[stovepipe]

Hi Folk's.

I'm becoming interested in the S&W 642 Airweight. It looks like it'll be a good small carry piece. My question is how well does an Aluminum alloy frame finish hold up? Do they age gracefully, like blued weapons? Or do they oxidize and get funky looking?

Thanks!

Stove

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's stovepipe and welcome aboard!

Aluminum alloy frames have been very popular for a very
long time; in guns ranging from Airweight 5-shot .38
Special's, up to full size self-loaders. Generally speaking,
the aluminum alloy guns don't show accelerated wear,
unless used a lot or abused. Some detectives and
Chief's Of Police were known for excessive abuse of their
off duty Smith & Wesson J-frame Airweight's.

The aluminum frames can't be reblued as per say; cuz
they are anodized. This is a process best left to a very
professional gunsmith; or the factory. My personal CCW
carry piece is a .45 caliber SIG-SAUER P220A, with an
aluminum frame. This one was purchased NIB on 31
MAR 95, and it still looks brand new; and I have toted
it on somewhat of a regular basis since the day that I
acquired it!

FWIW, I perfer aluminum alloy frames to polymer
frame weapons. I realize that I'm probably in a minority
on this issue; but that is my choice!

*FootNote- I think all of our membership will agree,
that any weapon MUST be properly maintained and
treated with a little TLC.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[stovepipe]

Thanks, Ala Dan!

I've always been a blued steel and wood guy. I'm intrigued by the 642, but I keep picturing the crusty old aluminum fishing gear in my garage. Your words have been assuring!

Thanks again!

Stove

[Oracle]

I think that the main thing the anodizing does is applies a chemically bonded finish (somewhat like blueing, but the chemical bonds are stronger), preventing any further surface oxidation (the "crusty" stuff). From what I've seen, the anodizing holds up fairly well, unless certain substances (highly alkaline cleaners, for instance) get on the surface.

I personally prefer polymer frames, but, hey, everyone has their opinion. Aluminum alloys should serve you well.