Mod 642 & 442 difference

[redfisherdave]

What is the difference between current 642 & 442 moodels other than the color. Seems like I heard the finish on the 642 can be damaged by Hoppes #9. Does this apply to the black finish on the 442 as well?
Many Thanks
Dave

 

[P&R Fan]

Main difference, other than color, is the cylinder. Carbon steel on the 442, stainless on the 642, which is why I prefer the latter for carry. Hoppes has never hurt mine.
Jim

 

[Beancounter81]

I have one of each and use Hoppe's on both with no problems.

 

[Crazy88Fingers]

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

 

[Old cop]

Aside from cosmetics (e.g.; finish) nothing. The 642 may wear better in hot climates, but my 442 (1992) is satin nickle, I'm careful with it in the summer and it still looks great.

 

[Maximumbob54]

The clear coat on my 637 looks so rancid that I'm going to have it duracoated at some point. I wish they made a 637 like the 442. Maybe I should just buy the 442.

 

[Person]

As far as I understand there is no difference other than the finish. I have been carrying a 642-1 in my pocket everday for about 4 years now and the finish is still perfect except some scuffs I put on it. Not sure if it matters but I live in Houston, TX and it is very humid.

In addition I clean it with Hoppes #9 and it has not caused any issues for me so far.

 

[welldoya]

I've read that Hoppe's will leave the clear coat on a 642 looking like a peeling sunburn. Just in case I clean mine only with Breakfree CLP. Does a good job and not nearly as harsh.

 

[allglock]

How about if you just dont use Hoppes? Use something else like MPro 7 . http://www.mpro7.com/index.html

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

Based on responses in this thread, perhaps it is the device used for cleaning (rag or brush,etc..) rather than the Hoppes No. 9 that's responsibile for the finish damage on the 642. Just a thought.

 

[moxie]

There must be some kind of conspiracy out there against Hoppe's #9, one of the supreme products to be made in North America. I've been using it since 1966 on all kinds of guns, and it gets them clean. Never any damage. And it smells good! Similar conspiracy against WD-40. Hogwash. Baloney. Malarkey.

 

[redfisherdave]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm not clear on 1 item yet. Is the 442 cylinder & barrel stainless or not. S & W website says the 442 cylinder is stainless.
Thanks again

 

[Frailer]

I've read that Hoppe's will leave the clear coat on a 642 looking like a peeling sunburn...

I don't leave the gun soaking in a vat of Hoppe's overnight, but in the course of normal cleaning it doesn't seem to have hurt the finish on mine.

 

[Nevadadvx]

The clear coat on my 637 looks so rancid that I'm going to have it duracoated at some point. I wish they made a 637 like the 442. Maybe I should just buy the 442.

My 637 is starting to look pretty sad as well. I may attempt to strip the clear coat and polish it like this guy did with his 642......

 

[Combat_Diver]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm not clear on 1 item yet. Is the 442 cylinder & barrel stainless or not. S & W website says the 442 cylinder is stainless.
Thanks again

Depends, generally a 642 has a stainless steel cylinder and barrel. The 442 those components are carbon steel with a matte black finish. Both have a aluminum alloy frame. However the 442 Pro that I have is listed as having a carbon steel barrel but with a stainless steel cylinder with a matte black finsh. So it pays to know the model and when it was made.

CD

 

[photoman]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm not clear on 1 item yet. Is the 442 cylinder & barrel stainless or not. S & W website says the 442 cylinder is stainless.
Thanks again

Some are. Some are not. How's that for an answer.

 

[SEVN3]

However the 442 Pro that I have is listed as having a carbon steel barrel but with a stainless steel cylinder with a matte black finsh.

I can't find anywhere official where it says the barrel is carbon steel and the cylinder is stainless for the NL 442 PRO. My 442 PRO should arrive to me tomorrow and I had thought the barrel was blued stainless as well as the cylinder. Not a big deal, but details like that usually don't slip past me as I research things thoroughly before I buy them.

Is there anywhere I can find that information where it lists that the barrel is carbon steel for the 442 Pro other than the "canned" sales description that you find on every online retailers website? Anytime a carbon steel barrel is mentioned, I see no mention of a stainless cylinder and vice versa.

Thanks.

 

[Broadside]

Is there anywhere I can find that information where it lists that the barrel is carbon steel for the 442 Pro other than the "canned" sales description that you find on every online retailers website? Anytime a carbon steel barrel is mentioned, I see no mention of a stainless cylinder and vice versa.

I have previously looked for the same information, but have not been able to find it anywhere.

The only place I have found which lists the 442 Pro (and the M&P 340) as have a stainless cylinder is on S&W's Web site. However, they do not list the material used for the barrel.

(Side note: The M&P 340 has a two-piece barrel. I've always assumed that the barrel liner was stainless.)

I guess what I am saying is that I've wondered the same thing you have about the 442 and have not been able to find a satisfactory answer.

 

[SEVN3]

These are more rhetorical questions than anything:

Why would there be a stainless cylinder with a carbon steel barrel for a concealed carry revolver?

I plan on sweating all over this thing anytime I leave the house and I would like a little more corrosion resistance beyond what bluing offers, hence my choice for what I perceived to be an all aluminum and stainless NL 442.

In other words, what would be the point of mixing stainless components with other components that could corrode on the same frame?

Are there any other examples of S&W doing this?

 

[photoman]

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. The only issues I've had with rusting and S&W revolvers is blue steel guns with rubber grips. You have to have a good preventive maintenance program for that combo.