Smith and Wesson 442

[willis68]

I have decided to get a small revolver for a back up gun, I will be getting some variation of the 442, I am thinking of buying the Chattanooga Shooters Supply Performance Center model,

The only thing that I do not like about it is I think it has the external lock, I can buy a 442 from S&W with no lock which I prefer, so I may do that, do any of you have a recommended gun smith to do an action job on the revolver, I don't want a lighter trigger just a smoother action than the factory does to the non Performance Center models,

[leroy]

Willis....

I've got a more pedestrian 442 that has a gizmo called "the plug" installed... In a nutshell, "the plug" is a filler for the hole for the key and a gizmo that removes the internal lock mechanism in my little pistola... It works like a charm... Ya might think about one; or simply find an older, non locked pistola... Here's a good starting place on "the plug"....

http://www.smithandwessonforums.com/forum/s-w-gunsmithing/21068-plug.html

 

leroy

[Fourtyfive]

I have a Talo edition and love it .....

Edited January 3, 2016 by Fourtyfive

[JRWnTN]

I have decided to get a small revolver for a back up gun, I will be getting some variation of the 442, I am thinking of buying the Chattanooga Shooters Supply Performance Center model,
The only thing that I do not like about it is I think it has the external lock, I can buy a 442 from S&W with no lock which I prefer, so I may do that, do any of you have a recommended gun smith to do an action job on the revolver, I don't want a lighter trigger just a smoother action than the factory does to the non Performance Center models,

I dryfired mine thousands of times. Smoothed up the trigger and good exercise for trigger fingers.

[TNWNGR]

I dryfired mine thousands of times. Smoothed up the trigger and good exercise for trigger fingers.

 

This and some range time will solve most of the roughness in a J frame trigger. If you want a bit better then a spring kit will amaze you. I've watched more then a few very well trained gunsmiths do S&W revolver action jobs, particularaly on J frames before the mass marketing of spring kits. For the most part the improved difference between a good gunsmiths action work and a properly broken in J frame revolver with a good spring kit installled is subjective. I can tell a difference but its not enough of a difference for me to spend the money.

[leroy]

Fourtyfive...

Love the holster... What maker...?

 

leroy

[Patton]

If it is a performance center it already has a trigger job. My friends PC 442 does not have an internal lock.

[Patton]

Have you thought about a 442 Pro from Buds online? The 442 pro has a blackened stainless barrel and cylinder where a regular 442 has a carbon barrel and cylinder. The Pro is also cut for moonclips if you would like to use them. I think they are $410 shipped which will most likely be $100 cheaper than the PC model. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/61695/s&w_442_pro_38_special_187_5rd_syn_grip_moon_clip_b Edited January 3, 2016 by Patton

[willis68]

Have you thought about a 442 Pro from Buds online? The 442 pro has a blackened stainless barrel and cylinder where a regular 442 has a carbon barrel and cylinder. The Pro is also cut for moonclips if you would like to use them. I think they are $410 shipped which will most likely be $100 cheaper than the PC model. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/61695/s&w_442_pro_38_special_187_5rd_syn_grip_moon_clip_b

Is that one rated for plus p rounds?

[Bassoneer]

This and some range time will solve most of the roughness in a J frame trigger. If you want a bit better then a spring kit will amaze you. I've watched more then a few very well trained gunsmiths do S&W revolver action jobs, particularaly on J frames before the mass marketing of spring kits. For the most part the improved difference between a good gunsmiths action work and a properly broken in J frame revolver with a good spring kit installled is subjective. I can tell a difference but its not enough of a difference for me to spend the money.

I have a 642 that I love...it had a strange "catch" in the trigger, so I took it to Predator Gun Shop (I don't think they are there anymore) and they took a look.  Ended up putting in a lighter spring, and also found that the "hand" (I think that is the right term) was snagging on the little window it comes out of to turn the cylinder.  They removed the rough spot and it made all the difference in the world!  I have fired hundreds of rounds, but have had two or three light primer strikes...wonder if that is due to the lighter spring.  But my point is that there was a little snag impacting mine and only the gunsmith could find and fix it.  Best wishes, B

[Erik88]

While ugly as sin, I really like my Ruger LCR. I've had it almost 6 years now. Most people say the LCR trigger is noticeably better than the Smith but have never fired a S&W so I can't give an opinion. I'm sure you can't go wrong with a 442 though.

[221 Fireball]

I collect Smith & Wessons. I carry a fugly Ruger LCR .38.

 

At 13 oz, it rides light in an IWB holster and the double action rolls over nice and smooth. I like the +P rating too, as that's my carry ammo.

 

But a 442 is sweet too and definitely beats the Ruger in the beauty contest.  :pleased:

 

(As far as the new locks, I don't like them, but I've got a friend who competes with a post lock and has fired hundreds of rounds through it with no hiccups.)

[nightrunner]

It's more money but have you considered a M&P340? It's a hammerless snub like the 442 but chambered in .357mag and has a scandium alloy frame. It's even lighter than a 442. I had one and loved it. It's not a range gun and it barks with magnums but it's a lot of firepower in a small package. Comes with a trijicon front night sight as well.

I don't believe it's made anymore, but there was also the 340pd, which was even lighter still by a few ounces due to the titanium cylinder.

[MacGyver]

I've got a 340PD you can try if you like. It's got a fair bit of wear, but it's reliable and packs a heck of a punch with full house .357 mag loads.

[Patton]

Is that one rated for plus p rounds?

All the Smiths since the mid 80's are rated for plus p ammo. I have several centennial models; I like the 642/442 about as well as any of them. I have a 342 and love the 10.8 oz weight but I hate the delicate titanium cylinder. You have to be careful about cleaning and protecting the finish. I have a 640 357 and I can't imagine being able to justify more recoil than the 24 oz 640 with magnums. I have shot a 360 with magnums and it is like slamming your hand in a car door. I think my dads 10mm American Derringer recoils less.

I have a LCR and it is a fine weapon, but everyone short strokes the trigger. I wish it was chambered in something other than 38 special. I may get one in .327 also since S&W .327s bring so darn much more. Edited January 4, 2016 by Patton

[nightrunner]

I also meant to add that my M&P 340 had an APEX spring pkg installed when I got it. It was nice, I couldn't complain at all.

[tnhawk]

Is that one rated for plus p rounds?

The 442 is rated for +p and is a great backup pistol.

[willis68]

Have you thought about a 442 Pro from Buds online? The 442 pro has a blackened stainless barrel and cylinder where a regular 442 has a carbon barrel and cylinder. The Pro is also cut for moonclips if you would like to use them. I think they are $410 shipped which will most likely be $100 cheaper than the PC model. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/61695/s&w_442_pro_38_special_187_5rd_syn_grip_moon_clip_b

Thank you for this, This is the one I ordered for $410.00 shipped!
I will get a trigger job done on it and it will be perfect

[Patton]

Thank you for this, This is the one I ordered for $410.00 shipped!
I will get a trigger job done on it and it will be perfect

That will most likely be my next j frame.