The black finish is made to be more durable then bluing, but, after alot of use, it begins to show wear.....just like a blued gun. The best thing for wear is stainless steel. If it does begin to look rough.....it can be refinished with Scotch-brite pads. Not a big deal to refinish, either. Bob

 

I think a quality holster goes farther in protecting the finish on a handgun you intend to wear more than shoot

 

I have the stainless 642 and it's the perfect carry .38 .... period. kfjdrfirii

 

im with you 642 i just picked up mine last week real nice carry gun what i notice about the current 642 & 442 they have different grips on them they are not uncle mikes another brand and the speedloader fits different maybe i should get speedstrips instead? this is what im talking about http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... ew_Y#item1

 

I know it's sacrosanct to use spray paint but I've used GunKote and Alumahyde on 442s with lots of wear.
It makes them look a great deal better.
But one with quite a bit of wear has a certain attractive appeal.

 

All J-frame Airweight finishes are not the same. The original Airweights were aluminium with an anodized finish. They are generally more durable and not as easily marred, as they had an thick electrolytic metalic finish. Current Airweight aluminium finishes are much thinner and are covered with a clearcoat overspray. They are suseptible to marring, scrathches, and even electrolysis corrosion from body salts, if unattended. If your finish becomes marked beyond your tolerance, a ceracote or similar finish [altough not great for a wheel gun] are likely more durable than that of the 642 or 442 from the factory.

 

All J-frame Airweight finishes are not the same. The original Airweights were aluminium with an anodized finish. They are generally more durable and not as easily marred, as they had an thick electrolytic metalic finish. Current Airweight aluminium finishes are much thinner and are covered with a clearcoat overspray. They are suseptible to marring, scrathches, and even electrolysis corrosion from body salts, if unattended. If your finish becomes marked beyond your tolerance, a ceracote or similar finish [altough not great for a wheel gun] are likely more durable than that of the 642 or 442 from the factory.

Great info...thanks. Any idea when they changed?

 

I wouldn't give up the loaders. Just whip out the exacto knife on those grips to alter them so that they work.

 

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