442 no lock or Wyatt deep cover?

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rogo123

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Need a lightweight carry gun. All my snubs are collectable and I hesitate to carry them.

I like the Smith Airweights but every new one I have looked at in gun shops has had problems right from the factory.

Any advice?
 
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I bought a 642-1 with out the lock at a Phoenix gun show about 4 years ago for right at $400.00 and have had not one single issue with it. I carry 110gr +P+ loads and every couple of months shoot the carried rounds along with 50 or so lead SWC and the little gun is tight as a drum. This weekend I am going back to Phoenix to another gun show and if I can not find the Nickel Model 15 I saw last time, I am thinking about getting another 642-1. SO, that would be my pick.

Pat
 
I'd pick a stainless airweight over a 442 simply because my 442 is prone to rust on the yoke when I carry it IWB and don't remember to wipe the yoke down with an oily or silicone rag every night. The 638 that replaced it as my daily carry piece doesn't have that problem. If you like the concealed hammer design I'd pick a 642 over the 442. And would certainly get a no-lock version, as it would have just that many fewer parts to go wrong.
 
I would go with a 642 over the 442 for the stainless steel. The internal lock is pretty much a deal breaker for me on a small carry snub. I think the enclosed hammer frame has a lot more practical advantages compared to a bobbed hammer one.
 
I have several J frame in the -1 versionss, all made in the last year, with no issues what so ever. I favor the 442/642 platform. The Wyatt has a lock and is a reminder of the Gunsmoke shop debacle.

Best Regards,
ADP3
 
If I were in your position I'd get a no-lock 642-1 for the reasons others have mentioned. I have a 642-1 for my carry gun and I'd have no qualms about getting another one (or three).
 
My lowly, cheap, two year old 442 is among the finest guns I own. Save for the typical aluminum flashing around the barrel (which was easily removed), it is perhaps the most flawless firearm I have ever purchased. There are several hundred rounds through it and I hope it lasts forever. I'm considering a 642 as well. The 442 frame finish is known to be more durable, while the 642 should be more rust resistant.

The "Deep Cover" guns come with a pretty slick action but are too gimmicky for my tastes.
 
I don't like the ILS in the Airweight or Air Lite J-frames. For that reason, I would pick the 442-1 every time.
 
The 442 frame finish is known to be more durable, while the 642 should be more rust resistant.
.

As to the above quote - I just remarked the same in another post about a cracked 642. I've heard of many of them, but nary a 442.

I've had a 442 for probably 15 years or so, I've lost count. It has become my constant companion. It was one of the first run of +p certified air weights but does not have the +p marking. Right after I purchased it, I contacted S&W for that confirmation and they told some of the first batch did not get properly marked. I usually practice with light to normal 38 spl ammo. The only +ps that have ever been shot through it are my selected carry load - Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition 38 Special +P 135 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point. Believe me, I dislike shooting them more than the gun does!

You can't go wrong with a 442!
 
I love my 442. It goes with me more than any other gun I own. It is a no lock and I also carry it with the Speer Gold Dots 135 gr. ammo. For me, I just like the fact that it is black and not as shiny as the 642. Never an issue with the 442 and for me, recoil is not a problem. Also, I have CT LG-405 grips on it. I'm just not as big of a fan of the brighter stainless........
 
I avoided the aluminum J frames for a long time but one day I ran across a new no lock 442 and gave it a try. To sum it up I like it, a bit more recoil than my steel frame models but manageable and maybe I got lucky a pretty decent trigger pull and shoots to the sights as well. It spends a lot of time in a El Paso pocket holster these days.
 
642 coming out of a size 3 Blackhawk pocket holster bought on the cheap at Wallyworld. (always the low price leader)
Draw time .03 seconds to cover anyone closer than 15 feet with a knife ready to cut ya up like a Thanksgiving turkey. (try that when your semi-automatic jams)

POCKET_b.jpg
 
I have the 442 Pro ( w/ moon clips), no lock. Great EDC. At least 700- 1000 rnds , all brands of ammo, no issues. If recoil is an issue, I suggest Hogue Tamer grips, felt recoil is greatly reduced.
 
What I don't like about it is that 'grip clip'. No one should be sticking a gun anywhere on their person without a holster. That's a disaster waiting to happen. Very surprised that S&W would agree to produce this, no doubt their lawyers gave the go ahead. Good luck suing if you shoot the gonads off.
 
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