S&W Model 442 range review: Second Edition

Frank121 · Jul 6, 2018

I took my new S&W Model 442 out to the range this morning to see how it shot and felt. At the great sale price and very concealable pocket carry size I wanted to at least give that model one more chance.

This is the second 442 I have owned. The first was one I bought from Bud's about 2 1/2 years ago. That one was about $100 more than this one ($395 vs. $289.99 with rebate on this one) and wasn't a pleasant shooting experience.

That 442 caused great pain to the bone or nerve or something in the web of my right shooting hand just to the right of my thumb joint. I tried to like it and tolerate the pain, but after taking sometimes weeks for the swelling and discomfort to go away it found a new owner. I do have some arthritis in my hands, so that probably makes me more susceptible to the recoil than someone without it.

I wanted to keep the small boot grips on the gun that came with it since it makes the gun so easy for small pocket holster carry, so I tried it out as it came. I was going to make a concerted effort to keep from letting the bare metal at the top of the frame grip lie against my thumb joint as it probably did when I shot one in 2016.

What I found was my revolver grip had changed since shooting back then and the grip I use now holds the gun firmer and lower on the grip than when I was first started shooting guns in 2016 again after a 20 year hiatus. That grip kept the recoil down today and didn't pound the joint like I remembered the first 442 doing.

I went through 60 rounds of WWB 130 grain .38 Special while tracking my target results from 15, 21, 30, and 40 feet away. 15 and 21 feet away the groupings were excellent, while the 30 and 40 feet distances still hit within the colored circles on the target.

So far, so good as far as not having any residual results in my hand from shooting today. I plan on going out again to the range tomorrow morning with a couple of folks and will shoot the rest of the 100 round box, but it won't be an "all the time" range gun like the first 442 was. I will shoot my Model 36 revolver and 9mm pistol most of the time at the range as I have been, but will shoot the 442 on occasion to ensure I am comfortable with it as my pocket holster carry.

socalDDS · Jul 7, 2018

Frank121 said:
I took my new S&W Model 442 out to the range this morning to see how it shot and felt. At the great sale price and very concealable pocket carry size I wanted to at least give that model one more chance.

This is the second 442 I have owned. The first was one I bought from Bud's about 2 1/2 years ago. That one was about $100 more than this one ($395 vs. $289.99 with rebate on this one) and wasn't a pleasant shooting experience.

That 442 caused great pain to the bone or nerve or something in the web of my right shooting hand just to the right of my thumb joint. I tried to like it and tolerate the pain, but after taking sometimes weeks for the swelling and discomfort to go away it found a new owner. I do have some arthritis in my hands, so that probably makes me more susceptible to the recoil than someone without it.

I wanted to keep the small boot grips on the gun that came with it since it makes the gun so easy for small pocket holster carry, so I tried it out as it came. I was going to make a concerted effort to keep from letting the bare metal at the top of the frame grip lie against my thumb joint as it probably did when I shot one in 2016.

What I found was my revolver grip had changed since shooting back then and the grip I use now holds the gun firmer and lower on the grip than when I was first started shooting guns in 2016 again after a 20 year hiatus. That grip kept the recoil down today and didn't pound the joint like I remembered the first 442 doing.

I went through 60 rounds of WWB 130 grain .38 Special while tracking my target results from 15, 21, 30, and 40 feet away. 15 and 21 feet away the groupings were excellent, while the 30 and 40 feet distances still hit within the colored circles on the target.

So far, so good as far as not having any residual results in my hand from shooting today. I plan on going out again to the range tomorrow morning with a couple of folks and will shoot the rest of the 100 round box, but it won't be an "all the time" range gun like the first 442 was. I will shoot my Model 36 revolver and 9mm pistol most of the time at the range as I have been, but will shoot the 442 on occasion to ensure I am comfortable with it as my pocket holster carry.

I have a 642 for one of my EDCs... I had a gunsmith do a trigger job on it (springs etc.), and I put a set of Hogue Grips on it... after that, I absolutely love it! I will admit, when I first bought it and took it to the range, it was absolutely miserable to shoot! But after the modifications, it’s a pleasure to shoot, and incredibly comfortable to carry!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jerry in SC · Jul 7, 2018

Guys with larger hands or shooting with a high grip can have a hard time with the 442. Craig Spegel centennial style boot grips (good luck finding any) eliminate the corner of the frame battering the thumb joint.

