New Quality? (J-Frame)

[JayFramer]

Guys my Nevada CCW should be arriving within a month or so but I actually don’t have a carry gun at the moment. I used to carry a 642 several years ago but sold it. I’d like to carry a J-frame again.

Guys, how is current J-frame quality, durability, and reliability? I’m thinking about a 442 No-Lock.

Any comments are appreciated. I’ve heard some mixed things on current S&W quality and just want to get a feel for it before laying down cash for one. Thanks!

-Jay

 

[Cal44]

Smith and Wesson guns are still of good quality.

You always have a small chance of getting a Lemon, but other than that a modern 442 should serve you well.

 

[KSDrifter]

My new 442’s build quality was great, and it shoots where I point it. I mean the trigger pull was still crazy heavy, but I changed out the springs, shot it a bit, and now she’s great!

Enjoy!

 

[whitestang]

I have had a 442 Pro for 5 years now and shots great. I have had no problems with it at all.

 

[kaaskop49]

As the original "J-hound", I prolly have as many Js as anybody. I could count them, but I only have so many fingers and toes. They ALL work. You load 5 rounds and fire 5 rounds. Repeat as necessary. That's it. I would, however, examine the gun in the store before purchasing. S&W makes a lot of these and some poor quality appears on occasion. Various Forum members have reported on this. Good luck and good shooting!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[rwsmith]

The only problem that I know of....

...is that new steel guns have a new process for bluing that turns them plum colored if you use Hoppes 9 or any other ammonia based compound on it.

 

[Collo Rosso]

PSA had 360's on special for $499 and picked one up. The PVD coating is very even and very slick. Barrel is dead on straight. As I mentioned in another thread, I pulled the side plate for springs and polishing and it was spotlessly clean. Trigger was very smooth before I started and really didn't improve much, happy with that though. I did knock off a few pounds of DA trigger pull with the springs. I'm rather happy with it... even after touching off a cylinder of 357 magnum. At least I can say I did it.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I wouldn't hesitate to get one now (you know, if I had the funds...). I would inspect it carefully before purchasing, though.

One thing to keep in mind is that people are more likely to report when things go wrong than when things go right, so that has a tendency to skew the perception of quality.

 

[white cloud]

I bought a 640 Pro this summer. It had cylinder gap issues and went back to the mother ship. It is fine now and a nice revolver.

 

[old bear]

From my understanding, Q.C. can SOME Times be hit or miss. If I were to buy, I would make sure to closely inspect my purchase before I paid for it.
Hope you get a good one and enjoy having it.

 

[Ziggy2525]

I’ll be the grumbly curmudgeon. I’ve got a couple J’s. I had a 642 that the hammer pin broke on me. It was 4 years old with a 2000 rounds of standard pressure ammo through it. Sent it back to S&W under their lifetime service policy. They said it was normal wear and tear. Not covered. Wrote to their CEO to complain. Crickets. Now it’s a paper weight.

I’ve got another 642 that works fine. I’ve got a 640 Pro I had to send back that had head space issues (I think that’s the right term) with Speer ammo. S&W fixed it and it also works fine.

If I was going to buy another snub, I think I’d give an LCR or Charter Arms a shot instead of S&W. I like J-Frames, but not fixing the 642 took away any brand loyalty I had.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I’ll be the grumbly curmudgeon. I’ve got a couple J’s. I had a 642 that the hammer pin broke on me. It was 4 years old with a 2000 rounds of standard pressure ammo through it. Sent it back to S&W under their lifetime service policy. They said it was normal wear and tear. Not covered. Wrote to their CEO to complain. Crickets. Now it’s a paper weight.

That's weird. I had a 642-1 that broke it's hammer pin after ~1500 rounds and S&W replaced it under warranty, even reimbursed me for the NCIC fees.

So far my replacement 642-1 hasn't had any issues (*knocks on wood*) but I haven't shot it as much.

 

[hotshot357]

I bought one for my wife and one for me between 2015 & 2016. They both suffered from long ratchets. I had a them both fixed by Denny @ the Sand Burr Gun Ranch and they have been running like a swiss watch since.IMHO they are a "perfect" carry weapon. Buy one and you will be happy for the rest of your life!

 

[armorer951]

Lemon owner here......as the other members have said, be sure to inspect the potential purchase thoroughly before buying. The 442-1 "Pro Model" I puchased some years ago was anything but "pro".....basically a single shot revolver (long ratchets) and a canted barrel. No extra charge.

Unusable, brand new, right out of the box. Customer Service was a dismal failure.....twice.

 

[JayFramer]

Sorry to here about some of these issues, gang.

I’m still on the fence about them. I have a dandy holster and speed strip pouch but I”m just not feeling too confidedent in the new ones...

 

[rich5674]

360J and 442 Pro are Fine

360J and 2018 442 Pro are 100%. Tho the 442 with through the custom shop. I shoot that one quite a bit. Much with +p. I’d have no hesitation buying another new J frame. I’d love a 340 or 351

 

[M.Cunningham]

I just purchased this new two weeks ago. Model 340 J frame and the quality, fit and finish are very nice. I've been dry firing it a lot with snap caps and the trigger pull is better than my 642 was.

 

[mattallamerican]

i have 3 a ti337 642 637 no problems so far not many rounds fired so far quality seems good good fit and finish time and rounds down range will tell the rugers look tempting

 

[cbb]

Been carry a 642 in a pocket holster since 1996. Always works. Son bought a no lock 642 a few months ago and it is a solid piece. I have had some issues with S&W revolvers but Smith has fixed them all. Sometimes it takes multiple trips though. Usually 1.5 months per trip till you see it again though.
Might look great upon inspection but you really need to find out if there are issues at the range heating it up.

 

[MrMoose]

340 no-lock Daily Driver

Guys my Nevada CCW should be arriving within a month or so but I actually don’t have a carry gun at the moment. I used to carry a 642 several years ago but sold it. I’d like to carry a J-frame again.

Guys, how is current J-frame quality, durability, and reliability? I’m thinking about a 442 No-Lock.

Any comments are appreciated. I’ve heard some mixed things on current S&W quality and just want to get a feel for it before laying down cash for one. Thanks!

-Jay

Jay,
This one has been flawless for me since 2016. My decision was made as soon as I saw the nice night sight and U channel rear. Mas Ayoob has good things to say about his.

J-Frame in a Desantis Nemesis in the front pocket of cargo shorts is ridiculously easy to carry.

Good luck and let me/us know what you select.