sw 442/642 no lock

[wrangler5]

I check mine daily. I keep a rag and can of Ballistol handy. If you keep an eye on it you won't have a problem.

Absolutely correct. If I'd done this from the start, I wouldn't be writing these cautionary posts about rust on the yoke of 442s.

But I started carrying the 442 after a couple of years with a Glock 26. I would shoot that every month or two in an IDPA match and clean it afterwards, otherwise I ignored maintenance. With nary a trace of rust anywhere. (Carried it IWB, too, so conditions were the same as rusted the 442.) I treated the 442 the same at first, but learned it needs more attention.

I've switched to other J frames for daily carry, stainless and alloy but all with a stainless yoke, and never had a hint of rust on any of 'em. And I DON'T wipe them down every night. So, in my single-sample experience, the 442 is more susceptible to rust than guns with a stainless yoke. It needs regular attention, where the stainless guns don't.

 

[GeoJelly]

Again, unfortunately, I have to admit my ignorance here! I didn't know about the wear resistance differences between the 6-series and 4-series revolvers. "My" local dealer - with a large stock of revolvers - let me go thru a stack of 637's last week. The first one I examined was tight, with strong carry-up, but it had a noticeable turn-ring for a new revolver.

The second one had an equally tight action but with only a slight ring - so I made a down payment and will pick it up soon. I have been frustrated by the (apparent) poor-fitting of the J-frames I have examined up until last week. I've been especially disappointed in the loose-ish frame to yoke retention on more than a couple of the aluminum framed revolvers I've examined.

I suppose it's just a senile/anal-retentive pet peeve on my part - no one else here has mentioned this sloppiness - and apparently their revolvers run just fine if it's loose. I have a (probably foolish) fear of firing one when the cylinder is mis-aligned with the bore in one of the loose ones...

Added: So, is it safe to say that the 442's are hard-anodized versus the 6-series which are just clear-coated?

 

[NCBeagle]

The 442 is one of the best damned carry options out there. I've got several, but my favorite has at least a couple thousand rounds through it. Locks up tight as new. The finish holds up well. Good weight for carry but not too light. Not a spot of corrosion, even after years of IWB carry in hot Charlotte, NC summers. Also, I have a "no lock" 442 fitted with a titanium cylinder. Did a thread about that swap years ago.

 

[Fox4506]

I would say you can't go wrong with a J Frame, period. I have two 642's and one 342 (titanium cylinder). I carry one of the 642's pretty much everyday. I love shooting it too. I know some people say that J Frames are to be carried a lot and shot little...but I love shooting mine. The right grips make all the difference in the world.

I did have a problem with my first 642's finish. It started coming off on the edges, mainly the top strap, where it was rubbing in the holster in my pocket. I sent it back to S&W and they charged me to refinish it. If I had it to do over again I'd probably just let it go with the wear on the finish as it doesn't affect function. When mine had the finish problem I did a lot of reading about it. I found out that many people put wax on theirs to keep the finish from wearing...I've done this some and it does seem to help.

Oh, for those that like the dark finish of the 442 and the stainless of the 642, I believe S&W has an option for you. I think they have a 442 with a stainless cylinder. I believe it's a Performance Center gun. But like I said I don't think you can go wrong with ANY J Frame!

Good luck!
Fox

 

[Fox4506]

Buds Gun Shop has good prices...I bought my second 642 there. And if you're a veteran or law enforcement you'll qualify for their Qualified Professional discount...but even their regular prices are pretty good. They have the 442 with the QP discount for 340 right now...without the internal lock. None of my revolvers have the lock...I don't care for it at all.

Fox

 

[HeavyLoad]

Check out Grab A Gun, that's where I just ordered my 442 no lock from. I usually order from Buds but it was almost $30 cheaper at Grab a Gun shipped. Even with Buds price match request.
Grabagun.com

 

[spirit4earth]

The 442 is one of the best damned carry options out there. I've got several, but my favorite has at least a couple thousand rounds through it. Locks up tight as new. The finish holds up well. Good weight for carry but not too light. Not a spot of corrosion, even after years of IWB carry in hot Charlotte, NC summers. Also, I have a "no lock" 442 fitted with a titanium cylinder. Did a thread about that swap years ago.

What kind of grip is that?

 

[spirit4earth]

Are these revolvers really painful to shoot? I don't have very strong hands, but if can shoot a 9mm compact easily. I've been thinking about getting a revolver, but I'm afraid I won't want to practice with it. I can't afford to do anything other than keep it stock, so I wouldn't be able to change out the grips.

 

[brio]

Ordered a 642 no lock from grab a gun last week. $338.00 shipped. Have a model 60-14, wanted something a little smaller and lighter.

