Model 442-1 my 1st J-Frame

[Old cop]

You might consider trying several at the range to see what works best for you controlling follow up shots. Try this: Shoot your gun empty as fast as possible, combat reload & repeat. Once you can keep all 10 rounds on a standard paper plate @ three, five & seven yards you've found your carry load.

 

[wagsfn]

Wow, I appreciate the insight and recommendations on carry ammo! Yes, nice to have this small package of accessories to start with. Other than a good cleaning I've yet to start experimenting with my HK-36 speedloader, a Mika Pocket holster and possibly different grips. Priority now is range trigger time in current stock configuration and pick up some quality snap caps to see if action changes (I'm ok the way it is currently). Thankfully I have plenty of on hand practice 38spl ammo and various +P to start with. Thx.

 

[wood714]

Maybe not the best round for a short barrel, but it's what I had laying around.

 

[snuf]

I've carried 148 gr wadcutters in my snubbies for many years. Don't think that anything that isn't +P has much of chance expanding from a 2" barrel. Also low recoil wadcutters allow for faster second shots.

 

[malph]

The Federal HST 130gr stuff looks promising. It's what I carry now.

There are some third party tests of the stuff online.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Maybe not the best round for a short barrel, but it's what I had laying around.

Don't kid yourself. Those perform very well in short barrels.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

the Remington 158gr. LHP +p (green and yellow box) expended from my snubbies (1.7/8" m.642 and 2" m.64) when fired into water jugs.

 

[haywood]

I carry Two 442s daily. Practice rounds are Federal American Eagle 130gr. Carry loads are the street proven Speer Gold Dot 135gr. 38+P . One in the pocket gets a Ace Case Friction Pocket Holster. The waistband gun gets a Crooked River Leather clip on holster. Rubber grips make practice at the Range a lot more comfortable.

 

[rubiranch]

My first J-frame. 1996 Model 640-1.

In fact this was the very first S&W I ever bought.



2nd J-frame. 1996 642-1.



3rd J-frame. 2017 60-14 Lady Smith .357 Magnum.

That's it for me. The 642-1 has been my EDC for about 6 years now. My brother carried it as a back up for years prior to his retirement and him gifting it to me.

 

[haywood]

Maybe not the best round for a short barrel, but it's what I had laying around.

I always run my mouth about the Street Proven Gold Dot but, my guess is, if you put most of the ammo where it's supposed to go, it will work.