I always wondered why no one approached him about licensing a synthetic version (after the Uncle Mike's fiasco).

Old cop · Jul 7, 2018

I’ve been carrying/shooting J frames since I was a rookie cop in 1968 and they do put a hurting on you if you don’t know how to handle them. I have XLG hands and carry the no lock 340PD but do not load it w/magnums, preferring +P for accuracy and quick follow up shots. I pocket carry w/a pocket holster and wood boot grips so that’s how I practice w/it. It chews up my trigger finger and leaves me sore for about a week. I use either a Model 60 or older Model 37 w/oversize rubber target grips for extended (100+) range sessions.

mrmike7189 · Jul 7, 2018

I had a 642 and it hurt my hand same as described by the op. I now carry Bodyguard 380 and /or my Glock 26 which is same size as the snubby.
I know lots of snubby owners who love theirs, but not for me.
I guess Arthur Rightis is coming for me

TTSH · Jul 7, 2018

This is a very timely thread for me as I am strongly considering a brand new Model 442-1 as my next acquisition. If it comes to pass, it will be my first brand new S&W revolver purchase in over 35 years!

As I have posted previously, my interest in the 442-1 was piqued when I found a very slightly used 442-1 with aftermarket rubber grips for a song back in July of 2015. Sadly, someone came up with the cash before I did, but I did make a mental note that when the stars aligned properly again, I should try to find another slightly used one for cheap or, preferably, a brand new one (since there is no IL issue and on-line prices right now are very attractive).

I know the 442-1 will not be kind to my hand. I have long had an old Model 49, so I know what I am getting into. My Model 49 also wears rubber grips and with +P rounds, it's not crazy fun to shoot lots of rounds... but it does work. A lighter version of roughly the same gun would be attractive to me for pocket carry in some circumstances.

I know the stock grips are not loved, so I'm interested in opinions on what grips, brand and model, will tame the 442-1 best without blowing the budget.

hkcavalier · Jul 7, 2018

This 442-1 is, since I started getting into S&Ws about 6 years ago, my first new revolver.

I couldn't get it to hurt even with heavy wadcutters. Is it soft shooting? No, but easier on the hand than my 629 5" launching full pressure loads.

ladder13 · Jul 7, 2018

TTSH said:
This is a very timely thread for me as I am strongly considering a brand new Model 442-1 as my next acquisition. If it comes to pass, it will be my first brand new S&W revolver purchase in over 35 years!

As I have posted previously, my interest in the 442-1 was piqued when I found a very slightly used 442-1 with aftermarket rubber grips for a song back in July of 2015. Sadly, someone came up with the cash before I did, but I did make a mental note that when the stars aligned properly again, I should try to find another slightly used one for cheap or, preferably, a brand new one (since there is no IL issue and on-line prices right now are very attractive).

I know the 442-1 will not be kind to my hand. I have long had an old Model 49, so I know what I am getting into. My Model 49 also wears rubber grips and with +P rounds, it's not crazy fun to shoot lots of rounds... but it does work. A lighter version of roughly the same gun would be attractive to me for pocket carry in some circumstances.

I know the stock grips are not loved, so I'm interested in opinions on what grips, brand and model, will tame the 442-1 best without blowing the budget.

Lighter version of a 49, a 38-3 Airweight my EDC.

Vulcan Bob · Jul 7, 2018

Good to hear of your successful reunion with the light weight J frame. I avoided the alloy frame J frames for a lot of years. For whatever reason I decided to give a new no lock 442 a try a few years ago and was happily surprised with it. Good smooth trigger pull right out of the box and sights that I could see. With a set of Eagle's " smooth Secret Service grips" I don't mind the extra bit of recoil at all and shoot it rather well.

since 61 · Jul 7, 2018

I have a 642-2 and have tried several grips none seemed to help with recoil. I finally tried the Ergo Delta Grips and they helped a lot with the recoil and I shoot better. I know they are ugly but I can get past that when I think about shooting before I got them. I have Arthur in both thumbs so unless I find something as good they will stay.

OLDSTER · Jul 7, 2018

IMO, grips make all the difference between enjoying and hating to shoot an Airweight J frame. I've owned this 642-1 for 6 years and have shot it a lot. But a few years back, my arthritic wrists could no longer handle the recoil with "boot" grips. So on the advice from guys on this forum, I bought a set of these. Voila !! Now I actually enjoy shooting a box of plinkers at the range.

shouldazagged · Jul 7, 2018

Two words: Pachmayr Compacs.

