S & W Pricing on Models 642 and 637

[chuck_in_texas]

My Local Academy is selling the 2" airweight S & Ws (637 and 642) for $400 and change. this is about $200 less than any other model S&W wheelgun I've seen. (Bud's gun shop wants almost $700 for the Mod 360 in 357).

Question: for any of you S&W experts - - - - are the 637 and 642 cheaper ONLY because of the aluminum frame? Since I've only owned steel or poly framed guns, how durable is the aluminum? Given that it would be a carry-piece, I don't expect to shoot hundreds od rounds a week, but just enough to keep in practice with it.

I've owned handguns since the 60's, but never a S&W - - - - - always bought something a bit more modest, like Ruger. Or bought used. Even though it's a the lowest priced S&W, is it still a quality piece? Always wanted an S&W, but not if it's not durable.

[RevolverFan]

S&W makes a pretty nice revolver. I used to have a 296 (.44 spl) that I never should have sold. I would buy one again, but they are no longer produced, and the ones on GunBroker sell for $700+. The cost that you mention is about average. That is often one of the deciding points between S&W and Taurus -- The Taurus usually sells for about $100 less.

As to the frame, they are certainly sturdy enough, but over time, they will wear faster than steel. That's why I believe you have the right idea in mind. Whether revolver or auto, an aluminum frame is for getting comfortable with in terms of shooting and then carrying. If you want to do a pile of shooting, buy something with a steel or poly frame. However, having said that, those of us who own Tauri have a lifetime warranty if the firearm was not intentionally abused!

Bottom line if you like the S&W: try it -- you'll like it!

[chicharrones]

I've only owned a stainless steel version of those J-frames. My experience with alloy is with my Taurus 85UL. The only noticeable wear point is where the cylinder center pin slides along the recoil shield before the center pin pops home in its locating hole when you close the cylinder. That locating hole has a rounded edge now since the center pin is steel and the frame of the revolver is aluminum.

As far as those S&W models and how they are priced. I think it has more to due with trying to compete with Taurus and Charter Arms. Probably mostly with Taurus. Even though the S&W is higher, it is close enough to make someone shopping revolvers look at both. I know I was looking at those exact J-frames when I got my 85UL.

[MOONDAWG]

The J-framed S&W M-642 is currently Smith & Wesson's absolute "Best Seller" period.

In my neck of the woods you can find them for $360-$380; one local shop is selliing 5 or 6 a day.

I've owned quite a number of S&W 442/642's and a 642 is a constant companion regardless of the "primary" carry piece is.

[Maximumbob54]

The scandium cost upgrade is because of the cost of the scandium itself for the most part. That stuff is up there with the cost of most precious metals but it does the job well enough they make .44 magnum frames with it. I have owned my 637-2 for a few years now. It developed a frame crack right under where the barrel is screwed in at. After some web surfing and forum questioning it seems that sometimes to index the barrel to the frame they sometimes (read that as fairly rare) set the barrel too tight and it will over stress the frame and eventually crack. I inquired about a repair and then sent me a prepaid Fed-Ex slip and in two weeks the only original parts were the cylinder and some internals. They are +P rated and I have read of rediculous amounts of ammo to include +P going through them. They are now making 442's and 642's in the Airweight line that have no ILS and I hope it goes to all the Airweight line. I would think think the ease of milling the alluminum with the fact that the guns are fairly easy to make and assymble with the MIM parts are a volume sales bread and butter kind of effort. The only continued complaint is the finish they apply to the 637/642/638 Airweights. It is just not a tough finish at all. Many gun cleaning solvents will This is my 637-2:

[bre346]

I had a 642 for while, planning to make it an ankle gun. Even bought a laser light for it. Practice at the range taught me about what such a sharp recoil can do. I traded it for a steel revolver with a 3-inch barrel. Maybe I should try that snubbie again.

[cws_dallas]

I have a 642-2. Probably 600 - 700 rounds through it. Absolutely no complaints other than the trigger was a bit rough when it was new. A couple of thousand dry fires with snap caps took care of that. Great carry weapon (primary or backup) , if you want five for sure.

[DKSlim]

I have the 442 which is a 642 in black. It is a constant companion. Easy to carry, light, and hardly noticeable, ankle, pocket, or IMB carry. My shooting buddy carries the 642. We have shot them for years and never had any issues with eitherof them. I'd hate to guess the round count for either of them. I think they are an outstanding product. Quality and finish are on par with any Smith & Wesson I've owned. I think you would really enjoy it. What makes it worthwhile is I can carry it no matter what I'm wearing. An Uncle Mike's pocket holster and you can always have your weapon with you in virtually any attire.