Does anybody know what the differences are. I know the Pro is cut for moon clips but other than that? Is it worth the extra to get the Pro? Thanks

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Useless political propaganda

First, I've owned a 442 for 25+ years and it was my main carry weapon for most of those years. I still own it and carry it, although less frequently, and it looks like its new.

I asked the same question a year or so ago. Some folks said absolutely (but they tend to think S&W is always great, best, etc.) and others told me that the Pro is supposed to have a better trigger - key word supposed. Others that had owned both in recent years said it was pure luck if the trigger from the Pro was enough better to warrant the purchase.

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Who watches the watchers?

Other than the "Pro Series" billboard on the sideplate, which some have and some don't, internally, the Pro Series has a slightly lighter rebound spring and mainspring installed. They are "no lock" revolvers.

Mine also came with a canted barrel and long ratchets at no extra charge.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I believe Moon Clips and the "Pro Series" scroll are the only things. Are Moon Clips worth $30? I would say they are. You don't have to use them but you would have the option.

Thanks for the quick replies! I have always used speedloaders but I am curious about trying moon clips to see if I like them.

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Useless political propaganda

Canted barrel? Long ratchets? Would you mind elaborating, I am not sure what you mean. Thank you.

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Useless political propaganda

I p/u a Pro Series 442 in a trade and it is NOT cut for moon clips but does have a 10 lb. trigger (measured) that is very smooth. Aside from that I can’t tell the difference between it and a Model 37 from the early ‘80s. Is it worth the dfference? Not to me, I got it to sell.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The canted barrel is not "indexed" (installed) properly at 12 o'clock....consequently the gun shoots 3" left at 7 yards. Long ratchets refers to a condition where the hand/ratchet interface is not fit properly, resulting in trigger binding at the end of the DA cycle.

These are documented, known issues that occur in some guns, particularly the J-frames.....the bottom line is to make sure you inspect every new firearm purchase thoroughly before buying.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Neither of those conditions sound good. Thanks for clarifying, much appreciated.

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Useless political propaganda

The 442 PRO is cut for the moon clips. I don't believe the trigger work is any better than the norm.

I have a PRO series 640 and the only plus to the moon clips, in my opinion, is that if you load your first rounds with them it gets you positive ejection with the small ejection rod. Carrying them can be problematic when concealed and a reload is better from a speed loader or a speed strip.

The 442 Performance Center model that I purchased has the better trigger. It also came with a stainless colored cylinder and latch. I have one of these and the trigger was better out of the box.

My 442 is the Performance Center Model with the stainless cylinder/no lock. It has the best trigger of my three j-frames, or any other j-frame that I’ve handled. It’s a keeper.

Moon clips sound nice in theory, but they are more trouble than they are worth. Speed-loaders are the way to go for a defensive firearm IMO and most instructors agree. You do have the option of not using the moonclips, but there is still the potential for problems even when not using them.

I'm glad SOMEBODY got good triggers on their 442 PC "Choo-pintos." The triggers (and the DAs) on my 2 were unremarkable, to speak politely. Now, the triggers on my unlamented "Wyatt" PC 637s, that's a whole 'nother story! Good shooting, peoples!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

+1. Moon clips are great at the range and stashed in a glove box or night stand, but can get bent if you pocket carry them. They also require a tool if you want profanity-free loading and unloading of spent brass from the clips.

Best Regards,
ADP3

Well,I bought the "Pro Series" and I have my answer. No, the moon clips are not worth the extra money and the trigger is no better. If anybody else out there is considering the Pro over the standard, I say buy the standard and spend the difference on a few speedloaders. Moon clips seem like a good idea that doesn't work in practice. They are difficult (to say the least) to load, easily bent and are basically a solution to a problem that doesn't really exist on a rimmed cartridge like the .38. Too bad, I was really hoping I would like moon clips. Hopefully the trigger on the standard 442 is not any worse because this one isn't great. Sometimes I just have to learn things the hard way.

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Useless political propaganda

Don't beat yourself up! You've done nothing wrong. You still own one of the finest CC revolvers out there. Just leave the clips in the box, if you prefer, and shoot and enjoy your gun. It's what I do!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

You beat me to it. I have a Model 642 that is cut for moon clips that used to be my EDC. I carried it loaded with a moon clip, but gave up on a moon clip as a reload because they are bulky and prone to bending. There are dedicated moon clip carriers, but they are pricey (I used to use an old plastic medicine bottle as my carrier). I eventually went to a speed strip for a reload before deciding to go the New York reload route (Model 638-1 and Model 38-0). I still carry a loaded speed strip just because I'm from the "it's not much of a gun without bullets" school of thought.

Regards,

Dave

I will probably just keep carrying my 638, I like it better anyway. Not sure what to do with this one.

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Useless political propaganda

Buy a standard no lock and send it out to one of the Phoenix wizards: Nelson Ford or Frank Glenn. You will have a MUCH better snub for a little more.

I also like the 638, my casino go-to gun until the 340s came along. As to what to do with the 442, KEEP IT! Useful as a spare if your 638 needs service. Also, can serve as a 2nd/backup gun. Nothing wrong with having another 2" J-frame. Selling it will not get you the $ you want and you may regret having bought it. To prevent this, buy a 3rd J-frame (not joking!). These are among the most useful guns, IMHO, as they can be easily and quietly pocketed, which many small autos cannot.

Of course, I'm prejudiced regarding snubs, since I clearly remember when the antis tried to ban them as "Saturday Night Specials." It was difficult to locate quality snubs, this back in the 70s...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

See, OP? I was right. There's your 3rd J-frame!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I think I am done buying j-frames. I already have a 638, 649, 36, 438 and now this 442. This just was a (failed) moon clip experiment.

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Useless political propaganda

I'm with Kaaskop49. Five seems to be a good number. All mine are old. Maybe I need a .357?

Jack

Is it possible to have too many J frames?

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Centennial Every Day

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+1

After a long hiatus, I have gotten back into S&W revolvers just in the past 2 years and seem to have an affection for these little J-frames and now have 4 of them - 36 (1983), 60 (1986, 1988) and 60-15 (2015). I shoot them all and carry all except the 36....it’s too darn pretty.

Also have a 19-5 and 66-4, both snubs, to satisfy my desire for a larger frame but these, too, are relegated mostly to range visits and only occasional carry.

I’m still struggling on whether to move up to an L or N-frame. For me, these would only be range toys.

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Like someone said, put the clips away. Lube the action. Dryfire 2000 times. Clean and lube. Should be good to go.

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Two Handguns every day

If you have no intent to ever use the moonclips, I would sell it since there is still the potential for problems when not using the clips and there's no need to risk it for no reason.

What kind of problems would be created by not using the clips?

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Useless political propaganda

I'm no expert on the subject, but have previously asked Grant Cunningham, Michael de Bethencourt and Massad Ayoob about these specific revolvers in the past. None were fond of moon clips in general for defensive purposes and in regards to using them without the clips, I was told the risk of case under extractor jams increases, plus I think there was mention of head-spacing and ignition concerns in some regard. Their opinions were good enough for me to decide against getting one.