Peeling of clear finish on alloy

[martyd]

I have seen posts regarding stainless alloy frames with a clear coating peeling like a sunburn.

Do ALL stainless alloy guns have this problem?

What models and time period of production had the clear coating peel on the stainless alloy guns?

 

[Camster]

I'm not aware of coated stainless alloy, only alloy,...as in aluminum.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, the silver anodized aluminum alloy frames tend to have peeling clear coat. Not sure if the black alloy frames have the same issues but I cannot recall seeing one if so.

 

[jimmyj]

I had several Model 642s and each one developed the clear coat peeling issue

 

[M29since14]

Camster is correct, the clear coating on the Aluminum frame guns is what we read about peeling/wearing off and looking ugly. I've always wondered if those guns were not anodized, just clear coated, as a cost saving measure, or what? I've been around a lot of anodized aluminum over the years and never saw anything like the problem people report with the 642s.

The old 442s in Electroless Nickel seemed to hold up well, though they will eventually show holster wear. Like about everything else I like, by the time I turn around, that article will be discontinued and considered "obsolete." In other words, "we want to make it cheaper" - and thereby adversely affect quality.

I've never seen a black 442 that looked like it had anything other than normal wear.

 

[Pef]

I've always looked at the 642 peeling as a feature. It shows that the guns been carried and makes the gun uniquely yours.

Now, time for me to make more lemonade out of some lemons.

 

[Pisgah]

If only the aluminum frames were anodized! Unfortunately, S&W opted for the spray-on clearcoat, which is as delicate as the clearcoat on your car.

If you don't want the scabby look, buy a gym membership, carry a few extra ounces, and go with an all-steel gun.

 

[s&wchad]

Here's what a 342Ti looks like after about 20 years in a pocket holster. The clearcoat really hasn't peeled, but I only use CLP on the frame and cylinder. It has plenty of character, but still works just fine!

 

[martyd]

I thank all of you for your comments to my post.

I am sure Smith knew this would happen when they decided to coat rather than anodize.

In my opinion those decision makers should be fired, they knowingly produced a cheap gun and did not care about S&W prior high quality reputation.

 

[martyd]

Has anyone sent a peeling pistol back to Smith while it was under warranty?

What was their stance regarding the peeling?

 

[jimmyj]

Has anyone sent a peeling pistol back to Smith while it was under warranty?

What was their stance regarding the peeling?

A number of years ago I sent two Model 642s back (at different times) for the "Peeling" and both were replaced with new guns. Later when I contacted S&W for a third Model 642 I was told that this was just normal and not a warranty issue.