Finish Issue on Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight

[BlueLineNYPD]

Hey guys, I’ve purchased two Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight revolvers back in 2015.

Both have seen very minimal use, fired only on two occasions (my EDC‘s are semi autos). However, I’ve recently noticed that the finish on one of the frames is flaking / chipping, which is concerning given how little the firearm has been used.

Can anyone advise on whether this is a known issue and can it eventually cause any functionality issues?

Thanks

 

[Frailer]

It is indeed a known issue.

It’s only cosmetic flaw, but it certainly is an ugly one.

 

[s&wchad]

I've pocket carried my 342Ti almost every day since 2021. Yours looks pretty good to me and these alloy frame guns can't rust.

It's a lightweight tool that can save your life, not a beauty queen.

 

[TJm15.38]

I've got a 638-3 from that time frame and the finish has held up well. I've carried it quite a bit. Guess I got lucky.

 

[BlueLineNYPD]

It is indeed a known issue.

It’s only cosmetic flaw, but it certainly is an ugly one.

Thank you. I was hoping it’s just cosmetic. Just can’t understand how it happened being that this firearm was hardly used.

 

[BlueLineNYPD]

It is indeed a known issue.

It’s only cosmetic flaw, but it certainly is an ugly one.

I've pocket carried my 342Ti almost every day since 2021. Yours looks pretty good to me and these alloy frame guns can't rust.

It's a lightweight tool that can save your life, not a beauty queen.

View attachment 758873

Thanks. I was hoping it’s just a cosmetic issue.

 

[BKLooney]

Some of the finish on my 642 started looking worn very quickly from new.

I have considered going the polish route but that is a LOT of work! I saw one that someone did and it really looked great, didn't improve function in any way...but it sure was purdy!

Not sure who did this, they may well be a member here. If so I'd love to hear how it went from start to finish!