JUST DECIDED ON A B.U.G.

[PA45ACP]

So I just decided I am going ahead with a decision of buying a Smith 442 snubbie as a BUG and as Summer carry. Any opinions, suggestions, or comments would be appreciated on this particular arm.

Thanks!

[PA45ACP]

By that, I mean care for snubs, ammo preferred, prefer laser grips, that sortof thing. Thanks

[LastManOut]

+1 for Crimson Trace laser grip. You may need to "relieve" it a bit on the left side with a Dremmel tool for quicker speedloader access.

Daily check of yoke and cylinder release screws as well as the star ejector rod to insure they are not loose.

.38 Special 125 gr FMJ ammunition. Get some dummy rounds and practice reloading. I prefer the Comp I Safariland speedloader over HKS with the knob to turn for releasing the cartridges. Bianchi Speedstrips will conceal easier than the speedloaders. I like to carry one strong side one support side. In a tactical reload with speedstrips, it is best to practice reloading four rounds into a five shot snubby. The extra time it takes to get the fifth round in the one remaining hole can be deadly.

Dry fire with the laser for house clearing point shooting from bad breath to 3 yards and only a few out to 50 yards. Use the same ammo you plan to carry. Practice, practice, practice.

Forget the ankle holsters unless you have NO other option with your attire.

FWIW

[40sw]

Its an excellent choice for a backup gun. It has all of the characteristics that a BUG should have. I also enjoy Smith J Frame & M&P variants.
1. Small size.
2. Easy access.
3. Respectable caliber/ stopping power.

I also agree on the Crimson Trace angle. Excellent way to low light conditions and a great tool for identifying flintching and jerking the trigger. You can see the results right away.

So you made a good choice. I have absolutely no issues in being undergunned while carrying a respectable .38+P load such as a Speer Gold Dot for Short Barrels or an equivalent Hornady or Corbon JHP.

[Booner]

I usually pack my 442 loaded with 158 LSWCHP +P in a Mika pocket holster as a back-up to my Colt 1911.

[PA45ACP]

Sounds like some good advice folks, thanks! Never thought about the loading only four rounds for speed reload, makes plenty of sense and cuts time, which is precious. I have Azooms for my .45 acp's. I will likely be getting those for the .38 as well.

Thanks for all the input!

[PA45ACP]

And yes, I am not keen on ankle carry. I am looking into a Fist IWB with belt clip, and a desantis Super fly for pocket carry.

Probably Speer Gold Dots, though I still need to shoot alittle of everything, find out what works best for me, but I am hoping it is the Speer load. Like the looks of it's performance.

[co41ff]

If you like the SW 442 and would like a ct laser grip you can always get the 642 with the ct laser grip as a package. It will save you money. Unless you wanted the 442 for color choice over the CT642.

[PA45ACP]

Yes, I like black and blue firearms. Can't stand shiny or stainless ones, even the matte stainless. Personal preference. Though the ct laser grip is sounding better and better, and is widely said in opinions for jframe use.

Thanks to all.

[co41ff]

Well if you are willing to spend a little more money I would go with the M&P

Military Police 340 Centennial
its a .357 goes for a little under $700
Scandium Alloy Frame
Ft: XS Sights 24/7 Tritium Rr: Integral U-Notch
13.3 oz


or for a little more you can get the

M&P Military Police 340 Crimson Trace Laser Grp
same gun but with the CT from factory goes for a little under $900


This is the gun I plan on getting after I get the Ruger LCP