I'm 80 and carry a 442 loaded w/ wadcutters. I modified it w/ a spring kit and Hogue grips. Now I can easily "stage" and not much recoil. I love the simplicity of a DAO wheel gun !!
A pair of 442’s has been my EDC for many years. I have tried many of the small auto’s but always come back to the 442’s. It will handle 99% of defensive gun situations and the other 1% I will need a rifle or shotgun. Practice often and carry with confidence.
@@mattr918 Yep, and he also says that a pair of snubs are sufficient ( if you do your part) to get most civilians out of the most likely defensive situations they may find themselves in and this is good enough for me and my mission-which is to get my family and I out of trouble.
Roger that. My main carry day to day is a pair of 642's. I figure the best reload is another loaded revolver. I back them up with my NAA 22 LR mini revolver.
I’ve been carrying my 442 for 5 years now. Only within the last year I really started training with it. I’m able to go 9/10 at 40yrds under 17 seconds on an IPDA target. I love it, It’s a very underrated firearm.
Man, thanks. I am going back to carrying plain old .38 spl. hollow point instead of +P, because of what you explained in this video. I have the Sig P365, but it feels like a small brick on my hip compared to the S&W 442 that I also own. I just need something in case someone wants to pound my old white ass into the ground for no reason like I have witnessed on T.V. many times. I am not out to save the world anymore. Lol! They can have it these days anyway. I just want to walk away from all that mess.
Stepping up the S & W 442 is the Performance Center model that reduces the trigger pull to about 8 pounds. My daughters love it for revolver simplicities.
It’s 14.4 ounces on a postal scale. The Houge grip has a spongey back strap that absorbs felt recoil. A good grip style will reduce muzzle flip. Reducing the strength of the mainspring also helps a lot After making these changes the gun is very pleasurable to shoot. Keep in mind that you need to practice with this gun a very very lot to become efficient with at all distances. The 3,3,3 rule does not work most of the time. In my area the news reports shootings almost everyday. The police place markers next to every spent case and I have counted 9 spent cases most of the time. All 9mm. Distances between groups of spent cases was across 50 - 60 foot wide streets. Very few shootings were belly to belly. This makes me think about the 3-3-3 speculation. Therefore you need to practice for every conceivable distance snd the. 442 is accurate enough for those 25 yard shots. Just have to practice with it. I put 7 rounds into a one inch group at 10 yards. That is less than a two and a half group at 25 yards. So this gun is an accurate shooter. Lastly 38 Specials were designed to shoot 158 grain bullets, the twist rate of the rifleling was specifically designed for the weight and length of the 158 grain bullet. Smith has now come out with a snuby design that shoots 125 grain bullets more accurately. Just thought I would mention some things you missed, it’s s great shooter at any distance. Just takes practice.
Carried a 642 since 2009. As to accuracy I worked for an organization that issued model 60's to Detectives and they qualified on the same course we did.
Nice video. 642 is my EDC. I load with 150 grain hardcast full wadcutters at about 850 fps. I think this will get the job done. This load is available from Underwood and BB. An effective load and recoil is manageable. The snubnose revolver is still relevant for self defense carry. All the best.
Carry one daily stoked with underwood xtp ammo and sporting a crimson trace laser grip on it, and I own all kinds of auto loaders, but growing up in the River Quay the Snubnose is what learned to shoot as a kid, still gravitate towards them 40 some years later, never had one jam in all that time, can't say that even about my Glocks.
I have been on the fence about getting one of these, I have wanted one for a while, I do own 2 other snub nose revolvers but in stainless steel. I can't count how many reviews I have watched for this gun and your review is one of the best, thank you!!!
