ARE THE 442-2's ANY GOOD?

[Northrunner]

I don't really like the locks, but I have been thinking about buying something a little lighter than my 649-2 stainless steel Bodyguard. Today I came across a like new 442-2 Cenntenial that I can buy for $318 OTD. It's rated for +P which my 649-2 is not and it is lighter. Locally the 442-2's are $498.20 with sales tax. $318 seems like a good price even though it's got the lock which I really don't like.
How do you 442-2 owners like yours? Thanks in advance...

 

[Cujohunter]

Are they any good? IMO all J frames are good...even the one's with locks. I have a 442 and 438 and both have locks. No fail whatsoever and shoots like an airweight j frame...in other words...wouldn't have it any other way as an EDC.

 

[Northrunner]

EDC?

What is EDC???

 

[Dream to Dream]

What is EDC???

EDC = Every Day Carry

And I think the main reason to avoid the lock is more to preserve future resale value if S&W every phases the IL out. But, if this is going to be a carry gun, odds are that resale value will eventually be a moot point.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Yes they are great little guns, I have one stuffed in a pocket every single day. As for the locks, both of mine are lock-less, as GOD intended.

 

[Old cop]

I recently purchased a new (lock) 638 to go with my (no-lock) Bodyguard model 38 from the early '60's. I've shot all manner of +P in it (the 638) and found it to be extremely accurate (much more so than than the older model). While I don't like the lock feature if it was going to unintentionally engage it would have by now. IMO you can buy with confidence from S&W. The only caution I would offer is to put a box of +P through it for your own piece of mind.

 

[skyflyer]

Some 442 and 642 were made with out the lock.
You might even find new ones for sale here in the for sale section.

And the rebate continues until December 31.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I'd buy that in a heartbeat (and already own two other J frames.) Great price, great gun. Personally, I think the lock histeria is way over played.
I pull the trigger and it goes BANG. Nuff said.

 

[Electraclyde]

I have several J-Frames (one 442-2) I carry a pair of them every day. All of mine have the locks. Does not matter to me, have never had a problem with any of them. My 442-2 has several thousand rounds thru it. Locks are easy to disable if thats what you want.
At $318.00 thats a good price. Around here they are selling new for $499.00 and used for about $375.00 to $400.00

 

[6pack]

Great EDC guns.

Bought mine this summer and it's had some serious pocket time ever since.

I'm running +P Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel loads through it. Very light shooter on the range...not the raging beast that folks make it out to be. Keep in mind that this isn't some target gun made for punching nice 25yd groups....but a defensive, snag-free, reliable, 5-for-sure pocket gun made to save your life in a close ranging attack.

I'm very glad I bought the gun.

I love the finish on my 442 and wish I had a simular finish on other guns.

 

[skeezix]

I have the -2 version with the lock, and it's the gun I carry most frequently. It's lightweight and fits perfectly in my jacket or trouser pocket (even with the UM full-size combat grips).


As stated above, it's not a 25-yard target gun, but at self-defense distances it does what it was intended to do. Recoil with 125 grain +P ammo is not a problem. The lock doesn't bother me - it's not pretty, but this gun doesn't get "displayed".

At $318, I'd buy another one.

 

[allabtslfdef]

I just put a 442-2 on lay away. How do I know if it is a lock or no lock model? I checked FAQ and could not find it, maybe I did it wrong.

Jason

 

[CTP]

I have a 442-2 no lock and love it, its a great weapon. A perfect pocket gun.

 

[CTP]

I just put a 442-2 on lay away. How do I know if it is a lock or no lock model? I checked FAQ and could not find it, maybe I did it wrong.

Jason

Does it have a small key hole above the thumb piece? If it does its a lock model.

 

[C Islander]

I've got a 442 no lock. Very reliable accurate pocket gun. It's one of my primary carry guns.

 

[alphabrace]

Anti lock people are whacked

At that price I would not hesitate! I think the anti-lock people are whacked anyway! Merry Christmas to one and all!

 

[photoman]

The lock doesn't bother me as I remove it. I guess that means I'm semi-whacked.

 

[hdfinder47]

At $318 OTD - buy it. If they have any more at that price, please PM me.