[Glockedout17]

I just picked up a S&W 442 38 spl brand new for $375.95 out the door. I'm new to revolvers, i'm more of a semi auto and shotgun guy. I got this firearm for EDC. I'm just looking for info and experiences with these, are they any good? What should I do and what should I not do? Can it take 110gr HP reloads? I know some guns are picky so i'm just trying to find out so that there are'nt any surprises. Thanks in advance guys for any help. Al

[guyfromohio]

They are excellent guns. That trigger will smooth out in time, so don't be afraid to shoot it!

[barnett]

"are they any good" Yeah...they are. Put some CT overmold grips on it, and it might become your favorite weapon.

[btg3]

Practice. The 442 will perhaps have a heavier trigger than your other guns. Dry firing can help you maintain focus/steadiness on the front sight. (Laser grip can enhance dry fire practice.) For live fire, start close to your target so you are on paper and can see where you are hitting. Once you are grouping, increase the distance, speed, double-taps, etc. Check out the 642 thread.

Developing skill with a 642/442 is fun. If you get frustrated, by all means get some instruction to speed you along.

[SlamFire1]

I like the Centennial and Bodyguard Airweights. Not having a hammer to catch on clothing is a great idea for a pocket pistol.

Until Ruger introduced their shroudless 38, it was hard to get smaller than a S&W airweight in +P.

I recommend shooting easy loads in practice, use limited +P. I buy factory +P and that is what I carry.

My pistols shot way high with 158’s, high with 148’s, and shot to point of aim with 125’s. I called Smith and that was the current bullet weight regulation with the things.

For practice I would try a 125 Lead with 4.0 grains Bullseye. Green Dot works very well in the 38 Special case based on my tests.



S&W M637-2 2" barrel

158 LRN 3.5 grs Bullseye WSP Mixed cases
6-Apr-07 T = 48 °F

Ave Vel =679
Std Dev =16.48
ES 56.11
High 698.2
Low 642
N = 18

125 Lead BBRNFP 4.0 grs Bullseye Lot BE 532 Mixed cases CCI 500
6-Apr-07 T = 48 °F

Ave Vel = 763.9
Std Dev = 22
ES 78
High 806.5
Low 728.5
N = 15
Point aim OK

125 Lead BBRNFP 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 59 °F

Ave Vel = 760.4
Std Dev = 27.33
ES = 82.1
High = 798.9
Low = 716.8
N = 19


125 Lead BBRNFP 4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 64 °F
Ave Vel = 827.9
Std Dev = 23.21
ES = 92.27
High = 879.4
Low = 787.1
N = 20



125 Lead BBRNFP 4.5 grs Green Dot Lot 178 Mixed cases CCI 500
6-Apr-07 T = 48 °F

Ave Vel = 813.2
Std Dev = 44.55
ES 176.5
High 903.3
Low 726.8
N = 24
v. accurate at 7 yards, POI at 25 yards, little leading

125 Lead BBRNFP 5.0 grs Green Dot Lot 178 Mixed cases CCI 500
6-Apr-07 T = 48 °F

Ave Vel = 867.3
Std Dev = 57.54
ES 178.1
High 966
Low 787.8
N = 21
v.accurate at 7 yds, 1-2" above POI at 25 yards, more leading

125 JHP (W/W) 4.5 grs Green Dot Lot 178 Mixed cases CCI 500
6-Apr-07 T = 48 °F

Ave Vel = 760.4
Std Dev = 68
ES 56
High 205.1
Low 885.4
N = 13


125 JHP (W/W) 5.0 grs Green Dot Lot 178 Mixed cases CCI 500
6-Apr-07 T = 48 °F

Ave Vel = 808.9
Std Dev = 56.82
ES 95.46
High 914.2
Low 712.8
N = 20
25 yds accuracy OK, accurate POI @ 7 yds

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/SlamFire/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Pistols/M624CentennialAirweight.jpg

[wheelyfun66]

Once you get some practice in with it...
it will become your favorite weapon for Concealed carry.

My 340 M&P in a Remora holster= paradise!

