442 Trigger v. 43C

[sjs]

My current EDC is a 442 and, like many others, I could not be happier with it. However, I would like to shoot more than I do now due to the entirely unreasonable attitude of the shooting industry in denying me unlimited supplies of small pistol primers for free. Also like many others it has occurred to me that a similar 22lr would make a good practice piece.

I currently have a 38 LCR and a 22 LCR for the same reason. While the 22 version has a smooth trigger, it is much heavier. We all know this is so there will be reliable ignition. I am willing to accept this up to a point, but I am unable find a 43C in stock that I can handle and fire, or dry fire to compare it to my centerfire J. To buy a 43C I will have to order it sight unseen.

Can anyone who has both give me any idea of how the 43C trigger compares to the 442?

 

[Breakaway500]

The 43c is heavier by a few lbs. It's smooth enough..but never like a single action release and very similar to the other S&W Centennials. You can lighten it up but I have personally found anything less than factory springs and certain .22 ammo will lose reliability. Not a big issue unless you are carrying it for protection...but still annoying.

 

[Rodan]

I can't compare my 43C to a 442, as I haven't owned a 442 in quite a long time. The 43C is comparable to other DA only J frames I've fired, and is passable. IMHO, practicing with a heavy DA trigger will make a good DA trigger easier to shoot well.

My 43C has been less reliable than I would like. As far as I know, it's all stock. I need to pick up a new mainspring, just to see if that's the problem. If I can't get it to be reliable, it may just go on down the road.

 

[mikerjf]

I had a 317 no-dash and a similar vintage 637, and there's a huge difference - *I* could shoot the 317 but didn't like it, but anyone who tried it hated it for being so heavy.

 

[sjs]

Thanks guys, I guess I have to decide whether to gamble on one sight unseen or not, and I think I will not do that. Maybe I will run into one down the road where I can get a hands-on look. Appreciate the help.

 

[SLCDW]

I use my 43c as trainer for my 642. Both have a high round count and now there is really no difference in the triggers between the two.

 

[hyena]

I don't have a scale, but I bought a 43c for the same reason you're looking. The trigger pull is noticeably heavier than my 642. But my 642 has a lot of rounds through it. I would buy the 43c again, and think you'll be happy with one.