Smith 442/642 Opinions Please

[Garufa]

I've decided that either a S&W black 442 or stainles 642 needs to be added to the inventory for carrying purposes. Can't quite make up my mind on the finish. I lean towards the coolness of the 442 but am unsure of the durability. I know that any carry gun will get scratched up to some degree. Who likes what?

[JimmyJoe69]

I sometimes carry my 642CT and I LOVE IT!!

[Guest mtsusean]

I bought a 442 in black strictly for the purpose of having something I could slip in my pocket and go about my business. No holster, nothing. I don't care about the finish, just wanted something functional. I have trophy guns.

I figured the black would be less noticeable on the off chance I move it around, re-adjust etc. but it fits nicely in a pair of 5.11 pants. I might get a thin holster later because it does shift a little but for having something small, reliable, and sufficient to get you out of a bind, a 442 fits the bill.

[einnor1040]

I got a 642 about a month ago. It's great.

[RASHGUNNER]

I have one of both and really can't see a big difference between the two revolvers. Carry is exactly the same. They shoot the same. I would say buy the one you can find used at a good price.

[Garufa]

I like the black 'cause it's more "sinister" looking. I too will mainly just stick the thing down in my pocket when needed. It's only a tool, but I like my tools to look good . Mainly, I'm just curious about the durability of that black.

What do these go for in your areas? Saw both brand new for $459 (which I though might good for this area) at a dealer yesterday. Gun show in Knoxville Saturday-Sunday. Will be doing some browsing there but we all know that's hit or miss.

Edited June 6, 2008 by Garufa
cant' spell

[Guest wheelgunner100]

Some folks report issues with the clear finish on the 642. Mine has something that almost looks like small cracks in the finish. Since it is always in my pocket I don't really care what it looks like. I'd say go for which ever you like best.

[Guest darkstar]

Can't go wrong with either really. Stick that in a Desantis Nemisis pocket holster and in a front pocket and good to go. If you shop around you can find these as low as $400 new

[Guest Major Pain]

I've been carrying a 642 in SS for about 4 years. Its a great gun and I carry in my pocket. In the last year or so it has developed some small specs on the cylinder release side. Its a satin finish so I assume its SS. I don't mind a little wear on my work gun but wonder if anyway to remove the blemishes? Not trying to hijack your thread, just giving a little heads up on what is happening to mine.--------Mike

[memphismason]

A buddy of mine bought a new 642 at a gun show last year for $360.

He loves it, as do I.

[TGO David]

We have both a 442 and a 642. The 442 is mine and I carry it in my pocket almost all the time. The 642 is my wife's and she will carry it OWB in a slide holster. Both have held up nicely to periodic shooting and neither have any problems with their finish. I opted for black for the same reasons that mtsusean said he did.

[Guest Grout]

I have a 642 that I carry in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster.I like it a lot.Resist the hype and shoot standard velocity loads.Easier to shoot and easier on the gun as well.

[Guest grimel]

Buy which ever you can get the easiest. Check with Phantom, I think he can beat $460.

If the finish gets bad, have Predator coat it for $100 and don't worry about it again.

[Guest TurboJeff]

I had been carrying my model 36 in pocket carry for a long time. It was a bit heavy, so I decided to pick up a 642 about a week ago. It is noticably lighter. I currently use a safariland pocket holster, but I have a Mika on order.

I didn't like the CT grips that are available from S&W as a factory option. They longer that the factory boot grips. I ordered a set of CT LG-405 grips. They are the same bantam size as the factory grips.

I paid $429 for the 642 at a local shop that charges no sales tax if you pay with a debit card. I ordered the grips from the net for $229 with no shipping or taxes.

[cknight8]

i'm a S&W man myself, and i love the little J frames. the 442/642 are my favorite of the bunch. they are light enough to still be able to shoot and carry it all day, dont have a hammer to snag as you draw (for me thats usually from a pocket), and they are 5 shot dependability. IMHO you cant beat them!

[Guest bkelm18]

I have a Taurus 85 with the shrouded hammer (pretty much the same gun as the S&W) and it's a great little pocket gun. I've got a Desantis Nemesis and it rides perfectly in my pocket. I carry it with confidence.

[Guest Major Pain]

i'm a S&W man myself, and i love the little J frames. the 442/642 are my favorite of the bunch. they are light enough to still be able to shoot and carry it all day, dont have a hammer to snag as you draw (for me thats usually from a pocket), and they are 5 shot dependability. IMHO you cant beat them!

I'm a Colt accumulator but carry a S&W 642 for the last several years(642-1) nice light and no after carry taste. But I trust my life with it. Have several other Smiths all good guns but your right hard to beat the J frame.---------MP

[Peanut15]

I second all the votes and opinions for a 642. Blue or stainless does not matter since it is in your pocket. Get a decent holster to help keep the gun in a drawable position.

[Guest mikedwood]

I have a Taurus 85 and am thinking stongly of adding one of the little S&W's. Looked at them today.

[Guest GregRN]

Since I bought my 442, I have carried nothing else. It is just too comfortable and easy to carry.

[Garufa]

I picked up a brand new 442 at the gun show this past weekend. $399.95 before taxes and that ridiculous $10 background check fee. Can't wait to go out and fire the little devil.