Recently purchased a Lipsey 442UC 38 Spl and a 43C in 22LR, both new. The 442 shoots 8-10” high at 7 yds, the 43C 9” low at the same distance. In addition, the 442 came through with a dead XS front sight. I sent the 442 back to S&W. They replaced the sight, recut the forcing cone, and replaced the crane. The word “targeting” was on the work order but I find no change in POI with 148 wadcutters, 135 gr ball, and 90 gr JHP. Anybody else have experiences like this? Any advice on locating a taller front sight for the 442 and a shorter one for the 43C? I had another, experienced, shooter fire a few rounds with the 43C and in his shots were all low too.

Post 1, apparently the 442UC and 432UC use the same front sights, supplied by XSSights, but the barrel shroud supposedly has a different height to mount the front sight.

I'd contact Lipsey's and/or S&W to confirm but it sounds to me the installed barrel-shroud is wrong for that model.

Lipsey's in LA 225-755-1333
S&W, now in TN 1-800-331-0852

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66/642/640/627/586/60/638/686

Lipseys : Phone: 225-755-1333

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

JMHO the S&W J-Frames now are very poor quality.

Two options, one, take a chance again with S&W. Two, get a Colt or a Kimber. I did the latter.

I agree that you sometimes have to sift through a few new S&Ws these days in order to find one that compares in quality, fit, action smoothness, etc, with the older ones. But these two measure up so I’ll keep them. And they don’t have that lock.I just need to iron out the POI problems.

At 21 feet, did you try just point and shoot? I gave my youngest a regular 442. I played around with it some and found at close range point & shoot worked easiest. My older J frame m36 is no target gun, either, and it was made during days of better quality. I feel, JMO, that these little guns don’t really need anything more than point and shoot operation, as it’s really only good for personal protection, up close and personal.
Anyway, I suppose what you buy, pay for, should work the way it’s supposed to. Good luck.

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There's a Monster on the loose

You making loads for your gun? You might try changing the powder charge. Then too, some guns like a 158 gr. bullet better.

For the center fire guns, the factory used 158 Gr. bullets to sight in the guns. The .22 I don't know.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Generally, the heavier bullets will shoot higher. According to what I’ve read, the 442 UC is supposed to be dead on with 135gr JHP and 148 wadcutters. I assume the 43C is set up for 40 gr bullets.

Swap the sights?
Sorry for your woes.
Did you shoot off a rest?

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Romans5:8

Might give that a try. Thx.

I think I’ve found the problem. My 442 has a flat-topped barrel shroud and the 43C has a ramped one. Photos from S&W of these guns show the opposite. This would explain why the 442 shoots high and the 43C low. I’ve spoken with S&W, sent photos at their request, and I await instructions. Quality control, test firing? Nope.

It's marketed as the "Ultimate Carry". But shooting, not so much.

I just got my 642 UC and I am very happy with the design and workmanship. Magtech 158 Grain point of impact is about a foot high at 50'. 2 handed unrested shooting. I am not troubled. I will solve the problem but in the meantime I am having fun with it.

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I see yours has the ramped barrel shroud, as it should. I’m guessing mine would impact considerably higher than yours at 50 ft, especially with 158 gr ammo. For me, I want the shots to hit at point of aim.