Early 442

[rwadley1]

I'm looking at this model 442. Given the old cylinder release I assume it is early, maybe from 1994 (since it is etched "airweight" on the side plate).

It is my understanding the early ones weren't rated for +p ammo. This isn't a real issue for me, but I am wondering what the consensus is, are they built with the same frames/cylinders/barrels as the later +p rated guns?

 

[ContinentalOp]

Frames and I think cylinders are different. The -1 and -2 models are built on the J-Magnum frame. The window is a little larger to accomodate .357 Magnum-sized cylinders, even though it's still a .38 Special (cost-cutting measure, I believe). I don't know offhand if the cylinder is magnum or special length.

The cylinder stop, the piece of the frame that keeps the cylinder from falling off when you open it, is a press-fit in the ND models (yours looks like this) and integral to the frame on the -1/-2. NDs have the pin at the top by the firing pin area, the -1/-2 don't.

The NDs used hammer-mounted firing pins while the -1/-2 uses frame-mounted firing pins. The NDs used forged steel components while the -1/-2 uses MIM components. The -1/-2 guns will be stamped "+P" on the barrel. And of course the different cylinder release latch.

That's all I can think of. FWIW, aside from the finish, my 642ND looks like your 442.

 

[jframejoey]

Great guns! Ive had three 442 no dashes, two nickeled and one blued like yours. Have one of each now as the first and better conditioned nickel one is with my LEO nephew.

 

[rwadley1]

Are the older 442s finished with the same coating as the later versions or are they anodized?

 

[ContinentalOp]

Are the older 442s finished with the same coating as the later versions or are they anodized?

Older ones are anodized.

 

[n3s2]

The grips of the ND and -1 are similar but not identical, the ND has a slotted grip screw and the -1 a torx #10.

The front sight of the ND is completely ramped. The -1 has a slight dropoff and then is ramped.

Is the pin under the muzzle reversed?

How are the finishes different?

Thanks

 

[MCorps0311]

I can't tell tie different in the old 442's and the 442-2 that I own just looking at the picture and mine. Well mine is a Airweight.