Going to Buy a J-Frame Today - 442 or 642?

[Mr. Blenderson]

I'm going to buy either a 442 or 642 today. Originally I thought that they were exactly the same just with different colors but recently learned that the 442 has a carbon steel cylinder and the 642 is stainless steel.

I like both equally in terms of aesthetics, and will probably own both eventually. For now I've got to pick one though!

I am pretty set on the 642, because I live in South Florida and pocket carry and it seems like the stainless steel will hold up to the insane humidity and sweat here than the carbon steel.

Anything else I'm missing? Which would you get for 24/7 pocket carry in 90-100% humidity?

 

[wheelgunsforlife]

I wouldn't worry much with the carbon steel gun just keep it clean and lubed and pick the one you like best color wise

 

[Markdad2]

Just depends on what you like, shiny or not shiny....

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[petepeterson]

I prefer the black finish, but in your circumstances, I'd probably opt for the 642.

 

[Arik]

I have the 642. It happened to be there at a good price. Otherwise really no difference

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[armorer951]

If you like the dark finish of the 442, the S&W Pro Series 442 "moon clip" model (178041) has a stainless steel cylinder and barrel. It can be used with or without the moon clips.

Product: Model 442 Moon Clip

 

[Collin642]

Per S&W the current 442 standard and pro have stainless cylinders & barrels and are then blackened. They won't say what finish is applied.

 

[Mr. Blenderson]

If you like the dark finish of the 442, the S&W Pro Series 442 "moon clip" model (178041) has a stainless steel cylinder and barrel. It can be used with or without the moon clips.

Product: Model 442 Moon Clip

I've seen that one as well, but I want to get one of the no-lock models.

 

[Mr. Blenderson]

Per S&W the current 442 standard and pro have stainless cylinders & barrels and are then blackened. They won't say what finish is applied.

The website still says carbon steel for the 442 though?

 

[armorer951]

I'm not sure about the standard 442, the web site does say they are carbon steel. The pro series moon clip 442 model is "no lock", and the barrel and cylinder are stainless. (I confirmed this with Customer Service prior to purchase)

 

[vireya]

I just took my new 642 pro to range for 1st time. It is definitely a nolocker. BTW, I had waited til I got the Pachy wrapround grip before firing. Had to use the motorcycle gloves from Walmart, as Ive had a hand injury

 

[grover99]

Buds has the PC 442 which has the black frame and a stainless cylinder. Other than the grips which I didn't like it is a nice looking gun. Has black clip grips which I got rid of the first thing. No lock which is good to know.

 

[haywood]

I like the standard 442. The only time I had to wory about rust was using a holster that did not keep the gun from touching my skin in hot humid weather. I switched holsters and check my gun daily now. Lately I carry Two 442s. One in the pocket and the othe AIWB.

 

[dieselbeef]

Best with a laser grip


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[Mr. Blenderson]

Went to five shops today and no one had a no-lock 642 or even a 442, and they were out of stock at all the distributors with an uncertain delivery date.

One of them did have a 642 w lock that was on sale for $399! They're around $450 at all the shops here usually. I signed on the dotted line!

I have to wait til nedt Thursday to pick it up.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I carried my 642 in my pocket here in North Texas for years, any kind of weather. No problem. The finish wore off some but certainly there were no other problems. There are lots of thread on the Forum about worn finishes. Doesn't bother me. I still sometimes carry that 642.

 

[camsdaddy]

I had never considered that a 442 would rust.

 

[JAREDSHS]

you will love the 642---congrats.

 

[Mulebuk Sam]

I'm going to buy either a 442 or 642 today. Originally I thought that they were exactly the same just with different colors but recently learned that the 442 has a carbon steel cylinder and the 642 is stainless steel

Carbon is harder metal than stainless but because of that more brittle. Meaning it would probably crack long before stainless would ever. So whats the purpose you ask, carbon can take hotter loads.

I still don't trust it, stainless man all the way here.

p.s. stainless also has better corrosion protection.

 

[kbm6893]

The 642 clear coat finish has a history of being fragile. I know my 642 got sent back to the factory twice for a new coat. 442 has less complaints.

If I was looking to a pocket .38, the 442 would be my only choice.