S&W 642 Airweight refinished

[shortyb]

FedEx just dropped it off, took S&W about 3 months to do. Complete refinish of the worn clear coat and bead blasted the cylinder (no more "track marks"). I paid for the refinish even though there had been several reports of the clear coat being faulty. It looked kinda ugly duckling before, most of it from duty use, but no pitting or corrosion when I sent it in though. Just wanted to freshen her up. Did a complete disassembly and test fired when completed. They even threw in some new grips as the originals were kinda chewed up. Was my back-up gun for several years and many rounds of +P so it earned the wear honestly. Only slight dislike is how the logos are now very subtle, probably due to the refinish prep. However, the engraved lettering "SPFLD. MA S&W USA" appears to have be re-filled black. I think as a whole it looks brand new and glad to have her back.

 

[4wd]

FedEx just dropped it off, took S&W about 3 months to do. Complete refinish of the worn clear coat and bead blasted the cylinder (no more "track marks"). I paid for the refinish even though there had been several reports of the clear coat being faulty. It looked kinda ugly duckling before, most of it from duty use, but no pitting or corrosion when I sent it in though. Just wanted to freshen her up. Did a complete disassembly and test fired when completed. They even threw in some new grips as the originals were kinda chewed up. Was my back-up gun for several years and many rounds of +P so it earned the wear honestly. Only slight dislike is how the logos are now very subtle, probably due to the refinish prep. However, the engraved lettering "SPFLD. MA S&W USA" appears to have be re-filled black. I think as a whole it looks brand new and glad to have her back.

View attachment 342681View attachment 342682

Nice - have a couple of those and a Taurus look alike …

 

[football]

many rounds of +P

Are you sure that gun is rated for +P? I thought the first edition of the guns (that lacked the lock) were not rated for plus P?

How much did that cost? I'm sure they replaced the springs and rebuilt it as well...

 

[ripcord]

Very nice. Still the best pocket carry option in my opinion.

 

[Greenbeforeblue]

Are you sure that gun is rated for +P? I thought the first edition of the guns (that lacked the lock) were not rated for plus P?

How much did that cost? I'm sure they replaced the springs and rebuilt it as well...

S&W went so far as to stamp +P on the barrel in the first photo.

 

[burbguy82]

@shortyb

where did you send it? S&W factory or other? wait nevermind I see.

 

[Cropduster172]

FedEx just dropped it off, took S&W about 3 months to do. Complete refinish of the worn clear coat and bead blasted the cylinder (no more "track marks"). I paid for the refinish even though there had been several reports of the clear coat being faulty. It looked kinda ugly duckling before, most of it from duty use, but no pitting or corrosion when I sent it in though. Just wanted to freshen her up. Did a complete disassembly and test fired when completed. They even threw in some new grips as the originals were kinda chewed up. Was my back-up gun for several years and many rounds of +P so it earned the wear honestly. Only slight dislike is how the logos are now very subtle, probably due to the refinish prep. However, the engraved lettering "SPFLD. MA S&W USA" appears to have be re-filled black. I think as a whole it looks brand new and glad to have her back.

View attachment 342681View attachment 342682

Outstanding! You could probably fill in the "faded" S&W stamped logos if you're really bored on a rainy day.
You still carry it? What holster?

 

[shortyb]

Are you sure that gun is rated for +P? I thought the first edition of the guns (that lacked the lock) were not rated for plus P?

How much did that cost? I'm sure they replaced the springs and rebuilt it as well...

Yes, +P rated and marked for such. Only the older "non-dash" series of Airweights weren't +P rated. "Dash" models" (-1,-2,-3 etc.) with the redesigned Magnum J-frame (1996?) are all +P rated. I believe new ones can be had without the lock as well. Cost? Too much .

@shortyb

where did you send it? S&W factory or other? wait nevermind I see.

S&W Performance Center.

Outstanding! You could probably fill in the "faded" S&W stamped logos if you're really bored on a rainy day.
You still carry it? What holster?

Nah, I'll keep it low key. Still carry it, in the same way I did when I fought crime and guarded the peace. DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I'm shaped like a bowling ball and can bend about as much as one, so never felt comfortable with our issued Bianchi ankle holsters. Carried in the Nemesis in the side balloon pocket of my BDU style uniform pants. Drove the range staff crazy. Could draw and be downrange faster than anyone on the dept. with their ankle holsters. Always practiced "compromised position" draws so it was very dependable way for me to carry. Still do the pocket carry, works great in summer with shorts on, I would get a few looks if I did the ankle carry and flip flops .

Edit: added pic.

 

[4wd]

Are you sure that gun is rated for +P? I thought the first edition of the guns (that lacked the lock) were not rated for plus P?

How much did that cost? I'm sure they replaced the springs and rebuilt it as well...

Yes. I have a black and silver …

 

[incognito_2u]

I have the “heavier” 640 Centennial. My go-to carry gun to this day.

 

[shortyb]

Yes. I have a black and silver …

View attachment 342723

Cool. What is the finish on the black one? I know the frame is an alloy of aluminum and magnesium, but that doesn't really look like anodizing.

 

[4wd]

Cool. What is the finish on the black one? I know the frame is an alloy of aluminum and magnesium, but that doesn't really look like anodizing.

Pretty much these - locked up - keep my 6 round Taurus out.

 

[Cropduster172]

Yes, +P rated and marked for such. Only the older "non-dash" series of Airweights weren't +P rated. "Dash" models" (-1,-2,-3 etc.) with the redesigned Magnum J-frame (1996?) are all +P rated. I believe new ones can be had without the lock as well. Cost? Too much .

S&W Performance Center.

Nah, I'll keep it low key. Still carry it, in the same way I did when I fought crime and guarded the peace. DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I'm shaped like a bowling ball and can bend about as much as one, so never felt comfortable with our issued Bianchi ankle holsters. Carried in the Nemesis in the side balloon pocket of my BDU style uniform pants. Drove the range staff crazy. Could draw and be downrange faster than anyone on the dept. with their ankle holsters. Always practiced "compromised position" draws so it was very dependable way for me to carry. Still do the pocket carry, works great in summer with shorts on, I would get a few looks if I did the ankle carry and flip flops .
View attachment 342724
Edit: added pic.

I tried ankle carry with my Colt Detectives Special. I think I did 2 shifts with it and the holster went in a drawer and never came out. The Colt is heavier and a bit bulkier than your Airweight... It felt like was limping which I probably was.