S&W 642 vs S&W 442? [Archive]

Landmonster

01-17-2008, 01:46

I'm looking for a light weight hammerless .38, for pocket carry or potentially ankle carry. I also don't want to spend a fortune for a scandium gun.

I guess the 2 main choices are between 642 and 442... right?

Of the two, which finish will hold up better, and are there any other distinguishing features besides finish? I'm not sure which I think looks cooler. I guess the 642 has a more classic look. What do y'all think?

442: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14760&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

642: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14793&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

collim1

01-17-2008, 02:06

my 442 has held up fine. A buddy bought a 642 at the same time I did and they appear to be the same as far as durability is concerned.

I really just think it is personal preference. I prefer black, matte finish guns as opposed to shiny.

Pick which one you prefer the looks of.

They make great little discreet carry guns.

Spydermonkey

01-17-2008, 02:08

I don't think it matters that much, it's kinda up to you as to what finish you want on it. Do you want the classic silver or the tactical flat black? I got the 642 only because that was what was in-stock at the shop at that time and it was a good deal. Lay-away helped too.

collim1

01-17-2008, 02:12

dewidmt

01-17-2008, 02:44

I've carried a 442 on and off for about 7 years now. the only wear on mine is a bit of the blueing is gone around the muzzle because of drawing from the holster. Probably has about 800 rounds through it.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r25/dewidmt/442DonHume.jpg

SDGlock23

01-17-2008, 10:10

When I bought my 642 a few weeks ago, I was actually looking for a 442. None could be found locally, but there were several 642's to choose from. I was on the fence, but I'm very pleased with my new 642, the finish isn't shiny at all, and carries super easy in about any pocket.

SBD

01-17-2008, 10:59

I bought a 442 two weeks ago. As others have said already, it was a matter of preference--I wanted the blued version. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 642 and 442 are practically identical otherwise.

Generalcarry

01-17-2008, 13:07

Same gun different color. I didn't get black because it would be harder to find in the dark.:rofl:

Landmonster

01-17-2008, 13:15

Which finish will hold up better in the long-run?

Is the 442 actualy blued, or is it some other type of finish?

Dep320

01-17-2008, 13:24

Same gun different color. I didn't get black because it would be harder to find in the dark.:rofl:

I like that....thats why I got the 642 as a backup gun for work, its dark in my pocket!

SBD

01-17-2008, 14:33

Which finish will hold up better in the long-run?

I don't know for sure, but I'd assume the 642's finish would. I know that with my 442 I'll be using nylon to clean the visible parts.

Is the 442 actualy blued, or is it some other type of finish?

Sorry, I'm not sure. The spec list on the S&W website says "Finish: Blue / Black." It's worth noting that the finish is matte, though. It's not shiny.

epsylum

01-17-2008, 15:33

My take on it. Really what it comes down to is do you want silver or black. IMO for the type of use it is for, I would go silver. Reason being that the silver would register in teh BG's head as "hey that's a gun!" faster than a black revolver would. Hopefully that will make him change his mind on what he is doing faster and I can be one of the majority of gun self-defense cases where not a single round was needed to be fired. I am assuming that it would be for concealed carry (pocket or otherwise) as that is what it was made for, so color really doesn't matter when it is concealed.

Silver = easier to see and that is a good thing for its intended role IMO.

bhk

01-17-2008, 15:39

The 642 has a stainless cylinder and barrel, the 442 has a carbon steel cylinder and barrel and might be more prone to rust. I guess it depends on what that black finish actually is and how much protection it offers to the metal underneath.

BrianNH

01-17-2008, 17:17

I couldn't decide so I got both :supergrin: It cost me less for both of them than what I paid for my 340 PD in .357 which I dont even carry because of it's horrible accuracy with 38 's.

epsylum

01-17-2008, 17:35

I couldn't decide so I got both :supergrin: It cost me less for both of them than what I paid for my 340 PD in .357 which I dont even carry because of it's horrible accuracy with 38 's.

One for pocket, one for ankle? ;)

I usually don't understand two of basically the same gun, but you can carry both on you and still have the ability to add a primary carry on the hip, so why the hell not? :cool:

BrianNH

01-17-2008, 17:42

One for pocket, one for ankle? ;)

I usually don't understand two of basically the same gun, but you can carry both on you and still have the ability to add a primary carry on the hip, so why the hell not? :cool:

I dont understand the two of the same gun thing either sometimes... Perhaps I wasn't held enough as a kid or something :supergrin:

I got the second one (satin) below cost so I figured what the hek, plus, after my S&W fiasco with my 1911 Gunsite pistol, I think having a spare incase one goes away for repair isn't a bad idea either.

G33

01-17-2008, 17:58

Both great models.
:supergrin:

DonGlock26

01-17-2008, 19:38

I got a 442. The black snubby draws less attention, if the wind blows your jacket open a little too far, ect.

White Buffalo

01-17-2008, 21:26

Had a 442 that I loved.. Carried everday till the day I traded it for some tattoo work from my brother. Loved that gun so much that I went out and bought a 642 shortly after that to replace it. Chose the 642 over the 442 due to the 442 being rust prone. Mine had some, slight and easily took care of, yet there none the less. My 642, carried everyday the same way as the 442, has yet to rust at all. I'm more than happy with my choice.

Landmonster

01-17-2008, 22:28

What is a good price for these?

A local gun store has them for $399 right now.

jrp

01-17-2008, 22:50

442/642 sell for $399 on sale here in San Diego. I'd think you might be able to do a bit better in TX.

RetDet

01-17-2008, 23:00

I have a 642 and the finish is shot from pocket carry. Next time I go visit my friend in Phoenix, I'm going to take the 642 with me and have Robbie Barrkman put an NP3 finish on it.

The reasons for two of the same gun could be (1) A "New York Reload" is about as fast as you can get, and (2) if one goes down, you can put it in the shop and use the other one.

Landmonster

01-18-2008, 11:53

lilc

03-01-2008, 21:16

http://www.pbase.com/image/93378852.jpg

sphillips45

03-01-2008, 21:35

I have the 642 , it has some places that the clear coat has worn away, but i have not had any problems out of it.. I Think they are one of the best pocket guns made..

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj212/glockshooter34/6421.jpg

GlockerDoug

03-01-2008, 22:44

I have the 442, my preference in color. Cost I have seen here is $419 at the Sportsmans Warehouse and a local gun shop.

drizzle

03-01-2008, 23:19

I carry a M642, and same as others have mentioned, the clear coat has worn away in some places. I also have some wear on the backstrap just from handling, but it doesn't affect the operations any.

Adds character, I think.

leidenheimer

03-02-2008, 10:07

I went with the 442 for less visibility. BG asks for my wallet or cell phone and I pull something shiney and silver out he may get squirley before I can react.

BustedFlush

03-02-2008, 21:48

I dont understand the two of the same gun thing either sometimes... Perhaps I wasn't held enough as a kid or something :supergrin:

I don't know if you were meant carrying two of the same, or owning them.

There are a number of guns no longer made (or changed for the worse) for which I wish I had bought a spare.

The same applies to things other than guns. If I find a pair of shoes that I absolutely love I usually buy a second pair.

I'm hard wired to own spares and backups.

:supergrin:

flynjump

03-04-2008, 22:47

I went with the 642, mainly for the look. As far as wear in a pocket I carry in a Desantis Nemesis holster and it shows no wear at all. Great BUG for my G23 or Ultra Compact 1911. I paid $359.00 at Hoffman's in CT. I just bought Crimson Trace Laser Grips for it. Mainly to use in my training class.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/flynjump/IM003851.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a333/flynjump/IM003855.jpg