With a 442/642 in particular (any shrouded hammer revolver, most DAO and many SA/DA revolvers, really, but I'm a Jframe fan boy... so yeah) you can fire 5 times from inside the pocket of your jacket without drawing your revolver at all. I mean, fire through the garment's pocket... and with an otherwise useless jacket and a little practice, it's a nice capability to develop for the "inside an elevator" distances. Usually with any semiautomatic you can fire the same drill 1 time, before it jams-up on you. Maybe twice, if you're really lucky. But usually once. Same goes for "contact-fire", with means you can shove the 442/642 into your opponent's anatomy and fire 5 times. While if you try that with any semiautomatic pistol you will usually be able to fire 0 times, because you have jammed your pistol out of battery. And at least to me, in one of the worst SHTF-in-your-face scenarios, it's nice to know the tool you selected to defend yourself, will work for you when you are on your back trying to get the perp on top of you, off you... and you can even combine both techniques and literately light the perp on fire, while you're at it. And that's why my Backup-EDC is a 642-ProSeries. It's lightweight, comes with quite a decent trigger for a DAO revolver out of the box, so no need to monkey around with replacement springs, potential light-strikes on primers and that kind of stuff; and it also allows for reloading via moon clips... You can of course do it with regular speed loaders, striper-clips or manually too, but the moon clip is really an easy way to carry your extra ammo together with minimal extra bulk and the fastest way to reload a revolver that I know of (or so says Jerry Miculek... so, what do I know?). Not my Primary-EDC, but definitely the best Backup-EDC out there for me... In fact it's more like my "other-primary" EDC, depending on the circumstances. Like if you find yourself spooked at in your face distances and can't, for whatever reason immediately breakaway, you already have it in your hand inside your pocket; and if you're lucky and find yourself feeling stupid because it turned out to be a non issue, nobody is the wiser and you truck on with your life. No brandishing, no confrontation, no cops, no drama... but ready to rumble if needed be. Peace of mind. My load of choice is the OLD regular pressure .38"Spl 158gr Lead JHP (when I can find them...), or just the even older regular pressure .38"Spl 158gr Lead Round Nose that has been doing the job for over a 100 years. Nothing fancy, nothing sexy and easy to shoot well even at longish distances, with enough power to get the job done at in your face SHTF scenarios. It's the same load my grandpa used to carry on his Model 36, if I remember correctly. And it worked for him too. :>0
Well said. My day to day carry is a 642 backed up with another 642. I currently have Federal Punch Plus P- 120gr HP's loaded in one of them. The other is loaded with American Eagle 158gr Lead Round Nose. Like you, I have no problem using this classic load. It's way underated by many. Hell, some people seem to think it won't break the skin of an attacker. Everytime I go to one of my local shops to pick up more 38 ammo, a certain clerk always says "Do you want target or defense loads?". And I always say"Defense loads. So give me a couple boxes of those 158gr LRN". And then, like clockwork, he gets a really confused look on his face and say "But sir, those are target loads ." Then he remembers me from the last time I was there and kinda mumbles"That's right. You're the guy that uses target rounds for defense.". 😂
I have a brother gun to this 442, the humpback 438. Its a fixed-blade front ramp like the 642, 442, and 638. 19:12 XS Sights *used* to make a tritium front glow site for it, but gunsmithing is required to dremel and sand down the front ramp so the XS fits on. Now my 438 is a low/no-light ready piece! I see the steel model 60 you have at top has what looks like an XS sight (for the pinned-in sights, XS makes sights that sit inside the barrel). Nice video, covers all the stregnths of the revolver while bringing up the trade-offs.
Excellent review, full of pertinent information (I watched it twice). Would have liked for you to talk about reloading options and requirements. Thank you!
For range use, speed loaders. I personally use the safariland comp 2 speed loaders. For self defense. You're not going to reload the gun in a fight. If you fire it empty you are better off trying to run or use it as a club
Almost every review on here says they do not like the receiver lock on the gun, but with no real explanation why. Having the Smith and Wesson 442 with the key hole in it myself, I can offer a practical reason as to why it works for me. Have had this revolver for a long time ( 15-20 years?) and it is my go-to for summer certainly. If I am out doing errands or appointments and I get to the hospital, or a clinical appointment, or a business that does not allow concealed carry on their premises it comes in handy. Say you go to the post office which is usually not in a good part of town. You cannot carry it in, and it is nice to be able to pull out your keys, lock the pistol and hide it somewhere in your vehicle till you return. Nice knowing that if someone breaks into your car while you are inside and gets the pistol, and you happen confront them in the act even, the pistol is locked and you are doing due diligence for firearm safety. To each her/his own. Be safe out there.
