Thoughts on the 442

[Cal44]

I have a somewhat unusual 442.

It's a no dash model manufactured in the first couple years after introduction.

Finished in satin Nickel. Looks like a 642 -- but nicer, IMHO.

 

[RETDOE]

Bought a 1st gen 442 when I graduated the academy in 1991 and it rode in a renegade ankle rig for 13 years. Became my primary off duty summer time carry in the pocket especially those triple digit days. After 28 years of more rounds then they designed it for and a couple classes I noticed a crack in the frame. S&W sent me a new 442 still W/O a lock (thank goodness they still make one) while waiting on S&W to send replacement (took 3 months) I bought a 940 mainly to take advantage of the cheap price of 9mm ammo and still have a Centennial Revolver to train with and carry while waiting. My first love is the 442 but I shoot it a lot less then the 940 but the 442 gets carried more.

 

[mrmike7189]

My 1st pistol was a 442 . Fond mermories! I currently carry a Glock 26, because it holds 10 rounds in same size gun as the 442, half the trigger pull weight (5.5lbs) and cheaper ammo for practice.($10 vs. $19) ...BUT
If you love revolvers?, you cannot go wrong with the 442 . imo
It is a fine firearm.

 

[gunny4053]

Well, I did the deed, picked up a 642-1 no lock, straight across trade with my Glock 27. I like the 27, but like the 26 better, so I kept the 26. It gets carried a lot, but as Summer heats up, the little 642 will reside in a pants pocket filled with Gold Dots. Easy to carry in a pair of shorts or even jeans, with no special holster required, although I have a couple on standby if needed. I'll get pics up tonight.

Cleaned, lubed, and ready to go. I even discovered I still have powder, primers, and bullets for her. The old Lee Loader is gonna be busy.

Pics as promised.

 

[roo_ster]

SW642 is good kit. I prefer the 638 because I can use SA fire out a ways past what you'd think a snubby can shoot.

 

[okiegtrider]

Well, I did the deed, picked up a 642-1 no lock, straight across trade with my Glock 27. I like the 27, but like the 26 better, so I kept the 26. It gets carried a lot, but as Summer heats up, the little 642 will reside in a pants pocket filled with Gold Dots. Easy to carry in a pair of shorts or even jeans, with no special holster required, although I have a couple on standby if needed. I'll get pics up tonight.

You are going to love that little gun and be asking yourself why you didn't have one long before now. Everyone needs a J frame Smith. Or two. Or three...

 

[.45mtngun]

Glad you found what you wanted! Found my 442-2 very slightly used many years ago and still carry it on occasion and practice with it every so often just to keep in tune with it. Dry fire will help to smooth up the action with proper lube inside. Mine came with the story of some guy bought it for his wife and she fired 2 cylinders worth and told him to get rid of it. Mine is very accurate with Speer 135+P Gold Dots. I have a cast bullet load I use for practice. I think speed strips work best for spare ammo. These shooters are more accurate than people give them credit for if you'll just take your time and work with them. Enjoy and let us know how it works out for you
Jim
Find some standard velocity loads to get used to the gun.

 

[roo_ster]

Find some standard velocity loads to get used to the gun.

target wadcutters for the win. have to use them for a while until i heal up.

 

[gunny4053]

I think I'm going to load up some Sierra 158gr jacketed soft points, not sure which powder just yet.

 

[28WheelGirl]

I just bought a 442-1 this summer because I got so excited that a new S&W didn't have the lock. I didn't even know that was possible! I'm not worried about rust in this dry desert country where I live and it is a great summer time pocket gun. I purchased it at a local gun shop and the two guys that work there also have one!

 

[Trooper Joe]

The 442 without the Hillary lock us a great gun. In the 60's, the Michigan State Police carried an alloy "Bodyguard" model with stainless steel cylinders, for back up and off duty. The newer 442 is a better gun with more advanced alloy and engineered features. I gave mine to my daughter when she retired from MSP after 31 years. Got to get that back from her since she carries a Glock 43 more often.

Trooper Joe

 

[gunny4053]

I called S&W the other day, mine was shipped in May of 2014, so newer than I originally thought, and no lock. I found a reloading supply place on line and picked up a 250 count bag of 158gr lead semi-wadcutters, which arrived yesterday. I need to pick up some more primers and a shell holder for the Lee hand primer, then I'm set. I've carried this in a Remora in my pocket from day one, and love it. Out on the Goldwing, I don't even notice it's there, nor does anyone else. Now if I can find the Bantum grips I have stashed, I'll be great.

 

[kaaskop49]

I just bought a 442-1 this summer because I got so excited that a new S&W didn't have the lock. I didn't even know that was possible! I'm not worried about rust in this dry desert country where I live and it is a great summer time pocket gun. I purchased it at a local gun shop and the two guys that work there also have one!

Used to be not uncommon decades ago (and more! ) for a person to empty his pockets at home and have a derringer amidst the penknife, keys and change. Now, if I'm correct, I think the 442/642 has taken over that role. I think even I would be surprised how many Centennial-style revolvers dwell in American pockets amidst the other personal items.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[rich5674]

target wadcutters for the win. have to use them for a while until i heal up.

I wouldn't feel under gunned compared to a 380 or 32

 

[Struckat]

I think my hand hurts at the mention of it. But they are good little revolvers. I have to have mine in steel as I can be recoil sensitive.

But the airweights keep calling me.

 

[rich5674]

Try try

I think my hand hurts at the mention of it. But they are good little revolvers. I have to have mine in steel as I can be recoil sensitive.

But the airweights keep calling me.

They are not bad with 38spl. Work up from target wad cutters. Work down from bigger to smaller grips.

 

[Classic29]

Much lighter than my Model 60. No spur to get hung up and I was even fortunate enough to find a matching Corona mask. What's not to like

 

[Fredo Batali]

I have two, one is my constant backup companion in a pocket holster, in my hip pocket. The other is NIB. Both are pre lock too. When one wears out, I have a replacement. BTW, the mate I carry with the M442 is a M640 +P+ when it's too hot to carry and hide a 1911 under a "T" shirt. Everyone should own one

De Oppresso Liber

 

[sheppard]

My 642 resides in my pants pocket frequently. Changed the factory grips for Pacmaers. To better control recoil I've been carrying 148 grain wadcutter ammo, makes shooting much more pleasant for this 79 year old. The 148 grain wadcutters have an excellent reputation as a defensive load.

 

[gr7070]

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

I used to own a silver Oldsmobile - a 642 if you will.