642 corrosion - AR15.COM

Posted: 11/27/2010 4:23:29 AM EDT

Anyone else disappointed with the finish on their 642-type stainless guns? This is an every-day carry gun for me, so it's looks aren't a huge concern to me- I guess I just expected more from a "stainless" finish. Even though I carry it quite a bit, I don't abuse it.. and it looks like it's been through wwIII!

There are a lot of (what I think are) little corrosion marks all over the gun, and the dull silver finish on the gun literally rubs off with my fingernail?!

Posted: 11/27/2010 5:42:02 AM EDT

[#1]

Is this gun carried directly on your skin? If so their is either something corrosive to your skin or the finish was poorly applied. I would sand those pics to S&W and see what they say. The frame is aluminum, so it can't rust.

Posted: 11/27/2010 6:15:52 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
The frame is aluminum, so it can't rust.

But it can corrode.

Posted: 11/28/2010 8:48:18 AM EDT

[#3]

Is there any on the actual stainless parts barrel and cylinder

Posted: 11/28/2010 10:02:03 AM EDT

[#4]

Do you use Gun Scrubber or carb cleaner to clean it?

Posted: 11/28/2010 5:13:50 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Do you use Gun Scrubber or carb cleaner to clean it?

No, I only use CLP to clean and wipedown my firearms.

Posted: 11/28/2010 5:14:48 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Is there any on the actual stainless parts barrel and cylinder

Nope, the cylinder and barrel actually look really good.

Posted: 11/28/2010 5:20:31 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Is this gun carried directly on your skin? If so their is either something corrosive to your skin or the finish was poorly applied. I would sand those pics to S&W and see what they say. The frame is aluminum, so it can't rust.

It's mostly carried in a pocket holster, so no.

I'm thinking that since no one else has said that this is normal, I must have gotten a "bad one". I'll probably take your advise and contact S&W.. I think I've been putting it off for a few years now just because I'd hate to lose it for a few weeks sending it back to them. Not sure if they'd even cover it under warranty - I think I bought in 2005.

Posted: 11/28/2010 5:36:13 PM EDT

[#8]

I had read some other people have run into this issue I think its because they try to get it to match the "stainless" look. Others advised me to get the 442 but I didn't want another black gun. I'd be interested to see what SW has to say.

Posted: 11/29/2010 3:54:27 PM EDT

[#9]

I had one do the same thing a few years ago they said send it in and they redid it looked brand new.

Posted: 12/18/2010 11:31:02 AM EDT

[#10]

I have a 442 blued model that started rusting on the cylinder after just a couple days working and sweating while using an Uncle Mikes in the Pocket holster. I should have been more generous with the CLP, though it was lightly coated. Have to look into a Mika pocket holster, as people claim those protect much better against sweat.

Posted: 12/20/2010 8:02:42 AM EDT

[#11]

Mine did the same thing. Seems to be pretty common. I had contacted S&W about it. They simply said that it looked like corrosion from sweat, and to send it in if I'd like. No offer to send me a shipping label, and no mention iof f it would be covered under warranty. I seem to recall another member sending his in for the same problem, and they quoted him something like $200 to refinish it. I ended up trading mine off.

Posted: 12/20/2010 2:07:20 PM EDT

[#12]

I'm planning NP3 Plus for my 642...

Posted: 12/20/2010 5:44:23 PM EDT

[#13]

I say clean it the best you can and don't worry about it. It is a gun you carry often so it will stay pristine for long. I have a 638 and it goes everywhere with e.

Posted: 12/20/2010 6:04:28 PM EDT

[#14]

What you have there is proof that you actually carry your carry piece. Its very common my 5 year old 637 looks worse than yours. There is no problem with your weapon. The problem is most of the debaters of carry and gun finishes only have pristine (unused) carry guns.

Posted: 12/22/2010 7:16:12 PM EDT

[#15]

S&W uses a clear protective finish (clear coat) over the aluminum frame. I have seen them unscathed after being carried daily for years and I've also seen them like yours. This is one combo to be careful with in ultrasonic cleaning as some agressive cleaners just eat away the clearcoat.

Posted: 1/30/2011 9:38:54 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
S&W uses a clear protective finish (clear coat) over the aluminum frame. I have seen them unscathed after being carried daily for years and I've also seen them like yours. This is one combo to be careful with in ultrasonic cleaning as some agressive cleaners just eat away the clearcoat.

+1, the specks on the top strap are the effects of salts (from your body; sweat) reacting with the aluminum alloy.

Posted: 1/30/2011 5:00:13 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
What you have there is proof that you actually carry your carry piece. Its very common my 5 year old 637 looks worse than yours. There is no problem with your weapon. The problem is most of the debaters of carry and gun finishes only have pristine (unused) carry guns.

The "stainless" in stainless steel means only that it will stain "less" than other steel. Just clean the pistol up and be happy.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 642 corrosion

Handguns » Smith & Wesson

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us