S&W Model 442-2

jimmyj · Nov 13, 2022

Against my better judgement I purchased a New S&W Model 442-2 .38.
This is my first "IL" revolver.
Anyone used one ?
Opinions ?

(I wanted a "Non IL" used Model airweight Bodyguard but could not find one) )

Nomadmax · Nov 13, 2022

I give up. What's an "IL" revolver?

S&WDen · Nov 13, 2022

"IL" = Internal Lock.

haywood · Nov 13, 2022

It’s a toss up. Some people say no big deal. Some are totally anti lock. Some take them out. I wouldn’t buy one but, I inherited one. I dropped some supper glue in the lock hole and sealed over the top with some nail polish. So far it shoots ok. I always carry Two guns so if one breaks the other one takes over.

S&WDen · Nov 13, 2022

jimmyj said:
Against my better judgement I purchased a New S&W Model 442-2 .38.
This is my first "IL" revolver.
Anyone used one ?
Opinions ?

(I wanted a "Non IL" used Model airweight Bodyguard but could not find one) )

I own two Model 442-1 J frame revolvers. The first one I purchased in 1997 for my off-duty carry firearm. I found it to be exceptionally comfortable to carry, especially in the summer months when I would wear summer attire. This is an earlier production 442-1 as they S&W began their production after 1995. This one and has a serial # prefix of CBA####.

Since the day I purchased it in early 1997, I daily carried it because of its ease to carry, great feel and superb performance and reliability at the range. I really preferred this J frame Airweight so much, I purchased my second 17 1/2 years later in August of 2014 with a serial # prefix of CWB####.

There are some marking difference between the two such as the +P designation on the barrel of the 2014 model. And while both wear their factory grips, they changed a bit as well. Both are wonderful and I have no plans to ever sell them.

Here's a link to a pic of both side by side. The newer one is on the left:

Shared album - Wesson Smith - Google Photos

Rpg · Nov 13, 2022

The J frame on your IL gun is larger than the J frame on a M38 or M49. Need the extra space for the IL to fit.

I don’t like the larger frame: I find it clunky. I much prefer the more svelt frame of the M38, M49 and M42.

I’m not fond of the esthetic of the IL, but my objection is primarily to the clunky gun it requires.

Old cop · Nov 13, 2022

I did own a 638 w/the IL, never a problem but as others said I didn’t care for the look so I sold it. My EDC is a no-lock 340PD or no-lock 442 PC but if there was a real problem w/the lock S&W must have taken care of it.

MStarmer · Nov 13, 2022

You can always get one of the delete kits from Original Precision. Personally I sold all of my IL guns and bought Rugers. Just recently bought used 642 PC, 442 Pro and a 340PD, all without lock. So many out there available now without locks I don't know why anyone would buy one, unless it's a feature you actually were going to use.

Catwrangler · Nov 13, 2022

Rpg said:
The J frame on your IL gun is larger than the J frame on a M38 or M49. Need the extra space for the IL to fit.

I don’t like the larger frame: I find it clunky. I much prefer the more svelte frame of the M38, M49 and M42.

I’m not fond of the esthetic of the IL, but my objection is primarily to the clunky gun it requires.

A small note of disagreement to your post above.
1.- The magnum size J-frame with a larger size cylinder window to accommodate a longer cylinder for .357 magnum rounds was introed in 1975.
2.- The IL was added across all frame sizes in 2001.

Compare the frame cylinder window of a model 60-4 to the modern ,357 j frame 3" currently being sold; the "clunky" you refer to comes from the overall longer size frame. My only IL locked smith is a 642. I have Never engaged the lock and have no plans to. I carry 158 grn. +P LSWCHP, 12 rounds are fired every two weeks for familiarization and my weekly shooting is done w/ 158 lead round nose. Whether Airweight or steel frame
I have No desire to shoot .357 thru a J frame. That's what my 586 for.

kaaskop49 · Nov 14, 2022

Catwrangler said:
A small note of disagreement to your post above.
1.- The magnum size J-frame with a larger size cylinder window to accommodate a longer cylinder for .357 magnum rounds was introed in 1975.

Compare the frame cylinder window of a model 60-4 to the modern ,357 j frame 3" currently being sold; the "clunky" you refer to comes from the overall longer size frame. My only IL locked smith is a 642.

Funny, I don't remember this "larger size cylinder window...to accommodate .357 rounds" being introduced in 1975. Would have caused quite a stir in 1975. A lot of us LEOs would have absolutely jumped on it back then. Now 1995-ish, that would be more like it. Also did a side-by-side msmt (SCSW has the numbers) and my 1980s era Js have a shorter cylinder/ cylinder window than the recent Js.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Catwrangler · Nov 14, 2022

Ooopsie

Kass- Mea Culpa
My sincere apology for the typo..... 1995 was the year. AND that's how bad info spreads.

S&W Model 442-2

jimmyj

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Nomadmax

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S&WDen

haywood

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S&WDen

Rpg

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Old cop

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MStarmer

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Catwrangler

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kaaskop49

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Catwrangler

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