I own and like two of the models listed. I have owned a black 442 no dash since that model became available. I sent it to Weigand to have a custom barrel installed (2 1/8" length with a small dovetailed sight in place, plus four ports in the top of the barrel. The job also included a longer ejector/extractor rod, possible because of the additional barrel length, which makes it a bit easier to extract and eject empties from the cylinder). It has been a fine gun over it's lifetime. If I had this done again, I would probably elect to delete the ports from the barrel. They have not caused any problems in use, but for it's intended purpose and it's size, I'd just as soon not have the gases escaping the barrel anywhere except at the end of it.
My 642-2 is one of the later models with the internal lock, silver in color, which I bought used. The finish on the frame is compromised somewhat by the manner in which it was handled by the previous owner so it does not look as nice as it might have otherwise. Mechanically, it is in very sound condition and it functions well in all respects. I was able to purchase it for short money due to it's less than pristine looks. I bought it to shoot and carry every day, so the way it looks is of no real concern to me, and I doubt if it would be noticed by the recipient of any of the loads it carries.
Both revolvers wear a set of Crimson Trace grips, the extra length models with the rubber overmold feature. My wife claimed the 442 as her own not long after it's purchase and modifications were done. Since I prefer the Centennial style frames with the double action only function, when I found the scuffed up 642 at a very good price, I bought it. I would have preferred another black no IL 442, but had not found one for sale that tempted me during the interim. After a thorough cleaning and testing, the 642 has been completely satisfactory for me for its intended purpose.
I carry either Speer Gold Dot 135 grain ammo designed for short barrels or the old FBI loads of 158 grain +P lead SWCHP bullets. I feel confident in either load and both shoot well in either gun. The heavier FBI loads shoot closest to point of aim, but accuracy and point of impact for either is more than sufficient at the usually close range that either is likely to be used. Both guns are airweights, so the recoil is fairly brisk, but totally controllable. My wife has no problem with the +P loads in either weapon. Neither is a gun that we spend all day long shooting at the range. A practice session usually involves 50 rounds or less, with a couple of cylinders of the +P stuff to finish the session.
Both have given excellent service and both are easy to carry. The CT laser grips make them very useful in low or no light situations. Each is normally at our bedside each night when we undress for bed and are taken up again for the next day's activities and carry. They have been our constant companions. We each have a Slim XC IWB holster made by TTGunleather.com for these guns (excellent product!). My wife does not carry much with this holster, although she does carry at times with another OWB holster made by the same company around our home and place. She carries in a purse with a dedicated pocket for the gun, and she has a zippered carry case that looks like a zippered notebook that she uses as well.
We both have great confidence in these small revolvers for our everyday and every night personal protection needs. They conceal very well and comfortably for each of us. A small revolver is not for everyone, but my wife is able to handle it's function very well and shoot it accurately. She also has a Shield that she shoots very well and likes, but she is more comfortable with the simple function and use of the revolver, having used it for many years. She knows for sure it's unloaded or loaded and she doesn't have to stop and think about how to make it go bang. I also have a Shield and like it well, but I'm an old revolver man and each of us is very comfortable with the five rounds these guns carry being able to do what we need done. Each of us normally has an HK speedloader close at hand as well as a speed strip loaded with six rounds in order to be able to reload and still be ready to go. These guns with their related equipment and accessories are very satisfactory for our needs. Everybody has to find what works best for themselves. It's great that we have so many choices and solutions for our firearm needs. I have other J Frames that also could easily do the same job, but we prefer these models without the exposed hammer spur in case we wish to drop them in a coat or vest pocket with a pocket holster. There is nothing in the way to impede a clean draw to to catch on the pocket linings.
