Smith & Wesson Model 442

Navy1969

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Is the S&W 442 the ideal CCW weapon for defense on the streets for a revolver? It seems light, highly concealable, and (5) .38 shots is sufficient for stopping capacity. What do you think? I am planning to buy one and want to know your thoughts.
 
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It's a nice revolver. Small, light, concealable and reasonably priced. It's a bit snappy shooting regular .38 special with the factory boot grip. I carry it as my concealed back up truck gun. If I were to use a J-frame as an EDC I would probably pick a steel version such as the 36 or 60. The weight difference between steel and the aluminum alloy don't outweigh the difference in the comfort of shooting the heavier steel J's IMO. The Ruger LCR is also another fine alloy option in a small revolver.
 
Is the S&W 442 the ideal CCW weapon for defense on the streets for a revolver? It seems light, highly concealable, and (5) .38 shots is sufficient for stopping capacity. What do you think? I am planning to buy one and want to know your thoughts.
For the price, they are hard to beat. You have to decide whether or not 38 Special is "enough." You have to have confidence in what you carry.

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Welcome to the Forum...

The 442 is light enough for the pocket, which I personally don't find to be the case for the steel J-frames. Recoil is a little stiffer (physics dictates that), but not unbearable. There's a wide variety of loadings that allow you to adjust that part to your tastes.

Quite a few threads (currently and recently and just about forever) about whether the 5-shot .38 is "enough" gun for CCW. That's something only you can decide. For me, the answer is generally "yes". There are times where I carry more gun, but for most of my daily life, it's plenty.
 
Light and small enough to be worn IWB, OWB, in a pants pocket, a vest or coat pocket, a belly band, a shoulder holster, an ankle holster, and so on and so on...

Large enough caliber for excellent defensive work, especially with good hollow points.

Small enough to make it difficult to take in close quarters, and sans slide, so it can be fired in contact with the target without out-of-battery concerns.

You can change the grips to change the way it conceals, the way it feels in your hand, the way it aims for you, and the way it looks, and any combination thereof.

Closed hammer design = less crud in the works, less maintenance, faster/smoother draw, and no chance of being accused of cocking a hammer.

Revolvers go bang every time. Not infallible, but as reliable as a machine can get.

There is no safety to fumble with, no decocker, no hammer you can touch - point and shoot are the only options under high stress.

For me, those factors plus routine training make this size revolver an excellent compromise (and all handguns are compromises). Whether those factors plus (or minus) the five round capacity make it a good fit for you, only you'll be able to decide. Lots of people feel five-for-sure is plenty in their hands. Maybe give one a try at a local range, compare it to a steel framed revolver and some others, and see what you think?

The good news is, you're not limited to one firearm per lifetime... the bad news is, j-frames are addictive. :D
 
The little 2" snubby is perfect for EDC. In .38 cal, it will eliminate the threat out to 15 yds without a sweat. Anything over 15-20 yds is not defensive shooting; it is offensive shooting. At that yardage you have plenty of time to take cover. Don't think you will take down the bad guy with an AK hell bent on killing everything in sight. Take cover; hide. The mugger, however, will be within that 15 yard space and you can do what you have to.
 
I'd suggest you shoot one first before you buy. Lightweight J frames are difficult to learn to shoot, they need lots of practice.

I went with a steel 649 and enjoy range practice with it. I don't avoid carrying because of the added couple of ounces.
 
It is difficult to beat a J-frame. The 442 is just one of many options that is quite good. To each his own as far as recoil, weight, laser, no-laser, 38, or 357. Carry what you are comfortable with that meets your need. One of the best things about J-frames is they have been so popular for so long you have about every option of grip and holster you can think of: shoulder, ankle, belt, IWB, belly, or pocket. 442 is a good choice. Good luck and always carry a reload.
 
I'd carry a .38 SPL over a .380ACP. With +P ammo, it's a formidable defense weapon. I own a 442 (gave it my wife), and she can handle it just fine. I stepped it up a little, with a 640 (.357 Magnum), also with boot grips, and while it's a handful of abuse, it's not unbearable. Lets just say, it's going to hurt the bad guy, more than it hurts me! :cool:
 
Youre in California where the climate is warm and people dont tend to wear anything heavier than a parka.
The right ammo shouldnt be a problem regarding penetration with the 38.
As with any firearm, practice practice practice.
Practice those reloads too. I carry 6 on a speed strip because i always drop one reloading.
You live pretty close to the sierra nevada so i would think you would need a woods gun too? Maybe a steel j frame Model 60 would suit your dual needs
 
I have an original 442 no dash in Satin Nickel that is my EDC summer gun. It wears S&W j frame factory banana grips and still fits just fine in my front pocket and helps in controlling recoil too. My son inherited the 042 with the rubber uncle mike grips.
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It's a nice revolver. Small, light, concealable and reasonably priced. It's a bit snappy shooting regular .38 special with the factory boot grip. I carry it as my concealed back up truck gun. If I were to use a J-frame as an EDC I would probably pick a steel version such as the 36 or 60. The weight difference between steel and the aluminum alloy don't outweigh the difference in the comfort of shooting the heavier steel J's IMO. The Ruger LCR is also another fine alloy option in a small revolver.

