Grabbed a new 442

[gunny4053]

After a not so happy search a while back, I decided to take another look at what the local shops had to offer. Since one shop took care of me before, I figured "why not give them the first shot". As it turns out, my choice was well guided. I was actually looking at adding another H&K to the herd, but while looking around their display cases, I found a new 442 (no-lock). After some touchy-feely time with it, I decided there was no time like the present and brought it home. I ask the guy at the counter if he had another in the back and he told me that was the only one they had and I was the only one to have looked at it as they had just put it out. Timing is everything, I guess. If I had a complaint, it would be the mark in the finish from the ejector rod. The end wasn't smoothed after it was machined, so the finish has a bare mark along its path to the latch. The upside is I don't care. It would have happened over time and use anyway, and the application of some fine sandpaper to the end of the rod and some polishing has everything nice and smooth.

Now, I'm on the hunt for a good holster. I'm thinking a nice leather speed scabbard or maybe a Don Hume JIT slide would do just fine. I've got a couple speed strips ready to drop in my pocket, and plan on loading up some SWC for practice. Somewhere in my stash I have some Gold Dots for carry.

 

[Eric300]

Congratulations on the new 442. Prediction....Yer gonna like it! Great little LW .38. I've had mine since the mid 90's. It doesn't get shot much, though. I just carry it in my pants pocket in a cordura nylon holster.

 

[kaaskop49]

Double congrats on your new 442. You are now the proud owner of one of the finest pure carry pieces available. Glad to read you know what to do about ammunition for your gun; the SWCs you handload yourself are also a good choice for carry. I also pocket carry a Centennial similar to yours, being forced to do so by surgery. Use your 442 in good health.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[shovelmike]

Congratulations

Enjoy that 442, I carry mine in a DeSantis pocket holster when in formal clothing, casual days call for an outside waistband leather holster (couldn't tolerate IWB). So small and light I almost forget I'm carrying.

 

[AppStFan]

Congrats on your 442. Still one of the finest EDC guns ever made.

 

[scruffy]

Great EDC piece. Do this with it and you'll forget all about minor cosmetic imperfections.

[/IMG]

 

[FLJoe]

I have the 642 and absolutely love it. It's with me all day, every day, usually in a DeSantis pocket holster, but other times in a 1791 Gunleather OWB pancake. I shoot it every chance I get and it never gets old. It's a great little gun that I intend to have forever.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

My little 638 goes everywhere with me in a nemesis or Mika holster in the right front pocket. Hks on stand by in the cargo pocket

 

[gunny4053]

For now I've got it in a Stcky holster, but I ordered a holster from 1791. I've used them in the past and kinda spaced them on this one since I mainly used them for the bottom feeders. Never really looked at them for revolvers, FLJoe, thanks for the reminder.

Finally found a shop with primers, but they only sell them in packs of 1,000, so I'll have to wait until my allowance comes in. I checked and have plenty of brass clean and available along with about 250 158gr SWC's. I'm hoping to get some loading done tomorrow so I can shoot this weekend.

 

[Baxter6551]

You are gonna like it ! I recieved mine as S&W warranty replacement for my early pre plus P that developed a frame crack. Requested the black finish instead of stainless.
May I suggest Kramer leather ? I also use my old DeSantis speed scabbard.
First and last pic are of 642 frame crack as an FYI.

 

[Valmet]

Despite all of the pocket rockets out there on the market today, it's hard to beat an Airweight, congrats on the new acquisition.

 

[jeeps]

5 for sure and get off me protection standard that never gets old even today. And yes to swc 158grain for everything.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

You are gonna like it ! I recieved mine as S&W warranty replacement for my early pre plus P that developed a frame crack. Requested the black finish instead of stainless.
May I suggest Kramer leather ? I also use my old DeSantis speed scabbard.
First and last pic are of 642 frame crack as an FYI.

Suggest Kramer all you want! I've got 4 of em!! Best holster I've ever had for sure

 

[gunny4053]

I agree on the quality of the Kramer holsters. I have two for my Glock pistols and they are amazing. For the 442, I didn't have the funds nor the patience to wait, but mostly the lack of patience. This will most likely be on my hip when out on the motorcycle this Summer, so a decent holster was an immediate need and the offerings from 1791 are good, heavy-duty holsters. Who knows, maybe a Kramer will show up in the classifieds on down the road, but for now I'm covered.

On another note, Baxter, how do you like those G10 grips? I've always thought they looked really good but wondered how much the recoil would beat your hands up in such a light gun.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I put a watch reminder on the big E auction site for Kramer and I get hits all the time. Won my 686 Thomas perfectionist brand new for 120.00. Currently having a 5 inch Thomas made (4 mo wait) and it cost me 180! I'd love a Kramer J frame pocket holster and ditch the Mika and nemesis

 

[Baxter6551]

Gunny. Those are the VZ grips and I like them just fine. No clothing snag and shoot well. I don't have issue with recoil.
There was someone selling Kramer factory seconds several years ago on EBay and I picked some up from them (nephew of Kramer I heard ??). I have also managed to score several at good prices from either gun shows, gun broker or E bay and also used bins at some LGS. The pocket holster in the other post cost $7. I think the Glock 42 was like $35. A friend gave me the little Seecamp paddle holster. Out of all that I have I only ordered two of them new.
I tell people the Kramer horsehide wears like iron and gun almost clicks in like kydex. I have not had one loose retention at all. And I'm like others here who have the big box of holsters that didn't quite work for one reason or another. Wish I put all that money into Kramer (or Milt Sparks).

 

[44MOshooter]

Congrats on the 442!
S&W has some nice airlites, I picked up a 642 a few years ago when prices were ridiculously cheap.
I couldn't turn it down, I found it new for 299.00 and had 50.00 S&W rebate.

 

[C Islander]

Lots of carry miles and lots of range time!

 

[gunny4053]

Well, I feel sheepish! I wanted to start reloading today, but Murphy stepped right in.......twice. I thought I had .38 brass in the tumbler ready to go, wrong brass, it was full of 10mm. Grabbed a bunch of .38 brass and got that going now. Checked my reloading box and I've got primers, got powder, got case lube, got my little LEE loader set, now all I need are those SWC's. They are missing in action although I do have a box of 158gr Sierra JSP, so I'm not completely stuck.

I loaded up 5 with JSP over 5gr of SR4756 to see where I am with a load for beating the hillside and punching paper. I'll test those tomorrow, and if they're good, I can finally finish off the can of SR4756 I've had forever.

1791 sent me a note that my holster is on the way. I must admit though, the Sticky has done well, riding in my pocket all day. Why I ever got rid of the J frames I had before is beyond me, they just carry so easily. I guess you have to get older to learn.

 

[heeter3]

You'll like that 442 gunny4053 I've had one since 1995 when I worked dicks and although theres not much black left on it and it's shiney in several spots it never ceases to amaze me both in ease of carry and accuracy...the darned thing just wont let me miss no matter how hard I might try.