442 pro thoughts

[Grimjaws]

Hey gang. Looking at getting a 442 pro mostly for the trigger work and to try moon clips plus no lock.

Anyone have one of these and what are your thoughts?

 

[armorer951]

There is no "trigger work", per se. Action modification consists of a slightly lighter mainspring and rebound slide spring. The moon clip option is great for range use.

A couple of well documented QC issues to watch for on the new ones, especially the j-frames, are canted barrels and long ratches. If you decide to purchase one, just make sure you give it the once over when you pick it up.

 

[Bosquebass]

There is no "trigger work", per se.

A couple of well documented QC issues to watch for on the new ones, especially the j-frames, are canted barrels and long ratches. Just make sure you give it the once over when you pick it up.

How can you tell if a gun has long ratchets?

 

[armorer951]

SA pull will be erratic in terms of pull pressure. In some cases, the trigger will stick when pulled firmly to the rear. (trigger won't return forward at all) The "finish" at the end of the DA pull will not be clean and smooth, but resistance will be felt prior to hammer fall.

This is caused by the hand being trapped in the hand slot because there is not enough room between the ratchet body and the hand due to improper fitting of the ratchet(s). A fairly easy fix with the proper tools and experience.....or, usually, when sent back with a full description of the issue.

You can confirm a long ratchet issue by opening the cylinder, and with the cylinder out, hold the thumbpiece to the rear and cycle the action. If the action functions normally during this function test, then the malfunction can likely be attributed to improper fitting of the ratchets....or "long ratchets" as the factory calls the issue.

 

[kaaskop49]

^^^^what armorer951 said. In addition, I've bought enough J-frames to report that quality today is not uniform. Each gun is individual, even within the same series, such as the PC or Pro Series. My 442 PC "Chattanooga" pinto guns of 2015 were disappointing, even though they were from the PC. One required 2 trips for repair. My recent 642 PC models were OK, but only just. Little discernible difference from standard production.

It would be wise to bring someone to the LGS who can examine the gun thoroughly, if not professionally. I've found no guarantees as to quality in general.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Bosquebass]

I guess I was lucky with the new 438 I bought last year. Nice trigger and shoots to point of aim.

 

[SpartyME]

You can confirm a long ratchet issue by opening the cylinder, and with the cylinder out, hold the thumbpiece to the rear and cycle the action. If the action functions normally during this function test, then the malfunction can likely be attributed to improper fitting of the ratchets....or "long ratchets" as the factory calls the issue.

So if the action functions with the cylinder out and thumb piece to the rear, the revolver has long ratchets? I ask because my new M&P340’s action cycles with the cylinder out and thumb piece to the rear.

 

[armorer951]

No....if you are experiencing a bind in the action when dry firing, opening the cylinder and cycling the action removes the cylinder assy (ratchets) from the equasion. The problem is caused by the improperly fit interface between the ratchet and the hand. If it functions normally (trigger does not bind) when the action is open and the thumbpiece is held back then the binding (if still present) in the action is not the result of long ratchets. This particular felt resistance or "bind" will ocurr at the end of the DA pull, just prior to hammer fall when the gun is fired or dry fired.

Fortunately, very few of the current production guns are affected....or infected....with this particular problem, and it can easily be remedied by a knowledgeable armorer or factory tech.

 

[PPS1980]

An older 442, pre-lock, may be a better option. The 3-4 442s I have handled at LGSs do not meet the standards of the one I have had for almost 30 years.

 

[kaaskop49]

An older 442, pre-lock, may be a better option. The 3-4 442s I have handled at LGSs do not meet the standards of the one I have had for almost 30 years.

^^^^what I said! BTW, Perhaps the Forum could sponsor a Western flick (a Smith & Western? ). We could give it the title:

"The Long Ratchets"... Apologies to all and armorer951.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[jeeps]

Beware of the gimmick moon clips they bend easy and many times I have seen them bind up and lock the cylinder. Not safe for carry. Use speed strips.

 

[kaaskop49]

Beware of the gimmick moon clips they bend easy and many times I have seen them bind up and lock the cylinder. Not safe for carry. Use speed strips.

^^^^(another) what he said. A 642PC came with them, 3 VERY flimsy items unlike the sturdier .45ACP affairs. They're still in the box; never even considered using them.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[ContinentalOp]

^^^^what I said! BTW, Perhaps the Forum could sponsor a Western flick (a Smith & Western? ). We could give it the title:

"The Long Ratchets"... Apologies to all and armorer951.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103