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S&W 442 Range report!
I should have posted this a bit ago but better late than never. I have this attraction to smaller framed handguns for some reason and I picked up a G26 a bit ago and decided to pick up a J frame wheel gun. I decided to go with the Smith and Wesson 442 chambered in .38 special with the ability to handle +p's. The 642 is a nice gun as well, just a different finish but the same gun.
After a little bit of research, I ordered a brand new 442 that Smith and Wesson made WITHOUT the lock, due to my own superstition that the cylinder would lock up on me. I handled the firearm with the lock at another gun store and was quite surprised how heavy the trigger was. Turned out not to be a problem since this revolver was designed as a pocket gun and there is no hammer to manipulate, heavy, but tolerable.
I had a box of Magtech 158gr LRN ready to shoot down the tube. Note, the Safariland's comp 1 speedloaders do not work with the stock grips. I hear the Hogue Bantam grips work quite well. Before shooting, I ran a wet patch of Hopps #9 and a couple dry patches through the barrel and cylinder, a little coat of oil outside of the cylinder on both sides and the area around where the cylinder comes into contact with the barrel. I was a bit worried at the possibility of leading and the carbon buildup, not too sure what the hardness or lubricating coating they used on the bullets from Magtech, the velocity was under 900fps, but I was not going to take any chances anyway.
I get to my spot and load up a couple mags for the Glock, put the extra mags in my mag pouch, and a cylinder full of .38 special. Upon the pull of the trigger on the 442, I was surprised how manageable the recoil was on this compact revolver. They are not +p's but they are 158gr heavy lead bullets. I was able to fire 50 rounds through with no problem. Maintain a firm grip and you are good to go. After switching back to the G26, recoil was noticeably less that the 442, not by much. I felt I was still able to make good follow-up shots, and good consistency with 1 handed strong hand shooting. Accuracy wise, I can not comment on that too much as I was just testing the firearm on this trip. I still was able to hit a Pepsi can consistently at 10 yards if I were doing my part.
All in all, I am very happy with my purchase, I know the trigger will smooth out to a consistent pull with time as I am not worried about the heaviness as much as the smoothness. The finish is great as long as you be careful when you clean, as with any blued gun. Revolvers take a bit much more time and care to clean, but that is another something to look forward to on range day, I love cleaning my firearms after a range trip. I will update this thread in a few days to give a report on accuracy, maybe with a youtube video. I am currently getting over being sick, FLU maybe? Aren't you Calgunners happy I took the time out of my day from being sick to write this? Stay tuned for an accuracy update and some pictures later on.
After a little bit of research, I ordered a brand new 442 that Smith and Wesson made WITHOUT the lock, due to my own superstition that the cylinder would lock up on me. I handled the firearm with the lock at another gun store and was quite surprised how heavy the trigger was. Turned out not to be a problem since this revolver was designed as a pocket gun and there is no hammer to manipulate, heavy, but tolerable.
I had a box of Magtech 158gr LRN ready to shoot down the tube. Note, the Safariland's comp 1 speedloaders do not work with the stock grips. I hear the Hogue Bantam grips work quite well. Before shooting, I ran a wet patch of Hopps #9 and a couple dry patches through the barrel and cylinder, a little coat of oil outside of the cylinder on both sides and the area around where the cylinder comes into contact with the barrel. I was a bit worried at the possibility of leading and the carbon buildup, not too sure what the hardness or lubricating coating they used on the bullets from Magtech, the velocity was under 900fps, but I was not going to take any chances anyway.
I get to my spot and load up a couple mags for the Glock, put the extra mags in my mag pouch, and a cylinder full of .38 special. Upon the pull of the trigger on the 442, I was surprised how manageable the recoil was on this compact revolver. They are not +p's but they are 158gr heavy lead bullets. I was able to fire 50 rounds through with no problem. Maintain a firm grip and you are good to go. After switching back to the G26, recoil was noticeably less that the 442, not by much. I felt I was still able to make good follow-up shots, and good consistency with 1 handed strong hand shooting. Accuracy wise, I can not comment on that too much as I was just testing the firearm on this trip. I still was able to hit a Pepsi can consistently at 10 yards if I were doing my part.
All in all, I am very happy with my purchase, I know the trigger will smooth out to a consistent pull with time as I am not worried about the heaviness as much as the smoothness. The finish is great as long as you be careful when you clean, as with any blued gun. Revolvers take a bit much more time and care to clean, but that is another something to look forward to on range day, I love cleaning my firearms after a range trip. I will update this thread in a few days to give a report on accuracy, maybe with a youtube video. I am currently getting over being sick, FLU maybe? Aren't you Calgunners happy I took the time out of my day from being sick to write this? Stay tuned for an accuracy update and some pictures later on.
. Regardless, it will be there ready to go bang when the time is needed.
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