i am concereding buying a s&w 442. does any one have one that can give review. also is there another similier revolver out there. i want to keep options open. also best holster for hip carry and best range ammo and defence ammo. sorry for the loaded question but want to make sure i buy the right weapon. thanks for your time.
442 airwieght good gun?
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gtmtnbiker98
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Is it good, absolutely. Are there similar models, yes. 642 and the 640 are very similar, as in all of the are centennial framed J-frames.
Holsters and similar carry equipment is too subjective and you must find out for yourself what works best for YOU. You sound like a new shooter, perhaps a training class is in order prior to any purchasing in order to provide a more informed purchase making decision. J-frames are not for new shooters, IMO.
Holsters and similar carry equipment is too subjective and you must find out for yourself what works best for YOU. You sound like a new shooter, perhaps a training class is in order prior to any purchasing in order to provide a more informed purchase making decision. J-frames are not for new shooters, IMO.
redfisherdave
Member
442 is my carry gun. Finish is holding up great. Goes bang every time. Shoots where I point it. I reload for range ammo. 3.8 grains W231 & 158 grain SWC's that I cast from wheel weights. Carry ammo is +P 158 grn SJHP. Desantis IWB holster.
Good Luck finding a 442. My wife decided she wants one. Everybody is sold out.
Good Luck finding a 442. My wife decided she wants one. Everybody is sold out.
riverrat38
US Veteran
I agree with the Mika holster for pocket carry. For belt carry, I prefer an all steel model like the M60. Much more shootable. The M442 can be pain full to shoot with plus P ammo, the steel guns are easier on the hand and more enjoyable to shoot with at the range. For that reason, I use wad cutters in the M442 and Speer Short Barrel plus P in the M60. I like the Lobo Gunleather pancake holsters for belt carry. Great holsters at a good price.
Best,
Rick
Best,
Rick
Delos
Member
442 best deal - especially for the 450 dollar price
In my opinion the 442 is about the best revolver and the best price.
The 637 and 638 are also similar priced airweights. The 637 has exposed hammer that could get caught on clothing if you do not put thumb up beside hammer when removing it from pocket. Also the 637 (that I prefer most) could perhaps get pocket material caught in front or behind the hammer in a last ditch attempt to fire from inside pocket. (I have only seen it in the photo's and assume it is like my other chiefs special).
I have the 638 and it is wonderful. Shrouded hammer can get pocket lint in around sides of hammer perhaps? New ones with frame mounted firing pins have a great design (hammer has a large area above the firing pin contact point where it strikes the frame when dry firing). Not so good is the smaller than previous hammer to thumb surface. I would like hammer rounded upward a little like my old colt 45 commander. And in a perfect world it would have fish scale pattern like my cross country ski bottoms. (visualize shingles on a roof and running thumb up against the shingles - smooth side against clothing when pulling it from pocket).
I would consider the 637 the best if it was a compromise with the 638. Some day I might file my 638 a little so the hammer sticks up just a little more.
In my opinion the 442 is about the best revolver and the best price.
The 637 and 638 are also similar priced airweights. The 637 has exposed hammer that could get caught on clothing if you do not put thumb up beside hammer when removing it from pocket. Also the 637 (that I prefer most) could perhaps get pocket material caught in front or behind the hammer in a last ditch attempt to fire from inside pocket. (I have only seen it in the photo's and assume it is like my other chiefs special).
I have the 638 and it is wonderful. Shrouded hammer can get pocket lint in around sides of hammer perhaps? New ones with frame mounted firing pins have a great design (hammer has a large area above the firing pin contact point where it strikes the frame when dry firing). Not so good is the smaller than previous hammer to thumb surface. I would like hammer rounded upward a little like my old colt 45 commander. And in a perfect world it would have fish scale pattern like my cross country ski bottoms. (visualize shingles on a roof and running thumb up against the shingles - smooth side against clothing when pulling it from pocket).
I would consider the 637 the best if it was a compromise with the 638. Some day I might file my 638 a little so the hammer sticks up just a little more.
Carried a 442 for about a year, IWB in a Kholster or a Side Guard tuckable (depending on how I felt that day.) The 442 collected moisture between the yoke and frame every day, and began to rust before I realized there would be a problem. (The gun itself was not wet, but when the cylinder was swung out there would be little drops of moisture on the yoke and the frame.) Once I discovered the rust, I started wiping the yoke down every night with a silicone cloth and the rust has not gotten worse. But if I had it to do over again I would NOT have bought the 442.
I don't know if I would have had the same rust issues with the 442 if it had been carried OWB or in a jacket pocket. (I suspect that a pants pocket would offer about the same humidity as the IWB holster location, so I'd expect the same rust issues.) But knowing about the rust problem, I would pick a 642 if I wanted a lightweight hammerless and there was ANY possibility that it would EVER be carried IWB or in a pants pocket.
Personally, I switched to a 638 about 8 months ago, and carry it daily in the same holsters. Much prefer having the option that the shrouded hammer offers, and have NOT had any lint/crud accumulation problems in the hammer slot. No rust issues either. I am VERY happy with the 638.