Yes, they are larger than the boot grips, but not hard to conceal in a pocket. They give purchase for the little finger of my medium large mitts, and allow a high hold without punishment for better control. The backstrap is covered and the space behind the trigger guard is filled.

If you have arthritis in your hands and wrists, you'll appreciate them. Even if you don't, you may like them.

HardToHandle · Jul 7, 2018

Pacmayr Compacs make alloy frame practice easier. Maybe not fully enjoyable, but 50 rounds are doable compared to 10 rounds with stock 442 before pain starts. More grip circumference, easier to get higher and I can get almost a whole hand on them.

I find Compacs workable for belt carry. They are too chunky for jacket or pocket carry in my opinion however. You may have a different opinion.

haywood · Jul 7, 2018

I put Hogue Tamer grips on my 442 that I carry in the waist. I kept the stock boot grips on my 442 and 37 that I use for pocket carry. My 36 has Pachmayr Compacts. Needless to say, the 36 being heavier can be shot for a long time. The 442 with Hogue Tamer is a light gun but that grip makes it easy to practice for an hour at the Range. The 37 and 442 with the old uncle mike’s boot grips are good for 50-100 rounds and them I’m about done.

riverrat38 · Jul 8, 2018

I like to shoot my M442-1, but, I too have Arthur in my thumbs, and so I shot a lot of 125 gr plated bullets over 4.0 gr of Trail Boss. Not bad. Can't shoot lead at the local indoor ranges. My carry ammo is the new Federal 130 gr HST micro, which, although plus P, has less recoil than the 135 gr Speer SB that I used to carry. I shoot a few of the plus P for "calibration". Can't afford to shoot too many of them in any case! Point of aim is close, and I don't think I would notice the recoil in a Serious Social Situation.

Best,
Rick

Boogsawaste · Jul 8, 2018

My favorite boot grip is actually the Taurus factory one. It covers the backstrap and is still short. Very minor mods to make fit. I pull out the medallions and glue in 38 case heads but one could leave them in.

S&W Rover · Jul 8, 2018

Grip selection can help with the problem brought up by the OP -- J frames can be snappy.

Another way to deal with J frame recoil is ammo choice. To enjoy J frames for extended shooting at the range, 148 grain lead hollow-base wadcutters are the way to go. (They are also very accurate at shorter ranges and leave distinct, clean holes in a paper target).

Commercially produced .38 Special 148 grain lead wadcutter ammo is soft-shooting (generally 700-800 fps) and modestly priced. Remington, Black Hills, Selliers & Bellot, etc., make this type of ammo. Not everyone is familiar with it; there was a case this past year of a police officer loading some in a small pistol thinking it was blanks, with tragic results in the ensuing demonstration.

Photo attached to show what this ammo looks like.

(It's a good idea after shooting this milder ammo to make your last five rounds of the day be your choice SD ammo, just as a mental reminder that the 442/642 can have some kick).

I handload Speer 148 grain LHBWC bullets over 2.2 grains of Trail Boss with good results. For ranges that won't allow lead bullets, you can find plated or coated DEWC bullets from the usual bullet companies, but the plated bullets require a bit more velocity than lead to work well.

hostler · Jul 8, 2018

I've been carrying an older (steel) model 60 for years, and I've shot many rounds through it. I never considered it a hard kicking gun with any of the many different grips it has worn throughout the time I've had it.
Last month I bought a 442, I feel little difference in recoil between the two guns. It came with a boot grip which actually was super comfortable, even with a box of +p. I have since put Crimson Trace grip on it (the short pocket CT grip). I don't care for the shape of the CT grip compared to the original S&W but its certainly not uncomfortable to shoot. I shot 50 130gr +Ps and 10 defensive +Ps and not a bit of discomfort. I feel like I could've shot it all day.
For whatever reason I don't think I'm as recoil sensitive as most people. I don't think I have arthritis in my hands of wrists like some do, maybe that's the difference. I also work outside with my hands a lot so my skin is pretty rough. I can shoot my little LCP all day as well and that's another gun that people complain about recoil pain, although the LCP does tend to pinch my trigger finger between the guard and trigger. I have shot the LCP
enough to bloody my trigger finger a time of two.

S&W Model 442 range review: Second Edition

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