[Bruno2]

I have an airweight 642-2 in .38 spl . The finish is a dull metal grey color . The gun has an alloy frame so I know its not ss . The barrel may be ss , but , the finish on the frame is what I am worried about . Does anybody know what kind of finish is on the gun ?

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I believe the frame is aluminum or another alloy that is sprayed with a clear-coat for protection when the gun is new.

Could it be that the clear-coating has been completely removed, or otherwise came off?

Any pictures?

[rcmodel]

I think the aluminum parts are silver/grey anodized to match the bead blasted stainless cylinder & barrel, and then clear coated.

S&W does not recommend strong solvents like Hoppes #9 be used to clean the frame as it may attack the clear-coat.

I do use Hoppes #9 to wipe off my 317 and so far have seen no finish damage after 11 years. But I don't soak it down with solvent either. Just wipe off with a wet patch and wipe off again with a RIG RAG.

rc

[FredHunter]

I have a 642 and the finish is coming off. Any ideas on what to do?
Thanks,
Fred

[Oro]

Yes, you should call S&W. That has a lifetime warranty on it and I have heard of them refinishing some customer guns that did that. I believe they told that member, and he reported here, there were some batches of alloy finishes worse than others.

I certainly can not say what they should or will do, but calling them is definitely in order for that.

[FredHunter]

Thanks Oro.

[FredHunter]

Thanks Oro.

[9mmepiphany]

please let us know what they do.

mine is over 15 years old and the finish has been great, but i'm pretty careful what i clean it with

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I used a vibrating engraver to mark my frame underneath the grip, on an inner portion. I did notice a clear coat come off and kind of chip around where I engraved the alloy.

To prevent any corrosion, I applied some polyurethane finish with an artist's brush over my freshly-engraved name.

It seems to match more closely with the coating, however, the metal is still a bit shinier. This leads me to believe their may be some colorizing in the S&W OEM finish.

[rhinoh]

My impression was it was some kind of paint...not sure though. On my 637 and 638 it definitely isn't just clear coated aluminum.

[FredHunter]

I purchased the gun from an individual and he claims it's just from wear. (he did carry it daily) It looks as if the clear coat is peeling off. I emailed S&W and they said to call them for a call tag and ship it to them and they'll take a look at it. I will do this after the new year.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Fred