Centennial thread

[RLS1851]

642

Here is my humble little 642-2.

 

[jframe]

Hey feral, you inspired me to put my modified Eagle Secret Service boot grips on mine! One question I have is that the original "high horns" on mine don't seem to go as "high" as others I've seen. Any of you Centennial experts have an idea as to why? My gun is very late production, serial #L95xx. Papers inside state that there is a parts price increase in April, 1974, so I know it's one of the last originals. May even have it lettered if y'all think it might be worth doing. I just wonder if the grips are lower on the frame than earlier Centennials, such as some of the flat latches?

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Some were along thier production the Original Centennials grips were changed on the 40/42s to the shorter horns..
I only assume this was because of the speedloaders that were being used at the time, The High horns almost make the use of a speedloader impossible..
Here's a Smith & Wesson advertisement that at the time made me want one & thier luster still shines till this day for this Centennial Lover almost 20 years later..
NOTE: The mention of the 640 +P, 632, 642 & 940, This would have been an early to mid 90s ad..
Gary/Hk

 

[PMRet]

My 640 no dash with CEN serial number prefix, rated for +P+

 

[guy sajer]

42

My Dad bought it new in 1974 . Sadly , it became mine in 2000 .

 

[feralmerril]

J-frame, I have had several 40s in the past (about mid 1970s, and thi s one from the same era.). When I bought this one it came with the secret service grips. I asked the shop to call whoever brought it in and see if they could find the grips and I would buy them. I got lucky, next time I went in they had the grips and wouldnt take my money. You know, now that I think of it, I dont belive I ever tried those grips back on it!

 

[MJS5678]

Here's one from 1953

 

[jframe]

feral, I modified mine to fit a new Classic 40-1 that I traded to a Forum member for this gun. They seem to fit reasonably well, but I'm sure not a woodworker. I'm still up in the air as to whether to shoot and carry this LNIB gun, or try to find something else for that. Of course, guns ain't much good in the closet, huh?

 

[handejector]

I have really enjoyed the 642's. I had a 2 inch for years that was stolen from my vehicle.
I replaced it with a rather scarce 3 inch.
I have found them to be handy, smooth, and reliable. I often shoot squirrels or racoons that take up residence in my barn with mine because it is what I have when I see them.

 

[feralmerril]

I have a few commeratives I bought because they were cheap. Outside of them and maybe a couple of relics or 100 year old antiques they are all in line to be shot if I desire. Unless you have a gun that is say, 40 years old, never been fired, still new in the box, maybe that MIGHT slow me down IF I had a similar to shoot. But if it was a desireable gun that was needed in a spot in my life (like SD) I would use it, make a part of me and feel thankfull I had it to use.

 

[tekarra]

My 940 and wife's 640.

 

[29aholic]

 

[jframe]

Here's one from 1953

Mike, how long did they use the "helpful hints" brochure in the boxes, or do you know?

 

[153]

Mike, how long did they use the "helpful hints" brochure in the boxes, or do you know?

Sure would like to know what "helpful hints" S&W had to offer ........

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Also note that that Pre42 has the fourth sideplate screw with the micro 5th "Bug Screw" ..Very Cool..
I had that Helpfull Hints on my hard drive but lost it when the machine crashed.. Neat little extra..
Gary/Hk

 

[browntown]

29aholic, is that gun parkerized or aged aluminum frame? has an odd patina to it.

Also, how do you like the trigger shoe on a j frame?

 

[nitesite]

My only Centennial, 442 no-dash

 

[MJS5678]

Here's a couple pictures of the Helpful Hints, I think they were used until the
model numbered pamphlets came out in 59 or 60?

 

[Robinett_11B]

Gotta love the Centennial design

 

[shooter686]

I'm in! Here's my 642-1. My one and only and I'm just getting to know it. Could not be happier with the fit/finish and performance of this firearm! Love shooting it!

Shooter686