[JERRY]

what would you prefer? titanium or stainless in a .38 2"? and why?
i have one for trade by the way in the swap section.

[RON in PA]

My current carry gun is a SS Smith 640-2 in .38 special. I don't mind the weight in my pocket and like the fact that the gun's extra weight allows for longer practice sessions and better control when fired.
For me at least, the titanium guns have gone too far in weight reduction. Do people that own them practice much?

[WT]

I have a 2 inch .38 special Smith Model 640. I like the stainless steel because the additional weight gives me better control and better bullet placement. I believe bullet placement is of key importance, moreso than bullet type or diameter.

I think the titanium and scandium lightweight snubbies work against the operator because as weight decreases, so does control.

[Erich]

I have a 2" 940 (stainless), and I'd much rather it be Sc/Al with a Ti cylinder. It doesn't weigh a ton as is, but it would be a lot better for carry if it were only 12 oz.

[JCM298]

I originally put this on GlockTalk. Am I allowed to paste it here?
Moderator: If I broke the rules, please remove this.

Snubs
I've got both an S&W 649 and a 340SC, in addition to my Colt Magnum Carry. I carried the 649 for 4-5 years but decided to get the 340 because of the weight difference. The "beast" is NOT a fun gun to shoot. Another poster said it was like "shaking hands with the devil". I agree. The firt range trip drew blood until I put on my shooting gloves. Now I use both gloves and band-aids on the trigger finger.
The weight difference is significant, especially in pocket carry.
I don't shoot it as much as the 649, but it is nearly as accurate as the 649.
It is my "always" gun,
John

[10-Ring]

I prefer the steel. Much easier to shoot & control than the light weight & ultra light weight snubbies.

[keithernTN]

Shoot one of each and see what you like. I've got a 642 which is about 15oz. and it has a kick to it with +P ammunition. It takes practice to be able to be accurate, and control a lightweight snub. The practice should be enjoyable or you won't want to shoot it much. When I think of the purpose of a lightweight snub I think of carry. While the lightest package may feel better in your pocket, if you can't hit anything with it when you need it your only hurting yourself.

[Drakejake]

I hve a 20 oz total ti Taurus 617 seven shot .357. I also have a 25 oz stainless six shot Rossi .357. Both are snubbies. I don't feel much difference in recoil in shooting the two. The Taurus fits in the pockets of some of my shorts and can be carried quite comfortably. The stainless would be cheaper and perhaps more durable. The titanium is more comfortable to haul around.

Drakejake

[MrPhil]

Yesterday, for the first time, I shot a 2" revolver, two of them actually. Both were S&W J frame, 5-shot .38's. One stainless, the other "Airweight" (aluminum frame, stainless cylinder and barrel). Both shot well, but I'm leaning toward the Airweight as a pocket gun. Recoil difference was not noticeable (to me).
Every pistol I own gets at least 100 rounds per month (I only have 5). How is life expectancy of aluminum frame .38's?

[allanschisel]

I have a S&W 442PD titanium which weighs 10.8oz unloaded? With 125gr CorBon +Ps, it kicks no more than a steel K frame 357. It's not a tack driver, but I can hit a pie plate with it at 10 yards. I don't shoot it all day long, but as long as I can hit a plate at that distance, the gun is doing all it was designed for. If I'm wearing pants, I'm carrying that gun. I live in Florida and for most of the year, shorts and a shirt is all I have to conceal a firearm. This gun goes in a pocket holster in my front pocket, does not sag my pants at all, and cannot be noticed. Too light to fire a few 100 rounds a day with? Yes, it is. Too light to practice enough so the gun can do it's job?
No, recoil isn't as bad as some people say. I don't know if I'd want a 12oz 357 mag, that may be a bit much. I have shot a 454 Casul and did not like that, so I'm not immune to recoil. If weather pemits, I carry a Kimber Ultra light in 45acp. but with the J frame, I still feel well armed.
Allan Schisel

[22luvr]

I currently have a Smith 340SC .357 mag "Scandium" and the difference between shooting .38 spcls and .357 mags through it are night and day.
The .38's shoot beautifullyl, much like my older model 638 "Bodyguard." A 12 oz gun was just not meant to send any .357 mag loads down range. Yes, I've shot .357's but I would call recoil FIERCE and I don't consider myself recoil sensitive.

If you plan to carry .38 spcls, then I'd opt for a Smith model 638, which was my very favorite snubby. Or, if you really want a featherweight Smith, then go for the 342PD, which weighs about 11 oz, and I've read they're excellent guns. Were I to do it over again, I would have kept my 638 and passed on the 340. I got the 638 for HALF the price of the 340 and, weighing in at about a pound, it was supremely comfortable for all-day carry. The 442 with a concealed hammer is another good idea for concealed carry.

I think the much higher prices for the scandiums is not worth it for paring a couple of ounces off, not to mention bullet limitations and a host of special cleaning problems, etc.

[allanschisel]

I have a 342PD 38 spl, not a 442. All these numbers mix me up!
I agree they are expensive, but since I have an 01FFL, the money hit wasn't as bad as paying retail.
Allan Schisel