Finally, a Model 042

[NCBeagle]

I am super excited about this Model 042. Product Code 103792. Produced 1992 only.

Wanted one for a long time and, despite looking and looking, had never seen one live. They are uncommon, with about 4400 produced, but not "rare." The old school combo of bluing, black anodizing, concealed hammer, and smooth faced trigger make a fine looking and functional snub. This filled a hole in my substantial accumulation of similar revolvers. I have a soft spot for the pre-lock / "no dash" 442, 642, 637, 638s. In fact, the no dash 637 and 638 are less common at about 500 produced.

My only complaint...is that it appears "new in box" or darn close to it. Cannot see any evidence of actual use. I'll fix that soon enough. There is a faint turn line. The inspection / packing sticker fell off but was still in the brown paper. Would normally swap out the UM Combats for UM Boots or Hogue Bantam grips but will probably leave this "as is." Feels good in the hand.

I am going to carry this revolver, probably often.

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[shouldazagged]

Very nice. I had never even heard of the 042.

 

[Jeppo]

Can you see any evidence of another model number having been obliterated when they turned it into the 042?

 

[NCBeagle]

No. This is not an overstamp.


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[Bacon]

Nice, I've want one for oh probably 20 years.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun. These were made in polished and matte blue. A trial run for the 442, since the previous model 42 was not a strong seller.

 

[ABPOS]

That thing looks super nice. I think Stephen Camp had an 042 cuz I remember seeing pics of it on his website. I thought his was matte blued though, more like a 442...

It's an aluminum frame, right?

This might be it and it does look normal blued, just not as deep as his K frame above it:

 

[ABPOS]

He calls this one an 042. I think it's the same one as above:

A

 

[326MOD10]

Nice score. I have been looking for one to add to my J frame grouping as well. Of course mine isn't quite up to your collection but it is getting there.

 

[Jeppo]

I am super excited about this Model 042. Product Code 103792. Produced 1992 only.

My only complaint...is that it appears "new in box" or darn close to it. Cannot see any evidence of actual use. I'll fix that soon enough.

I am going to carry this revolver, probably often.

You do realize that’ll pretty much kill your chances of trading it for a NIB different model; right?

 

[NCBeagle]

You do realize that’ll pretty much kill your chances of trading it for a NIB different model; right?

Not going to part with this gun. My daughter can have it someday, along with the others, and she can worry about resale value. [emoji846]


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[yep380]

What a beaut! Nice score. Congrats on getting it!

 

[629shooter]

That's a great find!

Congratulations!

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[JAREDSHS]

Now THAT'S what I'm talkin about!!!!!

 

[Jerry in SC]

Nice 042, one store in the Charlotte area (in the 80's and 90's) was pretty good at getting unusual S&W's. Pretty interesting history on the 042. I love the old Airweight finish, wish they still offered it.

 

[mbliss57]

Super Nice! I am a J frame hoarder too. That ist he fore runner of the 442. I would take one of those! I see where 2 sold on GB in past 90 days. Both were pretty much LNIB as well.. unless one was this one.? The other scarce one I bid on awhile ago was the 032 in .32 magnum. One of each as a set would be really nice. They were both produced in 1992 only and never cataloged.

 

[ABPOS]

I wonder if you could take a 642 with a crappy finish and have it blued... I'm assuming they'd have to remove that laquer or whatever it is....

This thing is haunting me how nice it looks. LOL.

 

[NCBeagle]

Super Nice! I am a J frame hoarder too. That ist he fore runner of the 442. I would take one of those! I see where 2 sold on GB in past 90 days. Both were pretty much LNIB as well.. unless one was this one.? The other scarce one I bid on awhile ago was the 032 in .32 magnum. One of each as a set would be really nice. They were both produced in 1992 only and never cataloged.

Yes. This was a GB purchase from Lewis Family Firearms.


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[NCBeagle]

I wonder if you could take a 642 with a crappy finish and have it blued... I'm assuming they'd have to remove that laquer or whatever it is....

This thing is haunting me how nice it looks. LOL.

Not sure if anyone disassembles the alloy framed revolvers for refinish. Always heard that it was a "no go." The frame is black anodized, I think, like the old Models 37, 38, etc. cylinder and barrel are blued. At this point, there's no cost effective way to replicate this revolver. But, you can find nice examples on the auction sites.


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[ABPOS]

Not sure if anyone disassembles the alloy framed revolvers for refinish. Always heard that it was a "no go." The frame is black anodized, I think, like the old Models 37, 38, etc. cylinder and barrel are blued. At this point, there's no cost effective way to replicate this revolver. But, you can find nice examples on the auction sites.


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Is it anodizing that is polished or something? I don't get how all that works.... Meaning finishing and how they do it is way over my head. I guess the only thing I understand is that you can take a brushed stainless and polish and buff it to the point of shininess. I don't really get how bluing can be deeper or not deeper if there is no polishing involved. Or maybe there is... They just have to do more layers?

I guess I need to study up on this subject some day. LOL.