I like many different loads...but my favorite .38 variety is the Buffalo Bore 158gr .38+P LSWCHP...those things hum along at nearly 1,000fps from a barrel under 2"....

Have fun getting used to it!

[X-Rap]

I just got a belly band that I intend to carry mine in when I am on the trail in my sweats.
I carried in the front pocket of my hoodie but was always worried it would bounce out. They are quite light and unnoticeable for the most part.
One of the best buys out there for the money.

[kayl]

The apex tactical spring kit makes the trigger noticably better :-)

[rayban]

You lucked out...considering you buy the gun THEN you ask if it's "any good"....well they are Great!

[DAdams]

If you ever plan on pocket carry check out the Mika Round (or square) Cut.
Inexpensive and a great way to carry a J Frame Centennial. Or you can use a DeSantis Nemesis. I have both and personally prefer the Mika.

There is a 642/442 thread that is in its third edition if you do a 642 search.

You can dry fire the heck out of these and smooth out the trigger. If you Google "snub nosed revolvers" or similar, you will find hundreds of article and the 642 is oft mentioned.

I have had one a few years now. The are a bit of a challenge to learn to shoot well but it can be done. It is a 7-10 yard shooter.

There are some "replica" loads that mimic the popular Speer Gold Dot for Short Barrel in Plus P 135 gr.

Keep your grip high and tight.

[btg3]

Green Dot works very well in the 38 Special case based on my tests.
Is the higher std dev of no concern?

[38Mike]

Get you a bag of A-Zoom snap caps and dry fire, dry fire, dry fire......

Also, if you don't care for the factory grips, there are a bunch of options for a J frame round butt; I've got Ahrends boot grips on my 442 ( purchased from Brownell's for around 60 bucks )

I've found PMC Bronze 130gr. FMJ ammo to be a good factory practice round for me; accurate and mild recoil...

You're really gonna like the 442.....

Mike

[smallbore]

Nice gun. I have the 642 model. Great for EDC. Did a lot of dry fire practice with it then moved on to live fire. After that, the last step was holster selection for pocket carry. The fun part was going through the ammo selection process. I keep it loaded with Hornady's (FTX).

[GEM]

They are great guns.

Try to see if you can come up with a snubby course to learn technique and there are some books and CDs out there. Claude Werner, Michael DeBethencourt. I took Claude's class - very, very worthwhile.

Try to compete in an IDPA match with it. Don't worry about winning - just do the trigger time.

Enjoy.

[bergmen]

She has a 642, I have the 442. Not only are these great carry guns, they are at the top of our list of fun guns to shoot as well. I throw mine into my range bag everytime I head to the range to shoot whatever.

Lightweight, easy and comfortable point-ability, smooth trigger, accurate, durable, inexpensive, just excellent guns. My 442 has the black anodized frame and coated cylinder so you don't have to worry about "fingerprint rust". A pocket holster works great for simple carry. I added extended grips to both of ours because I do not like a dangling pinky on any gun I own.

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/12832/2195079140053667879S600x600Q85.jpg

Dan

[Elmer]

You bought one of the most prolific guns ever made, and one that continues to be a top seller, even in these auto pistol times. It's a great combination of power, size, and ergonomics.

It's the "go to" small gun for every firearms instructor I know. I don't know any that don't own at least one. Some of the most famous 1911 guys out there, will usually have one in their pocket or on their ankle.

So yes, it's "any good"

[motorcycle-charlie]

it is hard to beat an airweight snub for going about your daily buisness. check out this website for practice drills, reloading techiuques, snubnose history ect. a ton of usefull info. and links from here. http://www.snubnose.info/

[ACP]

I've got two (no-lock models!!!) and trust my life to them. Practice a lot; I also recommend a Crimson Trace grip. Personally I would not shoot 110grs.; stick with the Speer Gold Dot 135-gr. +P

[ArchAngelCD]

I pocket carry a M442 daily and IMO it's a great carry revolver. It's usually loaded with 135gr Speer Short Barrel .38 +P ammo.

