Smith and Wesson 442 and 642 J-Frame Revolvers: Classic .38 Specials Return Without Internal Locks!
ByTwo of the most popular Smith and Wesson handguns, the models 442 and 642, have been re-introduced without the infamous internal locks. These J-frame snubbies are the classic blued and stainless steel .38 Special revolvers with the internal hammers.
Perfect for pocket, ankle, and other forms of concealed carry, these revolvers have been great sellers for Smith and Wesson for many years. Like all S&W revolvers, in recent times, a consumer could only buy these with the internal lock. Unfortunately, these locks have had a few problems and consumer confidence in them is very low. Smith and Wesson have listened to their customers and brought these two classic J-frames back without internal locks.
If you have been wanting one of these sidearms, but have hesitated, wait no longer.
I am a proud owner of the model 642-1 that I bought more than 10 years ago. It is a great gun! I have carried it daily in a pocket and on an ankle. It has always performed perfectly and is very accurate. I have no doubt these new models will be outstanding revolvers.
7 Comments
November 15th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Just picked up the 442 to replace the Taurus 85 Titanium I partd company with. Didn’t have high expectations for this gun when leaving the store with it.
This changed quickly once at the range. This little power house impressed me with its dead on accuracy at 15 yds. Had to swap out the stock grips with a set of Houges to fit my hand. Trigger is usual factory heavy and gritty towards end of pull, but I know that this will smooth out with use. This small lightweight revolver can be carried all day long with any notice or fatigue from weight. The frame covered hammer slips easily in and outa my pocket with no snagging.
It surprisingly digested various brands of ammo from plinking to personal protection +P with almost no point of impact change at 7 yds. Just for thrills tried it out to 20 yds and all five shots ringed out within a 10″ diameter (just slightly down and to the right).
I think I am going to become very fond of this little snubnose, especially once the trigger smooths out.
January 1st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I just ordered a 642 on line. The one that I handled at the local gun store was pretty smooth, and the gun range rental that I handled was very smooth. My Mikas pocket holster should be here in about 6-8 weeks.
Howard
January 1st, 2009 at 10:59 pm
…by the way - it’s a ‘no lock’ model. I had to pay about $35 more, but since a revolver is so trustworthy because of it’s simplicity, I wanted to keep it that way.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:13 pm
What kind of problem have occured with the lock on the 442.
thanks
February 21st, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Also, what is the maximun load can this pistol withstand.
thanks
February 21st, 2010 at 10:34 am
I purchased a 642-1 on on Feb. 13th and took it to the range on Feb 20th. I fired 105 rounds, (90 130gr fmj remingtons, 5 129gr +P Federal Hydor Shok; 5 158gr fmj Sellier & Bellot; and 5 158gr fmj +P Lawnman. I cleaned the gun with M-7 Pro as recommended by S&W. I now have problems with the trigger. The trigger, sometimes will not release back into the ready position to fire. And sometimes the trigger will not engage (pulling backards)in a ready fire position.
Has anyone else encountered this problem? If so, I welcome your feedback. However, I am sending the gun to S&W for repare.
March 15th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
I’ve gotten my 642 back and fired it only 50 times; 40 130gr fmj, 5 158gr +p fmj, and 5 129gr Fed Hydro Shoks. A lot different this time, but I still need to put another 350 rounds to be totally convinced.