First J frame

[Cleveland48]

This weekend was tax free weekend so I decided to stop by gun store after work, so I could look for a ccw gun. Found a 442-2 has the lock on it ,and I'm not to crazy about that. But gun felt good it was used with turn line on it but that is normal. Hasn't been carried a whole lot still has all the blueing on the muzzle. Overall I thought it was in great shape lock up was tight and trigger pull was very very smooth. Price was $379 I ended up getting it for $320. Hopefully I didn't pay too much cause I have no idea on the value of these, but I do really like the gun. Any opinions whether I got a good deal or not would be appreciated.

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[Shorty 45 MK2]

Congrats on your first J-frame!

If it's in good mechanical shape that's a good price. (At least around here.)

I have a 642 (the stainless version of your 442.) and it's a great little carry gun.

Just to warn you, they tend to multiply fast!

 

[Cleveland48]

Yeah I originally was thinking on the 642 I really like em. What's the difference between 442 and 642 anyways?

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[Isis1200L]

Congrats on your first J-frame!
Just to warn you, they tend to multiply fast!

+100 on what Shorty 45 MK2 said.
Once there is one J in the safe, it will send out signals to others,
and they will follow you home. You just wait and see!

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Yeah I originally was thinking on the 642 I really like em. What's the difference between 442 and 642 anyways?

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I believe the 642 has a stainless steel barrel and cylinder, where as the 442 has a carbon steel barrel and cylinder.

 

[Cleveland48]

Lol thanks gonna shoot it tm for sure if it don't rain. My other two wheel guns been needing a little friend

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[Cleveland48]

Is there any way to dispose of the lock? , or would that be a bad idea? I've never owned revolver with a lock. It would prolly be fine, but deep down a part of me worries it my tie the gun up on me.

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[Shorty 45 MK2]

You can get "the plug " from member Bullseye Smith that replaces the lock.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/accessories-misc-sale-trade/143299-fs-plug-new-add-please-read.html

 

[Waywatcher]

I think you got a good price.

I bought a new 442-1 (no lock) last spring and have put 350 rounds through mine. Mine doesn't show quite as much sign of being fired, so I would guess yours has a slightly higher round count than mine.

I am a big fan of the Hogue Tamer grips I put on mine, they cover the entire backstrap and add room for a pinky at the bottom. They run about $17. The grips on yours right now are Uncle Mikes (later Butler Creek) rubber grips designed by Craig Spegel. They are somewhat desirable. You could probably sell them for $20 if you wanted to.

 

[SC_Mike]

Excellent purchase.

I have de-locked several Ariweights and it's not hard. YouTube searches are easy. Not that I'm m recommending that ;7)

 

[ginzo]

Lock don't bother me, got my 1st this year (638) NIB 420 OTD. You got a good buy! Great pocket carry!!

My "other" wheel gun, I got this year also, is a Security six, 4" that I just love. Built in 1981, so it's definitely not NIB, but I'll bet it didn't have 100 rounds through it in it's life.

Congratulations.

 

[Nframeroundbutt629]

I have always admired the J frame snubbies. I would prefer something like this to one of the compact, plastic, semi autos for pocket carry any day. My Dad has carried a 642 for many years.

Is $320 a good deal? Absolutely. All that really matters is whether or not you are happy with it. Still, that's a good price.

Congrats!

 

[Cleveland48]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Gonna head off to shoot it here soon bought 100 rounds of federal 158 lrn to try out. Thanks for the lock removal advice also. I have no experience working on 're revolvers so might be awhile before I attempt that

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[bananaman]

Welcome to the Forum! I had only gotten my 1st J Frame in July. A Model 36. Prior to shooting my buddy's 442, I had never fired a J. You will probably get the urge for another Smith. It always happens. The 36 is fun to shoot.
I only have 1 lock gun. It is not for carry. I just ignore the fact that it is there. Enjoy your little J! Bob

 

[Cleveland48]

Well everything worked fine on the test shoot today. Shot at about 10 yards shot some very nice groups. Only ammo I had was federal 158 gr. LRN very controllable even rapid fire all stayed well inside kill zone on man targets. Came away quite impressed with the little gun. Only thing that irked me was the 158's shot about 1-2 inches right every group, but at the distance it would be relied on I guess that's nothing to worry about at bad breath range.

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[snubbyfan]

My 442 goes everywhere I go in one of my own homemade holsters.

 

[Cleveland48]

Nice I like the holster! Wish I could make one would of just saved me about 70 bucks I just sent for one Lol

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[Timberland]

I believe the 642 has a stainless steel barrel and cylinder, where as the 442 has a carbon steel barrel and cylinder.

Congrats on the 442. I too just picked up a new 442 Model called a Moon Clip. Its a .38 with a stainless cylinder thats anodized black.

Product: Model 442 Moon Clip

 

[snubbyfan]

Nice I like the holster! Wish I could make one would of just saved me about 70 bucks I just sent for one Lol

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That's one of the reasons I started making my own. I got myself a $20 hunk of leather and made a couple of holsters.
I had enough leather left to make a couple of multi-tool pouches that more than paid for the materials.
Now leather working's become a self sustaining hobby.

 

[ginzo]

I can't make stick people even if someone else drew an outline!