I don’t like double action only revolvers. You will normally shoot double action in a self defense situation, but I like to have the ability to cock the hammer back for a more precise shot.
Thanks. I have a 442-1 also. I do not give the +P much range time. It can be punishing . I'm going to try the wad cutter. On the front site, I use lumber crayon so I can go between yellow, red and white depending on where I go. No paint necessary and easy wipe off.
Why wouldn’t the judge accept the fact that these stock triggers are just harder and some of us have hands that have been through hell and need some support?
I personally use and really like the Galco leather Concealable outside the pants hip holster. I've also got a Bianchi Professional leather IWB. And for pocket carry, I've honestly had great luck with the really economical Uncle Mike's nylon holster.
+Ps will split the skin in the web of your thumb in six shots. Mid-range wad cutters are a perfect match for this platform. deep, straight penetration.
That's going to be a very personal decision. Try them both and see what you like better. Personally, I'd go with the LCP max. I think that generally is going to be a better pistol. But, again. That's a very personal decision. My training and expierence is going to differ widely from yours
I don’t think it would be advisable to flee the scene after a self defense encounter in which you had to deploy your CCW. I’m sure there are rare exceptions but in general you would want to stay until police arrived.
I see the place for a snubby. Personally I look at them as a bad breath distance gun or as a reload to my main full size revolver. Not as a primary. Having had guns pulled on me more than once there is no way I would want it as my only firearrm on me at the time. I would have emptied is very quickly with zero time to reload. Contrary to what the so called experts say, I was attacked by multiple people on the last instance. This new generation of thugs can not pull off being a bad ass without help. At least years ago a BG did it by himself. Todays thug lacks any guts, they have to have their buddies along with them. But, from what I experienced they are easier to punk out. My opinion is carry multiple guns. If in a vehicle, at least one long gun. The beware of your surroundings is crap also. You have to led your life on your terms, so live life. Sure, stay out of known bad areas, yes, you can visually survey when out on foot but, don't let it run your life. Just be smart, be proficient with your firerms and maybe a blade. Treat others decently and live.
I'm 80 and carry a 442 loaded w/ wadcutters. I modified it w/ a spring kit and Hogue grips. Now I can easily "stage" and not much recoil. I love the simplicity of a DAO wheel gun !!
I( carry in a belly band--perfect!!
A pair of 442’s has been my EDC for many years. I have tried many of the small auto’s but always come back to the 442’s. It will handle 99% of defensive gun situations and the other 1% I will need a rifle or shotgun. Practice often and carry with confidence.
Daryle Bolke says it's a get out of trouble gun not a going to trouble gun. It makes sense.
@@mattr918 Yep, and he also says that a pair of snubs are sufficient ( if you do your part) to get most civilians out of the most likely defensive situations they may find themselves in and this is good enough for me and my mission-which is to get my family and I out of trouble.
Roger that. My main carry day to day is a pair of 642's. I figure the best reload is another loaded revolver. I back them up with my NAA 22 LR mini revolver.
So you carry two?
@@yourboyfefe5736 yep.
I’ve been carrying my 442 for 5 years now. Only within the last year I really started training with it. I’m able to go 9/10 at 40yrds under 17 seconds on an IPDA target. I love it, It’s a very underrated firearm.
Man, thanks. I am going back to carrying plain old .38 spl. hollow point instead of +P, because of what you explained in this video. I have the Sig P365, but it feels like a small brick on my hip compared to the S&W 442 that I also own. I just need something in case someone wants to pound my old white ass into the ground for no reason like I have witnessed on T.V. many times. I am not out to save the world anymore. Lol! They can have it these days anyway. I just want to walk away from all that mess.
Just a excellent video on the S&W 442 most police used it for a backup gun best for ccw if you could find one buy it they are hard to find 💯 👍
This is one of the best reviews for the 442 I’ve seen on UA-cam!
Stepping up the S & W 442 is the Performance Center model that reduces the trigger pull to about 8 pounds. My daughters love it for revolver simplicities.
