M442 What do you think...

[cAlvis]

I am a big S & W fan but not real familiar with revolvers. I'm half-heartedly looking for a small revolver to carry. Is the link below a good price? Is the aluminum frame a good choice? Any advice is welcome.

Chad

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/56446

 

[cAlvis]

I am a big S & W fan but not real familiar with revolvers. I'm half-heartedly looking for a small revolver to carry. Is the link below a good price? Is the aluminum frame a good choice? Any advice is welcome.

Chad

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/56446

 

[Randyc]

I pocket carry a 442 as my on duty backup weapon. Great little revolver!

Randy

 

[Meeteetse]

I use mine as a pocket carry gun 90% of the time. It is a great little gun.

It does require a strong grip with +P loads. I've backed down a bit and find 125 gr. loads (non+P) are just fine. They may not be on any list of perfect stopping power loads but that has never concerned me.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by cAlvis:
I am a big S & W fan but not real familiar with revolvers. I'm half-heartedly looking for a small revolver to carry. Is the link below a good price? Is the aluminum frame a good choice? Any advice is welcome.

Chad

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/56446

As far as carry is concerned, I think the 442 or 642 represents the best compromise between materials, weight, power and price. I personally prefer the 642 due to corrosion resistance.

 

[allglock]

The 442 is my favorite! I pefer it because it is black. Never had a corrosion problem in about 15 years of summer carry.

 

[Farmer17]

That is a good price w/ free shipping and there is also a $30 rebate so I doubt if you will ever find a new one any cheaper.

 

[Bat Guano]

A dark 442 is the pick of the litter. Probably the most useful gun S&W has ever made and the the best life insurance policy money can buy.

OTOH I have only carried mine daily for 15 years now so these are early results.

 

[ClarkKent]

Mine's under my right arm at this moment, in a Hume JIT holster, which holds it tight against the body and perfectly positioned for a quick draw. I've fitted mine with a pair of Crimson Trace grips so's I can shoot from the hip if necessary. My favorite load is the CorBon DPX -- great terminal ballistics, and felt recoil is modest.

 

[Shooter Ready?]

I love the pair of 442's that I own. Great revolver. I also use a Don Hume JIT belt holster and can highly recommend it.

 

[cAlvis]

Thanks for the responses. I was pretty sure it was a great gun. (After all, it's a S & W wheel gun!) Now we just have to see if the pocket book can handle it...

 

[S&W Guy]

In my collection my 442 with Crimson Trace (got them from S&W with S&W logos on them versus CT) and my 686 are my two favorites. Also, put custom Herritt grips on the 686 making this one custom winner as well.

 

[JT]

442 ... Hands down favorite BUG.

 

[Dale53]

I am a 642 fan but the difference is just a matter of preference. These are seriously good pieces.

Pocket carry in a Mika pocket holster is the way I carry for all day comfort.

The little suckers are shootable, too!

Dale53

 

[safearm]

I carried a 642 as a department issued back up gun. Since I've retired, I now carry a 442 with Crimson Trace grips as my personal BUG every day. Both are great guns; you won't make a bad choice with either.

 

[MikeT]

Does anyone have a problem with either the Uncle Mike's or Crimson Trace grips for pocket carry? They seem bulky to me. I was thinking of replacing them with an old pair of J-frame service grips and a Tyler-T. Any suggestions?

By the way, if this is considered hijacking the thread, I apologize.

Mike

 

[safearm]

I carry my 442, w/CT grips, in my front pocket about 99% of the time. I'm an old and comfortable type, so I don't worry about not being able to conceal the outline of the gun, i.e., no tight jeans. Also, I always carry in a holster, either an Uncle Mike's or an Alessi Nemesis.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Originally posted by Farmer17:
That is a good price w/ free shipping and there is also a $30 rebate so I doubt if you will ever find a new one any cheaper.

Is the S&W rebate still going on, or is this another rebate?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Originally posted by MikeT:
Does anyone have a problem with either the Uncle Mike's or Crimson Trace grips for pocket carry? They seem bulky to me. I was thinking of replacing them with an old pair of J-frame service grips and a Tyler-T. Any suggestions?


Mike,

I have Crimson Trace as well as Laser Max grips for my J frame 432 and 642. Neither are perfect, but of the two, I prefer the Laser Max. Crimson Trace makes several different models, so make sure you are getting the boot style grips if you are going to use them for pocket carry. The Laser Max are boot cut style. I use either a Uncle Mike #3, or a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and they work very well in everything from shorts to dress pants, to Dockers, to jeans. If I'm not mistaken the Tyler T-grip adapter is for those with large hands. That's not me, so I've never had a need for them. Hope this helps.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[MikeT]

Dave,

That's a big help. Thanks. I hadn't thought to look at what Laser Max has to offer.

Mike