pairof44sp
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- Jul 4, 2020
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Fun is what I forgot to say. My 642 works fine as a range toy, with light loads
S & w 442 opinions got a 637
- Thread starter ericuda
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Pat Riot
Contributing Member
They are fun. It’s fun to find out what ammo it likes. It’s fun to get better with it with practice. What’s really fun is the look on people’s faces when you put 5 rounds into a palm sized group at 10 or 15 yards in 2 or 3 seconds.
I have a 442, a 642 and a 437, all machined to accept moon clips. I'm happy with them for a variety of uses.
Moon clips rock.
I tend to stick to 38 Special level loads with the gun, I find even 38 Special +P a bit much in these revolvers. Remember, a hit with 38 Special trumps a miss with anything else.
I spent alot of time practicing with the double action trigger pull of the 442/642 models and am accurate with it. It has even made me comfortable shooting DA/SA semi-autos and making the first DA shot count.
Moon clips rock.
I tend to stick to 38 Special level loads with the gun, I find even 38 Special +P a bit much in these revolvers. Remember, a hit with 38 Special trumps a miss with anything else.
I spent alot of time practicing with the double action trigger pull of the 442/642 models and am accurate with it. It has even made me comfortable shooting DA/SA semi-autos and making the first DA shot count.
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Pat Riot
Contributing Member
TK Customs modified the cylinders. The 437 came from S&W Performance machined for moon clips if I remember correctly.
Yes, you can fire 38 Special rounds without moon clips in the modified cylinders.
BMT Equipped has great moon/demoon clip tools. A bit pricey for some but well worth the expense.
http://www.bmtequipped.com/index.php
I have revolvers chambered in 45 ACP, 10mm, 9x19, and 38 Special that all have moon clip capability. I have BMT Equipped moon clip/demoon clip loader tool capability for each cartridge. It is soooo much better than loading moon clips one round at a time.
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toivo
Member
A Hogue "Tamer" grip will help with the recoil. As others have said, it takes some practice to get good with those.
HBWC are better as they are resistant to tumbling. The bullet is already in an efficient shape, has adequate penetration, and with target loads is easy on you and the gun.
I haven't done this is sometime but uses to do it consistently. I'd take a 2" J frame with factory wadcutters and ping a USPSA metal target 5 out of 5 times. Shooting DA at 100 yds.
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I carry my 442 with Speer Gold Dot 135gr Short Barrel. I will also in rotation carry a S&W 340PD with Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum 140gr JHP Lower Recoil. These are back ups for one reason. It’s not a question of if an auto loader will fail, it’s a question of when. Well I don’t want the “when” to be at the most important time. JMO.
Old Dog
Member
Most of us have a 442/642. Most of us know it's a worthy gun. Not the most fun to shoot, but, certainly the best back-up revolver extant.
ApacheCoTodd
member
How the devil did I not know there was a 442 pistol?
Now, I have to have one but more importantly, is there a 455 that I can upgrade to Stage-I or II?
I have a 340SC but like the more classic look of that 442 barrel.
Todd.
Now, I have to have one but more importantly, is there a 455 that I can upgrade to Stage-I or II?
I have a 340SC but like the more classic look of that 442 barrel.
Todd.
Rockrivr1
Member
I had mentioned this a few years back on the S&W forum about the horrible trigger. Several senior members said to dry fire the crap out of it. If you're on the couch watching TV, dry fire it the whole time. I have to admit they were right. After dry firing it like that the trigger smoothed out and is much easier to shoot.
high country
Member
I can't speak for all of them, but this definitely worked on mine. A bunch of dry firing and a good cleaning/oiling of the internals gave it nice crisp clean trigger. I didn't change springs, so it is still heavy, as I prefer for carry purposes.
Well no luck on the 442, sold it yesterday but I didn't walk out empty-handed. I will carry owb anyway so the hammer didn't bother me. Boy single action trigger is very nice. Double action isn't too bad either.. I shoulda quit while I was ahead. First shot was middle of plate. All at 15' double action.
Gone Hiking
Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2019
- Messages
- 177
I have a no-lock 442. It disappears in a leather pocket holster when you need a gun to go unnoticed with a tucked business shirt. It's also a great backup gun. I'm no where near as fast or accurate with it as I am a semi-auto on my hip, but it certainly has its place. Mine was $317 + $10 shipping a couple of years ago.
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Pat Riot
Contributing Member
Is that a 637? Looks nice and not bad shooting at all.
I have a model 36 and it’s pretty accurate for me in single action.
I am not a fan of the factory boot grips on these. I have opted for some a bit bigger and can still pocket carry. With a little more grip area in contact with my hand, there is less felt recoil, so I can shoot it more. Shooting them more is the key to proficiency
Yep a 637. I actually believe it is an accurate little gun. Seems to shoot to the sights and while I am no hickok45 for sure I am able to ring my 40 yard plate more times than not. Its already trying to replace my g36, heck even fits in its owb while not good it fits ok. Also snake worthy i believe.
Gordon
Member
I switched to the +P 442 from my older J frames 25 years ago 
Pretty much the ultimate pocket rocket in the real world !
Pretty much the ultimate pocket rocket in the real world !
100 rounds in and still smiling. I'll load me up some +p xtp's sometime but I enjoy the wadcutters and 158 plated swc I shot. It does draw a bit of blood but I can fix that.
Anyone have a good holster recommendation. I like the fit of a holster like shown above.
Anyone have a good holster recommendation. I like the fit of a holster like shown above.
GJeffB
Member
My carry holster:
https://www.desantisholster.com/cozy-partner/
It's shown with a semiauto, but made for revolvers as well. I've always preferred 2 straps to a single belt clip, and it has juuust enough "pancake" to make it really comfortable.
-jb, mmm pancakes
https://www.desantisholster.com/cozy-partner/
It's shown with a semiauto, but made for revolvers as well. I've always preferred 2 straps to a single belt clip, and it has juuust enough "pancake" to make it really comfortable.
-jb, mmm pancakes
ThomasT
Member
This is my favorite 38 snub youtube video. I like the vids this guy does.
Rubone
Member
I like all my Js...
ThomasT
Member
Yep me too. I have a 442, a 637, two model 30s and a model 31, those are 32 long and a model 36-6 which is a 3" full lug gun that S&W only made 615 of. But my favorite of all is the 431PD which is a 32 mag with 2" barrel and 6 shots on board. It weighs just 15oz loaded. It stays in my nightstand. I bought it used and thought I was crazy for paying $325 for it. Now I could sell it for double that but there is no way I am letting it get away from me.
Mine draws blood in that same spot, or does with the stock grips. Changing out the grips eliminated getting nailed by the thumbpiece by moving my hand back and down ever so slightly. Some say they lack accuracy at longer ranges but I say it's the shooter, not the gun.
Had a gun store clerk say they weren't much good beyond 15 - 20 feet and laughed at him. My buddy said we shoot them out to around 100 feet all the time, and we do.
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