My new 442 airweight

[Poodle Soup]

Always wanted a Smith and Wesson gun. And wanted a back up or something smaller for dress clothes for concealed carry, so here she is. Walked out with my wallet $400 lighter and a smile on my face.
Second one is with my fnx9 which will end up being her carry buddy

Anyone have any suggestions on ankle/pocket holsters and defensive rounds?

[rebelrouseri]

Originally Posted by Poodle Soup

Always wanted a Smith and Wesson gun. And wanted a back up or something smaller for dress clothes for concealed carry, so here she is. Walked out with my wallet $400 lighter and a smile on my face.
Second one is with my fnx9 which will end up being her carry buddy

Anyone have any suggestions on ankle/pocket holsters and defensive rounds?

smith dymonwood grip and get a tyler t grip and take the rubber off. desantis superfly is nice.

[Poodle Soup]

Im guessing "get your internal lock disabled" is going to come up as well?

[federali]

Uncle Mike's makes some very comfy ankle holsters.

[shep854]

Try out pocket carry. With a quality pocket holster, like a DeSantis Nemesis, the little J-frame will just disappear into your trouser pocket, especially if you wear looser or 'relaxed' fit trousers, such as cargo pants or slacks. Another huge benefit is that you can simply slip your hand into the pocket and grasp the gun, ready for draw whenever you wish, yet not look threatening. ALSO, you don't need a cover garment which has to be cleared or have to wrestle with untucking a shirt. Just don't put ANYTHING in the holster pocket except the gun.

[Edmo]

Originally Posted by shep854

... Just don't put ANYTHING in the holster pocket except the gun.

...and your hand.

Edmo

[Horace & Daniel]

I used to pocket carry my Model 38 as a BUG in a Super Fly. However, that little jaybird slipped out of that holster at least twice while sitting in a deep, comfy couch. I get up to take carry my youngest to bed and there's my Smithy sitting nice a pretty on the cushion. Not cool.

It will ride on my hip from now on, IWB or OWB, I don't care. But, pocket carry sucks.

YMMV.

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

I carry my 642 in a Milt Sparks pocket holster--very comfortable. For ammo I use a handloaded version of the FBI load--158 gr LSWCHP, 4.7 gr Unique--815 fps out of a 2 inch barrel. Buffalo bore makes some great 158 gr loads. I like 158's as most snubbies are set to shoot to point of aim with them, and if they were good enough for the FBI... The triggers on the new Smith snubbies tend to be on the heavy/rough side. There's a youtube video... "J frame trigger job" I believe...that walks you through a process which really helps the trigger pull--brought mine down from 14 1/2 to 11 1/2 pounds and really smoothed it. I did not replace the springs as they did in the video but clipped 1 1/2 coils from the main and trigger-return springs. Worked fine. Enjoy.

[MichiganScott]

I carry WW 158gr. LSWJHP +P in mine because they hit point of aim. The gun resides in a Robert Mika pocket holster. It disappears even in jeans.

Be aware that you will not be able to access the weapon in a sitting position.

[ladder13]

Speer Gold Dot 125gr HP for carry.

[Robert B]

The only .38 load that is proven on the street is the Speer Gold dot short bbl load. It's +P and 135 grains. Proven in cold NY and warm LA. You can get it online at Proarms.com.

[mini14jac]

Hornady Critical Defense, standard pressure.
Good penetration and expansion, not as expensive as a lot of defensive rounds.
Most of the time I carry OWB in a JIT holster.
(Don Hume I think.)

[Invictus357]

I used a High Noon pocket holster for a long, long time and it was superb.

Pocket Grabber

[hudsonvalley]

Front pocket or back pocket....at times in appendix...easy to hide and versatile to what you wear....jacket pocket for a quick deli run...good choice..

[Old cop]

I use either the DeSantis or Uncle Mike's pocket holster along with Remmington 158 +P HP (FBI load).

[f2]

Originally Posted by Poodle Soup

Anyone have any suggestions on ankle/pocket holsters and defensive rounds?

mika pocket holster, frontiernet.net/

148 gr wadcutter loads: winchester X38SMRP or federal GM38A
speed strip reload: speer gold dot 135 gr .38 spl +P 23921

[druryj]

I like the Mika pocket holster as well and have mine loaded with Win PDX-1 + Ps right now. With an extra speed strip or two in another pocket, I'm good with this as a carry package.

