New release 642 J frame?

[Outlaw2013]

I peruse the S&W website a lot. My version of window shopping/dreaming. Today on the Performance Center page I noticed this little gem:

Product: Model 642

In searching the web for availability it seems slim and vague:

Search results for 10186 | Slickguns


Did I stumble upon a new release? Prices look to be around $480-$500 in those few sites listed. Sounds to me like a deal and a half for a 642 with:

• Performance Center Tuned Action
• High Bright, Polished Cylinder Flutes
• High Bright, Polished Thumbpiece and Side Plate Screws
• Custom, Synthetic Grip with Wood Inserts
• Chrome-Plated, Polished Trigger
• Cylinder Cut for Full Moon Clips

If its not new, apologies. Figured the J nuts/wheel nuts/PC nuts on here like me would be interested.

 

[mhl6493]

Yep, I saw that one the other day. Very nice!

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I'm not real up to date with stuff from the PC but the first I heard of it was member MarkAlt's thread.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/431940-642-model-ii.html

Sure looks like a sweet one!

 

[Hapworth]

Palmed one today at my LGS. New grips feel good. Nice to see more no lock models, and moon clip models, too.

The trigger is good, and will probably break-in very nicely, but is only a hair smoother and lighter than a stock 642/442, and nothing a reasonably informed DIY-er couldn't replicate with an ultrafine stone.

Fine piece overall, wouldn't blame anyone for picking one up, but not sure it's worth the premium over a 642/442 Moon Clip.

 

[OldBoldPilot]

Those appear to be Altamont grips. You see them here. Quite inexpensive.

 

[haywood]

Do the Grips cover the backstrap or is it still open?

 

[MarkAlt]

Palmed one today at my LGS. New grips feel good. Nice to see more no lock models, and moon clip models, too.

The trigger is good, and will probably break-in very nicely, but is only a hair smoother and lighter than a stock 642/442, and nothing a reasonably informed DIY-er couldn't replicate with an ultrafine stone.

Fine piece overall, wouldn't blame anyone for picking one up, but not sure it's worth the premium over a 642/442 Moon Clip.

I agree with this. Would also add that the physical trigger face itself is polished and rounded, slightly thinner (maybe perceived, didn't measure) and appears to have a nice snappy reset similar to the M&P340.

The finish also differs from a stock 642.

 

[Outlaw2013]

Probably glass bead finish. Seems to be a trend right now with PCs like the 3" 460XVR PC. The grips and polished stuff (that I would be afraid would get marred or lose its polish) is meh. The no lock, moon clip cuts and PC action seem to be where the deal is for what $70-$100 more than a stock IL 642 goes for?

 

[MarkAlt]

The no lock, moon clip cuts and PC action seem to be where the deal is for what $70-$100 more than a stock IL 642 goes for?

Exactly. Some very practical core updates and a few cosmetics for less than a good dinner at the steakhouse.

Mmm... Steak.