 

[NCBeagle]

What kind of grip is that?

First few pictures are Barami Hip Grip paired with a Tyler T Grip and Hogue Handall.

Fifth picture is just old school wood and a Tyler T.

Last one is a Hogue Bantam grip. It's by favorite rubber boot grip. Also, it's very light and that was my goal with the titanium.

Actually, carrying the Barami / Tyler set up now.


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[blues7]

Are these revolvers really painful to shoot? I don't have very strong hands, but if can shoot a 9mm compact easily. I've been thinking about getting a revolver, but I'm afraid I won't want to practice with it. I can't afford to do anything other than keep it stock, so I wouldn't be able to change out the grips.

No, not painful at all imho. You'll feel the recoil more than in a larger framed firearm but not in a painful or uncomfortable way in my experience. The stock grips are very comfortable for me.

I have a 642 for those times when I want something pocketable or for just around home and environs. (Of course it also qualifies as a nice BUG as well.)

Picked mine up at Bud's during the holidays. LEO price was $337...a few dollars more if paying with a credit card.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Are these revolvers really painful to shoot? I don't have very strong hands, but if can shoot a 9mm compact easily. I've been thinking about getting a revolver, but I'm afraid I won't want to practice with it. I can't afford to do anything other than keep it stock, so I wouldn't be able to change out the grips.

Recoil is pretty subjective, so it's nearly impossible for me to say if you'll find it painful. When I started shooting my 642 I used standard pressure ammo and then worked my way up to +P. It does have some kick, but I think most people could probably get used to shooting it with standard pressure ammo. Good grips are very helpful. The stock grips are ok, but I can't shoot as many rounds comfortably with them as I can with Spegel boot grips. I can usually shoot around 75 rounds per shooting session without a problem, mostly standard pressure ammo but with maybe 15-25 rounds of +P. More than that and I usually end up having to ice my hand.

If at all possible, you should try shooting one to see, either from a friend or a rental range. It does help to have a firm grip, but you certainly don't need super strong hands to shoot one.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Regarding 442 vs. 642, I don't think you'll go wrong with either so long as you realize the 442 will require a little more in the way of preventive maintenance. I prefer the 642 for the stainless steel's lower maintenance needs. It's a carry gun so I don't really care about the alloy frame finish as it doesn't affect the gun's function.

I've had 2 642-1s. The first finish started flaking badly within a few months of carry and practice. I've had the second one almost a year-and-a-half now, and it's only just recently started showing signs of finish wear on the backstrap (I'm not counting holster wear). So it may be a toss up as to whether you get a bad finish or not on the 642.

 

[crazyphil]

What kind of grip is that?

What's with that screw right in front of the Barami? Looks like
it's too big, starting out, or both?

 

[crazyphil]

The 442 is one of the best damned carry options out there. I've got several, but my favorite has at least a couple thousand rounds through it. Locks up tight as new. The finish holds up well. Good weight for carry but not too light. Not a spot of corrosion, even after years of IWB carry in hot Charlotte, NC summers. Also, I have a "no lock" 442 fitted with a titanium cylinder. Did a thread about that swap years ago.

Sorry,, my question above, was meant for you.

 

[scruffy]

Are these revolvers really painful to shoot? I don't have very strong hands, but if can shoot a 9mm compact easily. I've been thinking about getting a revolver, but I'm afraid I won't want to practice with it. I can't afford to do anything other than keep it stock, so I wouldn't be able to change out the grips.

I start practice with Remington .38 FMJ 130 grain ammo which is relatively cheap and very soft shooting. I change over and finish practice with WWB .38 +P 125 grain SJHP which I use for carry. Again, relatively inexpensive and very accurate in my 442. Recoil is mild. A little more snappy than the non +P but not uncomfortable either. Old school bullet technology but I sure wouldn't want to get shot with it.

 

[NCBeagle]

Following up on my earlier post about the Barami Hip Grip, Tyler T, and rubber set up. Tucks away comfortably without additional holster. Conceals even under a T-shirt in the summer.




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[NCBeagle]

What's with that screw right in front of the Barami? Looks like

it's too big, starting out, or both?

That is a slightly larger sideplate screw that came with a "clip grip." I removed the clip grip but lost the original sideplate screw. That's all.


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[wcroadie]

I am most likely picking up one of these tomorrow, leaning towards the 442, shop near me has them on sale. I carry a shield 9 now, but want the revolver to pocket carry and because I want, er need another firearm

 

[Bill In Texas]

I don't have a 442 or a 642, but I can report that the clear coat on my 637-2 is still looking good 6 years down the road. This is a regular carried and shot gun.

I usually opt for stainless steel guns due to living on the Gulf Coast with the high humidity. Hope this helps!