I am looking for a S&W snub nose. I am debating on the M37 (with exposed hammer) versus M442 (with concealed hammer). Can anyone offer addtional input that can help me with my choice.

Agreed.  For CCW use, I prefer either an enclosed hammer, or having the hammer bobbed.

I made the model 460 choice, a Custom Shop 442 version. Never regretted the decision nor felt the need to buy another J-frame.

Any comment on finish? Go with Black Anodizue or the Sation Stainless Steel. The Black does not seem to hold up well but by the same token you do not want alot of flash.

That's why I traded my 442.  The finish is not anodized, it's a black spray on finish.  The same one they use in their 317's.  The barrel and cylinder on mine started to chip and rust, since I carried IWB and it would get sweat on it in the summer time.

I would recommend getting a 642 instead.  That's what I'm going to be looking for soon.

Quoted: That's why I traded my 442.  The finish is not anodized, it's a black spray on finish.  The same one they use in their 317's.  The barrel and cylinder on mine started to chip and rust, since I carried IWB and it would get sweat on it in the summer time.

Lifetime warranty, send it back & voila! New finish.

Tyger2,

 You didn't mentioned the intended use.  I've got a 442 that I use as a secondary CCW piece and have owned 60 Chiefs Specials as a fishing gun.  The 60 are carried with shotshells in the first two chambers for water mocassians then 125 HydraShoks.  It is carried on the belt exposed.  The 442 is carried IWB or pocket loaded with +P HydraShoks or +P Nyclads.  For a CCW the 442 with concealed hammer is great and only use DA for that role.  The 60 on the other hand does service as a plinker and occasional DA fire with SA been primary means of fire.  No expericence with the 37 itself but do like the lightweight of the 442.

CD

I personally carry a model 37 all day, every day and love it. I purchased it over the 442 since the M37 does not have the internal locking mechanism but does have the hammer mounted firing pin, both charactesitics I wanted in my J Frame. The 442 does have the advantage of the internal hammer which might be a better choice for pocket carry.