I received my S&W 442 38 Special this week from Bud's Gun Shop and finally got a chance to take it out today. I also took my 20+ year old Rossi M88 38 Special that I hadn't shot in 20 years.

The Rossi is a stainless steel model that is no lightweight. I fired 5 rounds through it and was surprised at how accurate it was and how comfortable it was to shoot. With that out of the way, I loaded the 442 and tried it out. The 442 felt very light, even when loaded, and smaller than the Rossi. That may account for some of the kick I felt when I went through the first 5 rounds. I was able to hit center mass, but they weren't as tight as the Rossi's had been. I went through another 25 rounds with the 442 and, once I got used to how it felt, was as accurate as I had been with the Rossi. I got the 442 for its size and power for home defense and traveling and am satisfied that it will fit the bill just fine.

Just a note on my Bud's experience. I paid via eCheck to get the low cash price so it took a few days for the payment to clear, but I know that when I made that choice. As soon as the payment cleared I got e-mails from Bud's letting me know the payment and shipping status with a tracking number.

With the free two-day delivery my local FFL dealer got the gun and I picked it up that afternoon. My FFL was on Bud's preferred list, so having it shipped was so easy that I didn't have to contact my FFL dealer until I went to pick it up.

My local FFL dealer was also very complimentary of Bud's, saying that they were organized and professional to deal with. That is nice to hear, especially when from a competitor.

Ironically I also took my used 442-1 out today to check it for accuracy. This was my 2nd time shooting it on my small outdoor range. The first time I only fired 5 rounds randomly at a tree stump to test fire it to make sure it worked. Today I loaded it with 5 round of 158gr rnfp plated bullets that I recently loaded. The first shot hit dead on center of the target at about 10 yds. The remaining 4 shots grouped nicely about a 3" group around the first shot. It shot a better group than I was expecting out of such a short barrel. I'm sure with a little more practice I'll be able to get an even tighter group. Definatly a keeper, nice light easy to carry I had it with me all day in an IWB holster as I did yard work around the property and at times forgot I had it with me.

it is rewarding to hear success stories of the S&W airweight series. I have a 442 as well and feel confident carrying it in my jeans pocket to protect me and my family. They are great little firearms. Congrats guys. Thanks for sharing.

I have S&Ws of all shapes and sizes. My poor 442 does almost all the heavy lifting.

I know exactly how you feel. My poor little J Frames. They are carried all day long. Don't get shot as much as their competition gun brethren.

I also have an M88 stainless and I just love it. You know the M685 and M88 are clones of the S&W model 36. they do shoot nice, very nice triggers and little recoil.
It sounds like your 442 is plenty accurate. I have yet to shoot a 442 as I use an LCR 357 for CC.

Anyone who wonders about the accuracy of the lightweight Centennial style revolvers can look up the video of Jerry Miculek hitting an 18x24 inch steel plate at 200 yards with a 340PD (basically a Scandium/Titanium 442), shooting it upside down and pulling the trigger with his little finger. Admittedly, he does have some revolver shooting experience, but still . . .

The 442 is my favorite but I like all the J-Frames. I carry the 442 every day in my pocket and either a 37 or another 442 AIWB. I like shooting them and sometimes exsparement with different grips. If the need ever came I think they would do the job.

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Two Handguns every day

Can you provide a link to that video?
Thanks!

Doubtful, or just Internet challenged?

Jerry M. is in a class by himself. I could practice forever and never achieve a shot anywhere near this. He's an excellent representative for our sport.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The man is amazing. He must be from another planet.

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Mike
686 no dash

Sounds like a paid endorsement for Bud's!
(I kid, I kid....I like Bud's as well)

love the 442 j-frame....great pocket gun, especially when one practices with it.