442 Pro Series Marked Airweight

[Octagun]

Does anyone have any information or experience with 442 Pro Series revolvers marked 'AirWeight' instead of 'Pro Series' on the right side? Is this a mismarking or actually a different model?

I ask this as I just purchased one and wondering exactly what it is. It will be a few days before it is in my possession.

 

[sbeduckman]

I have one marked "pro series" and one marked airweight but milled for clips. The end label on that one says pro series, but I don't have the # off the top of my head. I can get it later though.

 

[Octagun]

Interesting, so the one marked 'Airweight' was factory cut for moon clips? Do you know if the cylinder and barrel are stainless or carbon steel?

Thank you for the info.

 

[Old cop]

I have a no-lock Pro Series 442 that came w/three moon clips.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

A while back , there was a thread about a 442 that escaped the factory without the " pro series" script on the side . I think he sent it back to get the right sideplate. My memory is a little fuzzy there.

 

[Octagun]

This one definitely has no lock but I was told it is not cut for moon clips. Is there any Pro Series 442 versions not cut for moon clips? When I pick this up on Tuesday I'll have to check the SKU number and see what it says.

 

[JDinAZ]

This one definitely has no lock but I was told it is not cut for moon clips. Is there any Pro Series 442 versions not cut for moon clips? When I pick this up on Tuesday I'll have to check the SKU number and see what it says.

From what I can tell from talking to a man that called in to buy parts the other day. There must be some of the 442s they are not machined for moon clips. He said his was a PC gun. He and I got on the topic when he asked what other parts I do.

Funny enough J frame moon clips come up. I just pulled a couple prototypes of my new J frame 38/357 heat treated stainless moon clips off the wire EDM a couple hours ago for physical testing.

I beefed these up at the critical points so they don't collapse when you load cases into them. And I solved the age old "what moon clip fits what case/brand ammo". These work with everything from Starline to Buffalo Bore and everything in between.

Best part is I can clip the small starline cases in then go big buffalo bore and back to starline and they still hold the small starline cases the same as the first time in. I've measured 27 headstamps to figure out what works.

I made the new moon clips to go along with the new CNC J frame cylinder conversions I'm setting up to do here in the shop

 

[sbeduckman]

Interesting, so the one marked 'Airweight' was factory cut for moon clips? Do you know if the cylinder and barrel are stainless or carbon steel?

Thank you for the info.

I don't know if it is blackened stainless or carbon...looks like stainless to me. SKU 178041 (m442 pro series w/moonclips). Again this one is marked air weight, and my other is marked pro series on the right side.

 

[armorer951]

The Pro Series 442 moon clip (178041) has a stainless steel barrel and a carbon steel cylinder.

Model 442 | Smith & Wesson

I had to send my 442 Pro Series back to be laser etched "Pro Series" (it was marked "Airweight") and to have the barrel straightened. Actually, I sent it back twice and came back unrepaired both times. The barrel is still canted.

The ratchets on this particular new gun were so bad (long), the action would literally not cycle. Ended up cutting/fitting the ratchets myself. Due to the misalignment of the barrel, the gun shoots 2 inches left at 7 yards.

 

[Octagun]

armorer951: Thanks for the info. Sorry to hear about the issues your having with your 442. I've been down that road a few times myself with S&W customer service, but eventually they made it right. Hope they do the same for you.

 

[Toddlars1]

I have a few 442's. The Pro is cut for a moon clip, the Airweight is not...

 

[armorer951]

I have a few 442's. The Pro is cut for a moon clip, the Airweight is not...

I wish S&W was aware of that. My Pro Series manufactured in 2014 or thereabouts had the word Airweight lasered on the sideplate. I think a bunch of the moon clip revolvers came that way, particularly during this time preriod. (2014-15)

 

[Octagun]

Picked up my new 442 today and the SKU number is 150544. Turns out it's not a Pro series but a regular 442 no-lock model. Knowing there was some mismarked models out there really made me think this was one of them.

This one might not be a Pro series but it is definitely unique in its own right. I'll post some pics of it in a new thread and link it here if anyone is interested.

Gemini Customs 442