My S&W Model 642 (similar to the 442) has somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 rounds through it thus far, roughly 1/4 of that being +P. The center pin hole in the frame is starting to oval (egg) in shape, making the lock up a bit sloppy. However, it's still in time (not perfect but serviceable) and shoots fine.
The pin hole has egged out to the point that the back end of the cylinder is actually smacking off the bottom of the frame during the recoil impulse. Since it's now 'headspaceing' off the frame in this spot, I don't think the hole will continue to egg out in the frame beyond what has already occurred.
I am going to assume my theory is correct and keep on shooting it without worry... I have not observed any noticeable wear beyond what my pictures show in the few times I fired the gun since taking these pictures.
The good news is that there are plenty of good leather quality ankle holsters available used on Ebay. They were very common for the hammered revolvers. Not so much for the hammerless they get newer and pricey.I am thinking of getting another ankle holster so I can carry the 442 in my pocket and my 36 on my ankle.
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I have also been considering another J frame. Maybe a 642.
In a thread in the reloading forum I explained I am wanting to start with 38 special. One of the points that came up was that I want to build a good serviceable load for practicing with my 442. A point made is that smith and Wesson says they are plus p rated for the life of the gun. So on that note how many rounds has your 442 lasted? Have you run it with many plus p? Anyone worn one out? I admit other that running 15 rounds of commercial ammo through it to make sure it went bang I have them cleaned and carried it. Any one worn one out shooting it?
Buy a Smith 640 and stop worrying about +P.
Yes, it's nearly twice the price of a 442/642, but its trigger is better (than even the Performance Center guns), it's not alloy, and the extra 8 (or so) ounces soaks up +P FAR better than the alloy frames, the barrel is slightly longer, and with a Lyman Packmayr Diamond Pro Grip...it's the perfect recoil handling combination. (Highly recommend the grip even on the alloy frames )
It still doesn't make .357 Magnum fun...but it does make .38+P an non issue.
Maybe I should reconsider the used 640 at my local gun shop. They are asking about $650 for it. This weekend they are running all sales tax free so would save $39 and if I offer $575 they just might take it. I only have bought 4 guns there this year so they like me.
Well it is a good bit bigger and for bigger I think I would like a six shooter or even 7, but then I am into the 686 and that has got to be a lot bigger than the 640. Oh, and I was back in the gun shop and they want $775 for the 640, maybe it is new, not the one I remember from a couple weeks ago. I may as well carry my CA Bulldog 45 Colt!