[MONGO45]

I use the 5-Shot Leather ankle rig with thumb break for my 342. Top quality and very secure which I prefer since it is a backup to my primary while on-duty in plain clothes.

[DEG]

I have both the DeSantis and Uncle Mikes pocket holsters for my 340PD and like them both, but if I had to pick one it would be the Uncle Mikes. It seems to cling to the inside of your pocket a little better than the Desantis. Walmarts here carry the Uncle Mikes.

[photoman]

Originally Posted by Poodle Soup

Anyone have any suggestions on ankle/pocket holsters and defensive rounds?

I don't use an ankle holster much but the Renegade is a good one and the Galco too.

For pocket holsters, I recommend the Mika or Safariland. Both are excellent.

Choose ammo based on which one you and your gun shoot best. Shot placement is so much more important than the latest, greatest bullet design (that can't be shot well due to high recoil).

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

Originally Posted by Robert B

The only .38 load that is proven on the street is the Speer Gold dot short bbl load.

Say what?

[AKAOV1MAN]

I think that a good pocket holster and an IWB or OWB for when the pocket carry is not needed will do you fine. About the 158 gr SWC HP +P, it is more than proven. I investigated a whole slew of shootings with that round(many from snubs) and for my money is one of the best. Actually I prefer the same round in SWC, no HP. It works as well, very well. Again from emperical observation.
I am not deingrating the newer rounds, particularly from Hornady, or botique makers like Buffalo Bore. But to state that the 158 gr SWC +P has not been proven is simply just not justified.
I have the exact same gun-just with an added 9mm cylinder so I can switch as needed.
Ammoman.com currently has some 158 gr standard pressure SWC at a very reasonable price. I bought a bunch and they shoot POA/POI on the dot with my 442(and most of my fixed sight S&Ws). The holes they punch are quite impressive and I have been knocking down steel plates like clockwork with them.

[crittrgittr]

In regaurds to the question of front or back pocket carry: I was told by someone not to carry in the rear pocket because someone could sneak up behind you and get your gun out before you even see them. Makes sense to me.

[STCM(SW)]

I tried a ankle hoster for a time, one leg always seemed heavy plus how do you get to it?
Excuse me while I tie my shoe lace....

IWB is what works for me now for all CC.

[shep854]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

I tried a ankle hoster for a time, one leg always seemed heavy plus how do you get to it?
Excuse me while I tie my shoe lace....

IWB is what works for me now for all CC.

I also tried ankle carry. The best technique I found was to 'take a knee' rather than stoop over. As Massad Ayoob described it, you first grab some trouser material on the carry side, then simply kneel down and draw. You pull the pant leg up slightly to clear the gun, and you keep your head up and looking around. Ankle carry can also be advantageous when seated, but overall IMO, it's more suited for 'carry' than 'drawing'.
As I posted above, pocket carry works best for me.

[Jamie]

My wife carries a 442, CT. When she pocket carries, she uses a Remora. Carry ammo, Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel.

[tallen00]

I just bought a no-lock 442. The gun replaced my bg380 which I hated.

[Poodle Soup]

Good info all! Just got 2 speed strips in the mail today, now just deciding on the holster. Ankle carry will be for a back up only, and pocket when its the only gun Im carrying I think... still need to get a ankle rig and try it out.

[f2]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

I tried a ankle hoster for a time, one leg always seemed heavy plus how do you get to it?
Excuse me while I tie my shoe lace....

they are perfect while driving.

[shep854]

Shop around for ankle rigs, there is quite a variety. Many simply wrap around your lower leg; some have a support strap that fastens just below the knee. That's what I had to go with (an Uncle Mike's nylon rig), since the holster itself tended to slip down onto my foot (apparently chicken legs don't do ankle holsters well).
If you find one that you good with, another trick is to pull that foot's sock up over the holster.

[.45mtngun]

I prefer the Speer Gold Dot 135 +P for my 442-2. They hit right on top of the front sight where as the 158's hit to the right and high. Your gun will tell you what it likes. I've also found the 135's to be very accurate also. I also like the Uncle Mike's Pocket Holster. I reload 125 grain RNFP lead bullets for practice and the short barreled guns do take some practice as you will find out. It will reward you if you work with it. Enjoy!
Jim

[shep854]

.45mtngun, how long does the suede band on your Uncle Mike's holster last. I've had a couple, but after a while the band wears smooth, and the holster no longer 'sticks' inside the pocket, but starts coming out with the gun.

[I-Toon]

How do you like the 442? (I plan on buying one soon, but I can't decide between the 442 (black) or the 642 (chrome).