Take a look at the 640 in .38 Special. (I'm not into .357 Magnum in a J-frame, but the 640-1 is a Magnum if that floats your boat. You can always shoot .38 Special +P in it.) The 640 .38 weighs 21 ounces, not too heavy ro carry, and has the same concealed-hammer configuration as the 442. Much more comfortable to shoot.
 
The 442 is a great carry gun! I use one for the summer months, it fits well in shorts or jean front pockets. Once it gets cooler in Houston I switch to shoulder holsters or IWB or OWB and a variety of larger handguns.
 
The 442 is my favorite pocket gun. I carry one every day. With practice I've become very confident with it. I also carry one AIWB quit offten. I have a few Snubs for waist band duty. In addition I couldn't agree more with most of the comments above and believe everyone needs at least one J-Frame
 

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It's a nice revolver. Small, light, concealable and reasonably priced. It's a bit snappy shooting regular .38 special with the factory boot grip. I carry it as my concealed back up truck gun. If I were to use a J-frame as an EDC I would probably pick a steel version such as the 36 or 60. The weight difference between steel and the aluminum alloy don't outweigh the difference in the comfort of shooting the heavier steel J's IMO. The Ruger LCR is also another fine alloy option in a small revolver.

I have been shooting the S&W Shield 9mm which is really a fine gun. So, am waivering between the 442 & 642. The 640 is 200.00 more but a powerful 357 and 38 option. I definitely want a firm, comfortable grip and enough metal weight for recoil.
 
Take a look at the 640 in .38 Special. (I'm not into .357 Magnum in a J-frame, but the 640-1 is a Magnum if that floats your boat. You can always shoot .38 Special +P in it.) The 640 .38 weighs 21 ounces, not too heavy ro carry, and has the same concealed-hammer configuration as the 442. Much more comfortable to shoot.

Thanks for your comments on the 640. I would have to justify the 200.00 extra in cash but seems very worth it. I took a look at the 640, which seems to have enough weight to take recoil and 357 is plenty of man-stopping power with one shot compared to 2-3 shots of the .38.
 
I presently have a model 637. I hope to buy another model 60, but I carry a semi-auto and have one by the bed.
 
It's a good choice but is far from "ideal." Small, light, reliable, but also has a really heavy trigger pull, short sight radius, 5-shot capacity, and is pretty snappy even with standard .38 special loads. I don't know if there is an "ideal" CCW weapon. All have advantages and disadvantages; and some have more disadvantages than others.

I have a 442 and 642 and rarely carry either anymore, not because they aren't good guns but there are better options out there. It all boils down to what you want; if the 442 meets those needs then go for it.
 
I have been shooting the S&W Shield 9mm which is really a fine gun. So, am waivering between the 442 & 642. The 640 is 200.00 more but a powerful 357 and 38 option. I definitely want a firm, comfortable grip and enough metal weight for recoil.

Recoil on the 442 can be stiff with full power +P .38 Specials.
I shoot a lot so I am kind of used to it, but I know that it can be right annoying to some. I am carrying my 442 with Hornady 90 gr hollow point .38 Specials. I figure that carrying the 442 is better then nothing at all. It is just about time to switch to my G23 or S&W M19 or others now that cooler weather is almost here. Shooting .357 magnum in a 2 1/2 M19 isn't exactly the most pleasant thing either although the Altamont boot grips have helped immensely!
 
I have a 642 which is the same as 442 except silver instead of black.
It's a great little gun. 5 should be enough in most circumstances.
I think I read where civilians in SD shootings use and average of 2.7
shots.
David faced Goliath with only 5 pebbles in his pouch and only needed to
use one. I have a Ruger LCR and the trigger right out of the box is
great. The S&W needs a pistol smith or 1000 rounds to smooth it out.
Whichever one you choose be sure to practice a lot. I have killed large
black bear with .38 Spl. so I know it's enough if you are accurate enough.
 
I pondered much the same stuff and went with a 640. I found a very gently used pre-lock on Gunbroker for about the same price as a new 442. I just happened across too many stories of failures requiring replacement of the whole gun in the lightweight models to feel good about buying one, although it was looking at those same lightweights that first got me thinking about J Frame snubbies. I guess I just like stainless steel guns far more than alloys that feel like pot metal in my hand.

Also, in fairness, I'm sure there are many happy campers who have never had a problem with a lightweight. Like the crown problems and the crooked/canted barrel problems we all hear about, only a vocal minority are motivated to complain about their new guns on forums and on endless youTube rants. You never really know how many have exactly the same models and never experience a problem. By and large, those people just tend to remain quiet...
 
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Is the S&W 442 the ideal CCW weapon for defense on the streets for a revolver? It seems light, highly concealable, and (5) .38 shots is sufficient for stopping capacity. What do you think? I am planning to buy one and want to know your thoughts.

YES.

I've carried mine in the pocket of my swim trunks on occasion. It's a viable go anywhere, anytime option. While I do not think they are the first handgun anyone should own, if your an accomplished DA shooter, they can and will become your constant companion.
 

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