I’m so excited over my find today, that I couldn’t wait to post. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a Taurus Ultralite. A local shop has a stainless one for $309. The Taurus would have been a compromise for me, as what I really wanted was a S&W 642. The problem was, I’d read so much negative stuff about the built in lock, that I was hesitant to buy another new 642. I had previously owned two new 642' with the lock, but had sold them because I was unhappy with the fit and finish. One had a barrel where the rifling appeared to be mangled and twisted. The other had an ugly crane/yoke to frame fit (overlap). Both were just cosmetic issues, and the guns did function fine. Still the cosmetics bothered me enough to get rid of them, all the while planing to pick up another someday. I had gotten to the point that I wanted another, when I began reading the lock issue stuff.
Anyway, I’d been watching a local shop that tends to have some high traffic trade-ins. I still was thinking about a Taurus Ultralite, or maybe a NAA Guardian, but also considering another new 642 which they had for $430 (about $70 more than I paid at this same shop for my last two). So today after work I stopped in there again, and noticed a used 642 in the case. To my surprise it was a “pre-lock” version (642-1) in supposedly mint condition. It is in very nice shape, and either the person didn’t shoot it much, or they spent some time cleaning it up very well before trading it in. It came in original case with some of the original paperwork, but unfortunately no owners manual. Cost was $365. $70 less than a new one. I don’t know if this was a good deal or not, as I don’t know what the used pre lock models are going for, but I was happy with that price.
I do have a couple of questions. What is the difference between the 642-1, and the 642-2? Is it only the lock? Also, is there any difference in the finish between the two? I’ve read that the 642 finish does not hold up well, but the one I picked up has an almost perfect finish, still. Also, is there any info that will tell me when my particular gun was made? Thanks for any help. Trying to post a picture, but for some reason I am unable to. I will try again.
Anyway, I’d been watching a local shop that tends to have some high traffic trade-ins. I still was thinking about a Taurus Ultralite, or maybe a NAA Guardian, but also considering another new 642 which they had for $430 (about $70 more than I paid at this same shop for my last two). So today after work I stopped in there again, and noticed a used 642 in the case. To my surprise it was a “pre-lock” version (642-1) in supposedly mint condition. It is in very nice shape, and either the person didn’t shoot it much, or they spent some time cleaning it up very well before trading it in. It came in original case with some of the original paperwork, but unfortunately no owners manual. Cost was $365. $70 less than a new one. I don’t know if this was a good deal or not, as I don’t know what the used pre lock models are going for, but I was happy with that price.
I do have a couple of questions. What is the difference between the 642-1, and the 642-2? Is it only the lock? Also, is there any difference in the finish between the two? I’ve read that the 642 finish does not hold up well, but the one I picked up has an almost perfect finish, still. Also, is there any info that will tell me when my particular gun was made? Thanks for any help. Trying to post a picture, but for some reason I am unable to. I will try again.
