I picked up over the weekend a LNIB Model 442-1 (no internal safety) with the accessories shown. Seller only fired 15rds through it and decided it wasn't for him. Not sure what role this little gem will play in my CCW tools. For range practice use I'll mainly shoot 158gr RN lead. I'd like to hear what owners of 442 & 642 use for carry ammo? Thx!

I've never had a 442, I prefer my j frames of the stainless variety. I've had the 640 and 649. I like them both but prefer the humpback 649 features. I like j frames for their simplicity and ease of carry. I don't know why but they are always more comfortable than even their smaller semi auto counterparts. It's more comfortable for me to carry my 649 versus my sig p238. Enjoy the new purchase should be really easy to pack with the aluminum frame!

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I have one too and love if. I have about 100 live rounds and 2000 dry fires through it. The trigger got substantially smoother.


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I think you will find that Speer Short Barrel Gold Dot 135 g.+P is a popular choice for carry ammo. It's a bit much in that airweight frame for me to shoot very many at a time, but that is what I carry.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Have a 642-1 I bought new last Dec. 2019 right after Christmas. Got it for home protection. I like it.

Stick with the Hornady Critical Defense you have in the picture, that will do just fine. Nice gun

I've carried a #442-1 for years. I use an Uncle Mike's #4 pocket holster (UM says the #3 is the correct size but the #4 is far better) and carry in
my right front pocket. I use the UM Spiegel-design Boot Grips because the HKS Speed Loaders don't bind on them like the S&W Factory Boot Grips. If you decide on hollow points you have to go with +P in order to get expansion. I usually carry the GECO 158 gr. Flat Point FMJ. No expansion and it will pass through but it offers quicker recoil recovery for repeat shots and under penetration isn't a problem.

Best Regards,
ADP3

What Todd said. +1

I have had several in the past. Great for carrying. Qualified one year (60 rounds service ammo) will not do that again !
Negative: coating will peel off leaving black spots on the frame.

Like it a lot too. Looks to be a great pocket pistol. Was wondering about the trigger pull myself. Gotta handle one soon. Have seen em for around $445 at Bass Pro but a second hand one in decent shape would be a consideration.

I have a 640-1 and a 642-1.
For EDC I load them with Federal 38 Special +P 129 Gr Hydra-Shok JHP.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

my 642s are loaded with Rem. 158gr. LHP +p. i find this load to be about the most I can shoot fast and accurately in the 642 and 442. 50 rounds of it in one range session is enough for me. I've yet to try this load in my 342PD Ti and don't think I will.

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I carry an air weight J frame. Have for years. They are fantastic SD guns. So easy to conceal that you just “don’t leave home without it. ..” It requires more initial range time for competency and for confidence.
Once you have both of those I believe you are better equipped for the long haul than all the glitzy auto loaders they keep comming out with. I have switched from brand to brand and different models of S&W auto loaders. But I’ve always carried the J frame.
Ammo: Sig 38spl +p 125gr elite V-Crown JHP


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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I keep my 642 loaded with Buffalo Bore 158gr +P. They're a handful.

That set picked up by the OP has just about everything: spare grip, DeSantis pocket rig, Bianchi SpeedStrips, defensive ammo... and there's even a 442 somewhere in there! Unfortunate the original buyer found it not to his liking; he seemed to know what he needed. The only revolver I knew was not "me" after 15 rounds was the Ruger Match Champion. Simply couldn't make that gun talk.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I carry AIWB with the Bladetech Klipt holster pictured. A+ security, C+ comfort. Leather would be more comfortable.

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Psalm 27:2

Try 148 grain wadcutters, low recoil, good penetration and tissue damage.

I have had one for about 5 years now. I use 130 gr.fmj rounds for practice and the 110gr +P rounds that you have in the picture for defense. I have a Black Hawk pocket holster for mine which works well.

The Centennials make for great carry guns. A 642-1 was my primary (only?) carry gun for several years. I still carry it, occasionally as a primary but mostly as a BUG.

You've got a pretty good set-up right out of the gate, so don't worry about getting more accessories. Work with what you've got, and then you can see if you want/need anything else. But I'll go ahead and share what I've learned over the years carrying a snub. Hopefully you'll find it useful.

My preferred carry load is the Speer 135gr SB-GDHP +P. It's established a solid track record in actual shootings.

My second choice is the Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP standard pressure load, which achieves the same velocity as the original, and also well-proven, +P FBI load. I still keep a box on hand. I would be wary with BB's +P version as it is quite stout. I fired 5 rounds through my 642 and my first thought was, "Well, I'm never doing THAT again!"

