442 Pro Series

[Combat_Diver]

Hi CD,

The product is allocated to your order. It should ship either this week or next week. Once you see the charge on your card, the dealer should receive it within one week from that date.

Helene L. Piquette
Manager, International & Government
Sales Support & Administration


Helene sent me this response last Friday (6/24) as I wait biting my nails on my New 442 Pro. I'm trying to get home this week for two weeks leave from Astan and hope to have this waiting at the dealer. The Pro was ordered in Dec under the Military 40% deal. I'll give a report on the Pro as I haven't seen any posted yet (believe this is the first run).

CD

 

[Combat_Diver]

Finally picked up my 442 Pro Wednesday and fired a few rounds. I'll post some pics of it in a few days as I'm traveling back to Afghanistan (currently awaiting a flight in UAE). I will say that I'm impressed. For to follow shortly.

CD

 

[Walker45]

Great we are all anxious to find out how you were able to swing a 40% discount too...

Seriously I am curious about your thoughts on the 442 Pro and how you got a 40% discount.

LOL

 

[Combat_Diver]

Back in Dec, Smith ran a 40% off MSRP on any Smith and Wesson firearm to active and retired military. The Pro came without the lock, cylinder cut for moonclips and came with three 5 round moon clips. Fired it with and without the clips. I had just gave my daughter in law my only HKS speedloader the day before so didn't get to try that. Loading and unloading the last/first round is a chore on the moon clip but makes speed loading fast. I'm still traveling and will post pics of it as soon as I can.

CD

 

[Walker45]

I see, I need to be more aware of S&W's advertisements. I may be headed to Afghanistan myself, I work with General Dynamics Land Systems (Stryker). A possibility of a retro-fit in Kandahar for a year, thanks again for the information.

 

[Racklover]

Looking forward to pics. Thanks for your service!

 

[Combat_Diver]

As I mentioned this seems to be the first run of the 442 Pro Series according to Helene Piquette from Smith and Wesson. Gun was shipped from Smith on the day I left Afghanistan (30 Jun) to my dealer. MSRP is only $34 more dollars over a standard 442 (no lock) model. With the 40% offer pistol was only $384 (MSRP of $640). Blue box is marked with SKU 178041 and is not marked as a Pro Series on the label. The gun is marked as a 442-1 on the crane. Gun came with the paperwork, cable lock, spent casing, two ILS keys (not needed for the no lock gun) and three full moonclips.

442 with Uncle Mikes Kydex holster and old Spydeco Endura

No flaws where found on the gun. Gun is not marked with the word "Pro" or "Pro Series". Only 442-1 on the crane and Airweight on the right side. I could easily cycle the cyclinder by pulling the DA only trigger and not drop the hammer without pulling the trigger all the way thru. My youngest son (almost 17) could not do this but I've got years of training mastering a Smith in DA. Front sight is internal with the barrel (one modification I'll do later is paint the front sight blaze orange).

Gun could be loaded with either loose rounds, traditional speed loaders or the full moon clips. Loading the last round and unloading the first is a pain though as all slack is removed. I know that a device is made for the 625 and its .45 ACP clips now need to see if that can be used with this .38. Only two cyclinders where fired without the clips and the other cyclinders where with the clips. I should have taken a pic of the back of the cyclinder to show the modification to the face. As stated earlier I had just given my daughter in law my HKS speedloader and a Bianchi IWS holster few days prior to picking up the gun and they left the day before. Gun is also rated for +P.

I fired approx 35-50 rounds of standard pressure rounds thru the gun without incident. No accuracy testing was done due to the limited time I had available but did function test the gun in the backyard during the last two days I was home. Grips gave good purchase during the heat and humidity of the North Carolina coast. The gun came out of the Uncle Mikes holster without incident and I wore it under a loose shirt while working in the shop for two days. As this gun only has a barrel length of 1 7/8" the extractor does not eject the cases fully. This is where the advantage of the moon clip is also usefully as you just grab the cases and remove all at once instead of picking each round out. The 640 Pro series with its longer barrel will help here. Overall I am glad I changed my order from a no lock 442 to the Pro Series.

CD

 

[tradrick]

Good looking set-up you got there. Congrats. And thanks for your service. God Bless

 

[gunlovingirl]

Nice! I hope a lot of others took advantage of the 40% off deal. Enjoy the 442, and be safe!