Thoughts on the 442

[gunny4053]

I'm thinking about a new J frame, and the 442 looks pretty good. What are your experiences with them? The one I looked at lacked the Hilary Hole, so that's a plus already.

 

[joebuck]

I had one of the first ones that came out 20+ years ago. Great revolver. No issues ever and I ran that thing hard. Takes a bunch of practice to get good with it however.

 

[Lostaro]

Carry one on my ankle every day. To me it's the perfect CCW tool.
Light, small and reliable.
Sure it's not as easy to shoot as my larger revolvers but it's not hard to shoot.
When I can I carry a larger gun on my hip...but for concealment you'll find the 442 is a great weapon.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I always stayed a away from the lightweight J frames due to "perceived" increase in recoil. Walp, about four, five years ago I ran across a new 442 without the lock for a very reasonable price so I thought about time to try one out and bought it. Boy was my assumptions wrong, recoil was not all that bad and with it's "good for my eyes" sights and good trigger its a winner.

 

[haywood]

I carry a pair of 442’s most days. I’ve dry fired the actions until smooth. I installed grips for fit and comfort. I also painted the front sights so I can pick them up quickly. I’ve shot these guns since new. I’m no professional shooter but, I think I shoot them pretty good. They are comfortable and comforting at the same time. With one in my off hand front pocket and one at about 2M in the waist, they accessible to both hands. I practice with 130 grain FMJ. standard factory ammo and carry Speer Gold Dot 135 grain 38+P. I carry my reloads in speed strips in my right front pocket. There are speed loaders always around also. I love shooting these guns. I always was a Snub Gun nut. I have a couple other J-Frames but, the 442 has been my carry favorite for a very long time

 

[Valmet]

I own a few and there isn’t much to them, which is kinda the beauty of it. They take some real practice to be proficient IMO but they’re reliable little guns. I ccw one occasionally in the summer months.

 

[snubbyfan]

My everyday carry.
In this.


Hanging on this.


Right here.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Not a 442, but I've carried a 642-1 (the stainless steel version of the 442) as either a primary or BUG for most of the last 10 years. The airweight J-frames are great for concealed carry. Like any gun, they have their strengths and weaknesses. Just be aware of that, and plan/train accordingly.

They can be challenging for new shooters. But if you have some experience with handguns, it'll be a bit easier.

Recoil can be stiff, but if you start out with light loads, like 148gr WC, you should be all right. Aftermarket grips can help. When you get used to the lighter loads, you can try the stronger, +P loads if you want.

I'd also recommend getting a set or two of snap caps. My personal preference is A-Zoom. They come in handy for dry fire practice, which is important to developing good marksmanship skills. As you progress in your skills, you can also use them to practice reloading skills.

Personally, I think every handgun shooter should have at least one J-frame (the more, the merrier...). They're very handy for concealed carry. Even if you don't carry a gun, practicing with a J-frame can help make you a better shooter with other guns.

 

[Glashaus]

I have one, and it is the only lock S&W that I own. It is a very good Summer , shorts, carry gun here in Houston and is pretty much a regular item in my pocket in the hotter months although my Glock 26 is fast taking over Summer and all around duty.

 

[DRJ]

I have had several and never had the first problem. They do have a learning curve to shoot well but that will come quickly. I Carry a J-frame every day.

 

[buckshotshorty]

I have had a huge desire to own one, but have had difficulty finding one locally. My usual gun shop won’t even take a order for one.

I suspect that after the election guns might become a little easier to come by or people might go totally crazy and things could get worse. For right now, I’m fine with my Ruger LCR 327 mag.

 

[VictorLouis]

Quite simply, the 442/642 flat-out ROCKS. An always-gun, for sure.

 

[hogblue]

I have two 442’s and one 642. All no locks. Best BUG available with Gold Dot 135 grain short bbl 38 +p. Great for close in arms length work.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I’m the odd man here. I owned one and it was great to carry, accurate and reliable. But, I’m in my 70’s and have arthritis in my hands and wrists and found it punishing to shoot. I wound up going back to my 640 no dash (38spl only) and don’t regret getting rid of the 442. The few ounces more in the 640 made a huge difference in comfort shooting. If I didn’t have arthritis I’d probably have a 442.

 

[crazyphil]

I like, and have, the 642. Same gun except silver instead of blue. I know
LE guys who swear by the 442 for their bug, rather than the 642, because
the 642 is shiny.
Here's my 642 in an old Chic Gaylord speed scabbard.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

442-1 pro here. Great gun. Lightweight. And moonclipped.

 

[Tytan01]

I had a pocket holster made for a 442 I carried for a few years but then I moved to an open carry state and no longer CCW.

The little shooter was fine with regular 38 special but the +P ammo was not fun. For me, the purpose of a revolver is to hurt the other guy..not yourself.

But as others have noted, for CCW purposes, having it as a back up on the ankle is not a bad idea.

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I always stayed a away from the lightweight J frames due to "perceived" increase in recoil.

Actually, I had a 642 that I carried for a long time but even years ago I found the recoil obnoxious, never mind now with older hands. I happily parted with it. My EDC is generally a M649. I can't tell the difference in my pocket but I sure can tell the difference at the range.

 

[photoman]

Everyone needs at least one.

 

[Dougaz]

Rats .... I thought this was going to be a thread on the Olds 442 .... A very cool ride.