This is my first posting. I'm grateful that this site exists. I have a J Frame Model 042 with alloy frame that I purchased new in 1992. It has a bright blue finish, unlike the matte finish of the Model 442 that replaced it. I've never seen another one like it and wonder if it is rare.
J Frame 042
- Thread starter gipper
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This is my first posting. I'm grateful that this site exists. I have a J Frame Model 042 with alloy frame that I purchased new in 1992. It has a bright blue finish, unlike the matte finish of the Model 442 that replaced it. I've never seen another one like it and wonder if it is rare.
Thanks. And what about the model designation? didn't the original alloy framed Model 42s from the 1950s have the grip safeties? Did S & W make a mistake when they gave this one a model number in 1992 and then change it to 442? Regards.
stiab
US Veteran
I believe it preceeded the 442, and was made up of 642 frames with flaws. Most are overstamped where the model number appears. Does yours have the serial number under the topstrap? Some did. I sold one a few months ago on the classifieds. They are relatively rare, but I have leared that "rare" in J frames does not usually equate to significantly higher values, like it does in K and N frames.
HEADKNOCKER
Member
stiab is corect about the 042s being made from 642s with finish flaws..
The early 642s weren't matte & the 042s were the same way..
DC7 has a mint example in his stash of centennials..
Do a search for 042 that should give you lots of info..
Welcome to the forum gipper, I loved Reagan Too.
Gary/Hk
The early 642s weren't matte & the 042s were the same way..
DC7 has a mint example in his stash of centennials..
Do a search for 042 that should give you lots of info..
Welcome to the forum gipper, I loved Reagan Too.
Gary/Hk
Thanks, guys. Mine has the model number on the frame under the yoke, but doesn't look like it's been over-stamped. Serial number is under the top strap as stiab says. It's been my carry gun since '92 and still looks good. Put Crimson Trace grips on it last year, which are actually 1/2 ounce lighter than the Uncle Mike's that came on it.
metrotps
Member
Actually the model 042 is somewhat rare. NoTime2, a forum member, sold one about a year ago that was NIB and actually had never been out of the box. So new it never had the cylinder turned after it left the factory. Another forum member paid dearly for it.
DC7
Member
- Joined
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Gipper: Welcome to the forum! As Headknocker mentioned, I have a Model 042 just like yours. It's still NIB, has the same high-polish finish, and shows no sign of an overstamp:
I recently picked up a second one, also NIB, but this time it was the matte-finish version, and it has a very clear overstamp--"MOD. 042" over the previously-stamped "MOD 642". It also came with Uncle Mike's boot grips, while my polished version was equipped with Uncle Mike's combat grips. (Sorry, no pics of the matte 042 yet.)
A letter from Roy Jinks, the Smith & Wesson factory historian, mentions that the 042 was made in 1992 and 1993 using Model 642 frames that were rejected for cosmetic reasons (difficulty matching the natural aluminum finish to stainless steel). The frames were anodized in a black finish, and were fitted with blued carbon steel barrels and cylinders, plus stainless steel yokes finished in midnight black. Total production of the 042 was 4415 guns.
You're right about the original Model 42 having a grip safety, but I don't think it was a mistake that S&W gave this newer model essentially the same number. They've been known to re-use model numbers from time to time, sometimes even for guns that bear no resemblance to one another. In this case the gun was virtually identical to the old Model 42 except for the grip safety, and since the 042 was never a cataloged model--just a special run to use up the rejected 642 frames--the factory probably decided to use that number just long enough to get them out the door.
A good article with more info on the 042 can be found HERE.
Congrats on owning a great revolver!
I recently picked up a second one, also NIB, but this time it was the matte-finish version, and it has a very clear overstamp--"MOD. 042" over the previously-stamped "MOD 642". It also came with Uncle Mike's boot grips, while my polished version was equipped with Uncle Mike's combat grips. (Sorry, no pics of the matte 042 yet.)
A letter from Roy Jinks, the Smith & Wesson factory historian, mentions that the 042 was made in 1992 and 1993 using Model 642 frames that were rejected for cosmetic reasons (difficulty matching the natural aluminum finish to stainless steel). The frames were anodized in a black finish, and were fitted with blued carbon steel barrels and cylinders, plus stainless steel yokes finished in midnight black. Total production of the 042 was 4415 guns.
