Mod 642 & 442 difference

[ConquestN98858]

Hey,
I have (2) S&W 442's... The Hoppes has not hurt them althouth I haven't scrubbed the outer finish while cleaning. I like to wipe dry and then swab with Wellworth A2Z All Purpose for a soft sheen that seemingly imparts a light lubriscity that displaces moisture. I use the A2Z on all of my firearms and have for years... Great Stuff!

 

[jessegpresley]

I think a lot of it is nothing more than manufacturing convenience. They use what they have in stock. If sweat is going to be a major issue, I recommend having the gun refinished. Black-T, Robar, etc.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

This is surely the correct answer. Robar NP3+ if you're worried about rust.

 

[Combat_Diver]

The 442 Pro has a carbon steel bbl and a matte black stainless steel cylinder

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstor...1 - Model 442 Cylinder cut for moon clips.pdf

The 642 Pro Series Powerport has a stainless steel cylinder and bbl with a matte black finish

Product: Model 642

CD

 

[redfisherdave]

Thanks again for all the input. I went ahead and bought the Mod 442 today. I just like it's looks better than the 642. I was able to find a no lock version. Plan on starting to break it in this weekend.

 

[allglock]

all new 442s without the lock made in the last 3 years have a stainless barrel. You can tell, because it will be marked with an "S". The lock model 442 was still using carbon steel barrels, as far as I know. Another way you can tell is by the front sight... The stainless barrel has a little notch in it, like the above picture, the carbon steel barrel doesnt.

 

[Combat_Diver]

allglock,

Where's this "S"? My 442 Pro has that notch also.

CD

 

[allglock]

allglock,

Where's this "S"? My 442 Pro has that notch also.

CD

Its underneath on the flat portion of the barrel.

 

[redfisherdave]

I have the no lock, notch in the sight, but no S on bottom of barrel.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

I have the no lock, notch in the sight, but no S on bottom of barrel.

Same here, and thats on my 642-1 and 442-1 Pro. But my older ones did have the S. For some reason they are not marking the newest ones, even the 642s.

 

[Combat_Diver]

Thanks,

That's one area I don't have a picture of down range. Will have to wait til I get home to check it out.

CD

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

Sorry for raising the dead thread. I'm considering the 442 or 642. I like the looks of the 442 slightly better, but I prefer function over looks. Is there a huge difference between these two guns? Assume they'll remain LIGHTLY coated in CLP for protection and cleaned after every range trip. I will carry whichever model I get as a BUG in an ankle holster or jacket pocket.

Thank you and sorry for the dead thread bump.

 

[Arik]

I have a 642 I use as a pocket gun when walking my dog. As far as I know 442 have locks and 642 don't bug I could be wrong

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[Philadelphia Patriot]

I have a 642 I use as a pocket gun when walking my dog. As far as I know 442 have locks and 642 don't bug I could be wrong

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Nope. They're making 442s without locks now too. Tanners has them on sale for $350.

 

[Arik]

Ooh. I bought my 642 about a year ago, at Surplus City. They had them on sale for about the same price. +/- $10 but all their 442 were locks and the salesman said there were no 442 lock free so I bought the 642. I have no issues with the lock but given an option of one with and one without I'll buy the one without

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[BUFF]

I believe that the only non-lock revolvers S&W is currently making are the Centennial series. They make pretty well all of that series with and without the lock in batches of them.

I have had several 642's since they were first sold in 1991. I cleaned all of them with Hoppes #9 that is probably 15 years old and every now and then, I stripped them completely and rinsed the frames off after the Hoppes scrub with brake parts cleaner. The Hoppes was never on the gun parts for more than a few minutes, the time it took me to scrub each part with a toothbrush. The brake parts cleaner evaporates quickly.

The only finish wear I have experienced has been some wear-through on frame edges, which showed up as black under the wear spots. I never experienced any flaking.

I believe that S&W has changed the finishes on their stainless and aluminum revolvers several times trying to come up with the most durable. the finish they used initially was pretty wear- and solvent-resistant.

 

[slabside2]

Nope. They're making 442s without locks now too. Tanners has them on sale for $350.

Targetmaster in Chadds Ford has all the J Frames lock or no lock. The only J Frame that always has the lock is the 638. I know when the 638 first was first introduced had no lock.

 

[kthom]

My 442 ND was made in 12/93 and I bought it new in 4/94. It's been a real dandy and has a great many rounds fired through it by both my wife and I. She claimed it pretty soon after it joined our stable. I bought a used 642-2 1/15 that was made 9/12. It also looks extremely "rancid" (thanks to whomever posted that description somewhere above. I have been searching for a good description for mine!) but it shoots just fine. I just happen to think it would be just deserts to shoot a rancid predator with a rancid 642 ... LOL! Hope I never have to do that, but still ... that's the purpose we own this 642 and 442 for.

Been trying to get my wife to trade me the 442 for the 642 but she says the 642 is too ugly and it fits my personna much better than it does hers! She's probably right ... she usually always is!

 

[AZretired]

The newer 642s have a clear coat that can start flaking off. Whether or not Hoppes would trigger that, I can't say.

My 642-2 which is over 10 years old has some normal wear on the backstrap but is otherwise fine. My newer 642-1 which I have carried daily since I bought it 2 years ago still looks new.