Moondancer
Member
Hi! Really new guy here. Gotta share my New Gun Day with someone who appreciates it (wife could care less except for the money spent).
First of all, let me start off by saying that I bought my first Smith in 1972, a Model 14. Since that time, I've not been without a Smith & Wesson until I need more money for down payment on a new house in mid-03. Unfortunately, I sold my 4" no-dash 686 to help fund the house. I've been without a Smith since then. Until tonite.
I've been thinking I needed a J-frame. I've owned K, N, & L frames, but never have I owned a J. After looking at the 340PD ($819 at my local gunstore) and the M&P 340 ($719) and the 442 ($499) I just couldn't justify spending $200 more for a .357 Magnum instead of a .38 Special for a BUG (or really light wear). I had a hard time getting over the ILS, but thought I could work with getting one after I read about the plug here on the S&W Forum. Then I read about the 442 Pro Series. No ILS and relieved for moonclips.
Hmm, says I. That sounds good. So last weekend I head in to the local gunstore to check for one. No joy. Regular 442, 642, 340s galore, no Pro Series. I ask about ordering one, they check with their distributor and say there's 13 available. Cool. Let's order one. Money up front, they say. Crap. I'm using expense money and I've got $250 with another $250 due on this week's check (today). I ask about putting 1/2 down and paying the rest on delivery / pick up. No dice. All up front. "I'll be back on the 13th."
Walk in tonite and just for grins and giggles, I check the Smith cabinet. What's that I spy? A 442 without a lock? I check the sku number. Sure enough, it's a 178401. Half an hour later, I'm on the way out the door with a brand-spanking new 442 Pro and a box of Fiocchi Extreme XTP +P 110 grain shells.
I'm a happy camper. No pic, as it looks just like any other 442.
Now, I need speed strips, speedloaders, new grips (I'm thinking Grashorn Sambar Stag), Tyler T-grip adapter, holster, and of course, more ammo. I can't wait to get to the range!
Well, thanks fer listening. Like I said, the wife just doesn't care, and my shootin' buddies all live an hour away.
(ETA to correct Model Number of what I bought.)
First of all, let me start off by saying that I bought my first Smith in 1972, a Model 14. Since that time, I've not been without a Smith & Wesson until I need more money for down payment on a new house in mid-03. Unfortunately, I sold my 4" no-dash 686 to help fund the house. I've been without a Smith since then. Until tonite.
I've been thinking I needed a J-frame. I've owned K, N, & L frames, but never have I owned a J. After looking at the 340PD ($819 at my local gunstore) and the M&P 340 ($719) and the 442 ($499) I just couldn't justify spending $200 more for a .357 Magnum instead of a .38 Special for a BUG (or really light wear). I had a hard time getting over the ILS, but thought I could work with getting one after I read about the plug here on the S&W Forum. Then I read about the 442 Pro Series. No ILS and relieved for moonclips.
Hmm, says I. That sounds good. So last weekend I head in to the local gunstore to check for one. No joy. Regular 442, 642, 340s galore, no Pro Series. I ask about ordering one, they check with their distributor and say there's 13 available. Cool. Let's order one. Money up front, they say. Crap. I'm using expense money and I've got $250 with another $250 due on this week's check (today). I ask about putting 1/2 down and paying the rest on delivery / pick up. No dice. All up front. "I'll be back on the 13th."
Walk in tonite and just for grins and giggles, I check the Smith cabinet. What's that I spy? A 442 without a lock? I check the sku number. Sure enough, it's a 178401. Half an hour later, I'm on the way out the door with a brand-spanking new 442 Pro and a box of Fiocchi Extreme XTP +P 110 grain shells.
I'm a happy camper. No pic, as it looks just like any other 442.
Now, I need speed strips, speedloaders, new grips (I'm thinking Grashorn Sambar Stag), Tyler T-grip adapter, holster, and of course, more ammo. I can't wait to get to the range!
Well, thanks fer listening. Like I said, the wife just doesn't care, and my shootin' buddies all live an hour away.
(ETA to correct Model Number of what I bought.)
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