It’s 14.4 ounces on a postal scale. The Houge grip has a spongey back strap that absorbs felt recoil. A good grip style will reduce muzzle flip. Reducing the strength of the mainspring also helps a lot After making these changes the gun is very pleasurable to shoot. Keep in mind that you need to practice with this gun a very very lot to become efficient with at all distances. The 3,3,3 rule does not work most of the time. In my area the news reports shootings almost everyday. The police place markers next to every spent case and I have counted 9 spent cases most of the time. All 9mm. Distances between groups of spent cases was across 50 - 60 foot wide streets. Very few shootings were belly to belly. This makes me think about the 3-3-3 speculation. Therefore you need to practice for every conceivable distance snd the. 442 is accurate enough for those 25 yard shots. Just have to practice with it. I put 7 rounds into a one inch group at 10 yards. That is less than a two and a half group at 25 yards. So this gun is an accurate shooter.
Lastly 38 Specials were designed to shoot 158 grain bullets, the twist rate of the rifleling was specifically designed for the weight and length of the 158 grain bullet. Smith has now come out with a snuby design that shoots 125 grain bullets more accurately. Just thought I would mention some things you missed, it’s s great shooter at any distance. Just takes practice.
Carried a 642 since 2009.
As to accuracy I worked for an organization that issued model 60's to Detectives and they qualified on the same course we did.
S&W j frame is hard to beat. And you can be confident it'll work
Nice video. 642 is my EDC. I load with 150 grain hardcast full wadcutters at about 850 fps. I think this will get the job done. This load is available from Underwood and BB. An effective load and recoil is manageable. The snubnose revolver is still relevant for self defense carry. All the best.
I carry wad cutters in my 442 and they make reloading easier too I find. Pocket, ankle, or deep... great backup for me.
I Have A 442 PC Model In
.38+P, I Use Moon Clip's,
With Hornady Crit Defense
110gr+P HP's, I Love This
Little Pistol...
Carry one daily stoked with underwood xtp ammo and sporting a crimson trace laser grip on it, and I own all kinds of auto loaders, but growing up in the River Quay the Snubnose is what learned to shoot as a kid, still gravitate towards them 40 some years later, never had one jam in all that time, can't say that even about my Glocks.
I have been on the fence about getting one of these, I have wanted one for a while, I do own 2 other snub nose revolvers but in stainless steel. I can't count how many reviews I have watched for this gun and your review is one of the best, thank you!!!
Great video review of this 442! Thank you!
Great video! I carry both the S&W 442 and the Ruger LCR. One in each pocket.
Is that to avoid reloads? Or are u dual wielding?
@Last Tycoon ,
I carry two pistols, two speed loaders, and two knives. It is easier to conceal when wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
Boy, was this informative! Nice job! Thank you.
E
xcellent review. You explain things about a 38 special that I haven't seen in similar reviews.
With a 442/642 in particular (any shrouded hammer revolver, most DAO and many SA/DA revolvers, really, but I'm a Jframe fan boy... so yeah) you can fire 5 times from inside the pocket of your jacket without drawing your revolver at all. I mean, fire through the garment's pocket... and with an otherwise useless jacket and a little practice, it's a nice capability to develop for the "inside an elevator" distances. Usually with any semiautomatic you can fire the same drill 1 time, before it jams-up on you. Maybe twice, if you're really lucky. But usually once.
Same goes for "contact-fire", with means you can shove the 442/642 into your opponent's anatomy and fire 5 times. While if you try that with any semiautomatic pistol you will usually be able to fire 0 times, because you have jammed your pistol out of battery. And at least to me, in one of the worst SHTF-in-your-face scenarios, it's nice to know the tool you selected to defend yourself, will work for you when you are on your back trying to get the perp on top of you, off you... and you can even combine both techniques and literately light the perp on fire, while you're at it.
