SMITH & WESSON MODEL 442-2 AIRWEIGHT
Posted Jun 15, 2023
Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight
The Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 442-2 Airweight is a dependable, lightweight, five-shot double-action revolver designed and manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It is a classic, reliable revolver that has been a popular choice among gun enthusiasts for over 25 years.
The Model 442-2 Airweight is made entirely of stainless steel with a polymer frame, and is chambered for either .38 Special or .38 Smith & Wesson Special +P ammunition. It has a 1.87-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.31 inches. It has a classic, plain-looking finish that gives it an understated yet classic look for the modern gun enthusiast.
The revolver weighs just 15.3 ounces unloaded and carries a comfortable 7-round magazine. The recoil is quite light, although it can be a bit snappy if the shooter is not used to heavy-handed shooting.
The sights of the 442-2 Airweight are target-style with a fully adjustable rear sight. The adjustable rear sight is great for target shooting, and there is plenty of room on the rear sight to make adjustments. The front sight is an orange ramp, which allows for easy target acquisition. The sights of the 442-2 are comfortable and intuitive to use, and it is easy to keep a target in the sights.
The trigger of the 442-2 Airweight is smooth and light. It is a double-action only (DAO) trigger with a pull weight of about 10 pounds. The trigger is smooth, with no stacking or grittiness. This makes it ideal for target shooting and less-than-ideal for defensive shooting. The trigger is not the greatest, but it is certainly good enough for most gun enthusiasts.
The safety features of the 442-2 Airweight are minimal. It has a thumb-activated safety on the left side of the frame that prevents accidental discharge by blocking the firing pin and hammer. It also has an internal safety that disables the trigger for added security.
The Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight is a solid, basic revolver with no frills. It is dependable, lightweight, and reliable, making it an excellent choice for a first-time gun owner or shooter who wants a straightforward and understated revolver.
The Model 442-2 Airweight is a great choice for self-defense, particularly in congested urban environments. Its small size, lightweight construction, and adjustable sights make it an idealCCcarry revolver for those who prefer a revolver in their pocket or on their hip.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight is a great choice for a simple, reliable revolver for a first-time gun owner or shooter. It is lightweight, accurate, and dependable. It can also serve as an excellent carry revolver for those who prefer a revolver for self-defense in an urban environment. For an affordable price, the 442-2 gives its users the dependability and reliability of a classic gun with the modern design of a modern revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight - The Smith & Wesson model 442-2 Airweight is made of aluminum alloy, making it relatively lightweight compared to other handguns. This makes it easy to carry and more comfortable when firing.
- Reliable - The 442-2 Airweight relies on a double-action/single-action trigger pull, making it very reliable when shooting.
- Compact - Due to its small size, the 442-2 Airweight can easily fit into a pocket, making it easy to conceal if necessary.
Cons:
- Expensive - The 442-2 Airweight can be a bit pricey for some, as it is not in the lower price range of Smith & Wesson products.
- Limited magazine capacity - The 442-2 Airweight only holds five-six rounds of ammunition, which can be limiting for some.
- Long trigger pull - The double-action/single-action trigger pull of the 442-2 Airweight can be quite long. This can make it hard to get a good first shot off in an emergency need.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight is a lightweight, double-action revolver designed for concealed carry and self-defense. It is an excellent choice for experienced shooters who are looking to add a reliable and powerful revolver to their defensive firearm collection. This handgun is also suitable for novice shooters who are comfortable with a larger caliber firearm, as the 442-2 is relatively easy to handle for its size.
On the other hand, the Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight may not be the best choice for inexperienced shooters, those with limited hand strength, or those looking for a recreational target pistol. The heavier trigger pull associated with a double-action revolver can be difficult to manage for inexperienced shooters, particularly when attempting precise shooting. Similarly, the slightly heavier frame of the 442-2 may make it difficult for shooters with limited hand strength to handle the recoil of the .38 Special round.
Comparisons
| Specification | S&W 442-2 Airweight | S&W 686-4 | S&W 57 | S&W 360PD Airlite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special +P | .357 Magnum | .41 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 1.875" | 4.0" | 6.0" | 1.875" |
| Capacity | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Weight (unloaded) | 15.1 oz. | 36.3 oz. | 51.2 oz. | 16.1 oz. |
| Finishes | Matte Black | Satin | Blue | Synthetic |
| Front Sight | Serrated Ramp | Ramp | Red Ramp | Hi Viz Fiber Optic |
| Rear Sight | Fixed | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
Features / Specs
• Barrel Length: 1.87in
• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 5 Rounds
• Frame: Alloy
• Front Sight: Integral
• Rear Sight: Fixed Notch
• Overall Length: 6.31in
• Weight: 15.0oz
• Action: Double Action
• Finish: Matte Black Stainless Steel
Popular Accessories
Popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight include: holster, loading tool, speed loader, magazine pouch, cleaning rod, grip panels, recoil pad, extra sights, and extra cylinders.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 442-2 Airweight is an inexpensive but reliable and accurate revolver. As with other small frame, lightweight revolvers, the 442-2 is inherently less accurate than larger frame guns when shooting at greater ranges. However, the 442-2 can be very accurate and reliable when fired from a shorter range. Its short barrel and short sight radius mean that at a range of 7 yards, the 442-2 can produce 2 inch groups and at a range of 25 yards, the accuracy should be 4-inch groups or better. This makes the 442-2 an ideal self-defense handgun and an excellent choice for concealed carry and home defense.
