Smith 442 or 642......

viking499 said:

I am leaning towards one of the above pistols. Does anyone have one of these 2 models that they can give me their opinions on?

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We have both. I have the 442, my wife carries the 642. I find the 442 easier to keep clean (probably because it doesn't look as dirty after shooting but is as dirty as the 642).

They are fantastic revolvers, we both love them for recreational shooting as well as concealed carry. I put a longer grip on mine because I really don't like the hanging pinky:



The're a bargain, too at the mid $300's.

Dan

From what I observed on several used ones, the 442 finish either stands up a little better than that on the 642 or, as noted above, it simply looks better when equally dirty. I went with the 442 - I also prefer the "less flashy" dark finish in general.

Fun little gun but you do know you're shooting a J-frame after several cylinders of +P!
/Bryan

viking499 said:

Nice. Where did you get the longer grips from?

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I got them straight from S&W. They are for one of their .357 snubbies (SKU: 413040000):

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...58003_757843_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N

Dan

I bought the 642 air weight for my wife much against my recommendations. The pistol was for her and she would not listen to me about recoil. She shot it only once because the recoil bruised the web of her thumb for about 2 weeks. If you have never shot a snub nose I find them highly inaccurate handguns at 7 yards and farther. Thus the term belly gun. I began to carry this gun during the summer when I dress in lighter clothing. I put crimson trace grips which are longer and accommodate my large hands. After sighting in the laser grips I can hit pretty consistantly my target at 10 yards. All in all the gun is well built but the trigger pull is very heavy which accounts for lousy accuracy.

I opted for the 442. I eventually put CT laser grips on it.

+1 on what Canuck said. You won't enjoy shooting many rounds of +p in it. Whew.

I went with the 442 as well. I've heard, but haven't seen, that the clear coat on a 642 can peel.

Pretty good pics of the 642 "blistered" finish on this old Gunbroker listing.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=235710788

/B

I like my 642, never have to worry about the blistering either, it is an early one before they stated coating them. It is really personal choice...do you like black or silver?

Great little guns. I have owned several and aside from being quite accurate little beasts they function really nicely. I loved the trigger on my stainless version. Ex-wife got the last of mine when we parted ways....I wish I had her back...uh...the handgun

Both are the same except for the different color. They both shoot the same too.

I like the blue better than the stainless, but with all the pockets, pouches, etc that this gun would be in, would the stainless be better for the long term?

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My thoughts exactly, which is why I opted for the 642. I'm aware of the problems with the finish others have mentioned, but haven't had any trouble with mine - only had it a couple years, though.

The 442 isn't blue, it's black. I have a 442-1.

"Finish: Matte Black" - S&W site

I'd go for the 642. You don't have to worry about it's stainless parts rusting like you do the 442's carbon parts.

I have a 442 and a couple of 642s as well (long story on why). I bought the 442 first and actually like the black finish better than the silver-gray finish of the other two guns. But I live in a hot, humid climate and I pocket-carry daily. My clothes frequently are soaking with sweat after spending time outdoors working or just piddling around. The 442 will pick up some rust on the steel parts under those conditions.

The 642 stands up much better to the wet conditions. I've carried one for most of three summers now and it does not have any rust. But the silver-gray finish on the frame is heavily worn from holster abrasion. I have not carried the 442 enough to know if its finish wears the same.

Modern J-frame Smiths are known for their heavy trigger pulls. I've had action jobs done on both my 642s because both came with rough, gritty triggers. The 442 trigger is not really bad, just heavy. Accuracy wise, most people cannot shoot snubbies for crap--myself included. The guns themselves will probably be capable of better accuracy than most of us can ever get out of them.

442-1 no lock/DeSantis Superfly

You can get a no lock version of the 442 either at Bud's Gun Shop online or at Gallery of Guns online. Even the 642 can rust. Mim thumbpiece or grip screw. I use the DeSantis Superfly with the velcroed flap reversed so it can be used as a sweat shield in my pocket.

I have a 642 I inherited when my brother passed away. I carry it more than any other gun. I can hit a paper plate at 25yds. Once I have the extra cash I plan on getting a 442 because I like the finish better. My 642 shows some where from carry, but that's OK I never plan on getting rid of it.

Have a 442, and it's probably my all time favorite handgun. Small, handy, easy to conceal just about anywhere, surprisingly accurate for such a small gun and packs a decent punch. Can always have it with me. Prior to the 442, I had a 642. Same attributes, but I didn't like the finish. Too flashy for my taste. I just prefer blued/black guns. You can't go wrong with any of the Smith Airweights.

I carry the 442 everyday in a Don Hume, no problems with wearing on the finish. I like the darker color for CCW.

As a former fan of the 442/642, I say neither. My 637 with a 2-1/2" bbl still works just as well as a pocket-revolver for me, and I can keep my shots on 8-1/2x11" paper at 60 feet (shooting SA), which just isn't gonna happen with me shooting my 442.

Purely aesthetic preference as long as you avoid the internal lock. Mine's a 642 but a 442 is on my wish list.

I had a 442 but traded it for a 336 30-30 but only because my wife has a 642 and I have a 438. I keep getting confused. I've called it a 639 and a 638 on other posts. Either way, it's the black Bodyguard without an ILS and it shoots +P. I do like how some people take their 642's and polish the cylinder and barrel. I think they look great. Oh, and they shoot great too.

bergmen said:

We have both. I have the 442, my wife carries the 642...

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This was true for my wife and I as well, till I gave my 442 to my dad for his first carry gun.

I love those little guns! One thing about them is that you'll need to practice to get the feel of the DAO trigger. After shooting and dry firing it a bit you'll get a feel for when the internal hammer is cocked and further squeezing will shoot. Additionally, the trigger smoothes out with repeated shooting/dry firing.