442 for carry.....1st range trip.....recoil not bad at all

[K-framer]

I finally decided that I needed a J-frame for carry (I had always resisted them). I am getting very weight sensitive these days, as regards carry guns. So, long story short, I went all in and got a 442-1, very slightly used (and for very little money). Feels good in my hand, I like the closed hammer design and I even like the standard stocks. To be honest, I've railed against those "excessively light weight, brutal to shoot" aluminum J-frames for years.

Got to the range with it today. I tried a variety of loads, a couple of which were mildly into +P territory. Set my target stand at 6 yards. Bullets used included 158 gr. RN plated, 148 gr. DEWC plated, 125 gr. RNFP lead, 148 gr. DEWC lead....with varying loads. Most of the loads were toward the upper end of the standard 38 spl. range, with a few of the aforementioned +P's.

Accuracy results were nothing to shout about - but I had no trouble at all in keeping all of my shots on an 8.5 x 11" sheet of paper....with a total group size (a little over 100 rounds fired) of around 6" vertically and about 5" horizontally. I shot the little gun consistently just a bit to the right - about 2". Plenty good enough for short-range SD shooting, to be sure. More practice should improve things, nevertheless.

What surprised me was the recoil. Certainly sharper than my K-frames, but I expected that (at exactly HALF the loaded weight). But, no sting, no pain - just a sharp snap. As expected, muzzle flip was no problem. Quick 5 round strings, "combat style" were no problem. The little 442 performed admirably.

I am impressed. I never would have believed it. Another lesson for me (an old dog for sure) - don't crash on something until you've tried it. Frankly, I'm old enough to NOT need to learn that lesson - but I keep surprising myself.

 

[S&W Rover]

Sounds like a good range trip! Some folks will have problems with the J frames, with stouter ammo, but others are less recoil sensitive. The S&W boot grips help "tame" the recoil.

I like to shoot lightly loaded rounds for practice -- my standard is 4.0 grains of Trail Boss with a 125 grain lead or plated bullet. This yields a "cowboy" load with moderate recoil, and can be shot all day without discomfort. Then I shoot some +P ammo to finish up the range session and remind myself what the gun feels like. For my Model 640, which is rated for .357 magnum, I'm sure the blast and noise would be really something to remember, if I had to shoot the gun without earplugs. (But my usual self defense carry round is the 135 grain +P Gold Dot or the 158 grain lead hollow point Buffalo Bore round).

Anyway, your experience with the recoil is something other folks should consider, and give the Airweight a try, before condemning it. They are excellent long-term carry self-defence guns.

 

[CajunBass]

I'm another who resisted the J frame for years until I broke down and got one. Mine is a 642-2 airweight. While the recoil is more than a steel K-frame, it's not like trying to catch a baseball bat or anything. I did switch over the pretty wood grips (which were pretty sporty) for a set of Hogue recoil tamers mostly to give me a place to hang an extra finger. Big difference, but not much harder to conceal.

In a Don Hume J.I.T. belt slide holster, I really forget it's there.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I have owned and shot J-Frames since the '80s with 158 grain bullets exclusively. My current handload is a 158 grain SWC with 3.6 grains of WST. It certainly kicks more than my M10, but is manageable.

 

[Hapworth]

Exactly my experience of the 442 -- I look forward to shooting it at the range. I've found it even more comfortable to shoot than some of its all-steel J brethren, which in theory shouldn't be.

I've tried determining why, like perhaps the aluminum frame flexes and dissipates recoil better than harder steel, or the factory "fish scale" grips for some reason are particularly well-suited; I've even considered some odd theories like the PVD coating somehow smoothes the back straps better and reduces bite from the snap back.

Who knows? I just know that I can very comfortable and accurately shoot anything from cream puffs to +P defense rounds and not get tired. The only round that ever thumped too much through it were Buffalo Bore "Heavy" +P 158 grain LSWHPs.

 

[kaaskop49]

Exactly my experience of the 442 -- I look forward to shooting it at the range. I've found it even more comfortable to shoot than some of its all-steel J brethren, which in theory shouldn't be.

I've tried determining why, like perhaps the aluminum frame flexes and dissipates recoil better than harder steel, or the factory "fish scale" grips for some reason are particularly well-suited; I've even considered some odd theories like the PVD coating somehow smoothes the back straps better and reduces bite from the snap back.

Who knows? I just know that I can very comfortable and accurately shoot anything from cream puffs to +P defense rounds and not get tired. The only round that ever thumped too much through it were Buffalo Bore "Heavy" +P 158 grain LSWHPs.

I never have to read the posts of my Forum buddy Hapworth because he says exactly what I would. Kidding aside, I own 2 of the older generation Model 37s and I find them painful to shoot, even with the milder service loads and wadcutters. The modern .38 J-frames (637 et al.) are perhaps 1.5 ozs heavier than the older guns, yet are comfortable to fire. Cannot explain it, does not make sense, perhaps, yet that is my experience. Wonder if Hapworth reads MY posts?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Congrats on your newest!

I've never been able to tell the difference between the standard "target" loads and the +p stuff when shooting them in my 642, even when mixing them in the same cylinder. The only exception would be the BB 158gr. +p LSWCHP, now those I could tell!

 

[Hapworth]

...Wonder if Hapworth reads MY posts?

When I'm not busy living them in a parallel universe, sir...

OP: Since you're comfortable with the recoil, if you're considering defense ammo options, I strongly recommend:

- Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 grain .38 Special +P
- Cor Bon DPX 110 grain .38 Special +P
- Buffalo Bore 158 grain .38 Special Standard Pressure

All test excellently. Honorable mention goes to Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain .38 Special +P and Remington Golden Saber 125 grain .38 Special +P. I'd feel well-stoked with any of the aforementioned loads.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I swore I would never buy an alloy J frame no Sir, I'll stick to my 640, 649 and 36's thank you very much. Then in a moment of weakness I purchased a new no lock 442 a few years ago. Well Sir, I will take my crow with salt please! I don't know if I got lucky with mine as it has a nice smooth light (for box stock) trigger pull and will it ever shoot. Sure it has more recoil than a steel frame but it doesn't adversely affect my speed and accuracy. I even bought myself a nice nickeled M-38 and like it other than it's rather narrow sight picture. Enjoy yours!