442 question

[multistage]

Have decided that a j frame is the way to go for pocket carry. I can get a 442, or try for the impossible and get the 640 that I really want. Cannot find a 640, so will have to learn to live with a 442. While not a 200 rounds a day gun, I expect it should make a fine hideout. So long as it holds together (leery of an aluminum framed revolver), it ought to work. An individual whose opinion of Smiths I hold in high regard advised that while he prefers steel guns, the aluminum ones are fine.

For those of you with time on a 442, what do you think?

 

[snowman.45]

I know how you feel. It took me many years to accept aluminum alloy frames. However, you can't beat them for weight. I, too, would like to find a 640 as a part of my retirement battery. Can't seem to find one so far. I have just gone through and refinished a 340 Sc. I changed out to Apex springs and firing pin, XS Big Dot sight and refinished it in KG GunKote titanium grey. I'm just waiting for the plug to complete the transformation. It's now much more like a 340 M&P. I forgot to mention that I changed out the titanium cylinder for a stainless one.

Update: made a trade deal on a 640 no lock today. I'll get it next week. Traded a Glock 19 for it.

 

[Florida J Frame]

I think your hand will give out long before the 442 and if you do manage to wear it out S&W will replace it. I own both models ( I have the 642 rather then the black 442). The 640 is a fine gun but it is too heavy for pocket carry except with cargo shorts and a good belt. At least for me.

 

[GaryS]

The 442/642 are nice pocket guns. I carry mine when I don't want to carry one of my 3rd generation semis.

There is some risk that the frame will crack under where the barrel threads in. There is another thread about that, so I won't repeat the information here. Suffice it to say that S&W has been replacing the ones that show that defect.

 

[J. W.]

Excellent gun. I carry mine daily as a LEO. (as a back up to my duty gun) It's been sweated on, rained on, etc and its holding up very well. Mine is one of the "new" no lock guns. I bought it as I recall in Feb 09 not long after they started making them again without the lock. The finish has held up superbly well. I doubt I'll ever be able to shoot it enough to wear it out.


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

 

[BigBlueSix]

I shoot my 442 every other week or so at the range and carry it everywhere I go. The finish seems strong and it fires wonderfully. I don't worry about an aluminum frame not being able to handle many years/rounds. It will outlast me.
I've never carried or fired a 640, but I love my 442.

 

[OKFC05]

After 18 years of pocket holster carry, bug matches, and being shot by students who want to see what an aluminum J frame is like, my 442 shows holster wear, action is slick as glass, and I've learned to shoot the little revolver far better than I thought possible. About half my women students choose one for their carry instead of a small semi-auto. One came to learn small semi-autos, and is still perplexed why she shoots a long-trigger, crude sight 442 much better than her Kel-Tec.

 

[quinn]

I have a 640-1, a 340PD and a 442--the latter 2 with locks. The 640 stays in the night stand. It is heavy and I found I was leaving it home more often than not. I would recommend the alloy frames for daily carry. It will be there when you really need it. I have other guns for plinking...although with 38 wadcutters the alloys are pleasant enouhg to shoot all day.

 

[TAROMAN]

My 442 is doing fine as a pocket carry piece. Had to lose the rubber grip, though:

However, for other than pocket carry, my choice is my other alloy .38:

Used as designed, I have no problems whatsoever with the alloy frames.
Always heard that any frame cracks were the result of barrel installation procedures and would likely happen sooner rather than later.

 

[DUNTOV]

Have decided that a j frame is the way to go for pocket carry. I can get a 442, or try for the impossible and get the 640 that I really want. Cannot find a 640, so will have to learn to live with a 442. While not a 200 rounds a day gun, I expect it should make a fine hideout. So long as it holds together (leery of an aluminum framed revolver), it ought to work. An individual whose opinion of Smiths I hold in high regard advised that while he prefers steel guns, the aluminum ones are fine.

For those of you with time on a 442, what do you think?

