442 Owners--How does the finish hold up?

[MK11]

I'm planning to get a no-lock S&W 442 or 642 and I'm leaning toward the 442 because of the orange insert on the front sight (which the 442 doesn't seem to have) and frankly, because I like its looks better. However, this is going to be a pocket carry/appendix carry for the summer and I'm wondering how the finish will hold up.

I'm aware that the 642 finish wears pretty easily too but how does it compare to the 442? Thanks for your input.

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

To the best of my knowledge, the 442 DOES NOT have an orange insert on the front sight. However, many paint the front sight themselves to increase sight visibility.

 

[mulletguter]

I’ve been carrying a 442 just about every day since Aug and have a few hundred rounds through it. Finish is holding up great. I picked the 442 over the 642 just because I like black pistols. They were the same price. It doesn’t have a orange front sight.

 

[psp7304]

I have had my 442 for about 2 years now. During the summer months I pocket carry. The rest of the year I carry it inside the waistband or in an ankle holster. No problems with the finish at all. The 442 does not come with a front sight insert but I had a gunsmith mill out a notch in the front sight blade and install an orange insert.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I haven't bought one yet (plan to very soon) I like the 442's finnish over the 642 right off the bat (which is strange as all my guns are stainless, its the only black gun I like).
I've seen them for sale however with over 1000 rounds through them and the finnish is still holding up fantastic.

 

[Wolfgang]

I've carried a 642 in my pocket every day for at least 5 yrs. It's been refinished once---I sent it to S&W for a new steel trigger and an action job. It has never been shot much so in that respect it is almost new. The finish on the back of the grip is gone again, but why refinish it? it'll just wear off again.

 

[MK11]

Thanks for the responses!

Huh, a guy in my Krav Maga class has a 442 with the orange insert, must have been after-market. Thanks again.