342PD on the way!

[Bob79]

I had posted before asking for opinions on a good 5-shot, and I found a 342PD on the web. I saw the picture and it had stamped on the frame "Airlite" along with "38+P" stamped on the barrel. And I called S&W to ask what the heck the 342 was, and I found it has been discontinued. Its brand new though, so I'll have the Smith warranty, so thats good.

I guess Smith figured that since they have a .357 there was no place for the 342 anymore. Thats OK by me though, its costing me $450, which is at least $150 cheaper than the newer Airlites. The guy at Smith also said it does weigh only 10.8 ozs, which is lighter than the new ones rated at 12ozs I have shot 38+P through a newer Airlite and it didn't bother me at all, but I did try about 10 rounds of .357 and it was just horrible.

It worked out really well, I save $150 bucks because I don't want the .357 capability anyways. Now I have a quality gun with more punch than my Seecamp, and I plan to carry the Smith when clothing permits, & use the Seecamp when clothing won't permit a bigger gun.

I hear the new Speer 135 grain +P's are the way to go, I'll have to find some, until then I have some 129 grain +P hydra-shoks which will hafta do in the mean time. But hey the gun should be here next week, I'll post some pics with it and the Seecamp when it arrives!

Just something reassuring about a reliable J-frame

 

[JNewell]

The 342 is (was) a truly excellent product. Every time I walk into the local shops I see .357 Sc/Ti guns for sale in the used cases, usually with just one or two cylinders of ammo having been fired. In contrast, I don't recall the last time I saw a used 342 for sale locally. That should tell you something...

 

[j_a_espo]

I also bought a 342

I agree with Bob79, the 342 was the way to go for me. I just bought it last week and had an offer already - but it's a keeper.

I am not sure which products are okay to use when cleaning. What are you using to clean your Ti/Sc parts?

 

[WorksForMe]

I have a 342 in a Kramer pocket holster at this very moment. You won't be sorry you bought one. You can send .38 +P's down range all day long plus it's so light you can have it in your pocket all day and be comfortable.

 

[JNewell]

I use only CLP and MPro 7. Never any problems with fouling, dissolving the finish, or anything else. Check the instruction book for special cleaning considerations - nothing abrasive (e.g., ScotchBrite pads).

 

[Bob79]

This Week!

They shipped the gun yesterday (Mon), so hopefully I will have it by Weds or Thursday. This will be my 4th S&W I have owned, I sold my Airweight 642, and my Airlite 340 (mistake )

I thought I could find one "perfect" gun to carry all the time, but it doesn't exist. So I went to a small semi-auto, the Seecamp .32, which is a top quality gun, and hides really well. But I really missed the RELIABILITY of wheel gun, not to mention the power loss with a .32

So I decided to break down and have two guns for concealed carry. I think between the 342PD, and the Seecamp .32 I will be good to go. I plan to carry the 342PD as much as I can when the situation permits, and use the Seecamp when I need something smaller. I ended up spending $850 on the two of them together, still cheaper than the $950 the Rohrbaugh costs, and I'm so glad I didn't go that route!

I'll post some pics when the 342PD is in my hands, and I guess I will post it with the Seecamp as well. Matter of fact I might as well just post some of the ol' S&W model 66 stainless I have too, I love that gun!

 

[ssr]

I'm sure you'll be happy with it. I have one and carry it when I need deeper concealment than I can get with my Commander 1911s. It's an awesome little revolver IMO! I changed the rubber grips on mine to small wood checkered ones.

 

[SkunkApe]

I bought a used 342 PD a few weeks ago, and I love it. Its so light, it feels like a toy. I think the pocket holster and the ammo weigh more than the gun.

It does hurt the top of my index finger with +Ps, though. And it shoots a bit low with the 125-130 gr loads I've tried so far. I've got Gold Dot 135-grainers on order, so I'll soon see how those do.

You're gonna love this gun. Its a joy to carry.

 

[Bob79]

I'm soooo mad!

My local FFL dealer is killing me!!!

The gun came in on Thursday. She doesn't even tell me till Friday, so thats too late to set up a pick-up for Friday because I had to work. Then she says on the Weekend is OK after 3pm. So I call about 3:30PM, and theres a function at her house and she can't do it!

So why tell me you can do the pick up in an e-mail when you knew you wouldn't be available?!?!?! So allegedlly I can pick it up tomarrow, and we arranged for 3:30-4:00PM, but I'm gonna call before I walk out the door because its 20 miles away.

She was a hair brain on the last transaction I did, I used her again because shes $10 cheaper, but it ain't worth it! I don't know if I'm more mad at her, or myself for using her again:banghead: :banghead:

Hopefully I'll have it tomarrow, if I do get it, I will post some pics of it w/ my model 66.

 

[aclar266]

trying to sell my 342 pd

Very new to the site, was looking to sell my mint cond. 342pd Just around a dozen rounds through it. Comes with 2 speed loaders, an uncle mikes inside the pants holster and a FOBUS ankle holster. My police agency just OK'd automatics for back up carry and wanted a little more capacity. Not looking for top dollar, reasonable offer to a good buyer. anyone interested???

 

[orionengnr]

pm sent

PM sent!