Personal preference - 442 vs. 642 ?

[scottaschultz]

I appreciate all the replies! I knew I could count on yous guys!

I will probably go for the 442... maybe!

Scott

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I have the 442. The only reason I prefer this over the 642 is that I carry in the pocket sometimes. If I sit and the pants pocket rides up slightly, the person to my side may see the edge of the gun. If it looks black, it could be a cell phone, right?

 

[imjin138]

I just ordered a 442, I have a 640 and a model 40 both re nice I have to remember to squeeze the grip on the 40. I bought the 442 because I wanted an airweight and it to be what I was looking for.

The bodyguard series is good too i have a 649 and almost went with the 638 but the 442 came with no internal lock so i chose it.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

I might be way off, but I was under the impression that the ONLY difference in the 442 and the 642 was the color. I thought that the 442 has a stainless cylinder and barrel and they just coated it in black.....someone who knows more than me chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.

The new 442 no locks seem to have stainless barrels that are coated in a black finish, but the cylinder is still carbon steel (blued). Mine is like this as are several other members on here. They match fine. The locked 442s I'm not sure about. Why there are like this we can only guess. I just wish the cylinder was stainless too, just alittle added corrosion protection but still with the blue finish.

I like both for different reasons/occasions. Thats why I got one of each.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I use a 940 as a BUG and sometime carry gun, but I have a 442 that I really like as a off duty/carry weapon, as to the finish I do like the black and I am considering having one of my 940s refinished in one of the really durable black finishes. The dark color gun can be in the hand and not nearly as noticable as the SS finish at night. It can also be carried in a IWB or OWB holster and not be as noticable as the SS finish. Between the 642 and 442 the flaking clear coat on the bright finish would be a deal breaker for me. I have a 396 with the clear coat flaking, I am thinking about making it black.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The new 442 no locks seem to have stainless barrels that are coated in a black finish, but the cylinder is still carbon steel (blued). Mine is like this as are several other members on here. They match fine. The locked 442s I'm not sure about. Why there are like this we can only guess. I just wish the cylinder was stainless too, just alittle added corrosion protection but still with the blue finish.

I like both for different reasons/occasions. Thats why I got one of each.

They're making 442's without locks????? Why wasn't I informed of this??? where do you find them-what dash are they???

 

[photoman]

They're making 442's without locks????? Why wasn't I informed of this??? where do you find them-what dash are they???

Yep. They've been out now for a year or so. Not the easiest to find, but they are out there. Not sure what the product or dash number is.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

They're making 442's without locks????? Why wasn't I informed of this??? where do you find them-what dash are they???

Product: Model 442 Revolver - No Internal Lock
642-1 (prelock & new no lock)
642-2 (lock)
442-1 (prelock)
442-2 (lock & new no lock)
Don't know why the new no lock 442s are not -1s like the 642s, but everyone I've seen on here and my own are like that.

 

[Engine49guy]

A dealer recently told me a batch of no lock J frames "Turned up" at S&W and were finished and sent out with orders.
Dont know if there is any truth to it but heard it from another dealer recently as well.
BTW, My vote is 649 or Nickel model 38.
I Just like to have an option to cock the hammer.

 

[Emerson]

Practically there is no difference but my preference is for a black carry gun so I'd go with the 442.

 

[LOBO]

I prefer the 442.