Model 442 BNIB

[Nighthawk74]

Hello all,

My local gun shop is running an in-store special for the S&W 442 for $369.99, brand new. That's the cheapest I have seen in any brick 'n mortar in my neck of the woods (I'm in CA, where ALL guns are generally more expensive than in most of the rest of the US).

Is this a good price? Should I jump on it. I like the looks and feel of it, and I like the idea of having an alternate carry piece to my M&P Shield in 9mm.

 

[CO_Kid]

Good price for a great gun

 

[S&W Fan]

Not being familiar enough with CA laws and regs I'd say that's a good price. Here in Colorado that's about what they're available for from shops after a bit of dealing (my preferred shop runs them usually at $402), add in tax plus the mandated $7 background check fee. Used versions sell for $350ish (especially if they're no lock models).

 

[Nighthawk74]

Yeah, this has the dreaded lawyer lock on it. I'll never use it, though.

 

[Mister X]

That's a good price, but the lock would be an absolute deal breaker for me, especially in the light j-frames. Even if you don't use it, there have been documented cases of spontaneous lock failures, particularly in the small light guns. If there is a no-lock version are available for the model you want(and there is no lock versions of the 442/642/340 M&P's) there is no reason to get one with the lock.

 

[kozmic]

Don't let the internal lock deter your purchase. I liken it to the emergency brake on an automatic car. There if you want it, if not....eh! Far more semi autos have failed in one way or another than 442 internal locks inadvertently locking on, yet quite a few folks carry semi autos! If it really bothers you it can be removed and plugged.

That is a very good price on one of the best new carry revolvers available (MHO, of course). I carry mine quite often (more so than my other J frames by far).

 

[UncleEd]

Just picked one up here in North Georgia for $369.95.

What I find interesting about its retail price point is it's about
$70 less than the Ruger LCR .38.

Looked at both and while I'm familiar with the LCR, decided on the Smith.

Some circumstances around the house exist for me that I like having the
option to lock it.

 

[Paper Maker]

I picked up a 442 about 10 days ago for $369 plus tax here in NC. Total came to $395 OTD. Really like the size of the revolver and it fits snugly in a LOBO enhanced pancake.

 

[Mister X]

Don't let the internal lock deter your purchase. I liken it to the emergency brake on an automatic car. There if you want it, if not....eh! Far more semi autos have failed in one way or another than 442 internal locks inadvertently locking on, yet quite a few folks carry semi autos! If it really bothers you it can be removed and plugged.

That is a very good price on one of the best new carry revolvers available (MHO, of course). I carry mine quite often (more so than my other J frames by far).

Why would someone get a 442 with the internal lock if you have no intent to use it when you can just as easily get one without it? And since no-lock 442's are available, removing and plugging it is not sensible and could prove to be a liability. Massad Ayoob » Blog Archive » INTERNAL GUN LOCKS

 

[buck460XVR]

And since no-lock 442's are available, removing and plugging it is not sensible and could prove to be a liability. Massad Ayoob » Blog Archive » INTERNAL GUN LOCKS

Yeah....that makes as much sense as the "use of handloaded SD/HD ammo will turn a good shoot into a murder rap" advice he's been handing out for almost 30 years. During which there still has been none......

Best not then have a trigger job done, bob your hammer or change sights/add a laser. Carrying concealed may mean you meant to trick someone into robbing you thus giving you the chance to shoot them. Better yet, don't go outside with a gun without wearing your tin-foil hat........

 

[Mister X]

Yeah....that makes as much sense as the "use of handloaded SD/HD ammo will turn a good shoot into a murder rap" advice he's been handing out for almost 30 years. During which there still has been none......

Best not then have a trigger job done, bob your hammer or change sights/add a laser. Carrying concealed may mean you meant to trick someone into robbing you thus giving you the chance to shoot them. Better yet, don't go outside with a gun without wearing your tin-foil hat........

Why focus on just the liability angle. In addition to Mas, several folks(such as Grant Cunningham and David Kenik) recommend avoiding the lock on a defense gun. Point was, why buy one with a lock if you won't use the lock or buy one with it and then remove it when no-lock versions are available for the same price?

 

[tinstarfirearms]

Nighthawk74,
As others have stated, that is a good price. I am an FFL here in Oklahoma and that is $17 off my cost for the same gun. Buy it and enjoy it.

Andrew

 

[629shooter]

That isn't a bad price at all. If you like revolvers, you need at least one J-Frame in your collection.

 

[629shooter]

Yeah, this has the dreaded lawyer lock on it. I'll never use it, though.

In CA, do all "new" S&W revolvers have to have the ILS, in order to be sold to "civilians?"

 

[Nighthawk74]

In CA, do all "new" S&W revolvers have to have the ILS, in order to be sold to "civilians?"

Hi 629shooter: Yes, I believe all revolvers that are offered for sale in CA must have that lock on it from S&W. Rugers, obviously, do not have or need to have it. I guess it's a S&W thing that doesn't apply to other revolvers. The CA DOJ holds S&W to it, though, and will not allow any new revolvers into the state for sale without it. [Shrugging my shoulders]. The CA DOJ Safe Handguns roster is the law of the land, and the Legislature here has made it very, very difficult for law-abiding citizens to obtain even revolvers without passing some arbitrarily - based criteria. Don't even get me started on the insanity that is the Safe Roster for handguns.

 

[A10]

My 442 was my EDC for several years. Always dependable, always comfodtable, always shoots to POA. You will not be disappointed. Ignore the lock, practice with it, and get used to the recoil. It barks a bit.

My current EDC iz a Sig 938. Holds more ammo and is a bit faster to reload. I never felt undergunned with my 442 though, and still carry it when I'm in the mood.

 

[whitestang]

Great little gun I bought a 442 Pro in February with tax and fees for $459. Due to the weather here I have only had it to the range once and it shot very well. Don't walk,run and buy it before someone else gets it.

 

[629shooter]

Hi 629shooter: Yes, I believe all revolvers that are offered for sale in CA must have that lock on it from S&W. Rugers, obviously, do not have or need to have it. I guess it's a S&W thing that doesn't apply to other revolvers. The CA DOJ holds S&W to it, though, and will not allow any new revolvers into the state for sale without it. [Shrugging my shoulders]. The CA DOJ Safe Handguns roster is the law of the land, and the Legislature here has made it very, very difficult for law-abiding citizens to obtain even revolvers without passing some arbitrarily - based criteria. Don't even get me started on the insanity that is the Safe Roster for handguns.

I thought that was the case. I just wasn't 100% sure.

Since that is the case, go out and get yourself that 442.

 

[Fchewy]

My lock has never "locked itself" even while shootin' Buffalo Bore ammo.

 

[Nighthawk74]

I think I'll pick this one up. Shot a friend's 642 last year and had fun with. Little mofo has some kick to it but don't remember it being unpleasant at all.

Thanks for your help, y'all!