New pocket-rocket

[KenpoTex]

Just picked this up last week...shoots pretty nice. Good for the times I can't carry a real gun
S&W 442-2 (doesn't have the idiotic lock) .38 Special

Out of the box

Set up for carry with Barami Hip-grips, Tyler-T grip adapter, and a piece of bicycle inner-tube

one more...just playing with the camera

 

[lklawson]

Nice.

Just out of curiosity, why not one of the new breed of "pocket 9's"; PF-9, PM9, Glock 26, PPS, etc.? That way, it's still a "real gun."

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

 

[Carol]

That looks a good bit smaller than a Glock 26...

 

[KenpoTex]

Valid question...

I'm a Glock guy, I carry a Glock 19 99.9% of the time so I considered the 26. My main criterion was the ability to carry in a pocket or on the ankle. Unfortunately I can't do with the 26 due to it's width and generally "blocky" shape. If I could have gotten away with a 26, I'd have bought one in a heartbeat.

The curves of a revolver help break up the outline when carried in the pocket and also help smooth out the draw. There's also the fact that it can be fired through a jacket pocket if necessary (without malfunctioning). This ability allows it to function not only as a BUG, but as a "preemptive" type weapon since you can have a firing grip while still concealed in the pocket.

As far as other small autos. I'm just not convinced as to their reliability. It seems that the smaller the auto, the more finicky it is and the more likely you are to just get one of the many "lemons" that just don't work and never will. Kahrs, Kel-tecs, etc. are all plagued by this phenomenon. If you step up to the upper end of the small auto range (e.g. PPK etc.) you're back to a gun that's not only as large or larger than the revolver (length and height), but also heavier.
Basically, you trade reliability for concealability...not something I'm comfortable with.

That looks a good bit smaller than a Glock 26...

S&W 442: Length-6.37" Width: 1.18" Height: 4.25 Weight (empty) 15oz.

Glock 26: Length-6.29" Width: 1.18" Height: 4.17" Weight (empty) 19.75 oz.

While the numbers would indicate that they're pretty close, there is definitely a difference in the way they actually carry. For example, while the revolver is the same width, the only part that's actually that wide is the cylinder. The rest varies which makes a big difference in how it hides.

 

[Grenadier]

Very nice choice! I have a 442 as well, and it's what goes into the front pocket of a pair of cargo shorts during the July and August months of that high heat, high humidity weather.

What load are you using? I prefer Speer's 130 grain +P JHP Gold Dot designed for shorter barrels.

 

[KenpoTex]

110 gr. CorBon DPX at the moment (great stuff). I plan to try the Speer as well but I had some of the DPX left over from my previous .38.

 

[50calray]

Valid question...

I'm a Glock guy, I carry a Glock 19 99.9% of the time so I considered the 26. My main criterion was the ability to carry in a pocket or on the ankle. Unfortunately I can't do with the 26 due to it's width and generally "blocky" shape. If I could have gotten away with a 26, I'd have bought one in a heartbeat.

The curves of a revolver help break up the outline when carried in the pocket and also help smooth out the draw. There's also the fact that it can be fired through a jacket pocket if necessary (without malfunctioning). This ability allows it to function not only as a BUG, but as a "preemptive" type weapon since you can have a firing grip while still concealed in the pocket.

I bought Glock 27 for concealed carry and it just didn't work out for the same reasons. I mean it's just too blocky or bulky. So I ended up selling it and buying a Taurus Ultra Lite .38 Spl. It's way easier to wear using a inner waste holster or pocket if you wear loose clothing.

 

[lklawson]

As far as other small autos. I'm just not convinced as to their reliability. It seems that the smaller the auto, the more finicky it is and the more likely you are to just get one of the many "lemons" that just don't work and never will. Kahrs, Kel-tecs, etc. are all plagued by this phenomenon. If you step up to the upper end of the small auto range (e.g. PPK etc.) you're back to a gun that's not only as large or larger than the revolver (length and height), but also heavier.
Basically, you trade reliability for concealability...not something I'm comfortable with.

Thanks the insight into your reasoning.

I'm not gonna try to argue you out of your conclusion. It's your decision, you have to be comfortable with it.

That said, I carry a PF9 (and sometimes a P32 - yeah, I know... 32...). It has always functioned 100% reliably with factory ammo. In fact, I've only had 1 FTF with it and that was with some cheap reloaded "gunshow special" range fodder. Everything else, going from Norinco all the way up through Ranger has been solid. I've got some new 147 gr. that I want to try, but I feel pretty confident it'll be just fine.

I hear a lot about "lemons," especially in Kel-Tec stuff but also from Kahr and even the super-micro glocks, but I just haven't seen it. I assume that those are the statistical outliers.

Like I said, I'm not going to try to argue your position. Your body. Your life. Your gun. (Besides, I think the fanatic flame wars are stupid.)

Thanks again.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

 

[Jenny_in_Chico]

Just picked this up last week...shoots pretty nice. Good for the times I can't carry a real gun
S&W 442-2 (doesn't have the idiotic lock) .38 Special

Out of the box

Set up for carry with Barami Hip-grips, Tyler-T grip adapter, and a piece of bicycle inner-tube

one more...just playing with the camera

Tex, please tell me those aren't camouflage bed sheets.

 

[KenpoTex]

I bought Glock 27 for concealed carry and it just didn't work out for the same reasons. I mean it's just too blocky or bulky. So I ended up selling it and buying a Taurus Ultra Lite .38 Spl. It's way easier to wear using a inner waste holster or pocket if you wear loose clothing.

