Price Check in the Snubbie Aisle: 642-2

[Redcoat3340]

LGS has 642-2 Performance Center for $469. I'm a good customer and I'll be trading at least one gun so I might get a break on price; but I'd appreciate any guidance from the folks here.

Gun looks new and has fancy wood/rubber grips. Feels good in hand, is definitely light enough for pocket carry; trigger is just fine.

I was considering either a Ruger LCP or model 36, but after handling them all...the 642 wins. I'd like DA/SA but this DA is smooooth….and I won't be shooting for score and I know I can hit what I need to with DAO..

Comments?. (Pics if I buy it tomorrow...Tues.) {And I will check gunbroker and dealers for prices as well.}

 

[F75gunslinger]

Looks like MSRP is $536. So generally a lgs will be under that by a bit. Considering it has the tuned action and the machining for moon clips I'd say that isn't outrageous if it's new.

Model 642 | Smith & Wesson

 

[HardToHandle]

CDNN has the 442 PC for $399.
CDNN SPORTS - SMITH WESSON 442 38 SPECIAL +P PC CUSTOM TUNED - FIREARMS

If you doing a trade, $469 looks viable.

I carry a 442 sometimes. It is a great gun to carry, but the sting from even target-level wadcutters is uncomfortable. My hands bleed if I shoot more than a few cylinders of +P in an Airweight. If I were to buy a J Frame these days, it would be a Model 36 or 60.

 

[shakyshoot]

The only ones I see on GB that actually sold went for $380-$419, and that's for a new one. You say it "looks new" which I assume means it's used. Unless you can swing a heck of a trade-in deal, I'd buy new and get the factory warranty.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Thanks for the help. I had three snubbies before: a S&W Centenial (my middle guy now has it); a model 36 (my oldest son has that one) and a Taurus 85 which I traded in for something small, Walter, and 9mm)

I asked for advice and about pricing as I never considered an Airweight, but as mentioned I want to pocket carry it and it's light. As I'm just anticipating arthritis (lucky it hasn't hit yet) I want to get some trigger time before I get old and creaky.

My LGS has the numbers figured out pretty well. Here in WA state there's a 10% tax on all out of state gun sales (they call it a fee); plus shipping at no less than $25 and $25 FFL transfer fee....so I'd have to buy online for less than $380 to come out ahead. Plus I'd need to sell whatever gun I use to finance this one, which isn't hard but it takes time and is a bother.

Bottom line: It seems the price is fair, the gun looks new; and we'll see what he gives me for trades.

Here's a pic from the interwebs of the same gun with the fancy grips which sold for $400 (and would have cost me $489).

 

[Ranger514]

What appears to be an identical PC 642 has a $519 tag on it at the local Cabela's.

 

[OldSarge21]

I just bought a 642-1 no lock nib for $429 out the door. I've put about 100 rounds through it so far. Really like it a lot. I did put combat stocks on it though because I have pretty large hands. If you like the gun and are happy with the price, go for it. Yes, I could have got one cheaper if I had shopped around but I couldn't have gotten it locally or now.

 

[shakyshoot]

I asked for advice and about pricing as I never considered an Airweight, but as mentioned I want to pocket carry it and it's light. As I'm just anticipating arthritis (lucky it hasn't hit yet) I want to get some trigger time before I get old and creaky.

I know opinions vary widely on this, but I don't find the recoil of an Airweight to be that bad. I don't really notice that much difference between +P ammo and regular 158 gr range ammo. I'm assuming your Taurus 85 was the heavier SS and not the UL? I have the Taurus 85 SS and it's actually a pretty nice gun. (But of course it hasn't survived the 50 years or more that so many S&W J-frames have.)

 

[vipermd]

OP - If it is new 469 is a good price. If you lived here, 25 ship,485 for the gun, and 6% state tax. There would be no dealer fee since you would be buying it from me. Also you are getting a 642 PC not a 642-1. If it feels good buy it, better yet if they give you a reasonable price for your trade. Be Safe,