Just got this little gun very nice build and design took it to the range and at a very short distance had major issues getting on target. Anything to know about shooting such a short barrel revolver? I normally shoot semi auto handguns but have a 6 inch 686 that I have not had issues with. Any advice would be great.
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S&W 442
- Thread starter mordeeb
- Start date
MaxStravinsky
NES Member
I have a 642 that I never shoot. I just got a 638 (shrouded hammer j frame) and I put an apex trigger set into it Friday night. Shot it for the first time this morning. It was a pleasure to shoot. I'll gladly practice with it. I had a couple bullseyes both SA and DA, and the rest of my shoots where close to the center. I feel pretty confident that with regular practice I'll be as good with this as I am with my semi-auto 9mm.
I bought the apex kit on ebay for about $25 - it was pretty easy to install.
I bought the apex kit on ebay for about $25 - it was pretty easy to install.
For me it just took a lot of dry fire practice. Get to the point where you can pull the trigger while balancing a penny on the front sight and I bet you will be much better.
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my buddy has the same gun, I've shot it, it has a very heavy trigger pull and did the same thing with me. just need to make sure you have a tight grip like everyone said and learn the trigger. also get some snap caps and just sit at home pulling the trigger while you watch tv, that will help break it in a little and let you get used to it
In God We Trust
NES Member
I had a 442 but got rid of it. I had problems getting on target with it also. The trigger was VERY hard on it and the small barrel really enhances any of you normal shooting flaws (trigger squeeze, flinch, whatever)
Make sure that you concentrate on your fundamentals and that the front sight is flush across the rear sight. It seems almost like you are aiming down, but that's the way to do it. Keep in mind that this is meant to be a close range gun. Start at 10 feet and move it out from there to see how far you can hit with it.
Make sure that you concentrate on your fundamentals and that the front sight is flush across the rear sight. It seems almost like you are aiming down, but that's the way to do it. Keep in mind that this is meant to be a close range gun. Start at 10 feet and move it out from there to see how far you can hit with it.
How do you stage a trigger in a defensive situation? The vast majority of j frame owners use them for personal protection and staging a trigger will probably be just about the least likely option in that given circumstance
This. Use your non-trigger hand to stabilize too.
As anything, walk before you can run. Who cares if you shoot it slowly at first... That's why you shoot at paper to practice. Work your way up to full speed.
And, this: http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...p-W-442-airweight-cracked-frame?highlight=442
For curious minds, it's all taken care of but I haven't gotten my new one yet because I'm waiting on the next batch no-lock frames.
Dry fire it a ton.
Load only 2/3 rounds randomly so you can see if youre flinching or anticipating the shot.
bring target closer to see where groups are hitting.
rinse and repeat per above.
im no pro w my LCR38. At 10 yards i can consistently hit within 6 inches. I know thats nothing amazing but for me with a snubbie i am happy. However gimme a S&W 638 or 642 and i wont be able to hit crap cuz ive gotten used to the LCR.
Load only 2/3 rounds randomly so you can see if youre flinching or anticipating the shot.
bring target closer to see where groups are hitting.
rinse and repeat per above.
im no pro w my LCR38. At 10 yards i can consistently hit within 6 inches. I know thats nothing amazing but for me with a snubbie i am happy. However gimme a S&W 638 or 642 and i wont be able to hit crap cuz ive gotten used to the LCR.
The DA only snubs take some getting used to. As others have said practice dry firing. Have someone else watch the muzzle of the revolver while you hold it on target and pull the trigger. Ask them if the muzzle is movine around while you pull the trigger. Keep practicing until you develop a smooth trigger pull that keeps the muzzle steady. Good luck. IMO snubs take a little practice at the range but once you figure em out they are so easy to carry they turn into a favorite carry gun.
I'm going through the same thing with my LCR. Dry-firing, trying out various ways of holding the gun, pressing the trigger ever so slowly and carefully, and using 130gr ammo instead of the 158gr I started with, all helped. I'm no Jerry Miculek but I'm at least on target. Practice, practice, practice.
Kalash my research tels me 38 special and 357 magnum revolvers are usually designed for and sighted in for 158 grain loads. My sp101 hits very low with 125 grain .....a little low with 158 grain and dead on with 180 grain. That said I can't carry 180 grain......recoil is a bit stiff......I just aim a tad high with the 158s.
jeffC
NES Member
I find my 438 to have the best sights of all my guns. I like em nice and tight like that. My advice, learn the sights, grip it as high as comfortably possible, make sure youve got some good (rubber, not wood...something with texture) grips. I used to HATE shooting snubbie j-frames until I figured out these steps. Now I love it, and im accurate with it too. As others have anso mentioned, a trigger job might help. so might considering something in DA/SA. This will at least remove one of the problem variables (DA only trigger pull) from your equation.
Interesting to know, thanks. I'll work my way up to 158s eventually but for now I practice with 130s because they're easier to shoot. I'm more concerned about getting a reasonable group than pinpoint accuracy right now.
