442 or 442 Pro?

[DavidLMcAfee]

In the market for a hammerless DAO for pocket carry. Currently trying to decide if moon clips would be a help or a hindrance for a SD firearm. I'm wavering between a 442 (no lock) or 442 Pro, with an outside shot at a 638, as well. (Interested in this because of the SA/DA aspect, of course...)

This will be a primary EDC all summer rather than a bug.

I'm leaning towards the moon clips, but I'm curious to know if anyone here has any experience with them in a .38 platform. The only experience I have with moon clips was with a friend's 625 at the range. Are they better than a speed strip or speed loader for practical (i.e. defensive) use? Or would I be better served forgetting the 442 altogether and grabbing a 638 instead?

 

[Loyaljeeper]

The 442 Pro actually gives you a stainless cylinder over a carbon steel cylinder. That alone is a huge plus to me. Even the short ejector rod of the 442 Pro will pop that spent moonclips out of the cylinder for a really fast emergency reload. Remember that the moonclips are not needed to load, fire, and eject. The pro will still accept loose rounds. The moonclips must be protected from getting bent. The one loaded in the cylinder had little chance of getting bent.

 

[Muss Muggins]

To quote a current millenial social media influencer, "Which one gives you joy?"

 

[DelawareDave]

Generally, I recommend the Pro Series over the standard guns.
Better trigger and the moon clip option is unbeatable.

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk

 

[kaaskop49]

If available and not too much more $, I would always go for the higher grade option. The stainless cylinder floats my boat also. I have a few guns relieved for moon clips, but I've never even seen (or looked for!) the clips: just something to go wrong.

I would also pick up the 638. That way the 442 would not get lonely and you may need a backup in case the 442 is in the shop for service. Can never have too many Js, just ask me! It's also a more positive reload IMO than the moon clips.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[edkato]

I have both. The 442 Pro Moon Clip is now a carbon steel cylinder just like the 442. Regardless, both are nice. I don't use the moon clips ever in a CCW role. I use without and have a speedloader (many brands work, won't get into that). As for the 638, I've got one also, but the pure centennial design is best for carry. In my mind. DAO is what you'll need in a defensive situation. For pockets the 442 or 642 shine. They're great!

 

[Ribwizzard]

I'd get a 649

 

[TripLeader]

I was in the same position about a year or two ago, when I was planning on purchasing a 442.

I found they were on sale at Grabagun. The Pro Series with moon clips was about $25 more than the regular version.

I took the advice of two revolver guys I knew. One said to go 442 over 642 because of finish wear issues. The other said to go for the option to have moon clips. He liked moon clips for faster reloads. He also said it would increase re-sale value if I didn't like it.

I followed both pieces of advice. I havent been using the moon clips yet. I plan on going to them as I get more proficient with it.

So I recommend the Pro Series, if its within the budget.

 

[edkato]

All j frames are nice! Enjoy whatever you get.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Something to keep in mind with a 638 or a 438 is that dropping it on the shroud could bend the shroud enough to prevent the hammer from cycling. I have actually feared that more than the exposed opening for debris and moisture.

 

[Hapworth]

They are effectively the exact same gun save for the moon clips. Nothing is different on the Pro, including the action, which is not tuned.

Street price, the Pro model doesn't cost much more, and the moon clip capability is a bonus: use it if you like, functions the same if you don't.

I have the Pro, I like moon clips. Provided you purchase a proper moon clip loading and unloading tool, they're robust enough; don't try and do it by hand -- strongly recommend the BMT Mooner.

I've pocket carried moon clips for years with no issue. Broken a couple when I made the mistake of carrying other things in the same pocket. Don't do that. Emptying and reloading the cylinder is unquestionably easier and faster.

638's nice but I've no use for single action in a small defense revolver, pocket or deep carry does in fact get junk into the action, and I hate the lock.

Lastly, this question has been asked a few times; use the search to enjoy good reading.

