Looking to buy A S&W 642 or 442

[saenzrich]

They are exactly the same gun which finish do you think would hold up best? Does the trigger really stink as bad as I read from some in other 642 threads. Does anybody regularly carry this as a backup gun for ankle carry?

Centerfireguns has both for 355.00 delivered.....

642...
http://www.centerfireguns.com/smith-and-wesson-642-airweight-38-special-163810.html

442...
http://www.centerfireguns.com/smith-and-wesson-442-airweight-38-special-162810.html

 

[Photoman]

My carry guns are tools and look like it so I can't really comment on the finish. Either gun would make an excellent ankle BUG.

 

[Robert B]

Bud's Gun Shop

Bud's has the no lock 642 and 442 for $361. The finish on the 442 will hold up better. The 642 will peal off.

 

[saenzrich]

I thought the ones on the link I posted were no lock too.... I might be wrong....correct me if I am.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I wouldn't recommend ankle carry if you think you will have to do any running.

As for which revolver, buy the one you like the looks of best because they are the same except for finish. The triggers on all small revolvers are heavy mostly for liability reasons but with 500 or so trigger pulls with snap caps the trigger becomes very smooth. The dry firing is good practice too.

 

[Bula]

The finish on either is crappy. Mine started flaking off almost immediately from a 642. 442 shows scrapes and dings a little more due to contrast from aluminum/black. That said, I love my 642. Dinged up and all, it shoots. In a pocket, very comfortable. Pick one and don't worry so much about the cosmetics, purdy guns don't protect you and yours any better than scruffy ones.

 

[gotigers]

The 642 trigger is heavy. Apex sales a spring kit that will take the trigger pull from 12lbs to 9lbs. I already like my 642, now i like it much more. t is my go to carry for light dress, shorts, etc. It i so light i can carry it in a pock or in a small holster without a belt without the gun pulling on my shorts. I hate wearing a belt with shorts. It is nice for carrying in a coat pocket in the winter to. The 642 is starting to over take my PPS 9mm for EDC.

 

[Robert B]

Saenzrich

The model numbers on the posted gun site are for IL models. If you order from Bud's, be sure you scroll down and get the model that says "no lock" and not "no internal safety." I have had two excellent experiences buying from Bud's. It's worth the extra $6 for the no lock gun!

 

[BADUNAME37]

I say either one.
I have a 642 and carry it often.
It does show some wear after several years, around the edges. Normal wear is fine with me, anything we use is going to show some wear, from clothes to cars to guns and even more!

Had I known how the finish is on the 642, I have would paid a bit less and bought the 442 that is blued, realizing bluing will wear off around the edges.

I have an Uncle Mikes Ankle Holster with the seperate (optional) garter to support the holster from the upper calf as well as around the ankle.

I have no problems running in mine and would not fear for having the gun bounce around or even lost, it is so snug.

It is very important to adjust the two velcro straps that make up the release snap so the gun is tight inside the ankle rig - and also having the two straps attached at a proper angle to hold the gun in place!

I suppose if someone did not adjust those two straps (male and female snaps on end of each) that could cause looseness and fear of losing the weapon or having it flop around. Definately spend the extra $12 and get the optional upper elastic garter!

 

[Bula]

Hey Freindly, the 442 is not Blued. It's painted black. Aluminum can't blue. The finish will wear just like the 642. But as you stated, wear doesn't matter.

 

[Canuck-IL]

FWIW, I went with the 442 only because a beat-up 642 looks worse than a beat-up 442 ... YMMV.
/Bryan

 

[jad0110]

The finish wears about the same on either. That said, I prefer the looks of the 442, but I own a 642.

As for the trigger, mine was gritty until I did about 500 to 1000 dry and live fires. Then I cleaned the internal lockwork up and relubed and it is nice and slick now. My father just picked up a 442 that has one of the smoother triggers I've felt on a small pocket gun.

I too would not recommend ankle carry. If you have any sensitivity in your lower back at all, hanging a 1 lb weight on one ankle will surely make it worse. I do carry it as a BUG and sometimes as a primary, but when I do I pocket carry.

 

[TimeIsRunninOut]

Have owned both, finish sucks on both, with the 442 the barrel and cylinder are carbon steel so there is a higher chance for rust. I personally like my long heavy trigger, and yes the more you shoot it the better the trigger will get.