You're right about the original Model 42 having a grip safety, but I don't think it was a mistake that S&W gave this newer model essentially the same number. They've been known to re-use model numbers from time to time, sometimes even for guns that bear no resemblance to one another. In this case the gun was virtually identical to the old Model 42 except for the grip safety, and since the 042 was never a cataloged model--just a special run to use up the rejected 642 frames--the factory probably decided to use that number just long enough to get them out the door.
A good article with more info on the 042 can be found HERE.
Congrats on owning a great revolver!
Hey gipper
The o42 in this picis an overstamped gun. I also have a second gun which is overstamped. On both guns it takes a magnifying glass to see the overstamp.
jcelect
The o42 in this picis an overstamped gun. I also have a second gun which is overstamped. On both guns it takes a magnifying glass to see the overstamp.
jcelect
Nice collection, jselect. I've examined the model numbering very closely on mine and can see no evidence of over-stamping.
I replied to DC7's posting but apparently I used a "trigger" word and my posting needs to be approved by the site administrators. Honest, it was all complementary!
I replied to DC7's posting but apparently I used a "trigger" word and my posting needs to be approved by the site administrators. Honest, it was all complementary!
whitecoyote
Member
Another S&W 042
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
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I bought a 042 back in 93-94. It had the matt finish like the 442. I researched it and found out that it was a transition gun. That meant that it was in fact a 042 that was finished the same as the 442 but it wasn't +P rated like the 442. I sold it to a friend and bought a 642 Lady Smith because I wanted the +P capability. That is now my wife's gun.
I now carry daily a 642 Pro Series with PowerPort. Needs the action job I had done on the 642 and I want to put a Big Dot Tritium front sight on it. I took the beautiful much easier to get out of the pocket rose wood grips off the 642 Lady Smith and put them on the 642 Pro. Crimson Trace Compact grips are now on the 642 Lady Smith. Stoked with Glaser +P Silvers it is wicked loud and busts melons like a magnum. And yeah, I already know... a lot of you traditionalist out there hate frangibles.
The DeSantis Super Fly Pocket Holster is a great and EASY way to carry. Just stick it in my front pocket and go. I also slip a metal straight six speed loader in my back pocket just in case.
I now carry daily a 642 Pro Series with PowerPort. Needs the action job I had done on the 642 and I want to put a Big Dot Tritium front sight on it. I took the beautiful much easier to get out of the pocket rose wood grips off the 642 Lady Smith and put them on the 642 Pro. Crimson Trace Compact grips are now on the 642 Lady Smith. Stoked with Glaser +P Silvers it is wicked loud and busts melons like a magnum. And yeah, I already know... a lot of you traditionalist out there hate frangibles.
The DeSantis Super Fly Pocket Holster is a great and EASY way to carry. Just stick it in my front pocket and go. I also slip a metal straight six speed loader in my back pocket just in case.
Stephen A. Camp
Absent Comrade
Hello. Mine is the "shiney" version and has been carried quite a lot over the years.
Though now "semi-retired", this one still gets carried now and again. It remains a trusted companion."
Best.
Though now "semi-retired", this one still gets carried now and again. It remains a trusted companion."
Best.
How do you like your 642 Pro? I don't hear a lot about these but am curious. Looks like you get a bit more barrel length than the usual 1.875" J-Frame, and of course it's ported.
Does the porting take the edge off the recoil?
I wonder how much velocity you lose?
642 power port holster
Has anyone had any experience getting the correct holster to fit a 642 power port? It seems that the holsters available through the usual on-line sources are not quite right based on customer reviews. I'm looking for a belt type ... leather, any color. When Illinois gets Concealed Carry
I'll look for a less conspicious holster.
Has anyone had any experience getting the correct holster to fit a 642 power port? It seems that the holsters available through the usual on-line sources are not quite right based on customer reviews. I'm looking for a belt type ... leather, any color. When Illinois gets Concealed Carry
I'll look for a less conspicious holster.
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