S&W 442, not +P rated, advice

[dukefan70]

Decided on a S&W 442 for a carry gun and found a nice used one for $465. It even has had trigger work on it and stages nicely. But it's on the older side so it isn't +P rated. I always figured +P would be a nice option to practice with regular pressure and carry with +P. But I did some research on .38 ballistics and found that some regular pressure .38 ammo penetrates to a good depth and expands nicely, such as Federal JHP Hydra-Shok and Speer JHP Gold Dot.

So should I go for it or are there enough advantages to holding out for a +P rated one to let it go?

 

[rcmodel]

If you think it is worth the asking price buy it.

A limited diet of +P will not hurt it.
A steady diet of +P will loosen it up sooner then a like amount of standard pressure.

But, it won't blow up or anything.

Your plan to practice with standard pressure and carry +P is good.

There was no such thing as +P ammo before the mid 1970's.
At that time, standard pressure was reduced a little and +P was increased a little.

Folks who called S&W in the 70's & 80's with +P concerns were told the same thing I told you.
Now they have the lawyers answering the questions.

rc

 

[bri]

I'm pretty sure the LGS around my parts has 442's for less, NIB.

Although, maybe the trigger work is worth the extra in this case, even being used. Compared to other airweights, the smith's stock trigger pull is junk IMO.

 

[rromeo]

How do I tell if a gun is +P rated? I just picked up a secondhand 642-1 yesterday. I presumed that it was, but I didn't know that some weren't.
Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

the smith's stock trigger pull is junk

So are a lot of amateur gunsmiths trigger jobs that feel good in the store.

The J-Frames small size & coil manispring does not lend itself well to cutting coils and filling the action with toothpaste for instant wearing in parts.

If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

rc

 

[rcmodel]

How do I tell if a gun is +P rated? I just picked up a secondhand 642-1 yesterday. I presumed that it was, but I didn't know that some weren't.

All 642-1's were built on the .357 Magnum J-Frame.

I'd have to say it is certainly .38 Spl +P rated.

rc

 

[dukefan70]

Thanks, rc. Anybody disagree with rc's take? I'm sorely tempted to grab it, but I think I'm gonna grab the serial number and check the age first to double check if it could be +P rated.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

If you must practice with what you use, Federals Nyclad 125gr hollowpoint is a standard pressure load that opens up at snubbie velocities and in my home gelatin tests, penetrated just about as much as a PDX1 +P JHP round.

 

[dukefan70]

Well I got the serial number and turns out it is +P rated, so thanks anyway guys. I'm takin' the plunge.

 

[MAKster]

Smith & Wesson is currently offering a $50 rebate on J frames. I just bought a new no-lock 642 for $440. Unless there is something special about this used one, I think you can get a brand new one for less.

 

[SaxonPig]

If it says 38 Special on the barrel it will safely shoot any factory made 38 Special cartridge. The +P load is a joke (A 125 at 925 FPS? Give me a break. Nice plinking load.) and it's a myth that it is powerful. It is loaded well below maximum allowable pressure.

I load 125 JHPs to over 1,100 FPS for use in my J frame Smiths made in the 1960s. If I ever have any problems with this load I'll let you know.

 

[batmann]

If in doubt, don't shoot +P. Not much of an advantage in a short barrel. I have the exact same pistol and I am comfortable shooting regular .38's for SD.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own a M642-1 and it is without a doubt rated for +P ammo. (not that current +P ammo is really that stout)

As for ammo, if you're looking for good reliable and accurate standard .38 Special ammo that won't cost you too much Federal Nyclad ammo is back on the market and it works...

 

[8830]

if you like the gun buy it. As for the +P issue as long as they aren't super hot handloads you are alright shooting them.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A limited diet of +P will not hurt it.
A steady diet of +P will loosen it up sooner then a like amount of standard pressure.

Agreed, although it is likely your hand will give up before the revolver.

 

[Phydeaux642]

If it is a 442 it is not +P rated. If it is a 442-1 or 442-2 it is. It probably doesn't matter one way or the other as others have stated. (Gee, I couldn't get any nibbles on a NIB 442-2 for $400 here a month or so ago. I must be in the wrong area).

 

[BIGGBAY90]

It will say it on the left side of the barrel

 

[Guillermo]

this says it all

http://www.smithandwessonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=194