S&W 442 help me sort it out

[Daddyschatz]

As a new revolver owner, I have a new 442 airweight, I am have the trigger pull lightened and have added a crimson trace..I am seeing tons of model numbers, what does it all mean? what makes mine different from others that seem the same?

 

[photoman]

There are three basic versions of the J frame Smith & Wesson. The standard revolver with the hammer spur (Chief's Special), the Centennial (totally enclosed hammer like your 442) and the Bodyguard (has a shrouded hammer that can be cocked like the Chief's Special).

All of those versions are also available with lightweight frames of various materials. Your 442 is the Airweight (aluminum frame/steel cylinder and barrel) version of the Centennial.

 

[Florida Guy]

I've been looking at a 638 which has the shrouded hammer.
They're all nice. Just depends what your needs are.

 

[wnr700]

Essentially there are three classes of modern Jframes.

Scandiums... 12oz weight clas (models 340, 360 in .357caliber)
Airweights... 15oz weight class ( Models 442, 642,638,637, etc...)
Stainless Steel... 23oz weight class (Models 60,640,649)

There are also 50+ years of history covering other models discontinued and some reborn in the above versions. Calibers vary as well...

If (like me) you find your 442 frustrating and a not so enjoyable range gun, pick up a stainless Jframe or even in one Kframe and use it for a trainer. Those are my favorite class of snubbies.

Welcome to the world of snubbies. You are only scratching the surface. There is a whole 'nother universe of snubdom waiting for you in the K and L frame world.

 

[ray45]

Essentially there are three classes of modern Jframes.

Scandiums... 12oz weight clas (models 340, 360 in .357caliber)
Airweights... 15oz weight class ( Models 442, 642,638,637, etc...)
Stainless Steel... 23oz weight class (Models 60,640,649)

Some Scandium are Steel cylinders...... MP
Some Scandium are Titanium cylinders.....PD

 

[luangtom]

If (like me) you find your 442 frustrating and a not so enjoyable range gun, pick up a stainless Jframe or even in one Kframe and use it for a trainer.

This is a good recommendation to follow. I have a Model 640-1 that gets the most range-time for acclimating me to its size and features for the transition to those "shoot-a-little and carry-alot" J-frames that I have, the Model 340PD and M&P340.

 

[f2]

the Snubnose files, snubnose.info/library

 

[luis]

I always practice with a steel frame J and save my light weight for carry.