[photoman]

Originally Posted by I-Toon

How do you like the 442? (I plan on buying one soon, but I can't decide between the 442 (black) or the 642 (chrome).

The 442 conceals better. The 642 has better sights for low light situations.

[Ironhand]

Bob Mika is pretty cool....

I like my Mika holster a lot!!

[Helderberg]

I use a galco pocket holster with my 642 and it rides in my front pocket and I really enjoy it. I also have a Shield and a BG380 and have holsters for all three for front pocket and or iwb. Go with what you feel is best for you and enjoy.
Frank.

[Poodle Soup]

Originally Posted by I-Toon

How do you like the 442? (I plan on buying one soon, but I can't decide between the 442 (black) or the 642 (chrome).

I put 50 rounds through it last weekend (and regretted it all day monday lol. My wrists are already shot from work and revolvers have hela recoil compared to semi autos.) and I really like it. When I bring the gun up the sites are in line automatically and I can just bring the gun up and put shots into a torso sized target quickly keeping both eyes open.

[I-Toon]

Originally Posted by Photoman44

The 442 conceals better. The 642 has better sights for low light situations.

I'll probably get the 642 then.

[haywood]

I have Three 442s. I paint the Front sights with Appliance White Touch up Paint then seal it with Glow in the dark Nail Polish. I use Corbon DPX +P and Speer Gold Dot 135g +P as carry loads. The pocket holster I like best is a Five year old Uncle Mikes that I use every day. I use the #4, the J-Frames slide out of the #4 better than the #3 and still works after all the years of carry. One of my 442s has the lock so, I put a drop of Thread Lock on it and it no longer works. I carry one of these as a backup to a 357 Snub.

[GaryS]

Another vote for Mika's pocket holsters. I was starting to carry my 442 in one when I discovered the frame crack. The 642-1 that is replacing it will ride in either Mika pocket or IWB holster depending on the situation.

[Edmo]

Originally Posted by GaryS

Another vote for Mika's pocket holsters. I was starting to carry my 442 in one when I discovered the frame crack. The 642-1 that is replacing it will ride in either Mika pocket or IWB holster depending on the situation.

I keep reading about these frame cracks... Did I choose poorly with my 642?

Edmo

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by Edmo

I keep reading about these frame cracks... Did I choose poorly with my 642?

Edmo

It seems to be hit or miss. My 442 was a very early production (Sept 1993) on the original J frame Airweight. I never noticed the crack until about two months ago when I read the thread on this forum and decided to take a look. Look up the thread "The dreaded frame crack" and you'll see mine and other stories.

The good news is that S&W will stand behind the revolvers. In my case the bad news was that they don't make the non "J Magnum" frames any longer and so I couldn't get it repaired, it had to be replaced. If your 642 should crack, what they are likely to do is replace the frame and barrel and transfer the rest of your parts over to the new frame.

So, the bottom line is even if something does happen S&W will stand behind it.

So, I would say no, you didn't chose poorly because you bought a product by a company that will repair or replace your 642 if the need arises.

[Edmo]

Originally Posted by GaryS

It seems to be hit or miss. My 442 was a very early production (Sept 1993) on the original J frame Airweight. I never noticed the crack until about two months ago when I read the thread on this forum and decided to take a look. Look up the thread "The dreaded frame crack" and you'll see mine and other stories.

The good news is that S&W will stand behind the revolvers. In my case the bad news was that they don't make the non "J Magnum" frames any longer and so I couldn't get it repaired, it had to be replaced. If your 642 should crack, what they are likely to do is replace the frame and barrel and transfer the rest of your parts over to the new frame.

So, the bottom line is even if something does happen S&W will stand behind it.

So, I would say no, you didn't chose poorly because you bought a product by a company that will repair or replace your 642 if the need arises.

Good on S&W for fully standing behind their products... Bad on S&W for continuing to sell a gun which apparently has a design issue. Have they made efforts to fix the problem which causes the cracks?

One day an owner of an Airweight J-model might need to bet his/her life on it. If it is me, I don't want to have to wonder if my gun has a cracked frame and if it will affect the outcome. Functionality in a self-defense firearm is something I don't take that lightly!

I do like my little 642, but I check the "crack area" every time I come back from the range.

Edmo

[photoman]

Originally Posted by Edmo

I keep reading about these frame cracks... Did I choose poorly with my 642?

Edmo

Not unless you plan on buying 10000 of them.