Clear Anodized Aluminum Frames

[NCBeagle]

Working on something and want to ensure that it is correct. Did Smith & Wesson produce any models with clear anodized aluminum frames, other than the following:

- 637 (no dash) 1989

- 638 (no dash) 1989

- 638-1 1989

- 642 (no dash) 1990-1992

- 632 (no dash) 1991-1992

I cannot think of any other examples.

 

[MikeR90S]

I don’t think those are clear anodized. They are painted silver.

 

[NCBeagle]

I don’t think those are clear anodized. They are painted silver.

The 642-1 (1996 - Present) is painted or coated in some way. The models listed above have a clear coating over the aluminum.

 

[JAREDSHS]

I believe Beagle is correct,…….wish they made them like that now.

 

[NCBeagle]

I believe Beagle is correct,…….wish they made them like that now.

I do too. It's strange that Smith & Wesson was dissatisfied with and scrapped this finish for the later coated / painted finish. I've found it to be a reasonably durable finish.

 

[stansdds]

Spray and bake finishes are easier and cheaper than anodizing and I am 99.999% certain that is why S&W went to spray and bake.

 

[Well Armed]

Spray and bake finishes are easier and cheaper than anodizing and I am 99.999% certain that is why S&W went to spray and bake.

Race to the bottom. Shareholders before customers

 

[NCBeagle]

Race to the bottom. Shareholders before customers

That might be part of it however, the story is that Smith & Wesson was not happy with the contrast between stainless steel barrel/cylinder and aluminum frame. Considered it a finished defect of sorts. Never met anyone who agrees with that assessment. Most find these early 642, 637, 638 very attractive. The early 642 was a good seller but Smith & Wesson discontinued it for almost 4 years, until 1996 on the J Magnum frame as -1.

Also, Smith & Wesson used the unfinished 642 frames to make Model 042. These were black anodized with blued cylinder and barrel. Probably equally or more expensive to produce than the discontinued 642.

Money is always a factor; however, I think this was just a bad call from a design standpoint. Of course, that's entirely subjective. Would like to have seen the clear anodized finish continue. Same with the matte nickel of early 442 (1993-1996).

 

[s&wchad]

S&W offer a number of models with a clearcoat finish over silver anodizing.

342Ti

317/317-1

296Ti

 

[NCBeagle]

S&W offer a number of models with a clearcoat finish over silver anodizing.

342Ti

317/317-1

296Ti

I think the difference with the early 642, 637, and 638 is that it's clear anodizing on plain aluminum. You see straight through to the actual metal, not clear on a silver coating. The finish on Models like 342Ti is more like the modern 642-1 or -2 finish.

 

[Fishinfool]

I remember there was a period where there were a lot of complaints about one of the clear finishes tending to discolor and peel / flake on the 642. Not sure if it was the clear anodized or possibly a later clear coat version?

Larry

 

[NCBeagle]

I remember there was a period where there were a lot of complaints about one of the clear finishes tending to discolor and peel / flake on the 642. Not sure if it was the clear anodized or possibly a later clear coat version?

Larry

That was the subsequent 642-1 or -2 finish. That stuff used to look nasty sometimes. Peeling, flaking, etc. I've not seen anything like that with the 642 no dash. anodizing is like a change in the surface of the metal. It doesn't really peel, to the best of my knowledge. I believe that was the later versions.


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