442 Performance Center

[limhyl]

I wanted to give my initial impression of a recent purchase. I've been wanting to try out the Airweight series as a daily carry and for $399, why not?




This particular model has been enhanced with multiple Performance Center additions including a hand-tuned action, glass bead finish and a high-polished thumb release latch, cylinder flutes, trigger and side plate screws.



I'm wearing it now with the stock "clip grip" it came with and despite its lack of aesthetics, it's surprisingly unobtrusive inside the waistband. The 442's 15 oz weight is noticeably different compared to my 640-1 and I literally forget its even there. I've only dry fired it and can say, at least with this particular specimen, the trigger pull is smooth and crisp. My trigger scale tells me it's around 8.5 to 9 lbs pull. I'm taking it to the range tomorrow to give it a work out with some +P hand loads.

 

[kaaskop49]

This is the "pinto" model commissioned by Chattanooga Shooting Supplies. I have two of them. I'm pleased that the OP has gotten a "good one." My 2 leave much to be desired as PC guns. Both actions are frankly unrefined. The rebound slide on one required polishing as it prevented the DA from cycling. Also, the sideplate screws on this example loosen from firing and require Loc-titing, according to my gunsmith. This should not happen.

Pay attention to the grip. The grip screw also loosens and the grip texture causes the gun to slip in the hand. I've replaced mine with boot grips.

Don't know that I'd want to shoot +P handloads in this gun, but that's your call. Again, I'm really pleased you got a good one!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[limhyl]

Wrong forum

Sorry guys, I posted this in the wrong forum...my mistake. I tried to delete but didn't see that option in edit mode. Can some one (administrator?) help?

 

[kaaskop49]

limhyl: I've already notified the mods. No biggie!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[limhyl]

Thanks, and appreciate the heads up on the grip.

 

[GeoJelly]

limhyl - I have handled a similar revolver here (non-Perf 442) and found a couple of issues with it (and wound up buying a 360J instead). I recognize that these will vary from sample to sample; but, does the cylinder lock up tightly at the end of the trigger stroke? And, have you noticed, is the yoke retained tightly against the frame or does it have wiggle in it? I guess I'm really asking just how carefully the Perf Center revolvers are fit and timed... Thanks!

 

[Wapner]

I recently bought one for my wife and put some new grips on it. Mine arrived perfect, and action is great. I also bought a 642 PC tuned Talo edition. Just for comparison sakes, I can not tell a difference in the action at all between the 2. Both are extremely smooth. Sorry to read/see someone post they got 2 bad ones, hopefully Smith made it right?

 

[limhyl]

limhyl - I have handled a similar revolver here (non-Perf 442) and found a couple of issues with it (and wound up buying a 360J instead). I recognize that these will vary from sample to sample; but, does the cylinder lock up tightly at the end of the trigger stroke? And, have you noticed, is the yoke retained tightly against the frame or does it have wiggle in it? I guess I'm really asking just how carefully the Perf Center revolvers are fit and timed... Thanks!

The lock up is good; not any different than my 641-1. I took it to the range today and fired 20 rounds and the trigger locked up. I was surprised and ready to call S&W but when I returned home and cleaned the cylinder face, it seemed to dry fire fine after that cleaning . I'm taking it back to the range tomorrow and see if that was the issue.

 

[kaaskop49]

The lock up is good; not any different than my 641-1. I took it to the range today and fired 20 rounds and the trigger locked up. I was surprised and ready to call S&W but when I returned home and cleaned the cylinder face, it seemed to dry fire fine after that cleaning . I'm taking it back to the range tomorrow and see if that was the issue.

Also, make sure the sideplate screws are adequately (NOT over-) tightened. Do you have any factory .38 ammo on hand? You mentioned using handloaded +P ammo above. Using factory ammo removes another variable that might contribute to malfunction. Dry firing simply proves the shooter knows how to pull the trigger. It's gotta work with live ammo.

If it continues to 'malf,' either send the 442 back to S&W or have a gunsmith examine it and correct any problem. Or try returning it to the LGS. I always go against popular wisdom and visit my gunsmith. YMMV.

This all sounds terribly familiar to me. Good luck.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[limhyl]

Also, make sure the sideplate screws are adequately (NOT over-) tightened. Do you have any factory .38 ammo on hand? You mentioned using handloaded +P ammo above. Using factory ammo removes another variable that might contribute to malfunction. Dry firing simply proves the shooter knows how to pull the trigger. It's gotta work with live ammo.

If it continues to 'malf,' either send the 442 back to S&W or have a gunsmith examine it and correct any problem. Or try returning it to the LGS. I always go against popular wisdom and visit my gunsmith. YMMV.

This all sounds terribly familiar to me. Good luck.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Good point. I'll fire some factory white box tomorrow and factory +P to benchmark. I really hope this was just a dirty breech issue as it is so light and easy to carry compared to my 640.

 

[kaaskop49]

Good point. I'll fire some factory white box tomorrow and factory +P to benchmark. I really hope this was just a dirty breech issue as it is so light and easy to carry compared to my 640.

Please let us know how it turned out.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Concerned Citizen]

Hmm... I'm hoping the Talo Exclusive 642 I plan on buying doesn't have these issues. I've never experienced any of these issues on other standard Airweights and I can't imagine why the Performance Center tuned version would be worse.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Nice gun! Congratulations!

 

[limhyl]

Result from range test today

OK, bottom line, it works fine. I fired 30 rounds of factory rounds and had no issue. I did wipe the breech face every 10 rounds to keep it clean. I would have fired more but my hand was starting to complain.

I'm not sure if the residue on the breech face contributed to the issue I had with the trigger locking up yesterday. I have to admit, I didn't clean the pistol prior to shooting it yesterday and perhaps there was factory "gunk" on the breech face that may have gummed up the action. I'm no expert so purely speculation on my part. I'm just relieved that it works and I don't need to send it back (I did get a FEDEX label from S&W when I called them in a panic yesterday...great customer service as usual).

I switched out the factory "clip grip" because I found it somewhat "cheap" feeling and thought these looked and felt better while shooting.