I want to buy a S&W 442 or 642

[amazon shooter]

It appears that we are talking about a black cat (442) and a white cat (642) that both kill mice. Is there really ANY difference except the finish?

All I see are new fotos of 442s and 642s. I want to see what these guns look like after 2 or 3 years of concealed carry.

"The truth is generally seen, rarely heard". Baltazar Gracian

OK guys - let's see those ugly fotos.

 

[gunsablazin]

No difference at all, the shiny one resists rust better, they both will be skinned up some after a few years of carry. I have a 649 that has been used for over 15 years, works fine, looks bad.

 

[viking499]

I recently was wondering the same thing........

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=609945

 

[Pict]

All that really happens to a 642 is that the clear coat wears off the alloyed frame-- it's not pretty, but it's not like it rusts. I can supply some photos of one I've carried for a few years if you want to know what to expect.

Oh-- I missed the part where you asked for photos. Gimme a few minutes and I'll put some up.

 

[Pict]

Here are photos of 642 wear. I've carried it just about daily for three years.

 

[Haywood]

I've sent 2 642s back to Smith for customers because of the coating pealing off. I have carried my 442 for a year and it never showed any ware.

 

[Pict]

I've sent 2 642s back to Smith for customers because of the coating pealing off. I have carried my 442 for a year and it never showed any ware.

I've thought about sending mine in for refinishing, but it would just wear off again...

 

[M3stuart]

The 649 mentioned by 'guns' is a steel gun. The 442 and 642 have alloy frames and steel cylinders and barrels. On the plus side - these are both available new without the internal locks (for CCW I would recommend getting one without the lock). The minus side is that there are several reports of the alloy frame cracking underneath the forcing cone. You can see the pics and read the reports on the S&W Forum.