November 7, 2012, 03:15 PM | #1 |
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Model 642 finish trouble
I carry a S & W 642 as my primary ccw. Clear kote finish is starting to crack and checker. What are my options and/or your recommendations to refinish it? Bugs me that the thing isn't "pretty" aymore.
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November 7, 2012, 03:19 PM | #2 |
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wrong area champ.
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November 7, 2012, 03:20 PM | #3 |
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Ooops.
Moderator - Please move to the revolver forum(s). I messed up. Thanks.
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November 7, 2012, 04:57 PM | #4 |
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Call S&W they may help. Be aware that this is not an uncommon problem, so push them a little bit.
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November 8, 2012, 01:16 AM | #5 |
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Same thing happened to my 638. Robar in North Phoenix refinished it in Roguard, nice dark matte finish. Not cheap (they have a couple of cheaper options) but very nice work and a good company--they finished more of the frame than I asked for, and didn't charge for it. Also repainted the front sight better than I had done it.
Especially if you plan on keeping the piece, Robar is a good option. |
November 8, 2012, 05:27 AM | #6 | |
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November 8, 2012, 05:58 AM | #7 |
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I remember reading that S&W repairs 642's with finish problems so maybe give them a call. However, even if they refinish it for free, you'll probably have the same problem down the line. What are you using to clean it?
My 637 is losing its finish on the grips back strap but I believe that is due to long sweaty handed practice sessions. Although I love the looks of my 637 (and pretty much any j-frame) I probably wouldn't not refinish, even if the wear spreads beyond the back strap. Mossin, do you have any pics of your 638 you can post? I'd love to see it. Also, I wouldn't mind seeing the OP's gun either. |
November 8, 2012, 09:09 AM | #8 |
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Cleaning Solvent
Shadi Khalil - I have always used M-Pro 7 solvents for cleaning my pistols and revolvers. Hadn't experienced any previous issues. Just bought some Frog Lube, but haven't tried it yet. I'll try to post some pics, but I am technoligically challenged at times. Case in point....... originally posting this thread on the WRONG forum.
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November 8, 2012, 09:55 PM | #9 |
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Mine did it too. S&W refinished it TWICE. Sold it because it bugged me. A company like S&W should NOT be using such a crappy coat on their products. I know a guy who got tired of it and hosed his down with gunscrubber. Clear coat came right off.
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November 8, 2012, 10:17 PM | #10 |
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Yup, my 642 looks like total butt, but, it's a carry gun so it's more of a tool than a BBQ gun.
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November 8, 2012, 11:50 PM | #11 |
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So, does this problem usually show up on the Model 6XX J Frames as opposed to the Model 4XX versions? I was just curious because I have a Model 442 and have not noticed any issues at all.
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A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman |
November 9, 2012, 02:02 AM | #12 |
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I share the opinions of those who think of their j-frames as self defense tools. My 638 has various dings & scratches on it. No longer pretty at all. I don't really care. Works just fine. - - - Ever see photos of the weapons used by front line combat troops ? Its obvious that they care about function, not looks.
I have some firearms that may be considered more 'collectible'. In general, I try to take very good care of my guns. But if you use them, theyll get 'character marks'. And to me a current production j-frame is like a Glock, - a tool. |
November 9, 2012, 06:25 AM | #13 |
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The clear coat finish is a known problem, and even with very little carry and extra careful cleaning (I had a seperate cleaning kit for my 642), the finish still peeled. Comparing an M9 that has served countless soldiers in years of combat is not a fair comparison.
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November 9, 2012, 02:32 PM | #14 | |
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November 9, 2012, 03:46 PM | #15 |
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Feedback Appreciated
Thanks for all of your comments. It's just my personal quirk, but I strive to keep all of my handguns as nice in appearance as I possibly can. (They are by no means safe queens, though.) No, the cracked clear kote does nothing to hinder the 642's performance. I'll keep carrying and enjoying it. The Gun Scrubber suggestion sounds tempting, though......
Consort |
November 9, 2012, 07:20 PM | #16 | |
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Hey, why not let the paint on your brand new car peel off? I mean, it still gets you from point A to point B, right? |
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November 9, 2012, 07:34 PM | #17 | |
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A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman |
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November 9, 2012, 08:09 PM | #18 |
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If you ever did need to use it in a self defense situation, I doubt the bad guy is going to comment on the finish of your gun.
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November 9, 2012, 08:44 PM | #19 |
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It would be nice if the J frames that we're talking about had a better quality finish. Does this prevent me from buying one or using one ? No. Would I personally spend much money on having another coating applied to it ? No.
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November 9, 2012, 08:55 PM | #20 | |
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November 10, 2012, 12:28 AM | #21 | |
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November 10, 2012, 01:00 AM | #22 |
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S&W is using a clear coat finish on the versions that have stainless parts. Clear anodizing would hold up much better. Anodizing was used on all the blued lightweight guns. It does wear, but holds up better than paint. The best option is hard chrome plating over electroless nickel, but that costs too much for S&W to do it.
If you can strip the coating completely off just leave the aluminum without a finish. The only downside is that the raw aluminum will scratch very easily. |
November 10, 2012, 05:32 AM | #23 |
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S&W has been able to keep these j frames at a half reasonable price point. (Unlike a lot of their other revolvers IMO). For the money, you get a lightweight and reliable primary carry or back-up gun. One can only wonder what the price would be if they did another coating. Or, you could always try a Ruger LCR.
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