[SlamFire1]

Green Dot works very well in the 38 Special case based on my tests.

Is the higher std dev of no concern?

Not really, not of that magnitude. In comparison to Bullseye, which gives low SD's and ES's in pistol cartridges, Green Dot looks high. But it is not bad.

When the ES are in hundreds of fps, like my tests of Blue Dot in the 38 Special, then I worry.

Blue Dot is not appropriate in low pressure cartridges even though there is lots of data in Hercules manuals.


4" S&W M10-5


125 Valiant BBRNFP 4.0 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 59 °F Elevation at least 4" low Windage centered accurate

Ave Vel = 863.4
Std Dev = 30
ES 70.78
High 907.5
Low 836.7
N = 6




125 Valiant BBRNFP 4.5 grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 64 °F Elevation at least 4" low Windage centered accurate

Ave Vel = 945.6
Std Dev = 27.28
ES 75.21
High 995.2
Low 920
N = 6


125 Valiant BBRNFP 6.5 grs Blue Dot Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 64 °F Elevation Point of aim Windage centered accurate

Ave Vel = 734
Std Dev = 63.53
ES 260
High 829.6
Low 569.5
N = 18

125 Valiant BBRNFP 7.0 grs Blue Dot Mixed cases WSP
9-Apr-06 T = 64 °F Elevation Point of aim Windage centered accurate

Ave Vel = 788.2
Std Dev = 63.3
ES 241.3
High 926.7
Low 685.3
N = 12


125 Valiant BBRNFP 7.5 grs Blue Dot Mixed cases WSP
22-Apr-06 T = 68 °F Elevation low poor accuracy

Ave Vel = 867.3
Std Dev = 53.06
ES 235.6
High 959.7
Low 724.1
N = 25


125 Valiant BBRNFP 8.0 grs Blue Dot Mixed cases WSP
22-Apr-06 T = 68 °F Elevation all over the place very poor accuracy loud at times

Ave Vel = 990.2
Std Dev = 56.55
ES 236.1
High 1093
Low 857.5
N = 25

[Certaindeaf]

A warm 110gr will probably print low. They are usually regulated for 158gr standard velocity. You can file the front sight down to raise the poi if you're set on a certain load that hits low.

[Glockedout17]

Thanks for all the info guys. Real helpful, but I need to know whats wrong with the 110gr hornady xtps? Are they dangerous, will they wear out the gun? I have a bag of 50 and I won't be firing any until you guys let me know. I don't want to damagge the firearm, I love it too much!!

[motorcycle-charlie]

no danger. shoot em up. i had some too. they hit ok, but not exactly where i wanted them to. i swapped them out when i was able to locate some 135gr. Speer Short Barrel which is still hard to get.

[Glockedout17]

Ok thanks, I might go to the range tomorrow and do my initial carry test. Thanks for all the insite and replies guys. I'll give a range report with some photos in the near future.

[motorcycle-charlie]

good luck, be safe and have fun. put as many rounds down range as you can afford to so you give the 442 a fair shake. it will be quite different than the semiautos you are used to.

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

I've carried an older no-lock 642 for the past couple years. It replaced a 340pd which, at 11oz, was just too light and had ammo limitations as well as the internal lock. I've put a lot of rounds through the 642 and dry-fired it thousands of times. The trigger is now very nice--dry-firing definitely helps. My carry load is a handloaded version of the FBI load--4.7 gr. Unique/158 gr Speer LSWCHP. I get 815 fps out of the 642. I could go hotter but like being able to do some practice comfortably with my carry load. I've also got a light practice load--2.7gr Trailboss with the same bullet...only 600fps but both it and the first load hit close to point of aim at 7 yards and I can shoot the light load in the light gun all day without discomfort. I usually carry in a Milt Sparks pocket holster. You've got a great revolver for a great price....shoot it a lot....enjoy.

[ArchAngelCD]

I would suggest doing a lot of dry firing to improve your trigger control. Use snap caps. You not only improve your trigger control but like said above, your trigger will improve.

I carried a M642 for a few years and replaced it with a M442 when I gave the M642 to a family member.