Smith & Wesson Model 442 Pocket Revolver
The Smith & Wesson Model 442 is an airweight J-Frame pocket revolver rated to carry .38 Special +P ammo. Most who buy one of these pro series guns fall into one of three categories: law enforcement officers looking for a backup gun, civilians who are looking to carry a pocket revolver, and those looking to have a gun for home defense which is easily hidden away.
The gun is built on an aluminum alloy frame which is then matched to a stainless steel cylinder. The gun holds 5 rounds of .38 Special ammunition. The cylinder is cut to accomidate moon clips for those who like fast loading but they are not required.
A matte black finish is treated to the entire gun the grip of which is wrapped in a synthetic rubber grip. The front sight of the pocket revolver is integrated with the barrel and the rear sites are fixed. The gun's hammer is held internally and controled by the double action only trigger.
As is common with all Smith & Wesson revovlers, the Model 442 is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime service policy.
Reviews of the Smith & Wesson Model 442 pocket revolver can be found below. Newer reviews are further down the page. If you've had a chance to use one of these guns yourself in the past, please write a review describing your experience with it so others can benefit directly from your first-hand knowledge.
User Reviews
Finally got to shoot my 442, recoil was not bad, the trigger guard rubbing against my knuckle during firing was not a problem, but I am still going to install hogue grips, as I like the feel. Definetly a made for close encounters, not a range gun. Trigger pull is heavy, wish it was a little lighter. Wife likes it so much she took it for her ccw. Read More
The 442 conceals very easy in my pocket holster. Since it is difficult to find ammo, I have not been able to shoot it yet. I do have a feeling I am going to have to install Hogue grips, because the trigger guard rubs against my knuckle & I have feeling it is going to be sore w/ the recoil. Read More
Both my wife and I have CCWs and we each carry one of these in off-body carry bags- she in her purse and I in a small shoulder bag. We have found the 442s to be readily concealable, and though light, very shootable at seven yards, which is probably optimum range for these little guns. We shoot light self-defense loads of 38 special, as plus-p loads are uncomfortable to shoot. I have had both compact 9mm and 380 autos, and I opted for revolvers due to simplicity and reliability. Also, I am past 65 and find it difficult to operating auto slides (sure, the experts can show you how anyone can do it, but wait until you are 70). I have not tried the Taurus, and opted for the S&W as a tried-and-true model. Read More
I can speak to the 442's sibling the 642. The 642 is a challenging weapon to shoot but well worth the effort to master. My sample is easily able to do any thing asked of it. I suspect fired from a ransom rest it would easily print a 3to 4 inch group. You tube is filled with 85 to 100 yard shots on gongs and one gallon water jugs. This does not mean that the beginner or average shooter will find it easy to shoot. Trigger pull is not as heavy as you may have heard but muzzle blast and recoil can be sharp. Further if a shooter is not careful about his grip the cylinder release can draw blood and my trigger finger had a rough spot from rubbing on the frame. In my limited observation this weapon will last most of us a life time. Aluminum alloys and stainless steal have been used in firearms for 50 years. The weapon has established itself as a near perfect balance between conceal-ability and control-ability. There are smaller guns but they are harder to manipulate and easier to fumble. My pistol disappears in a pocket. For 300 dollars I purchased a weapon that I know will work in a proven caliber. That is a screaming deal! Read More
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