My first J-frame... Model 442.

[PHATSPEED7x]

I stop into my local gun shop, and saw he got a bunch of new revolvers in. I was drooling over the 340PD (I will have one in the collection someday), when I noticed the 442 next to it. I asked the sales person if I could take a look at it. Not knowing much about the gun I asked several questions. Learned that it was the blued version of the 642 centennial airweight. Felt great in my hand. I looked at the price tag, and was a little shocked... $379.99. I didn't know you could get a brand new S&W revolver for less than $400. I asked how many of these little guns he had on hand. He said he only was able to get 2 of the 442. I told him I would think about it. I walked out to my truck and sat on the tailgate. Went to the smith and wesson's website, and read up on the 442. Watch a few youtube videos on the gun. Took me all about 15 minutes. I walked back inside, and said I would take it! Filled out the paperwork, and brought it home. Cleaned it up real good, and dry fired it a few times. The factory trigger is decent, and from what I've read it will smooth out with firing. Coming from the LCR (which in my opinion has the best out of box DAO trigger of any revolver) this revolver is more concealable. I like it.

 

[snubbyfan]

My 442 is my daily companion, either in my pocket or on my belt.

 

[kaaskop49]

Stick with the 442. You seem to really like it. I remember when the first 442 hit our LGS in 93. Everyone was raving about it: it had all the desired features of the long out-of-print Centennial Airweight 42 without the grip safety, and included the very good UM boot grip. Didn't stay long in the case either.

Learn to shoot it well and it should fill all your self-defense requirements. Good shooting.

 

[BigBlueSix]

Love my 442! I am sure you will, too.

 

[scruffy]

Congrats on a great gun. My no-lock 442 has been my every day carry for the last two years. Reliable, accurate, easy to conceal and maintain. Still looks new. It is a keeper.

 

[shouldazagged]

I feel fairly safe in saying the 442 won't be your last J-frame. People seem to find them addictive.

 

[Macinaw]

Like a fellow forum member said:

If you get enough of them they stack up like plates in your safe.

Or something like that??

 

[morich53]

I'm known to do stuff backwards...my nature I guess. My first purchase was a model 28-2 Hwy Patrol.
Just recently I got my first J frame, 442. I really like the way in conceals and feels good in the hand as well. When this weather clears, I'm headed to the range and see how it performs.

 

[PHATSPEED7x]

I'm known to do stuff backwards...my nature I guess. My first purchase was a model 28-2 Hwy Patrol.
Just recently I got my first J frame, 442. I really like the way in conceals and feels good in the hand as well. When this weather clears, I'm headed to the range and see how it performs.

Make sure to post a range report. I hopefully will shoot mine tonight after work.

Sent from a NSA phone

 

[trukreltrog]

Congrats, sweet little guns. Only advice I have, is watch that little pin on the under lug. Mine popped out while shooting,,,

 

[eveled]

The 442 is in my opinion the nicest of the j frame variants. Mine is in my pocket as I type this, in a MIKA's pocket holster. Ed

 

[Jlduke]

Here's mine dressed up in Altamonts. It's a bit uncomfortable to shoot but its great to carry. I have a nice OWB holster from Wright Leather Works that conceals pretty good. I think the 442 is a neat little gun.

 

[AMC29]

Congrats on your 442. Check out Apex Tactical as well. They make a spring kit which lowers the trigger pull from over 12 lbs to a smooth 9 lbs.

https://apextactical.com/store/product-info.php?pid49.html

 

[shawn mccarver]

Congrats, sweet little guns. Only advice I have, is watch that little pin on the under lug. Mine popped out while shooting,,,

This is very rare indeed. In 40+ years, I have never had it happen to any Smith & Wesson. I saw a few posts on this not too long ago, and I think they got some slightly undersized pins. Normally, that pin just does not walk out if everything is in spec.

 

[kaaskop49]

Attn: shawn mccarver/ macinaw

Hey shawn, thanks for the 'like.' Re that 'lug' pin, in my original 637, that pin would work its way a smidge (maybe 1/2 millimeter) out when firing. No big deal (or is it?), I'd simply push it back in gently using a brass tap.

Hey macinaw! That was my comment about learning how to stack Js in the safe, but I can't recall my exact words. Appreciate you recognizing me!

Everyone have a good holiday and keep writing your legislators!

Kaaskop49

 

[OIF2]

Here's a 442 that's been around awhile. It does daily carry duty, along with a 649 stainless.
Bob

 

[Jlduke]

Here's a 442 that's been around awhile. It does daily carry duty, along with a 649 stainless.
Bob

Love those grips

 

[kaaskop49]

att: jlduke

If your 442 is uncomfy to shoot, check out the Store on the S&W website. They make a rubber near-duplicate of your grips that does much to alleviate the "J-bite." They do for me on the range. They may 'fit your pistol' since you already prefer this style.

 

[Jlduke]

If your 442 is uncomfy to shoot, check out the Store on the S&W website. They make a rubber near-duplicate of your grips that does much to alleviate the "J-bite." They do for me on the range. They may 'fit your pistol' since you already prefer this style.

I'll check it out. Thanks

 

[PHATSPEED7x]

I did put about 20 rounds though it last night. Not as soft shooting as my LCR, but still a very nice carry weapon. Haven't decided if I'm going to put different grips on it. I like the size of the factory one, and it makes it easy to conceal.

Here is a picture of it next to it's big brother the governor...