 

[Farmer17]

I've seen 442 no lock guns recently priced at $329 on the net and that is one of the best values in the firearms industry and I would buy one and put in a $17 spring kit if needed, instead of spending 200 bucks more on the Pro. If you're wanting fast reloads carry a semi auto.

 

[Hapworth]

I've seen 442 no lock guns recently priced at $329 on the net and that is one of the best values in the firearms industry and I would buy one and put in a $17 spring kit if needed, instead of spending 200 bucks more on the Pro. If you're wanting fast reloads carry a semi auto.

There's a $30 difference in MSRP between the standard and the Pro; e-deals will reflect similarly. No way $200 difference street.

I like revolvers. I like fast reloads. Nice to have two in one.

 

[Hapworth]

I'd get a 649

There's always one...

 

[Mister X]

Between those two, I would opt for the standard 442. I just don't trust or want the hassle of Moonclips for defense purposes, especially with .38 special.

I own 442's and 642's and prefer the latter for carry due to its rust resistance and greater visibility, which could potentially be a better deterrent if I were to draw the weapon.

 

[ADP3]

Both models have black coated stainless cylinders these days. The only difference is the Pro's are cut for moon clips. I've had both versions and have mangled enough moon clips loading, unloading, and carrying them to recommend buying the standard model. Moon clips are OK for a night stand or glove box stored reload but pocket carry requires a more foolproof device.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[DelawareDave]

Between those two, I would opt for the standard 442. I just don't trust or want the hassle of Moonclips for defense purposes, especially with .38 special.

I own 442's and 642's and prefer the latter for carry due to its rust resistance and greater visibility, which could potentially be a better deterrent if I were to draw the weapon.

You don't have to use the moon clips if you don't want to. I use a moon clip on the rounds in the cylinder because it more reliably extracts them all at once. Then if needed, I reload using the rubber strip style holder, because it lasts flat in my pocket.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[gr7070]

I shoot 38 moon clips in competition. Problems do arise with them that may cause a failure to fire. Depending upon what you do with the clip that permanently resides in the cylinder the likelihood of this potential can be *close* to zero.

Most revolver owners feel revolvers are nearly fool proof. If you truly shoot them, especially compete with them, you'll learn - revolvers are NOT fool proof.

Depending upon how you plan to carry the reload clip, if you even carry a reload, it will have an impact on the reliability of that reload clip.

Moon clips absolutely will reload much, much faster than the strips. If you get a strip, user a 6 capacity one, loaded with 5, for ease of grip.

For $25 I'd happily get the pro, even if you opt not to carry with it. Personally I don't see the point of the 442, I'd definitely get the 642.

I carry in the heat of Texas, every day, and I bicycle to work; eight years owned. I clean my 642 once a year, after it's shot. Never do a single thing else to it, not even wipe it down. Stays in holster 12/7.

Not a spot of rust on it.

 

[Coastie762]

You don't have to use the moon clips if you don't want to. I use a moon clip on the rounds in the cylinder because it more reliably extracts them all at once. Then if needed, I reload using the rubber strip style holder, because it lasts flat in my pocket.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

This is exactly how I carry mine, clipped rounds in the cylinder and a speed strip in the pocket.

During practice at the range I don't typically bother with the clips, gun functions perfectly. Can't always say the same for the shooter...

Only drawback to the .38/.357 moon clips is that some brands of ammunition can be difficult or impossible to snap in. This is due to the lack of standardization in the relief groove dimension forward of the case rim. I have found that the .025" clips that come with the gun do work with Speer and Winchester brass. I believe TK Custom sells clips of differing thickness for use with certain other brands.

Obligatory pictures:

 

[DavidLMcAfee]

UPDATE: Apparently my LGS has a 642 Performance Center in stock. After looking it up online, I'm thinking I might have found my next gun...

 

[TARM]

I am solidly in the moon clip camp. They are a positive with no down side. Also after just getting done doing action jobs on 3 j frames for various people I can say without a doubt that since the switch to mim parts the trigger pull quailty on the J frames is the worst its ever been. They maybe able to make very precise parts with MIM but it also prevents from making parts that are a smooth unbroken surface on all sides. They need a release area. In the j frames the rebound slide is one of those items. There is just no question in my mind that mim parts are not as smooth nor can be made as smooth ie lower friction co than the tool steel parts.

