"a S&W model 042" ???

[David]

While at my local gun shop, I saw an interesting S&W.

It was a blued, hammerless J-frame -- Model 042.

I never heard of the 042 before, and, in fact, it looked like someone stamped 042 over some other numbers -- weird!



It looked to be in pretty good condition, and I think it would make a good extra pocket gun.

What would be the approximate value of the 042 in about 80% condition (i.e. some bluing is rubbed-off and a few minor scratches)?

The clerk on duty (the shop owner is on vacation) did not know much about this gun.

Any opinions?

 

[Brian Williams]

They were made in 1992 only and were part of the reintroduction of the centennial Airweight. Supica and Nahas rate a 80% at around $275 for VG to $225 for Good

IIRC Mike Irwin carries one ask him for any info about his.

 

[Mal H]

Yep, Mike carries one very often and I'm sure he can tell you all about it when he sees this thread. I have shot his and would love to find one for sale. It shoots well and is not punishing at all for so light a revolver. If the price is reasonable, and you want it, don't hesitate to go for it (be sure to use Jim March's check list). Since the gun shop doesn't know much about them, you might be able to get a real deal if you make them think you are doing them a favor by taking a chance on an unknown gun.

 

[David]

Thanks, all --

If it's still there on Friday, I just might try to "make a deal"!

 

[Mike Irwin]

Ah, yes, the 042.

What a lovely, and interesting, little Smith & Wesson!

I've had mine for I guess 3 or 4 years now, and it's my Number 1 carry gun.

It slips into an Uncle Mike's pocket holster in my jeans and just disappears.

One of the reasons that it's not punishing is that I have a set of Hogue full-size rubber grips on it. I had a set of boot grips on it and, well, they were not pleasant.

There are a couple variations of a main story on how these guns came out.

Essentially it seems that these guns were the initial tester run for what would become the 442. The overmarking of the numbers is something that occurred on some guns, but not my particular gun, so I suspect that it's from late in the run rather than earlier.

If you open the cylinder and look at the underside of the topstrap, you'll see the serial number etched there.

I paid just shy of $300 for mine.

 

[popeye]

I also have 042. I bought it a little while back, to carry. Butt, with 98% of the finish in tack I can't bear the thought of holster or pocket wear. So I stay with my 640.