S&W 442

FergusonTO35

FergusonTO35

Hunter
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
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2,420
City & State/Province
Boonesborough, KY
Hey guys. I'm in the market for a snub .38 and am strongly leaning toward the S&W 442. I've examined other options including the LCR and the 442 just feels right to me. It seems to conceal better for me and has more grip options. Anyone else like this gun? Any known trouble spots with them? I'm going to order the no frame lock version.
 
Buy it. You won't be sorry. My partner has a 638 for off duty and loves it! J frame Smiths are classic and theres so much you can do with them.....
:D
 
I have a 442, I think it is almost the perfect pocket gun. The only thing better is the 340pd, it is lighter because of the titanium cylinder, and it's rated for .357, but it cost over twice as much as the 442. Buy it you won't regret it. Ed
 
FergusonTO35 said:
Any pet loads for it?
Click to expand...

I carry Gold Dots, but my pet load is a 125gr that I cast and load with 3.6grs of 231. Mine has seen a goodly amount of these in it's life.
 
fergusonTO35.... the S&W Centennial series represent the very best pocket revolvers ever made. The Ruger plastic & steel 5-shots seem to have proven extremely hardy. My problem with the little Ruger is that these are an aesthetic abomination and, worse, don't shoot to point of aim (PoA).

I don't remember a J-frame Smith that didn't shoot to PoA, or damn close. The .38 Special in a J-frame with a descent bullet is a hell of a lot better than bare hands, or a dinky .380 or smaller. My preference over the years has been avoidance of exotic materials, sleeved barrels, etc. The S&W aluminum frame is the best for carry, especially with Uncle Mike's Boot Grip. The Uncle Mike's Bird Head grip works better on a .357 variant J-frame, such as the super sweet M-640.

Issuing from a two inch barrel, the .357 mag rather fills your ears inside a car or hallway.

Note: S&W describes its aluminum frame pistols as "scandium." Scandium is an alloy used in very low percentage in firearms grade aluminum by better makers. It is not the parent material; aluminum is.

Reckon I'm an instigator in a fair number of women and men carrying a J-frame Smith, most of 'em lightweight Centennials.
David Bradshaw
 
I carried a 442 for years until I found a crack in the frame under the barrel. Sent it to S&W and they replaced it, but in the meantime I found a 642 with a 2-1/2" barrel and liked it more than the 442, so that is what I am carrying now.

The .38 Special is fine for defense. I carry and recommend the 125 grain Hornady XTP bullet loaded to about 850 fps in that gun (6 grains of Universal). Shoots good, easy to control and I feel adequately armed with it. 8)
 
Went down to the fun store at lunch and they had a new no lock 642 under the glass so into layaway it went. After examining it some more I am really satisfied that this is the right snub .38 for me. The trigger pull is pretty good and it hides almost as well as my little Kel-Tec .32.

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I do like my 642-1, and it gets carried alot. Isn't very fussy about ammo, as good revolver should be. It does seem to shoot the Remington Green box 125 grn SJHP +P ammo very accurately, but it will sting your hand a little bit with it. The only thing I wish is if it had the ability to easily fit a night sight of some sort, or something other than a laser - but maybe that's what I'll do.

I'm planning to work up some loads with standard 158 grain cast LFN with it, next.
 
That particular load I used to shoot out of my SP-101 alot back when it was cheap. I was always impressed with how well the bullets expanded. I am planning to shoot only lead flat points out of my 642, I have them in 125, 140, and 158 grain flavors.
 
One of my favorite guns ever. Carry the 66 grain Ultramags in it for short range "die now" effectiveness. Lightweight and reliable.
 
my recommendation? get two! one in each pocket is a friendly feeling :D
I've found point of aim and impact match best with the old FBI load, of course everyone's different. My first J frame is a 642 with perfect finish and Craig Spegel cocobolo boots. Then I decided it was too pretty to put in and out of a pocket holster. So number two is a used 442 with a little honest wear. It goes everywhere with me even if the 1911 is on the hip. except this week while I'm in Chicago :evil:
good luck with it!
 
Sounds good. My pet .38 load is 5.8 grains of Accurate #5 under a 158 grain lead flat point. It actually slightly exceeds the FBI load in velocity but according to the data is a standard pressure load.
 
Just picked up a no lock 442 last week and love it. These are beautiful little guns. I saw several no locks in the case too?
 
Put an APEX Kit in your 642 and you're good to go. The Kit includes a slightly longer Firing Pin for increased ignition reliability and reduced power Mainspring and Trigger Rebound Spring. It's well worth the $25.

Best Regards,
ADP3
 
The 442/642 are great choices. My 442 gets carried more than my LCR even though both are great guns. The Remington R38S12 FBI load is a great performer when you can find it. Ayoob recommends that or the 135gr Gold Dot short bbl.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2012/06/remington-38-special-p-158-grain-lhp.html
 
Those 'Centennials' are cool. I have 4, two in .32 mag (2" & 3" - model 632) and two in 9mm (2" & 3" - model 940). :D
In .38 Spl I have a couple of model 38, air weight Bodyguards. :D
I'd like to find a set, stainless and air weight, of the .38 spl Centennials with 3" barrels. :shock:
Just a handy size and feel in my book.
Terry T
 
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