Smith 642
Whats the difference between the 642 and the 642-2?
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If memory serves me correctly, as s&w manufactured a "first model" of a revolver, they would assign its model number. Once a slight change was made, s&w would designate -1, -2, -3 etc, etc. 0 -
The -2 means a engineering change. 0 -
642 is the original design, whereas the 642-2 introduced the pc doohickey.
Edit: Politically correct lock.0 -
The S&W 642 DAO on J alloy frame was introduced in 1990
642-1 reintroduced in 1996 with J magnum frame
642-2 introduced in 2002 with the internal key lock system
Jim0 -
quote:Originally posted by MrGunz22
Whats the difference between the 642 and the 642-2?
To expand on what's been said:
642-2 has the key lock and is rated for .38+P ammo.
642-1 lacks the key lock, and is rated for .38+P ammo.
Original 642 (no dash) lacks the key lock, and is NOT rated for +P ammo.
The 642-1 and 642-2 are actually built on a slightly larger beefier .357 magnum J-frame compared to the original 642, and the "dash" guns should be safe to handle unlimited quantities of full power .38+P ammo.
The "no dash" 642 ought to be safe with +P ammo, though it may not stand up to thousands of rounds of it the way the "dash" guns will.0 -
Thanks for the clarification. So I guess what I want is the 642-1. Most of the guns on auction are the 642 or -2 0 -
Go with the -1.
It comes with a stonger frame.0 -
quote:Originally posted by MrGunz22
Thanks for the clarification. So I guess what I want is the 642-1. Most of the guns on auction are the 642 or -2
Well, first of all, just because a gun is listed generically as a "642" does not necessarily mean its a "no-dash" model. That's something you need to clarify explicitly with the seller before bidding/buying.
As a secondary matter, if you are after a "no-lock" 642, note that in response to popular demand, Smith actually has recently put out a run of new production "no lock" airweight guns. I don't know exactly how they are labelled ("642-1" or what have you) but you might be able to find a new one of those for sale if you look around.
Lastly, personally, I think fear of the lock is WAY exaggerated. If you don't want to use the lock, just put the key in your gun safe, and forget about it.
Since getting my 637 (which is the hammered version of the 642), I've put hundreds (if not thousands) of rounds through it including at least 10 boxes of "+P" ammo, and the lock has never budged. I'm really just not worried that the lock will accidentally engage during shooting.
If you're still scared about the lock, its apparently relatively easy to permanently deactivate it by grinding off one of the tabs on the locking mechanism.0
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