New Guy: What are the differences between the 642 and the 442?

[OrangeJoe]

New guy here.

I have been looking at the J frame revolvers for a while now. I had almost settled on the 642 but I like the 442 aesthetics better.

I believe the 642 is AL alloy framed with a clear coat and a stainless steel cylinder. What I don't know is how does that differ from the 442.

Which is the better finish? (less chip prone, resistant to carry wear, etc.)

If the 442 cylinder is plain steel as I suspect. How rust resistant is the finish? Comparable to bluing, better, worse?

If the 442 cylinder is steel and the 642 is stainless steel, how hard would it be to get the matte black 442 frame finish on a new 642?

Great forum guys and gals. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[OrangeJoe]

New guy here.

I have been looking at the J frame revolvers for a while now. I had almost settled on the 642 but I like the 442 aesthetics better.

I believe the 642 is AL alloy framed with a clear coat and a stainless steel cylinder. What I don't know is how does that differ from the 442.

Which is the better finish? (less chip prone, resistant to carry wear, etc.)

If the 442 cylinder is plain steel as I suspect. How rust resistant is the finish? Comparable to bluing, better, worse?

If the 442 cylinder is steel and the 642 is stainless steel, how hard would it be to get the matte black 442 frame finish on a new 642?

Great forum guys and gals. Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[alank2]

Hi OrangeJoe,

I've got a 442 and the barrel and cylinder are blued. I've noticed no wear or rust issues and I carry it a bunch.

If you want a "lock-less" J-Frame, there is a special run of 642's right now with no lock. While I love the black finish much better than the 642 finish, I'd go for one of those lock-less 642's right now if I were buying.

Good luck,

Alan

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

The 442 has a Carbon Steel Cylinder, Yolk & Barrel..
The 642 has a Stainless Steel Cylinder, Yolk & Barrel..
The Clear Coat Finish on the Current 642s is all but Clear paint, Were the 442 seems to have a more Hearty Finish IMO..
My early 642 hasn't Peeled, Cracked etc, S&W Got it right the first time with these..
If your going to conceal carry the Centennial either In The waistband or pocket carry it will get sweat on it, Most tend to go with the 642 because of it's stainless construction, I DID!!
In Fact I've Heard The Current 642-2 is S&Ws #1 Seller..
I've had both the 442-2 & 642-2 & believe that the 642 in the more Rust Resistant of the two but the Finish on the 642s frame is very thin & will scrape off easily, The 442s frame finish is more foregiving, I believe it's thicker???
I have recently aquired a 342Ti & it Pocket Carries Unlike anything I've ever Tried!!
I always thought My AirWeight was the Ultimate Carry Revolver But after carrying the AirLite my thoughts have changed on this..
The Lighter the weapon is the more likely you will be to have it with you when you need it..
Realy You Can't Go Wrong with any of them..
The New BATCH of Lockless 642-1/2s? are worth looking at, I believe there's a couple for sale in the Classifieds Here on The Forum, Unless they've dried up already..
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT CONCEALED CARRY REVOLVER!!
Welcome to the Forum OrangeJoe
Gary/Hk
342Ti 642 940 All No Dash & NO Locks

HERE'S THE LINK TO TOPGUN SUPPLY IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/511103904/m/2781009602

 

[OrangeJoe]

Thanks for the replies and link. I have seen the TG offer for the lock-less 642, decisions, decisions.

I live in a hot climate so after reading your post I'm leaning toward the 642.

If I read you correctly, the 442 is the same frame as the 642, so there should be a finish that will work on it and give me the same matte dark look. I wonder what that is.

Is there perhaps a known 'Touch-Up' solution for the 442 owners.

 

[Andy Griffith]

The only think I will add...

The finish on the frame of the 442 is tougher because it is anodized black. The anodizing on the 442 cannot be "eaten" off like that of the current 642 when you use harsh cleaners on it like carb cleaner, gun scrubber and the like...
Once the clear coat is off, the aluminum will corrode with sweat like putting tomatoes on aluminum foil!

If you live in a salt climate, I would be more worried about the aluminum alloy corroding than the steel rusting.

The stainless on the 642 will rust- it is just a bit more resistant than the blue on the 442.