S&W 442 for CCW

[Waldo]

I am considering this pistol for CCW and as a backup to my S&W 686+.

Edit:
The 442 is a five shot "hammerless", lightweight 2"snubby that shoots .38+P

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=14760&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15704
(Sorry. Can't figure out how to name the link :( )

Do any of you have experience with this small revolver? If yes, could you please give me the benefit of your experience? Positives/negatives, comfort issues, recommended holster, grip or any similar input would be appreciated.

Similar alternatives to consider would be appreciated if you have direct experience with them. I am extremely conservative and will only consider a revolver. Me 'n' autos just don't go together.

Thanks!

Waldo

[Rustybore]

I don't know what a 442 looks like, but I do have a 686. I use a Ruger SP101 for travelling, my pickup pistol is an old Model 10, heavey barrel. I, like you, much prefer the revolvers over autos. All that said, I'm not really into pistols that much, have a few that I "happened into", but the Ruger does give me the choice of .357mag or .38spl., and is fun to shoot. Mine has the Hogue rubber grips and does just fine for the intention.

Kevin in Or.

[Rockman]

Welcome aboard Waldo! ;)

[Rustybore]

Now that I see the picture and know what it is, I think it would make a good backup. Only concern would be putting a lot of +P rounds through an alloy frame. I'm talking a lot of rounds. Through the years I have heard the alloy frames don't hold up well, but that has been a long time ago, and might be rumor. I have a little five shot, 3" barrel, S&W J frame that I completely forgot about until I saw the posted picture. I remember being warned not to shoot the +P load in that pistol.

Kevin in Or.

[Waldo]

Hey Rockman!
I like your new "handle" cause I know how you can rock with that Garand! I looked all over this site and I haven't seen a photo of that beautiful M-1917 Sporter yet. What's up with that? Seems that would go good in the "deer rifle" thread I saw a few minutes ago.

Rustybore:
Thanks for the input. I'll check that out. Most likely I would do the majority of my target shooting with normal powered .38 wad cutters. I'd probably only shoot enough +P to get familiar with the difference in recoil and the target pattern.

I shoot a lot more .38 through my 686+ than I do .357 (I love that pistol!). I would say I shoot three or four times as much .38 as I do .357. Again, I shoot just enough full power loads to make sure I know where it's going to hit and what it's going to feel like.

Which model J-frame do you have? Do you have a holster for it? Any recommendations?

Thanks for replying. :grinning-thumbsup:

Waldo

[sc-closer]

I first got my CWP about 7 years ago. At first I carried a Colt 1911A1 Officers Model, but it was so heavy it was pulling my pants down.:bootyshake:

So, I picked up a Kimber Ultra carry or something like that...nice and much lighter, but still too heavy for me so I went out and bought a S&W 442 Airweight near the end of 1999 and have been carrying it ever since.

It is light and can easily slip in the front pocket of pleated pants. Also is easy to carry in my jacket pocket. Comfortable in a inside the pants holster.

It is rated for +p ammo, though I do not shoot that often. I have some Winchester 158 grain hollow point +p's that I carry and they will shoot poa, but there is a fair amount of recoil. I practice with regular 38's which I find to shoot a little low, but fine for practice.

I have practiced dry firing the pistol enough that I can now stage it almost instinctively. I can bring it up on target while pulling (staging) the trigger and the cylinder will rotate and lock in place without firing. After I finish off my aim, I give it a little squeeze and it fires. You would be amazed at how fast and consistantly you can do this with a little practice. makes for better groupings with a dao revolver.

I find it to be very accurate for a snubby. It is an all around excellent piece. I still carry mine as my main carry weapon. I got the 442 instead of the 642 because I think that the black is easier to conceal.

I'd recommend it with no reservations for general carry duty when weight and size is an issue. If you have any specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them for you if I can.

sc-closer

[Rockman]

Waldo, Thank you for the kind words. Please look in the page you mentioned? I'll have my M-1917 in there post haste just "For Waldo" too. ;) SALUTE! ;) Have Garand, will "Rock Man!". LOL! ;) Wait until I get my grubbers on a nice ol' M-1919 again. YEEHAW! ;)

[Waldo]

SC-Closer:
Thank you very much for your informative reply. That was exactly the sort of feedback I was looking for.

I am also interested in your information on the pocket carry. When I'm not wearing jeans, I usually wear loose, pleated cotton trousers. I was considering the pocket holster type of carry as it is usually hot here in SoCal and I don't usually wear a shirt that would be conducive to a belt or ISWB holster.

Can you tell me what pocket holster you use and how you like it?

Thanks again for taking the time to reply. :grinning-thumbsup:

Waldo

[sc-closer]

I just have one of those uncle mikes inside the pants holsters. That's usually how I carry it...isp. I can (and sometimes do) slip the 442 inside the uncle mikes holster and then slip it into my pants pocket. Basically, I leave it in the uncle mikes holster nearly all the time, and just transfer the "rig" from inside the pants, jacket pocket, pants pocket, glove box, console, etc.

I've bought other holsters over the years for the 45's, but for some reason the ol' uncle mikes has always done the job for the 442.

sc-closer