New to me S&W 442 no dash

[k511]

On the computer yesterday doing my weekly scan over the local armslist offerings... And saw this little j frame in great condition for 500 with crimson trace grips aswell as the original S&W wood grips, being a big fan of older pre lock/ mim... I jumped on it...
i already have a 642 stainless current production in my collection and know its rated for p+ loads, but is the original J frame made to handle the bigger loads aswell? It does not say its rated for P+ on the barrel.... I wouldn't shoot much of them, but I would prefer to carry a P+ hydrashock for ccw... Any and all info appreciated.

 

[laytonj1]

442 production started in 1993. In 1996 S&W went to the "J magnum" frame which allowed for the +P designation on the 442 (making it the 442-1) and other models. In 1997 MIM triggers started. In 2001 they went to the internal lock and additional internal MIM parts (442-2).

Jim

 

[Dragline45]

I know that even though my old pre-magnum model 60 and 640 were not rated for +P that they could handle them fine. From what I understand +P was not very common back then if at all so there was no need for the +P designation on the guns. Since those were all steel I am not sure if the same goes for your aluminum framed 442.

 

[JERRYS.]

the J frames approved for +p and or magnums have a raised vertical mass of frame behind the cylinder port. yours does not have that.

 

[k511]

Thanks for the info guys...I'll stick to standard loads