The best single thing you can do for a J frame is to pull the rebound slide and polish it and the 2 frame surfaces it slides on. That single thing is the simplest and does more to smooth out a DOA than any single other thing and at the same time not only has no neg effect on reliability it actually improves it. Only takes 15 mins -1 hr based on skill level. IMO polish job is mandatory on all current j frames especially the rim fire versions.

If you wanted to drop weight even further on the total gun you can buy the Ti cylinder for the j frame from brownells and Midway etc. IIRC it drops about 3 oz off the total weight and is a 357 cyl.

 

[DavidLMcAfee]

UPDATE: Decided to go with the Performance Center 642 instead either of the 442 models. (S&W website says both the 442 and 442 Pro have carbon steel cylinders and I wanted stainless.) The 642 PC has no lock, is cut for moon clips, and the action has been tuned up. Plus it's purty.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn OP

You made a wise choice, IMO. I also have this model. The 442s with carbon steel cylinders may be better suited to a desert climate like mine where dishes dry in 15 minutes and rust is a felony. Don't know about the moon clips: if you intend to use them, be certain the grips do not interfere with reloading the clipped ammo into the cylinder. Mfgrs rarely mention this: we Forum members are aware of this. Good luck and good shooting.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[gr7070]

Make sure you read the manual on the proper solvent to use. Some solvents will damage the coating on the aluminum.

If you carry, that purdy will diminish. Prepare yourself. ; )

Also, make sure your chosen ammo makes point of aim and impact coincide. With short barrels different ammo performs differently.

Lastly, check out the desantis superfly.

Great choice, imo.

 

[DavidLMcAfee]

You made a wise choice, IMO. I also have this model. The 442s with carbon steel cylinders may be better suited to a desert climate like mine where dishes dry in 15 minutes and rust is a felony. Don't know about the moon clips: if you intend to use them, be certain the grips do not interfere with reloading the clipped ammo into the cylinder. Mfgrs rarely mention this: we Forum members are aware of this. Good luck and good shooting.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

The moon clip didn't seem to interfere with loading, but maneuvering it into place with Federal HST .38 SP +P rounds was far from fast. If I end up carrying any extra moon clips with me I'll have to put a more traditional round in them.

 

[DavidLMcAfee]

Make sure you read the manual on the proper solvent to use. Some solvents will damage the coating on the aluminum.

If you carry, that purdy will diminish. Prepare yourself. ; )

Also, make sure your chosen ammo makes point of aim and impact coincide. With short barrels different ammo performs differently.

Lastly, check out the desantis superfly.

Great choice, imo.

Thanks for the tip on the solvents. I'll probably go through the manual tonight.

Sadly, the purty always does. At least on a carry gun. I could have gone with the Enhanced Action version, but I liked the idea of moon clips, even if I might not use them.

I plan to take it to the range this weekend and test it out with several types of ammo. The last time I had a 442, I used Federal HST. The HST rounds don't lend themselves to fast reloads with moon clips, though. If I use the moon clips I'm going to have to find something else.

I have a DeSantis already, but not the Superfly. Might have to check that out. I'm always looking to add to my drawer of holsters.

 

[roo_ster]

Time to kill the purdy with a Crimson Trace LG-105
Laser Sight for Smith & Wesson J Frame LG-105 | Official Crimson Trace
Best dang thing you can do for your J-frame after a trigger job and a holster of some sort.

==============

Those were all great options and the PC 642 is likely the best of the lot for most folk.

For my own part, I ran with the 638 because I can put the single action to use. I have done the following to my 638:
* Spring replacement then confirm reliability
* CT LG-105 laser grip
* Removed The Lock and filled the hole
* Another holster, OWB with snap on trigger guard for woods carry.

Already had speed strips, speed loaders, and a speed strip carrier from the Dillon catalog.