442 issues

Originally posted by Gearhead Jim:
I seem to remember the J-frame armorer course mentioned that a loose pin could be "tightened" by bending it slightly, so it binds in the hole; just like allglock posted above.
Click to expand...

Mine was already slightly bent (had to be by the factory, since it was brand new). I think it was ineffective due to the location for it essentially being a hollow tube with the pin just holding the locking pin from coming out yet allowing it to move back and forth when locking/unlocking.
 
Hi,

Mine was off center too. What keeps this pin in place again? Is it supposed to be slightly peened on the ends or something??

Thanks,

Alan
 
The main problem here is ... S&W is using the wrong pin! The pin in the new 442s was meant for a 442 with a carbon steel barrel,(NOT the SS barrel). If you notice the pin is actually too long.
I still cant figure S&W out? They just throw these guns together to meet a quota IMO.
They need to make the correct size pin.
 
This topic is making me about not purchasing any recently made S&W's. I've just very recently been considering the purchase of one of these newer, no Hillary hole (lock), lemon squeezer pistols.

I was very interested in the model 42, but not any more.
 
Originally posted by HE_OFFICER:
This topic is making me about not purchasing any recently made S&W's. I've just very recently been considering the purchase of one of these newer, no Hillary hole (lock), lemon squeezer pistols.

I was very interested in the model 42, but not any more.
Click to expand...

Just get it! If you have any mechanical knowledge, you can fix it! No matter whats wrong with it. LOL
icon_biggrin.gif
 
I have had glocks that didn't work, HK's that didn't work, SIGs that didn't work, etc...
they are mechanical tools and sometimes things go wrong.
out of all of them HK was the worst to deal with.
Smith was easy to deal with, i had communication with an individual with a direct line and email address and they did what they said they would do.
Odds are you won't have a problem, but if you do, they will take care of it.
cheers
Derek
 
In follow-up to the problems I had with a model 637, S&W has agreed to refund my money.
 
Not too long ago, in a cleaning forum, I made the remark that I strip and function inspect my revolvers on a regular basis. I was flamed all over the place by folks who have been "shooting and then throwing in drawer" types who claimed the best thing was to just ignore the guns, they'll work fine.

After many years as a USMC unit armorer, I cannot subscribe to this theory. I have also had Colts , Springfields, SIGs, etc. all of which took some periodic maintenance and parts replacements. All handguns are to some degree delicate and complicated. I worked on 1911s (possibly one of the strongest designs ever made)for years and they had problems. To never open up a gun, revolver or SemiAuto and inspect it is like never opening the hood of your car. Why are you shocked when it stops working?

A pistol or revolver is much more sensitive than your car. It needs periodic maintenance. If you can't or won't learn to do it, then find a gunsmith or armorer who can. Most reputable large gun shops have one or the other.

Just as a good mechanic will find loose bolts and belts on a Cadillac or Mercedes and will adjust them so do some parts in a gun need periodic adjustment. All machines will have some minor defects from the manufacturing process.

Even though I was trained on the 1911s (Military) and S&W .38s (Aircrew guns)I have bought the AGI (any other good brand will do) Armorer DVDs on my guns and also the available takedown guides and manuals. I have a full set of gunsmith hand tools and the specific tools sometimes needed for my guns.

Why spend all of this money? Am I a pro? No,I do it because I do have a goodly number of guns and mainly because I CARRY! I want to feel as sure as I can that my J-Frame is going to go bang, several times, when I need it! I would not feel comfortable in a car that has not been recently checked and I sure as all get out don't feel comfortable carrying a revolver that has not been recently checked.

If you are a one or two gun person and all of the above would be an extravagance, then I would heartily recommend that you find an armorer or gunsmith who can check your guns periodically. Have them clean out the weapon thoroughly at the same time.

I have through time "inherited" several "POS" guns that I have "resuscitated" through a thorough cleaning and replacement of small,low cost parts. They were good guns, and had functioned as well as can realistically be expected. They just needed an "annual checkup" and a little tuning to send them back out to work.One of my favorite personal guns is a S&W M&P 2" snubbie from 1951. It is still 100% functional and accurate. There are many like it in the hands of shooters. How many 1951 automobiles are still used to get to work everyday today?

I have 5 J-Frames, from SS to Airweight, and they all function well. I can and do trust my life to them. With care I can expect they will do so for my grandchildren. But, I do watch over them!
 
Originally posted by HE_OFFICER:
This topic is making me about not purchasing any recently made S&W's. I've just very recently been considering the purchase of one of these newer, no Hillary hole (lock), lemon squeezer pistols.

I was very interested in the model 42, but not any more.
Click to expand...
I've shot the crap out of my Model 40-1 in the year I've owned it with zero problems. The new Model 42 is definitely on my want list of guns.
 
This thread prompted me to look at my one year old 642 - and the pin is loose - I can push it back and forth with my fingernail. It appears that either the pin or the hole is out of spec.
 
Could we see some more pictures of these defects? I'm still having a hard time believing they could screw something as simple as this up. My old model S&W's never have problems like this, by that I mean in workmanship. My Victory model revolvers are like Swiss time peices with an ugly finish.

Originally posted by CharlieP:
This thread prompted me to look at my one year old 642 - and the pin is loose - I can push it back and forth with my fingernail. It appears that either the pin or the hole is out of spec.
Click to expand...
 
I'm still having a hard time believing they could screw something as simple as this up.
Click to expand...

I agree. When the revolver was assembled the tech must have been aware that the pin went into place with almost no force. I emailed a question to S&W about this a few days ago - so far no response.

The pin is pretty loose with the barrel cold - after a few shots it may get really lose. I suspect this is what has happened to some of the folks who posted here that the pin came out at the range.
 
S&W is sending a replacement firearm. They said they chose to replace the frame due to the firing pin bushing. It is supposed to ship tomorrow, unknown if "overnight" or "second day". I had the CS rep confirm it is a "no lock".

Are "no locks" still in the system, or would this be one that was in reserve for repairs, etc?
 
I got my replacement 442 back today. They replaced the frame. I cannot tell if they reused my cylinder or not, but this one certainly has a turn line on it, not bad but obviously not brand new. It is a earlier serial number, CME vs my old DCU prefix. They sent it back in my old box, so the serial numbers don't match between the box, fired casing, and gun. This barrel is a carbon steel barrel, whereas my old one was a colored stainless.

Not real thrilled with the mismatched box, and the "used" cylinder, but it does help me decide that it'll be in my "shooter" category.
 
Originally posted by deercop:
I got my replacement 442 back today. They replaced the frame. I cannot tell if they reused my cylinder or not, but this one certainly has a turn line on it, not bad but obviously not brand new. It is a earlier serial number, CME vs my old DCU prefix. They sent it back in my old box, so the serial numbers don't match between the box, fired casing, and gun. This barrel is a carbon steel barrel, whereas my old one was a colored stainless.

Not real thrilled with the mismatched box, and the "used" cylinder, but it does help me decide that it'll be in my "shooter" category.
Click to expand...

If you are not happy, send it back! Tell them you want the cyl. refinished and a matching box...Like the way you bought it.
 
If they in fact re-used MY cylinder, I don't have a problem with that. Frankly, the first thought that jumped to mind when I saw this gun, was that they sent me a used gun, esp when I saw the serial number prefix. But if they fit MY cylinder to the replacement frame ..........

Glad to see they used a carbon steel barrel this time too. Maybe this pin won't wander.
 
Certainly appears to be "all new", inside and out, except for the cylinder. Does make me wonder, too, if all future 442's will have the carbon steel barrel, as this one does (and I would prefer).
 
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