2WheeledSpeed

Even though semi-automatics dominate the pistol world, snub nosed revolvers are still very popular as concealed carry or backup handguns. And it's probably fair to say that none are more popular than the S&W J-frame series, represented here by my .38 Special S&W 442. I found my 442 for $320 lightly used, and saw new ones for just under $400, so even someone on a budget can afford brand name quality.

A quick trip to Smith and Wessons website will show a wide array of different options for the J-frame. I counted 48 last time I was on their site, from different calibers to different finishes to different hammer options (hammerless, hidden hammer, standard hammer) and more!

The 442 is one of the basic models in .38 Special (it can handle up to +P loads), it's hammerless (so it's double action only) and holds 5 rounds. The barrel is an impressive 1-7/8 inches long.

The double action only trigger is heavy and requires practice to master, but a pack of snap caps and a lot of dry firing when you aren't at the range will help your skills and smooth out the trigger pull. This gun is also available with a standard hammer or hidden hammer, both of which allow you to **** the gun and fire in single action, but I consider this of little use in a close range encounter and I wanted to force myself to train in double action. A downside to the standard hammer is it can hang up on clothing, especially when drawing from a pocket. The short sight radius and smallish sights don't make hitting the bullseye easy, but this is a close range weapon.

I found the standard rubber grips to be comfortable and I have no plans to change them, they aren't sticky enough to hang up on clothing when concealing this gun. Recoil is not bad with standard pressure practice rounds, though you'll notice the extra kick when shooting heavy +P bullets.

5 rounds doesn't seem like much, and it isn't. But one must consider the category of handguns the J-frame is in, it's best suited for pocket or ankle carry where larger guns won't work. .38 Special is a proven round with a long history, while many semi-automatics small enough to be pocket/ankle carried are in so called "mouse gun" calibers (.380 or smaller), and only hold between 1-3 extra rounds. So the extra capacity of many autoloaders might be offset by the fact that the 442 is throwing a bigger/heavier round. For example, I carry my Sig P238 in .380 with a 95 grain bullet that moves close to 1000fps, while I carry my 442 with a 158 grain bullet moving between 800-850fps. Slightly lighter rounds would allow my 442 to close the velocity gap (or you could even step up to a .357 Magnum J-frame!), while still firing a heavier round than the .380. The Sig like many pocket .380s holds 6+1 rounds.

My 442 is a bit thicker than any pocket semi-automatic due to the cylinder but it conceals very easily inside a pocket and it's light enough for me to barely notice that it's there, I don't have an ankle holster yet to test that carry method.

On days when my larger handguns are too big to conceal, or if I feel the need to carry a backup gun I find myself often reaching for my 442 instead of my Sig P238. I like the guaranteed reliability and the heavier round of the 442..