Thoughts on an older 442?

[BananaDoc]

Hello folks, I would like to tap your wealth of expertise on an older Centennial 442 I have stumbled across recently. It seems to be a nickel plate from the mid 90's… Serial number begins with BSZ, which from my research here suggests 1995-1996 and still covered by the lifetime warranty (4 digits follow) Looks to be in very good shape, tight lockup and solid timing with a smooth trigger pull.

My question is twofold; First, is this firearm arguably superior in material/finish/construction to the new ones? Are there issues I should know about? Price looks like it is going to end up at 400.00, which is mighty close to a brand new 442/642 pro. Also, would it be possible with a gun of this vintage to have the cylinder cut for moon clips? This is a feature I really like in the pro series...

Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks, doc

 

[photoman]

The satin nickel 442's are nice guns. I would much prefer one of those over a brand new 442.

 

[BananaDoc]

The satin nickel 442's are nice guns. I would much prefer one of those over a brand new 442.

Thanks for replying! So you would be OK with that price?

 

[photoman]

$400 out the door for a satin nickel 442 would be a fair price in my area. Not a big steal but a fair price. I would prefer it over a new 442.

 

[BananaDoc]

Much obliged! Thanks for taking the time to share your advice!

 

[452x6]

RE:

On any aluminum J frame look carefully at the frame area under the barrel for a hairline crack. There were some guns that had the barrel torqued on a bit tight in that time period. Even unfired ones could have a crack. Here is a related thread that shows what to look for: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/235148-dreaded-frame-crack.html

 

[BananaDoc]

Thank you for the advice--While I wasn't aware of the issue with 442's of this era, I did check that actually, out of habit... I have a beautiful old Model 19 (my 15th birthday present ;-) and there is a similar weak point if a steady diet of full house .357 magnums are run through it. As she is getting up in years, i have restricted her diet to .38 spl, except for the speedloader that sits next to her in the drawer.

Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise, I really appreciate it!

Best,
doc