Finally got my hands on a new model 42

[Faulkner]

I've been looking for one of these for months and finally found a new one in the box at a pawn shop not far from home. And it looks great in my Lobo #1 pancake that used to house my 442.

 

[jframe]

I guess most people don't like the grip safety, and that is why these new "Classics" don't go over well, but I wish I had my steel framed Model 40 Classic back that I traded away. The grip safety always worked for me, especially with a Tyler T grip. I'd trade my 642-1 no lock for one right now. Your gun is sharp; I haven't seen one in person anywhere in my area, and my guess is S&W didn't really make that many.

 

[Faulkner]

They do seem to be pretty scarce. I don't find the grip safety to be any more of a hinderance than you would on a 1911, which is none at all. Compared side by side, the new model 42 is bascially the same as a 442 but with the safety and wooden grips.

I took it to the range this weekend and really like it.