I've been snubbified

**Bonk2029** · 08-06-07, 19:46

A small .38 revolver has perpetually been on my gun wish list.

Well, it's on my "have" list now. Last week a guy came in to the gun store where I part-time with a very lightly used S&W 442 (concealed hammer .38) that he wanted to trade in. Lightly used as in he shot 50 rounds, cleaned it, then stuck it on a shelf and forgot about it. While window-shopping the previous week he started drooling over a Remington 1100, and asked if we took trades. Sure, I said, bring it in and we'll look at it. Well he did, the GM OK'd the trade, and gave the 442 a quick wipe down (it was spotless already) and put it in the case.

The next day when I came in for my 3 hour shift after the end of my day job, I couldn't stop handling it. Oh what the heck, I said, and bought it on the spot. It's a 442-2, made in 2002, and has the lawyer lock which I will do my best to just ignore.

I took it out this afternoon, and it will chew the x-ring out at 7 yards with my chosen carry ammunition, Federal 110gr Hydrashoks. I carry Speer Gold Dot in every thing else, but Speer doesn't make the .38 GDHP in non-+P.

Up until this point, all I have carried for the last ten years is a Glock .40cal of some sort, either a 22, 23, or 27, but I have never felt comfortable with the 27 in a pocket holster. So now, when I absolutely have to tuck my shirt in, I have the 442. Problem solved.

For size reference, it's sitting on a 5"x8" scratch pad. Sorry about the crappy cellphone pic.

**John_Wayne777** · 08-06-07, 20:00

The 442 is a superb little weapon:

Mine (pre-lock version) goes with me practically everywhere I go. It is a dandy little backup gun. I even had the chance to run it on a reactive steel range at Blackwater during a range session which my Brittish SBS instructor kindly allowed me to horn in on.

It's more useful than folks realize.

My only advice would be to switch to the Speer BUG load for it. It is a 135 grain Gold Dot hollowpoint loaded to +P designed specifically to work out of these little revolvers. From the testing they've done thusfar, it offers the most consistently good performance available.

**KDG** · 08-06-07, 20:58

Nice revolver.

I love S&W's, great quality.

My first gun was a nickel plated S&W Model 19 357 mag.
I still got it and still works flawlessly.

Also have a Chief Special 38sp.

**k9dpd** · 08-06-07, 21:00

everybody needs a good J frame

**rhino** · 08-06-07, 22:26

Originally Posted by John_Wayne777

My only advice would be to switch to the Speer BUG load for it. It is a 135 grain Gold Dot hollowpoint loaded to +P designed specifically to work out of these little revolvers. From the testing they've done thusfar, it offers the most consistently good performance available.

That what I have loaded in my 442. I carry it when I can't easily carry an actual gun, like when I'm at the gym.

**Alpha Sierra** · 08-06-07, 22:55

The old standby Remington or Winchester 158 grain lead semi wadcutter hollow point +P is not to be underestimated.

**RAM Engineer** · 08-06-07, 23:09

I wish my grandfather's airweight bodyguard (model 38) had not been stolen.

Not only was it his favorite gun, besides his K-22 (also stolen in same burglary), but it was the only gun I ever had to draw in self-defense. (No shots fired, luckily)

I eagerly await the day that someone calls me to say it has been recovered...

**Alpha Sierra** · 08-06-07, 23:21

OK, since we're parading snubbies, here goes:

The S&W knife has been replaced with a much lighter, sharper, and nicer Kershaw/Ken Onion assisted opener.

I had Speer GD 135 +P SBs loaded then, but now run Remington 158 LSWCHP +P. Speedloader is a Safariland Comp I.