Both of those loads are manageable in small doses, unless you're more recoil-sensitive. My favorite light load was the Federal 125gr Nyclad, but it's no longer made. I have been meaning to try Winchester's 130gr Defend JHP, but it's not really a priority for me right now.

The 148gr WC is a good choice for a snubby load. Has the potential to cut a full-caliber wound channel, and will likely penetrate deeply enough while minimizing the risk for overpenetration, while having relatively low recoil. However, test the load first. I tried some and they keyholed pretty badly in my 642, leaving long, vertical tears in the target. I have another box from a different brand that I'll get around to trying to see if I get better results.

I like 130gr FMJ ammo for practice, currently using PMC 132gr FMJ. I also have some Speer 158gr TMJ +P Lawman ammo for +P practice.

Since others have mentioned grips...My favorite is the Spegel boot grip. I have a cocobolo set that works very well for me. However, I also like the PGS Hideout grips (I have the smooth, non-finger-grooved version) and that's what my 642-1 is currently wearing (my Spegels are on my 642ND). The biggest downside with the PGS grips is that they won't allow use of speedloaders unless you modify the grip panel (which I've done). That won't matter if you intend to use strips for reloads. Having said all that, there's nothing wrong with the factory grips if they work for you. Grips are very personal, so what works for me may or may not work for you.

Some people like to paint the sights on their snubs to make them easier to see. I painted the sights on my 642-1 with black paint on the rear sight (not really necessary on the 442) and fluorescent orange over a white base coat on the front sight (the white base coat helps make the orange "pop") using Testors enamel paint and a clear hardening nail polish overcoat for extra durability.

I'd recommend a couple sets of snap caps (I like A-Zooms) for dry fire practice, which will help smooth the action a bit and strengthen the relevant muscles in your hands. They can also help with reload practice.

Holsters are a whole 'nuther topic. The DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster is a good choice, though personally I try to avoid pocket carry when possible. I also have a Blue Force Gear pocket holster, which is thinner but also has a little more retention on the gun than I'd like for a pocket holster. I have a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster that works very well for me. I currently use a Wilderness Tactical elastic ankle holster that works very well for me. For belt carry, I'll also carry reloads either as Safariland Comp I speedloaders in JOX kydex belt pouches or a strip in a Simply Rugged belt pouch. When pocket or ankle carrying, I use a strip in a Side Guard Holsters pocket pouch.

But holsters are very personal, so you may need to experiment if you want to carry your snub. Lots of good makers, both production and custom, are out there.

Just my thoughts on snubs. Enjoy your new gun.

P.S.: Apologies for the novel.

Look at Federal micro hst hugh hollow point

You might consider trying several at the range to see what works best for you controlling follow up shots. Try this: Shoot your gun empty as fast as possible, combat reload & repeat. Once you can keep all 10 rounds on a standard paper plate @ three, five & seven yards you’ve found your carry load.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Wow, I appreciate the insight and recommendations on carry ammo! Yes, nice to have this small package of accessories to start with. Other than a good cleaning I've yet to start experimenting with my HK-36 speedloader, a Mika Pocket holster and possibly different grips. Priority now is range trigger time in current stock configuration and pick up some quality snap caps to see if action changes (I'm ok the way it is currently). Thankfully I have plenty of on hand practice 38spl ammo and various +P to start with. Thx.

Maybe not the best round for a short barrel, but it's what I had laying around.

I've carried 148 gr wadcutters in my snubbies for many years. Don't think that anything that isn't +P has much of chance expanding from a 2" barrel. Also low recoil wadcutters allow for faster second shots.

The Federal HST 130gr stuff looks promising. It's what I carry now.

There are some third party tests of the stuff online.

Don’t kid yourself. Those perform very well in short barrels.

the Remington 158gr. LHP +p (green and yellow box) expended from my snubbies (1.7/8" m.642 and 2" m.64) when fired into water jugs.

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I carry Two 442s daily. Practice rounds are Federal American Eagle 130gr. Carry loads are the street proven Speer Gold Dot 135gr. 38+P . One in the pocket gets a Ace Case Friction Pocket Holster. The waistband gun gets a Crooked River Leather clip on holster. Rubber grips make practice at the Range a lot more comfortable.

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Two Handguns every day

My first J-frame. 1996 Model 640-1.

In fact this was the very first S&W I ever bought.



2nd J-frame. 1996 642-1.



3rd J-frame. 2017 60-14 Lady Smith .357 Magnum.

That's it for me. The 642-1 has been my EDC for about 6 years now. My brother carried it as a back up for years prior to his retirement and him gifting it to me.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I always run my mouth about the Street Proven Gold Dot but, my guess is, if you put most of the ammo where it’s supposed to go, it will work.

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Two Handguns every day