Wayne02
Member
What are some of the reasons that some folks prefer the 442 over the 642?
Thanks
Thanks
Why do some prefer the 442 over the 642?
- Thread starter Wayne02
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
FHBrumb
Member
Excellent question. I'm in the market for one or the other, and would like to hear as well...
bmcgilvray
Member
Back in 1998 I chose the Model 642 in order to experience both my first alloy framed Smith & Wesson revolver and also my first experience with stainless steel guns. For appearance however I much prefer the Model 442.
indiandave
Member
the 642 is lighter in color. in your hand it would be easier for someone (bad guy) to see.
bmcgilvray
Member
Good point indiandave. Welcome to the Forum!
For my purposes I care less whether the bad guy sees it than my ability to make him "feel" it.
For my purposes I care less whether the bad guy sees it than my ability to make him "feel" it.
That depends on what color your skin is and what color your clothes are IMO.
I think Smith should put on a grey grip to match the gun, and then it would make more sense.
I personally prefer a black gun for carry. It just looks more like it means buisness. The grey 642 looks girley.
BTW does Uncle Mikes make a grey boot grip for the J-frame? (If not they should)!
Have both. Seldom carry the 642.
I prefer to carry the black 442 in a black hoster because it is less obvious, even if somebody manages to get a look at it.
Plus, I figure the finish on a carry gun is going to eventually look like heck, and the black aluminum finish is easier to touch up.
Know one case of the finish peeling off a 642; S&W fixed it.
It's the same gun, so it just comes down to how visible you want it to be for the color.
I prefer to carry the black 442 in a black hoster because it is less obvious, even if somebody manages to get a look at it.
Plus, I figure the finish on a carry gun is going to eventually look like heck, and the black aluminum finish is easier to touch up.
Know one case of the finish peeling off a 642; S&W fixed it.
It's the same gun, so it just comes down to how visible you want it to be for the color.
akviper
Member
The black front sight on the 442 shows up a lot better for me than the light stainless 642 front sight.
Sporting12
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2008
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 0
Only reason I chose the 442,was Color.
My eyes are quite light and glare sensitive,and I thought glare from the gun might be an issue.
Regards, Pete
My eyes are quite light and glare sensitive,and I thought glare from the gun might be an issue.
Regards, Pete
I started my police career with a M19. Later we were issued m66's. We were issued 158 grain shouldered bullets with a copper coating. One night a bad guy gave up a lot easier than I'd anticipated. I asked him why and his response was: "I saw that silver gun with gold bullets and got scared".
That is an illustration of how visible a stainless steel gun is to someone down range. I decided that if I have to draw down I'd rather they not see the gun until they see the flash...hence a 442.
That is an illustration of how visible a stainless steel gun is to someone down range. I decided that if I have to draw down I'd rather they not see the gun until they see the flash...hence a 442.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that all M442's are blue.
I've carried a satin nickel one every day since I got it in August 1993. That might lead you to believe that I am pretty happy with it...and you'd be right!
The original finish began to peel on the front of the cylinder in 2003 (after ten years of continuous carry and very frequent shooting) so I sent it back to the Factory and they refinished it for free. I'm pretty sure that had it been a blue gun, there would have been many more finish defects after that use. I have no indication that it won't be going strong many years after I have any use for it. I actually like the weight and it disappears in a Kramer pocket holster.
Bob
I might add that I put a set of Crimson Trace Laser grips on it several years ago and I really like them. I think that a pocket gun is the perfect place for a set of lasers.
B.
I've carried a satin nickel one every day since I got it in August 1993. That might lead you to believe that I am pretty happy with it...and you'd be right!
The original finish began to peel on the front of the cylinder in 2003 (after ten years of continuous carry and very frequent shooting) so I sent it back to the Factory and they refinished it for free. I'm pretty sure that had it been a blue gun, there would have been many more finish defects after that use. I have no indication that it won't be going strong many years after I have any use for it. I actually like the weight and it disappears in a Kramer pocket holster.
Bob
I might add that I put a set of Crimson Trace Laser grips on it several years ago and I really like them. I think that a pocket gun is the perfect place for a set of lasers.
B.
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,018
- Reaction score
- 7,100
In my mind it would only be cosmetic. Some people prefer blue/black. Not all 442s are blue, but after the 642 was reintroduced, the satin nickel 442s were discontinued.
The 642 is more corrosion resistant, and that is important if carrying everyday.
On the other hand, the darker 442 might be harder for someone to see if standing behind and to the side of you when your pocket drapes open.
Too bad S&W doesn't make the 642 with all black finish. If they did, you could have corrosion resistant and black - probably my choice.
Shooter Ready?
Member
Stainless guns are nice and if you need the corrosion resistance they are the way to go. I prefer the black finish on the 442. I just like the way the black finish sort of subdues the pistol. It blends in quite well with my black holster and black belt. To each his own. That's why they make it in both finishes so that we can choose what we like.
JT
Member
Ditto on the color for concealment value. Black gun in black ankle holster on black socks in black shoes. Works for me.
Originally posted by JT:
Ditto on the color for concealment value. Black gun in black ankle holster on black socks in black shoes. Works for me.
Yesss, but my satin nickel one just disappears in my silver lame' thong
Bob
bmcgilvray
Member
That just does not conjure up a pretty image Bob.
