger itself also has a smooth polished chrome face. The improved pull (I thought noticeably lighter and smoother than standard) was what sold me. If you can, try dry firing at your LGS side by side with your 442-1 or a standard 642.

 

[armorer951]

If yours is cut for moon clips it is the "Pro Series" 442-1, #178041. My 442-1 was also mismarked with the word "Airweight" so I sent it back and had it refinished and re-lasered correctly. Unfortunately, the barrel on mine is canted, which they refused to fix....twice.

The internals are the same in the two guns mentioned. (Pro Series and PC) The "enhanced action" in the PC guns consists of a reduced power mainspring and rebound spring. (Wolff)

 

[dubshooter]

If yours is cut for moon clips it is the "Pro Series" 442-1, #178041. My 442-1 was also mismarked with the word "Airweight" so I sent it back and had it refinished and re-lasered correctly.

The internals are the same in the two guns mentioned. (Pro Series and PC) The "enhanced action" in the PC guns consists of a reduced power mainspring and rebound spring. (Wolff)

So save the difference in cash difference and pay for new springs? (Or a weekend of dry fire)

 

[armorer951]

Pretty much, yes. An 8 pound Wolff reduced power mainspring (factory is 8.5 pounds) and a compatible, reduced power Wolff rebound slide spring. (14-15#)

 

[dubshooter]

Thank you sir. Now just a matter of sneaking one into the house...

 

[dubshooter]

Turns out you are correct. Pulled the pistol box out and see the Pro Series on the box. Never bothered to check, but should have noticed since it was in the plastic box and not cardboard.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I have a 442-1 pro series. And I cant imagine not having moonclips with it. Positive extraction. Effortless loads everytime. [emoji16]
Of course, I may be biased to clips....

 

[ken158]

Thank you sir. Now just a matter of sneaking one into the house...

That's why it is a CCW...

 

[armorer951]

I ended up installing a titanium cylinder in mine. It still shoots around corners though.

 

[dubshooter]

I ended up installing a titanium cylinder in mine. It still shoots around corners though.

Around corners? Is that the perk of the canted barrels they’ve been putting out?

 

[blues7]

Around corners? Is that the perk of the canted barrels they’ve been putting out?

No, it's so you can shoot gangsta style.

 

[armorer951]

At my age, I can't see the sights anyway. It's more of a "fire for effect" these days.

Glad I practiced my instinctive shooting drills when I was younger.