Model442 with factory Nickel finish?

[T-TAC]

A friend of mine bought a used 442 as part of a collection and decided he wants to sell it. It's a model 442 with a satin Nickel finish and black rubber boot grips. I thought it was refinished and he did some research and found it was a factory finish.
What was the serial number range and years that the 442 was produced with a satin nickel finish?
He dropped his price down to $200 and it looks pretty minty, so I'm going to grab it.

 

[coach22]

I bought mine in 1994.
The finish is called electroless nickel.
A finish that stays on much better than the finish on 642's.

 

[DC7]

The picture coach22 posted above is actually my gun (and my photo). It's a 442 no-dash from 1995. Here's a full-size shot:

S&W offered the nickel finish starting with the no-dash 442 in the early 90's, and continued to offer it for a year or two after they switched to the magnum-frame 442-1. According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, the nickel finish was discontinued in 1997.

T-Tac, $200 is a steal for any mint-condition early 442, and especially so for one with the nickel finish. IIRC, someone once offered me $475 for the one pictured above. Congrats on a great find!

 

[T-TAC]

Thanks for the help guys. Are these guns +P rated?

 

[murphydog]

Thanks for the help guys. Are these guns +P rated?

No, but a limited amount should not harm the gun.

BTW, on one of the popular gun sites today one of these is selling for $439, which I think is a decent price.

 

[T-TAC]

Thanks Again. I'm thinking of shooting non +P through it and then maybe a cylinder of +P to see where it hits and then carry it with that load.
Federal use to make a Non +P Nyclad load just for the the J frame guns. It was pretty good. I don't know if it's still around.

 

[Old cop]

My satin nickle 442 is from 1993 and is a great carry gun. The finish looks as good as day one (carried daily) and a limited amount of +P will not harm it.

 

[bettis1]

I've carried a nickel M442 in a Kramer pocket holster EVERY day since 1993 and I wouldn't be caught without it. Mine also wears a set of Crimson Trace grips. I carry it with +P and fire those each trip to the range along with several cylinders of standard loads. In 2003 I noticed a slight peel beginning on the front of the cylinder. A quick trip back to the Factory, a no charge refinish, and it looked like new.

I'd love to get a chance for another one for $200!

Bob

 

[CCV]

BUY IT...............................NOW!