150544 is the model# of the no-lock 442 great pocket revolver

 

[Old cop]

I've carried and shot the alloy guns for over 40 years and they will outlast me.

 

[CSG]

I bought my 442 in 1993. Shoots fine once you get how to shoot them and has held up very well. Matter of fact, I like it well enough that if I come across another (don't care for the silver finish on the 642; I like my CCWs stealthy) that's +P rated for a decent price I'll snap it up.

 

[M3Stuart]

I went with the 642 pro series which is cut for moon clips and has no IL. I highly recommend it. Unloading/Reloading is super fast. As already said: Accuracy is great, totally reliable, and great for front pocket carry. I'm never without mine. I've since sold my 36s (both of them) and stopped carrying my 60-9. I practice with weak handloads and wadcutters and carry the hotter +P variety.

If it ever breaks/cracks/etc I'm perfectly comfortable that S&W will put it back together for me

 

[wheelyfun66]

Shoot mine at every range visit, but only 50 rounds or so...
Carry it with .38 +P, Speer Gold Dot 125gr short barrel loads...

I prefer steel revolver IWB, but use the 442 for "deep" concealment.

 

[bettis1]

I have carried my nickel 442 EVERY day since I bought it in 1993 (20 years now) and shoot regularly with regular and +P ammo. In 2003 (after 10 years) the finish on the front of the cylinder began to peel. I sent it back to Smith and they refinished it at no charge. It continues to occupy my front pocket daily.

A couple of months ago I came across a brand new 642 (no lock) and decided to carry that. After about a month, I wondered why I had ever left my old friend in the safe. The new 642 went back into the box and into the safe and the 442 took its rightful place in my pocket.

Two hundred rounds in a day at the range isn't a lot, but I will guarantee you that if you shoot that EVERY day, your hand will holler "calf rope" before the 442 does!

The Centennial is arguably the best pocket carry gun ever made and the 442 is right at the top of the heap.

Bob

 

[snubbyfan]

My 442 goes with me everywhere, everyday either in my pocket or on my belt in one of my homemade holsters. I recently completed a flashlight holder so my flashlight can ride on my off side on my belt instead of in my pocket.

 

[shawn mccarver]

You will wear out before it does. I have a friend who, by actual count, has over 18,000 rounds of standard pressure 38s through a Model 37 Airweight. His was made in the 70s, I think, maybe late 60s, and it is still going strong. Your 442 will have a lifetime warranty. Personally, I prefer the Airweight over the all steel or the AirLight Ti revolvers.

 

[Aiden528]

I carried my 442 daily for 2 years when I still lived in Florida, after learning that hauling a fully loaded XDm in FL summers royally sucks. I now live in MI where it's easier to carry my CZ compact most of the year. Still my j-frame is not forgotten and is my daily BUG or my primary when I can't conceal my bigger primary pistol. It's a damn fine revolver, and perfectly capable with the right ammo (IMHO Hornady XTP's or FTX's)

 

[hdfinder47]

airweights recommended

I've carried a 38, 642 or 442 for EDC or LEO backup since 1988 and highly recommend an airweight for EDC. I carried a 36 briefly but the airweights are just too comfortable. I have had some finish issues on two 642's (which Smith made good even after years of abuse on the first one) and I recently had my current 442 refinished locally with one of the new miracle "last forever" finishes due to some light corrosion. I've qualified with 94-97/100 with them from 2-25 yards and concealed them at the beach IWB with a swim suit and tank top. My current 442 is with me 24/7 unless I am actually in the pool or shower or sleeping - then it is nearby (when I am go to New Orleans it rides in my left boot and a G27 is IWB). Always carry 5 extra rounds in a SL speed loader. But I ramble - sorry.......

 

[MikeyB]

My wife loves the 642. Easier carry than her M60 Chief Special.

If I didn't already have a M&P 360 I too would probably be carrying a 442/642.