miaakitanc
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- Nov 14, 2007
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Hello Folks, a local gunsmith suggested I look into buying a S&W 442 for ccw and home defense. What do you folks think? About $400.00 new. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks to everyone!
S&w 442
- Thread starter miaakitanc
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ShowMeState1977
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- Sep 22, 2007
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The 442 is an amazing firearm. I have one, and I carry it most of the time. It's light and comfortable in a Mika pocket holster. The 442 is the "blued" version of the 642 (stainless). See the 642 Club Part Deux for all the information you'll ever need about this great J-Frame!
miaakitanc
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thank you!
Tylden
Member
The 442 was designed for concealed carry and it does an outstanding job of meeting that criteria in my opinion. However, I would recommend different for home defense, perhaps something more along the lines of a 4" 686, or whatever you may be comfortable with. For a home defense handgun, I'd look for something that is a bit heavier to reduce recoil since carry weight is not an issue here. The bottom line is go with something you are comfortable with and can get the job done effectively with.
spwenger
Member
Why Would You Go For Lighter Weight...
...in a home-defense gun?
If you envision scenarios where five rounds would likely suffice, it can be argued that the shorter barrel (less than 2 1/2") makes it harder for an assailant to wrest the revolver from your hand. However, if you are impressed with that argument, why not go with a stainless-steel Centennial, at greater weight? The greater weight will dampen the recoil more effectively, making it much more likely that you will have productive training sessions. Additionally, the lighter the weight of the gun, the more likely it is that you will divert the muzzle from your point of aim when you apply a few times the weight of the gun in pressure to accomplish the double-action trigger stroke.
While there are arguments for the lighter guns for concealed carry, if I have the opportunity to slip a third Centennial into my pants pocket (in addition to the two 640-1's on the belt), it will be the stainless-steel first-generation 640, not the 442 or 642. While I may shoot the latter guns okay in a casual range session, I know that I will be able to handle the slightly heavier gun better under stress.
As has already been suggested, a larger revolver, with at least a six-round capacity, may be a better choice for home defense unless that size gun is too large for you to fire reliably.
...in a home-defense gun?
If you envision scenarios where five rounds would likely suffice, it can be argued that the shorter barrel (less than 2 1/2") makes it harder for an assailant to wrest the revolver from your hand. However, if you are impressed with that argument, why not go with a stainless-steel Centennial, at greater weight? The greater weight will dampen the recoil more effectively, making it much more likely that you will have productive training sessions. Additionally, the lighter the weight of the gun, the more likely it is that you will divert the muzzle from your point of aim when you apply a few times the weight of the gun in pressure to accomplish the double-action trigger stroke.
While there are arguments for the lighter guns for concealed carry, if I have the opportunity to slip a third Centennial into my pants pocket (in addition to the two 640-1's on the belt), it will be the stainless-steel first-generation 640, not the 442 or 642. While I may shoot the latter guns okay in a casual range session, I know that I will be able to handle the slightly heavier gun better under stress.
As has already been suggested, a larger revolver, with at least a six-round capacity, may be a better choice for home defense unless that size gun is too large for you to fire reliably.
JohnBT
Member
If you're going to only buy one and you want to carry it, the 442 is a good choice. I have one. I have lighter guns like the Kel-Tec P-32 and also have the heavier S&W 649 (about 24 oz. versus the 442's 15.8 oz.) I also have much heavier revolvers like the Ruger Service-Six and Python. Heavier is easier to shoot, but smaller and lighter is easier to conceal, especially in
t-shirt and shorts weather.
If you are going to carry it on your belt and not in your pocket, the slightly heavier 640 or 649 could be a better choice.
John
t-shirt and shorts weather.
If you are going to carry it on your belt and not in your pocket, the slightly heavier 640 or 649 could be a better choice.
John
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