And that's why my Backup-EDC is a 642-ProSeries. It's lightweight, comes with quite a decent trigger for a DAO revolver out of the box, so no need to monkey around with replacement springs, potential light-strikes on primers and that kind of stuff; and it also allows for reloading via moon clips... You can of course do it with regular speed loaders, striper-clips or manually too, but the moon clip is really an easy way to carry your extra ammo together with minimal extra bulk and the fastest way to reload a revolver that I know of (or so says Jerry Miculek... so, what do I know?). Not my Primary-EDC, but definitely the best Backup-EDC out there for me... In fact it's more like my "other-primary" EDC, depending on the circumstances. Like if you find yourself spooked at in your face distances and can't, for whatever reason immediately breakaway, you already have it in your hand inside your pocket; and if you're lucky and find yourself feeling stupid because it turned out to be a non issue, nobody is the wiser and you truck on with your life. No brandishing, no confrontation, no cops, no drama... but ready to rumble if needed be. Peace of mind.
My load of choice is the OLD regular pressure .38"Spl 158gr Lead JHP (when I can find them...), or just the even older regular pressure .38"Spl 158gr Lead Round Nose that has been doing the job for over a 100 years. Nothing fancy, nothing sexy and easy to shoot well even at longish distances, with enough power to get the job done at in your face SHTF scenarios. It's the same load my grandpa used to carry on his Model 36, if I remember correctly. And it worked for him too. :>0
That says it all.
Well said. My day to day carry is a 642 backed up with another 642. I currently have Federal Punch Plus P- 120gr HP's loaded in one of them. The other is loaded with American Eagle 158gr Lead Round Nose. Like you, I have no problem using this classic load. It's way underated by many. Hell, some people seem to think it won't break the skin of an attacker. Everytime I go to one of my local shops to pick up more 38 ammo, a certain clerk always says "Do you want target or defense loads?". And I always say"Defense loads. So give me a couple boxes of those 158gr LRN". And then, like clockwork, he gets a really confused look on his face and say "But sir, those are target loads ." Then he remembers me from the last time I was there and kinda mumbles"That's right. You're the guy that uses target rounds for defense.". 😂
I have a brother gun to this 442, the humpback 438. Its a fixed-blade front ramp like the 642, 442, and 638.
19:12 XS Sights *used* to make a tritium front glow site for it, but gunsmithing is required to dremel and sand down the front ramp so the XS fits on. Now my 438 is a low/no-light ready piece! I see the steel model 60 you have at top has what looks like an XS sight (for the pinned-in sights, XS makes sights that sit inside the barrel). Nice video, covers all the stregnths of the revolver while bringing up the trade-offs.
I agree, I just bought a sig p365 380 and it definitely feels like a brick…I’m now looking at a airweight j frame bodyguard
Love my 442 with my DeSantis pocket holster!!
Excellent review on all aspects.
Great review thanks for the insights I haven’t seen in other reviews in this revolver.
Excellent review, full of pertinent information (I watched it twice). Would have liked for you to talk about reloading options and requirements. Thank you!
For range use, speed loaders. I personally use the safariland comp 2 speed loaders.
For self defense. You're not going to reload the gun in a fight. If you fire it empty you are better off trying to run or use it as a club
What a great review very informative thank you
Superb review. Much appreciated. Thank you.
My Carry Revolver Is The Ruger
LCR In .38, With A C/T Laser Grip,
With 2 Speed Loader's...
very good review and you covered all the important points.
Excellent review, thank you sir.
My EDC most days with walnut grips removed and beefier Hogue rubber grip. The DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster is perfect
Great video
Almost every review on here says they do not like the receiver lock on the gun, but with no real explanation why. Having the Smith and Wesson 442 with the key hole in it myself, I can offer a practical reason as to why it works for me. Have had this revolver for a long time ( 15-20 years?) and it is my go-to for summer certainly. If I am out doing errands or appointments and I get to the hospital, or a clinical appointment, or a business that does not allow concealed carry on their premises it comes in handy. Say you go to the post office which is usually not in a good part of town. You cannot carry it in, and it is nice to be able to pull out your keys, lock the pistol and hide it somewhere in your vehicle till you return. Nice knowing that if someone breaks into your car while you are inside and gets the pistol, and you happen confront them in the act even, the pistol is locked and you are doing due diligence for firearm safety. To each her/his own. Be safe out there.
Good review.
Great video. Thank you
Great video!
They are on sale at Egunco right now for $329.99. An absolute steal.
