On the fence for a 442

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Patton1970

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I have wanted (not needed) a black 442 for a long, long, time but never acquired one for whatever reason or another.

I currently have a M&P BG38 which after replacing the grip with a Hogue G10, I have grown to really like it.

But still, a small all metal S&W 38 special still has its appeal, but I can't seem to justify $500+ for another 38 special.

Is there anything else about the 442 I should be considering among the mind fog of expense?

Suggestions and opinions are most welcome.:)
 
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Just be aware of the "shortcomings" from the get go......aluminum alloy frame, which has shown a propensity for cracking in the frame yoke cutout just under the barrel extension in the past.....finish issues (wear) with the black coating on the frame (finish guaranteed for one year).....canted barrel irregularities (any S&W model) .....incidents of long ratchets in the recent past. (also on any recent production S&W model)

Of course, not all of the alloy frame examples are plagued by these potential problems. And.....all these issues can be ruled out by a thorough check and inspection of the example you intend to purchase.
 
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I've owned a few J frame pocket guns in the past and currently one of my carry guns is a 642-1. Love the size and weight.

The pocket J frames are all great, very very rare to get a bad one.

If I found a nice pre-lock blue one around here in Vegas, I'll buy it. I passed on one early this year and have been kicking myself since.
 
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The advantage of the 442 over the Tupperware 38M&P is reliability.

The Tupperware 38 uses an action not used in any other Smith revolver. It reliably jams. It's a design flaw that Smith won't fix.

I'd get rid of the Tupperware 38 and replace it with the 442 immediately. The 442 is a much superior handgun.
 
I love mine. Nice and light, carries easily. DAO took me a little while to adjust to but all is well. The finish is a nice, dark coating (I don't care for the word paint) that I think wears pretty well. I for one would like to see it offered with an anodized finish or maybe nickel or hard chrome. Mine shoots straight and is as reasonably accurate as any other handgun I own. I have the no lock 442-1. I don't personally like the factories grip selection so I equipped mine with a set of Pachmayr Compacs. I don't shoot +Ps in mine, but 158 gr LSWC or LRN work fine and hit to the sights. The 148 gr wadcutters are a joy and I use them quite a bit.
Try one, I bet you'll like it.
BTW welcome to the forum. Stick around, it's lovely here.
 
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The Bodyguard at least allows a single action shot if needed, the Centennial design does not. To me, a DAO Revolver is a deal breaker. The ones I have shot (friends) have really stiff triggers and are harder to shoot accurately because of that.

Even if you had a standard model Chief's Special (M36/60) and bobbed the hammer, single action shots are still able to be taken after the hammer is carefully cocked. I realize many do not agree with me here but that is why I never bought a Centennial of any type. A "homely" Bodyguard would accomplish more IMHO.

Light alloy revolvers are more prone to cracking and while easier to carry all day because of their light weight, they are also harder on recoil with stiff SD loads.
 
There's some confusion about what we're talking about when we refer to the Bodyguard.

For those of us of somewhat advanced age, the Smith Bodyguard is the M38, M49 and their current versions eg M638, M649. These are all J frames.

Smith has recently produced some very different handguns that they call the Bodyguard: a 380 semiautomatic and a 38 special revolver on a Tupperware frame. The current bodyguard revolver shares only the name and cartridge with the original Bodyguard revolvers. The original Bodyguards can be fired double action or single action. The new Tupperware bodyguards are double action only.
 
I carried a S&W 342 AirLite for a lot of years. However, as I have gotten older the light weight and recoil bothered my hands to much (read arthritis).
I have since gone to a S&W stainless Ladysmith Model 60. The heavier frame absorbs the recoil much better. Carried a lot, shot a little!
 
I've repeated this often. A 442 or light J-Frame of some sort is always in my pocket. No matter what's on my waist I consider the pocket gun my first responder. Walking around in public, it is easy to have my hand in pocket with a full grip on the little Snub. I've switched my grips for more comfortable shooting. I needed a lot of practice to shoot accurately. Not a pro but, I can do OK. I've never had a cracked frame or finish wear. The only problem with buying my first J-Frame is they multiply easily. They may recoil a bit and have heavy triggers. They my be hard to shoot accurately at first but, I feel they are worth the time and make a great get off me Gun.
 

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