IME they're both very weak finishes that will both be wearing completely through to the alloy frame with any real use, carry, or holster reps. Wear does look less conspicuous on the 642 though. The finish on mine is completely destroyed, but it still looks ok from three feet or so if you squint.Originally Posted by D-der
I don't know about "less" but it sure ain't durable...my old trusty one
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That certainly has character. I would hope that Smith has updated their 642 finish for the 642UC.
I also like the vintage CTC.
Taking a break from social media.
It is true whatever Smith and Wesson puts over their aluminum frames is only slightly more durable than house paint. However, the frames themselves are anodized, before the finish is applied. So, it wearing down to the aluminum really isn't that big of a deal overall.
One advantage of the black 432/442 guns is that Birchwood Casey Aluma Black is pretty damn close for touch up purposes.
You can go a long way towards reducing finish wear on aluminum guns, by just putting some Renaissance Wax on them about once a quarter.
My 442's finish has worn better than the 638's has. It got shiny on the high points that made contact with the pocket holster but it hasn't experienced the clear-coat peeling failure of the 638.
3/15/2016
I haven’t bought a gun in 3 years but this release prompted me to call my local Lipseys distributor. They told me both the stainless .32 and .38 were marked as “allocated” and they added them to their “wish list” for me. I don’t know how this translates to my chances of picking one up but if the opportunity presents itself I’ll break my gun buying hiatus for either.
I’ve always been a .38 guy but I’m willing to give the .32 a chance. I carry wadcutters and I’ll require a new holster due to the shape of the barrel shroud on these so a couple speed strips aren’t going to be a deal breaker. I’m not a high enough volume shooter on J Frames to really care about having to stock a new cartridge.
My 642 Pro's finish is holding up pretty well, If I go down this road, I'll likely stick with the silver as the wear just isn't as obvious as with the black finish. I stopped into my LGS this morning, He said he's got 4 of each model on order and they're likely a few weeks out before delivery, he's got me flagged for a call when they show up for my pick, He did mention he's having a hard time getting much for 32 ammo though. I did ask if he thought these would be a cut above S&W's run of the mill QC (he's had some horror stories) and was told well... you'd think so but, we'll wait and see what we get. I do know he had stopped stocking new Smith's because of the aggravation factor.
Show's character !
So, when it comes to getting one, fuggedaboudit?
My guess is that for the vast majority of users, four boxes of .32 wadcutters would be a lifetime supply. Maybe two boxes.
If we have to march off into the next world, let us walk there on the bodies of our enemies.
While I'm not the world's biggest proponent of snub nosed/J frame sized revolvers, these are tempting-for IDPA Back Up Gun division, if nothing else. Hmm, a ready to go, no gunsmithing required, decently quality controlled revolver....
On a totally different tangent, anyone here tried the new Henry .357 4" revolvers?
Best, Jon
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