Whats the Diff btwn S&W 642 & 442?

[ulflyer]

Only thing I can see is the 442's come in black or silver. Some special 642's do also, but standard ones appear to be silver only. Is this true, or are there other differences?

Does the black finish hold up any better than the silver?

 

[InkEd]

Identical guns with different finish.
442 is black.
642 is gray.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

same gun different finish. only material difference other than the finish is the 642 has a stainless cylinder and barrel where as the 442 cylinder and barrel are carbon steel.

 

[ulflyer]

I'm thinking of getting one or the other, and prefer black, but does it hold up any better than the clear coat (or whatever it is) on the silver?

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

tough choice

from what i have seen the clear on the silver 642 starts to flake off for some people. the 442 may show some holster wear sooner if you carry it every day. it comes down to what you like. i have a 442 and love it. carries well, shoots great, and looks tough. hard to beat a j-frame.

 

[manthony4563]

There's a huge thread called The 642 Club that is up to Part Three. I'm on page 182 of _Part One and I'm learning so much about both the 442 and the 642. If you have some time I recommend checking it out.

 

[John Wayne]

Both the 442 and 642 have anodized aluminum frames. The only difference is that the 442 has a blued steel cylinder, barrel, and ejector rod, and the 642 has a SS cylinder, bbl, and ejector rod. In the past, there were issues with the anodizing flaking off.

My particular 442 has not had any problems with the anodizing, however it does rust very quickly if exposed to sweat. The 642 is probably going to look better after several years of use.

 

[DAdams]

Great read

Eh Manthony!?
Everything you ever wanted to know and some bunny trails.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nothing to add here except which ever one you choose will be a good choice IMO...

 

[ulflyer]

Thanks guys for the good info. I've now about decided to go with the 638; for some reason that style appeals to me. Not sure why as I can't imagine using it SA. Maybe I'll come across a good buy on a used J frame. It really doesn't matter a lot which style.
I think I would stick a pair of Hogue Mono grips on as they look like they have a bit of rubber for the web part of the hand. The Hogue that comes on the LCR really does make a diff.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

Thanks guys for the good info. I've now about decided to go with the 638; for some reason that style appeals to me. Not sure why as I can't imagine using it SA. Maybe I'll come across a good buy on a used J frame. It really doesn't matter a lot which style.
I think I would stick a pair of Hogue Mono grips on as they look like they have a bit of rubber for the web part of the hand. The Hogue that comes on the LCR really does make a diff.

Remember, if you buy a new j-frame before DEC.31st 2010 you get a $50.00 mail in rebate. its a good deal.