My first wheel gun!

[Blstr88]

I recently picked up a USP compact for CCW in the cooler months (October-March or so) and told myself by next spring I'd find a nice small gun for CCW in warmer months. Unfortunately my brand spanking new USP needed to be sent back to H&K for some warranty work on the trigger, so a few days after getting it I had it in the mail heading to Georgia...

Since its going to be a few days before I get it back I decided to go shopping for my much smaller CCW a few months early. I tried out the Ruger LC9 which felt ok, but after looking around some more I started feeling a few small wheel guns...mostly the Ruger LCR and the S&W 442...I couldnt believe how light they felt and how good it fit in my hand despite its small size. Coupled with the fact that it was only $369 brand new OTD I decided to go with the S&W 442!

I took 20 shots in the backyard as soon as I got home...it seems to shoot real high, but I was only at about 3 yards from the target and with the rain/wind from this hurricane I wasnt exactly taking my time...but overall it feels great, I cant wait to put a few hundred rounds through it later this week.

I'll carry my compact whenever I can, but in the warmer months or times when I cant wear a jacket/sweatshirt I think this little 5-shot revolver will be great. Like a lot of people say, a little 5-shot revolver in your pocket is better than an autoloader left back home.

The obligatory pictures...sorry, Im no photographer!

[Matt C.]

You will never make an excuse for not carrying an Airweight J-frame.
Slap on some Crimson Trace grips and Apex spring kit.
Good choice.

[Frailer]

Excellent choice. I've taken to carrying a Glock 19 or 26 more frequently of late, but there is usually a J-frame within arm's reach.

It isn't uncommon to shoot these high until you get accustomed to them. There isn't much front sight visible in that rear notch, which may cause you to hold a bit high. With the short sight radius it doesn't take much to raise the POI considerably.

[Blstr88]

Thanks guys, I think it was a good deal and exactly what I needed. After carrying it around the house for only the past 4 hours Im already liking it...I have it in some generic IWB blackhawk holster but its so light and tiny I barely notice its there. I especially like how when I sit on the couch it doesnt jab into my side. Im looking forward to shooting it a lot more this week to make sure it functions well before carrying it more often outside the house.

[jbasas13]

great choice! im thinking about picking one up my self debating on this S&W BG 38 and the Ruger LCR

[bigbang]

Nice!

I went with a 38spl LCR which is about the same size. I usually carry my LCR during the summer. Slips in a pocket nicely and is light enough not to pull my shorts down since I don't like to wear a belt with my summer shorts, LOL.

[CAVDOC]

Fixed sight smiths are regulated to shoot standard vel 158 lead ammo to point of aim. Anything else will result in an impact change usually lower. However the short sight radius makes you work real hard on sight alignment and trigger control for accuracy which is a good thing

[T2C]

I carried a S&W 442 for several years and I think it is a good revolver for CCW. I carry one or two Speed Strips in my pockets for reloads.

If the rounds hit a little high, I can work with that myself. I would rather have a round that hits 5" high at 25 yards than 2" low. I have found that the Speer Gold Dot 135g +P round hits close to point of aim in my J Frames. Head shots on a B-27 target at 25 yards are possible.