I don't know if I would have had the same rust issues with the 442 if it had been carried OWB or in a jacket pocket. (I suspect that a pants pocket would offer about the same humidity as the IWB holster location, so I'd expect the same rust issues.) But knowing about the rust problem, I would pick a 642 if I wanted a lightweight hammerless and there was ANY possibility that it would EVER be carried IWB or in a pants pocket.
Personally, I switched to a 638 about 8 months ago, and carry it daily in the same holsters. Much prefer having the option that the shrouded hammer offers, and have NOT had any lint/crud accumulation problems in the hammer slot. No rust issues either. I am VERY happy with the 638.
I too carry the 442 daily and have found it to be the best compromise between weight, power & accuracy. These are not guns for the newbie shooter but can be mastered with patience. I shoot mine monthly and part of my drill is to use a standard paper plate at about 3 - 5 yards. Shoot at it as fast as you can and if all five rounds (use the +P if that's what you carry) are in the plate you can defend yourself w/this gun.
JCS&W
US Veteran
I carry a M642 in a pocket holster. Because my eyes are not what they were, I added the CT LG-405 laser grips. I have had zero problems with the gun and the finish is holding up nicely. Shooting the M642 can be a real experience, if you plan on shooting more than 20 rounds. But you will be able to manage the recoil and put shots on target. I really like mine.
Welcome to the forum. 
442 Moon Clip (no lock) is to my thinking (and use) about the best concealed carry revolver set-up going.
If I wanted all steel, 640 Pro for the moon clips and improved sights (and, again, no lock).
Look at Lobo Leather's pancakes for a belt holster.
Best range ammo is whatever's cheapest in .38 Special.
Best defense ammo to my use and research are (in no particular order): Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr +P; Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158gr LSWHC; CorBon DPX 115gr +P.
Close contenders: Hornady Critical Defense 110gr standard pressure and +P; any of the Big Three's version of the FBI load 158gr +P LSWHC.
Search function is you friend; your questions come up a lot here and many great threads for you to peruse.
Good luck.
442 Moon Clip (no lock) is to my thinking (and use) about the best concealed carry revolver set-up going.
If I wanted all steel, 640 Pro for the moon clips and improved sights (and, again, no lock).
Look at Lobo Leather's pancakes for a belt holster.
Best range ammo is whatever's cheapest in .38 Special.
Best defense ammo to my use and research are (in no particular order): Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135gr +P; Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158gr LSWHC; CorBon DPX 115gr +P.
Close contenders: Hornady Critical Defense 110gr standard pressure and +P; any of the Big Three's version of the FBI load 158gr +P LSWHC.
Search function is you friend; your questions come up a lot here and many great threads for you to peruse.
Good luck.
calemerson
Member
I have carried a 642 with a Lobo holster for years and have been very happy. I own 5 Lobo holsters, and have been happy with all them. The 442 would work just as well as the 642. I have several other (steel) j frames , 640, 940, 60, but always carry the 642 because of the light weight.
Thanks
Calemerson
Thanks
Calemerson
dlbx2
Member
Ditto on the cudos for the 442 airweight. My wife and I both have CCW's, and hers is a 15 year old 442, and she loves it. When we went to the range to complete the concealed carry class, the instuctor couldn't believe how well she did. Of course, she had fired about 100 rounds at the local gun club before going. And, she likes the hammerless benefits: can't hand on anything when pulling it from her handbag, and, no hesitation under pressure to decide whether to cock it first.
DLB
DLB
Excellent little gun. Mines 18 going on 19 years old and still works great. There's a lot of accesories available, lasers, grips, trigger kits and holsters for them. They're rugged little guns and perfect for concealed carry.
I can't recommend a holster brand since I make my own but I do carry owb in a molded leather holster so there's no clips, snaps, levers or buttons to fiddle with. When needed ya just grab your snubby and yank it out. When it's too hot out for a cover garment I pocket carry.
S&W J frames are great little guns just as they come from the factory but they can be personalized to suit your individual tastes and needs. In my case I have degenerative peripheral motor neuropathy causing a weakness in my right hand and wrist. On my 442 I did a trigger job, smoothing the guts and installed an 11 pound rebound spring and an 8 pound mainspring, replaced the grip with a Pachmayr compact and added a Laserlyte side mount laser.
On the range I use 130 grain fmj Winchester white box from Walmart. For defense I load it with 110 grain Federal Hydra-Shok jhp. I also carry 2 reloads in quick strips.
While j frame snubbies are great little guns well suited for concealed carry they do take a lot of practice to become proficient with. I use the laser on mine to practice trigger control. I put a red dot on my wife's favorite stuffed Pooh Bears tummy and keep it there as I pull the trigger. Just make sure to check and double check to be sure the gun's unloaded before doing any dry fire practice. Lotsa live fire practice is also needed, Point shooting, shooting with both eyes open and recoil control. I generally don't depend on my laser as a sight but I do have to admit I enjoy putting a hole where the red light glows.
