If you look hard enough, you may find a new S&W J frame for the price you are looking at. Go to CDNN and download their catalog. They have the 642 on sale. I don't know the price because you have to call and after buying my Ruger 50th .44M Flattop, I have no money---LOL
I haven't had any issues with mine and it's got a couple hundred down the tube, but my buddy in CO put a Crimson Trace Laser on his and has some jamming problems. I told him the same that the advice here is, it is probably the hold. His was fine until he put the laser on.