Checking out a new 442

[tguil]

I'll be picking up a new 442 tomorrow and would very much appreciate a check-list of what I should look for before paying my money and walking out the door. I know there are general check-lists all over the web, but I'd like one specifically for the 442/642 series. Thanks.

Tom

 

[redbos]

I pocket carry a 642( my only "Lock" S&W) along with an .45 auto. they are nice guns, you really got to learn to shoot them though and know what your capabilities are, if you not happy, practice, and then practice more since it seems you are buying this for a CCW weapon? I can shoot it well with +P's out to 15 feet( well enough to make hits), but it took some work. My .45 auto is automatic for me( I think)

 

[A10]

I have a 442-1 that is my constant companion. Check list:
1. Open the box
2. Make sure the gun is there
3. You are good to go!
I picked up some speed strips and keep my extra ammo in them. They carry flat and are quick to reload. I'm using either Federal or Hornaday personal defense ammunition. Both shoot plenty accurately from the gun for it's intended purpose (10 yards, 10 shots, 10 ring). Enjoy your new handgun!!

 

[Dragon88]

Make sure it doesn't have an internal lock. If it does, ask your dealer to order you one without.

Other than that, it's just like buying any other gun. Look it over and check for anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Indiana George]

Tom,

I carried a model 60 for years . . . great J-Frame, but I got tired of the weight.

Switched to a no-lock 442 and have never looked back!

I don't know what you have carried in the past, but I think that you'll appreciate the 442.

 

[tguil]

I messed up a very nice Model 36. This new 442 will be less expensive than repairing it. Also it should be much better for pocket carry. I'll try not to look back, but.......

Any problems with canted barrels on these short little rascals?

Tom

 

[Dragon88]

My 642 was perfect when I pulled it out of the box. You are worrying too much, just buy the gun and enjoy.

How did you mess up the 36?

 

[tguil]

My 642 was perfect when I pulled it out of the box. You are worrying too much, just buy the gun and enjoy.

How did you mess up the 36?

Accidentally ran a .38 p+ through it and bulged a cylinder chamber. Checking on the feasiblity of a repair. It was almost LNIB even though I bought it over 25 years ago. Was going to get a 442 anyway. Tired of my pants saggin'.

Tom

 

[BarkSlayer]

My 442 was perfect as delivered and has been perfect every day since. Go for it.

 

[odjoe]

no-lock 442

thats what i have with a laser grip, got the grip as a gift tryed it out, zero ed it@ 15 feet and love it ..carry it when and where i can carry

 

[Dragon88]

Accidentally ran a .38 p+ through it and bulged a cylinder chamber. Checking on the feasiblity of a repair. It was almost LNIB even though I bought it over 25 years ago. Was going to get a 442 anyway. Tired of my pants saggin'.

Tom

A single +P round bulged a cylinder? Wow hard to believe.

 

[ERay]

I bought 7 of them from Buds Gun Shop last January. 6 of them were great. The seventh one after you pulled the trigger and held it back seemed to have a lot of left to right play in the cylinder. If I were buying another one I would want to dry fire it and make sure the cylinder locked up tight.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I bought 7 of them from Buds Gun Shop last January. 6 of them were great. The seventh one after you pulled the trigger and held it back seemed to have a lot of left to right play in the cylinder. If I were buying another one I would want to dry fire it and make sure the cylinder locked up tight.

ERay, you are one well prepared guy...

(wish I had one, still saving...)

 

[one eye joe]

Just give it a basic check. Stick a set of CT Lasergrips on it and enjoy. I suggest the LG-405 model which cushions the backstrap, and reduces felt recoil. Dryfiring the weapon extensively will smooth and lighten trigger pull after time. I suggest Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. +P ammo for self defense. Fitting a new cylinder to your 36 will not be cost prohibitive, and is certainly worth doing on a 25 yo, like a new S&W revolver........

 

[warrconn]

The 442 is a great weapon. Some snap cap dry firing to smooth out the trigger a bit (although mine as pretty good). No FTF, FTE or stovepipes to worry about

 

[StuperDan]

I purchased my new 442 a few weeks ago. My second handgun. I love it and its now my EDC. It really carries great.

I found that not only dry firing, but also oiling it well improves the trigger a lot. I am still debating weather to have a trigger job done or not.

I have put 100 target rounds and 15 +p through it. Probably dry fired it about 1000 times. It's better than when it was new, but still pretty heavy to pull.

I have noticed some posts online about the frame cracking around the barrel from metal flaws rarely. But even if you had that happen, you have a lifetime warranty and S&W service is great.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[tguil]

A single +P round bulged a cylinder? Wow hard to believe.

Yep. Hard to believe. A major "oops" on my part, but them maybe a factory problem too. Even though it's an "obsolete" model, I'm still looking into a repair. I think the problem will be finding a new cylinder assembly. I've sent an e-mail off to S&W asking about repairs. I'm the first owner and have proof of purchase. (We old guys save everything. )

Tom

 

[Dragon88]

How old is the 36? Smiths after the change to Model numbers are generally considered to be robust enough for light +P usage, even if they aren't rated as such. Damage after one round makes me think there was some other contributing factor.

 

[tguil]

Purchased new in December 1983. Maybe I still have a chance with S&W. Have to wait and see. The gun only has about 200 rounds (max) through it. Mostly wadcutters and a couple loads of CCI shot used to take out a prairie rattler a long, long time ago. Was checking it out as a back-up gun for my CCW class when I slipped in the .38 p+ by mistake. Didn't know it was a p+ until much later when I looked at the box (factory Winchester 158 gr.). Duh. Had be shooting the same ammo my Ruger .357 Speed Six (my 2 3/4 inch "tank") prior to the Model 36.

The 442 won't be an original "classic" but it will be OK.....I hope.

Tom

 

[Dragon88]

Was there a large buildup of carbon and lead in the chamber from the wadcutters?