I've never had a rust problem with mine, I always wipe it down when I get it home.
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hotrod150
Member
Be sure that the gun's empty, or old Pooh willl have more than rumbly in his tumbly.
BobR1
Member
HAPWORTH hit the Nail Square on the head. The 442 Pro Moon Clip is a best kept secret. The only place I have seen one listed is at Bud's.
As OldCop said it is a great compromise between Size, Weight, and Fire Power.
I carry mine in a Lobo Model 1 Pancake at 4 O'Clock.
If I did it over I might have went with the Enhanced Pancake, I have about 8 of them.
Lobo Gun Leather - Home
TK is the Source for extra Factory Moon Clips.
You can also load with HKS and Safariland Comp I Speedloaders.
You can also use the Tuff Products 38 Speed Strips to reload with. Get the 7 shot version, and load it with 5. The 2 empty spaces gives you a place to grip the Speed Strip.
Tuff Products
I carry my Moon Clip Reloads on the belt in a SAM "Shoot A Moon" spring Steel J Frame 5 Shot Moon Clip Carrier .
http://www.demooner.com/
I carry Speer 135 Grain Short Barrel HP +P ammo.
If you are going to carry the 442 I recommend getting an LCR 22 or a 43C which are J Frame size 22 Revolvers. After you get the 22 try and wear it out firing it. This is the easiest way to get deadly with your 442. I have the LCR 22 myself, and love it.
Bob
As OldCop said it is a great compromise between Size, Weight, and Fire Power.
I carry mine in a Lobo Model 1 Pancake at 4 O'Clock.
If I did it over I might have went with the Enhanced Pancake, I have about 8 of them.
Lobo Gun Leather - Home
TK is the Source for extra Factory Moon Clips.
You can also load with HKS and Safariland Comp I Speedloaders.
You can also use the Tuff Products 38 Speed Strips to reload with. Get the 7 shot version, and load it with 5. The 2 empty spaces gives you a place to grip the Speed Strip.
Tuff Products
I carry my Moon Clip Reloads on the belt in a SAM "Shoot A Moon" spring Steel J Frame 5 Shot Moon Clip Carrier .
http://www.demooner.com/
I carry Speer 135 Grain Short Barrel HP +P ammo.
If you are going to carry the 442 I recommend getting an LCR 22 or a 43C which are J Frame size 22 Revolvers. After you get the 22 try and wear it out firing it. This is the easiest way to get deadly with your 442. I have the LCR 22 myself, and love it.
Bob
HotRoderX
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OP I own a 36 and a 637 J-Frame revolver there two of my favorite guns to shoot hands down. I carry the 36 daily in a Mika Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More. .
These guns are not for the faint of heart please try shooting one before you buy. The recoil on the airweight 637 can be pretty stout special with full powered loads.
The model 36 while a little more expensive and heavy, is much easier to shoot.
As far as range ammo goes I primerly use PMC Bronze ammo. I ended up getting a really good deal on it. I would stay away from Fiocchi for range use I think it tends to be loaded a little hotter and the fireballs it will produce out of the short barrel will singe your knuckles.
One more thing OP grips on these's guns make a HUGE difference. I personally shot better with Magna grips. I know some people prefer rubber grips and some prefer custom wood grips.
These guns are not for the faint of heart please try shooting one before you buy. The recoil on the airweight 637 can be pretty stout special with full powered loads.
The model 36 while a little more expensive and heavy, is much easier to shoot.
As far as range ammo goes I primerly use PMC Bronze ammo. I ended up getting a really good deal on it. I would stay away from Fiocchi for range use I think it tends to be loaded a little hotter and the fireballs it will produce out of the short barrel will singe your knuckles.
One more thing OP grips on these's guns make a HUGE difference. I personally shot better with Magna grips. I know some people prefer rubber grips and some prefer custom wood grips.
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Great accessory write-up. What do you like (if anything) for a moon clip tool, and why the Enhanced Pancake over the standard -- I though the standard might be thinner and so a bit better for really close carry?
getoff
Member
love and carry my 442 almost daily. rides in a Galco horsehide pocket holster, or in the Galco combat master hi-ride on my belt. nice thing about the airweights is you can carry a couple and still keep a speed strip of ammo for about the same weight as my Glock 19 with one back up mag. 2 are better than one, and the j-frame is utterly reliable.
Another 442 user.
Grabbed one as soon as the lockless version was introduced.
Dressed it appropriately for pocket carry.
Mine rides in a deSantis pocket holster.
Favorite load is (was?) the Federal 125 Nyclad "chief special load".
It's even rated for the lethally powerful +P!
Runs perfect and should handle any issue I'm likely to encounter.
Grabbed one as soon as the lockless version was introduced.
Dressed it appropriately for pocket carry.
Mine rides in a deSantis pocket holster.
Favorite load is (was?) the Federal 125 Nyclad "chief special load".
It's even rated for the lethally powerful +P!
Runs perfect and should handle any issue I'm likely to encounter.
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