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
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