Well, as I said, I carry a G19 most of the time and have zero problems concealing the pistol, a spare mag, and a fixed-blade knife in my everyday attire. If you have a good belt/holser combination, it's nowhere near as difficult as people make it sound. This is for the times that I have to tuck my shirt in and am not wearing a jacket. Other than use as a BUG, it really won't see a whole lot of carry time--it won't get used as a primary very often.
The S&W is actually a replacement for my Taurus 85 ultra-lite...piece of crap. After it broke on me the second time, I decided it was no longer something I was going to trust for anything, even if it did get fixed again.

I hear a lot about "lemons," especially in Kel-Tec stuff but also from Kahr and even the super-micro glocks, but I just haven't seen it. I assume that those are the statistical outliers.

I've seen/heard of enough issues from people I know who have had guns from those manufacturers that I just didn't feel like messing with it. Maybe next time when I have the time and inclination to deal with spending enough time with one to confirm its reliability.

Tex, please tell me those aren't camouflage bed sheets.

No it was a BDU top that was conveniently lying on the floor when I was looking for something to use as a background.

 

[Jenny_in_Chico]

No it was a BDU top that was conveniently lying on the floor when I was looking for something to use as a background.

Good to hear, because otherwise I would have predicted a divorce in your near future.

 

[KenpoTex]

eh, you have to be married first for that to happen

 

[Deaf Smith]

Ken,

I carry two guns now days (and a safe full of others!)

A Glock 26 with Bowie Tactical Concepts grip reduction, and Hinnie Strait Eight night sights, NY-1/3.5lb connector (got it at a pawn shop for $425 flat.. so I put my Glock 27 up for now.) Winchester +P+ 127s is what I feed it.

And a Smith 642 .38. Mine has Secret Service ebony boot grips and that's all. It DOES have the lock, but I never ever use it.

Corbon 158gr LSWHPs are it's diet.

The little .38 is excellent when I have to go out fast to the 'stop-n-rob' for something. But even then, the 26 rides in the car console.

Otherwise it's the Glock at a minimum and the 642 rides in the console. Quite a few times I pack both.

And for practice I use another Glock 26 with AACK .22 unit (love that thing), Smith 34 2 inch snub .22, and a Smith 640 .357. And since I reload both .38 and 9mm, I have plenty of BBs.

That 442 is a fine gun. It will serve you well for many years. And that ammo, I think you have DPX, is great (I use the 158s cause I have almost a CASE of Corbon 158s!!

You might want to check on a Smith & Wesson 317 .22 for practice. Yes it ain't cheep but .38 ammo is very expensive unless you reload it.

Deaf

 

[KenpoTex]

Yeah, I'm actually planning to look at one of the J-frame .22's after I sell that damn Taurus.
It's definitely nice to practice with a .22 "clone" of your larger caliber guns. A buddy of mine has an AA kit for the Glock 19 that I use now and then.

 

[lklawson]

I've seen/heard of enough issues from people I know who have had guns from those manufacturers that I just didn't feel like messing with it. Maybe next time when I have the time and inclination to deal with spending enough time with one to confirm its reliability.

Nah. I don't think you should bother. Do what you're comfortable with. A EDC is very personal and if you're just not inclined to work with the pocket nines then it might be an exercise in frustration for you.

Mine works. I like it. But I'm not going to try to argue you into my position.

A lot of people claim that the recoil from these super micro nines is awful and that they're extra vulnerable to limp-wristing because of their light weight. Again, I've not seen it, but OK. It's a good argument for pocket revolvers. Sure, the recoil will still be there but I've found that the action of the slide, though technically bleeding off recoil energy, seems to increase perceived recoil. And you can't cause a FTF by limp-wristing a revolver.

Like I said, I'm not trying to start a fight here.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

 

[KenpoTex]

I've shot a couple different models PM9, P11, Rohrbaugh (sp?) R9, etc. and liked the way they felt. But I don't have a grand to drop on the R9

 

[Jenny_in_Chico]

eh, you have to be married first for that to happen

Which explains why there was a BDU top lying on the floor.

 

[zDom]

Ya, I really want one of those 442s or 642s for a carry gun. I just can't spend the money yet ...

Love my SIG 226, but it is just so BIG.

Grats on a nice purchase!

 

[Deaf Smith]

I've shot a couple different models PM9, P11, Rohrbaugh (sp?) R9, etc. and liked the way they felt. But I don't have a grand to drop on the R9

Me to Ken! A thousand bucks and I'd sure hate to drop it on the pavement (as can happen in a fight or if the cops say to drop it!)

And what is more, if you shoot them alot you worry about them wearing out. One of the reasons I shoot Glocks so much is they are very hard to wear out! You can get two Glocks for the price of those guns you mentioned. One can be a practice gun, another the carry gun. And you can get real real good that way. And that skill is more important than the thousand buck gun you shoot little.

Deaf

 

[Hudson69]

Interesting slug thrower; mine is a Taurus .357, but no an airweight (or similar). I had an XD Sub-compact 9 that was toooooo big for me when rolling undercover so went back to the snub-nose since it doubles as a flashbang device late at night or in darker, more enclose spaces; love the .357 magnum.

I am looking to get the PF-9 Kel-Tec though for the concealability, reliability and the fact my duty rig is a 9mm.

Have fun with practice and hopefully you will need to "really" use it. As another man said "Peace favor your sword."