Really well made tool.❤
I don’t like double action only revolvers. You will normally shoot double action in a self defense situation, but I like to have the ability to cock the hammer back for a more precise shot.
I mostly agree but for pocket carry the hammerless ones are superior.
Good thing both are available
442 with a Mika pocket holster can’t be beat for quick, lightweight carry.
Good video
I carry a P365 normally but am thinking of getting a 442 for summer when I cant even carry my SIG or my Beretta Tomcat.
Thanks. I have a 442-1 also. I do not give the +P much range time. It can be punishing . I'm going to try the wad cutter. On the front site, I use lumber crayon so I can go between yellow, red and white depending on where I go. No paint necessary and easy wipe off.
Why wouldn’t the judge accept the fact that these stock triggers are just harder and some of us have hands that have been through hell and need some support?
Odds are good they wouldn't even know you've changed the springs in a gun like this
It's called staging the trigger.
i have the same set except i have hogue boot grip because its easier to use reloaders
The only one that has seen more EDC than the 442 for me is the MP .380 semi auto, one step smaller.
Is it possible to replace the carbon steel cylinder of the 442 with a stainless steel cylinder from a 640?
Good holster for 442?
I personally use and really like the Galco leather Concealable outside the pants hip holster. I've also got a Bianchi Professional leather IWB. And for pocket carry, I've honestly had great luck with the really economical Uncle Mike's nylon holster.
+Ps will split the skin in the web of your thumb in six shots. Mid-range wad cutters are a perfect match for this platform. deep, straight penetration.
Oh, the gun has a stainless steel barrel and a stainless steel cylinder and an aluminum alloy frame have to read the manual to get this information.
Why choose rugar over this one
What's a rugar?
Summertime is snubby time.
I’m looking for a summer carry gun I’m debating between this or the Ruger Lcp max. Any thoughts?
That's going to be a very personal decision. Try them both and see what you like better.
Personally, I'd go with the LCP max. I think that generally is going to be a better pistol. But, again. That's a very personal decision. My training and expierence is going to differ widely from yours
Try the Ruger LCR instead.
Lcp max is pretty similar to 365.
The original 442 didn't have the internal key lock.
That's what she said @ 1:59
And its a beauty 😳🤣✌️🍺🇺🇸
Should've added; "put a heavy coat of rust prevention oil all over it so it don't rust the second you turn your back"
Yup, the cylinder on my 442 will be brown at the end of the day if I carry it close to my body in the summer time.
I don’t think it would be advisable to flee the scene after a self defense encounter in which you had to deploy your CCW. I’m sure there are rare exceptions but in general you would want to stay until police arrived.
Get yourself to a safe location and then report it. There could be more criminals in the area.
The barrel of the 442 revolver makes it harder to conceal than a 365.
My revolver broke after 26 shots, no return phone call after a month. I don't beleive or trust in s&w quality anymore.
Ted you keep posting this same comment on many different videos. You must be a spam bot
@@LA_Commander No, I am an unhappy purchaser. I think people should know about s&w problems. Wouldn't you feel the same?
@@tedcollins4684 on another posting you wrote that S&W finally repaired and returned your gun in good working order. So which is it?
@@LA_Commander yes, I did get it back. They replaced a lot of parts including the barrel.
@@tedcollins4684 yeah stuff happens, there are bad Toyotas that blow up from the factory but the majority are good. Get over it
I see the place for a snubby. Personally I look at them as a bad breath distance gun or as a reload to my main full size revolver. Not as a primary. Having had guns pulled on me more than once there is no way I would want it as my only firearrm on me at the time. I would have emptied is very quickly with zero time to reload. Contrary to what the so called experts say, I was attacked by multiple people on the last instance. This new generation of thugs can not pull off being a bad ass without help. At least years ago a BG did it by himself. Todays thug lacks any guts, they have to have their buddies along with them. But, from what I experienced they are easier to punk out. My opinion is carry multiple guns. If in a vehicle, at least one long gun. The beware of your surroundings is crap also. You have to led your life on your terms, so live life. Sure, stay out of known bad areas, yes, you can visually survey when out on foot but, don't let it run your life. Just be smart, be proficient with your firerms and maybe a blade. Treat others decently and live.