Durable finish on J-Frames? 642 vs. 442 vs. 340

[NCBeagle]

There was another finish option available for 442s early in their production.

I just bot a 442 with factory Nickel finish made about 1995.

I'll see how Nickel holds up compared to the black versions.

By my observation, it does not hold up nearly as well as the black finish. Never owned the nickel 442 myself but have seen quite a few.


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[shouldazagged]

...I own several J frames, my first was purchased in 1979, but all are blue or stainless and they all look nearly perfect with years of use...I think if I have future needs for a J frame I'll be looking for older examples.

Good choice, I think.

I've read a lot of reports here of the clear coating on the 642 peeling and flaking, but very few complaints about the black finish of the 442.

If you don't find the weight of an all-steel J-frame burdensome--I don't--but are concerned about finish, that's the way to go. I chose a stainless EDC for durability myself, but I love a fine blue finish.

 

[silversnake]

Good choice, I think.

I've read a lot of reports here of the clear coating on the 642 peeling and flaking, but very few complaints about the black finish of the 442.

If you don't find the weight of an all-steel J-frame burdensome--I don't--but are concerned about finish, that's the way to go. I chose a stainless EDC for durability myself, but I love a fine blue finish.

I agree. Stainless is my preference, but between the airweights I would take the 442. If nothing else it is less likely to be spotted in the pocket, because of the black backstrap.

Personally though I like the look of the old Model 37 better than anything offered today.

 

[gr7070]

I've had my 642 for 3+ years. Carry it nearly every day. Front pocket, Desantis Superfly.

I have never wiped it down after carrying it. I live in Texas. And I bike a lot, it staying in my sweaty pocket all day.

The finish has worn plenty on the edges from holstering and unholstering, but never even a hint of rust. I'm actually amazed with as much sweaty carry and no maintenance that it hasn't shown the slightest corrosion, ever.

After about 6+ years of nearly every day, all-day carry (6+ days a week, 12+/- hours a day); riding a bicycle at least half of those carry days; working outside often; with little preventive maintenance (little, not inappropriate, i don't wipe it down daily, it is inspected to ensure good working condition); my 642's finish still looks largely undamaged. It is worn on the front edges from holstering, but there is definitely nothing resembling flaking or any other inappropriate wear whatsoever. Still no rust/corrosion.

Only Rem Oil or CLP have touched it w/r to products. I suspect this (Hoppes #9?) may be a big issue with others.

I'm impressed how incredibly well its finish has held up over many years of significant use in tough environments with little concern given to its aesthetic care - i do not neglect its functional care.

 

[jnichols2]

I recently bought a 637 (same finish as a 642) and a 60 (all stainless steel).

The 60 will outlast me, but weighs 50% more than the 637, so I carry the 637 more often.

I bought the 637 because I was told the finish would last better than the 437. I see from this thread the 437 would hold up better. I have some Renaissance Wax for my old Colts, and will apply some now. If the finish starts to show wear on my 637, I just won't worry too much, I'll keep putting it in my pocket.

 

[blues7]

I only care about my 642 going bang when I pull the trigger. Whatever scars it earns from pocket or AIWB carry will be badges of honor and nothing to fret about.

 

[mini14jac]

When I sold my 8+ year old 642 it looked as good as new.
Wiped down after each shooting session and then coated with high quality auto wax.
Carried in soft leather pocket holster or soft leather belt holster.

But, if it had worn I wouldn't have worried.
With the finish sand blasted off your 442/642 will still keep shooting many, many years

 

[haywood]

My 442 has been in my pocket for the better part of 5 years and still looks good. I use a cheap uncle Mike's pocket Holster.