Newbie question about the 242

Onequickwrench · #1 10-20-2009, 07:01 PM

I'm new to the forum and am looking for opinions on a s&w 242 titanium scandium 38.
I ran across one at a local GS and wondered about it's usefulness in a deep concealment role as well as it's value on the open market.
Please forgive me if price checks are not allowed and disregard the second part of my question.
Any and all information about the gun would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

murphydog · #2 10-20-2009, 07:28 PM

Hi, I owned one of these a while back. It is built on the L or medium-large frame and has a 7-shot cylinder, so it is a bit bigger than the usual J frame 5-shot. Aside from the gun's size, there are several other factors to consider when assessing concealability, such as your body build, type of holster, your regular clothing (or how you will dress differently with a concealed gun), etc., so that decision is different for each individual. The best way to establish a value would be to look at some of the online gun auction sites (GunBroker, GunsAmerica, etc.) and search for recent listings or sales. Hope this is helpful.

Onequickwrench · #3 10-20-2009, 07:39 PM

Murphydog,
thanks for the input.
I won't have too much trouble with IWB concealment as I'm 6'1" @ 275. My Sig 229 works well for me, but weighs a ton by comparison.
I'm not much of a wheel gun guy, but 7 shots of 38+p should do the trick if needed.
I ran searches on Gunbroker and Gunsamerica and there hasn't been a 242 listed for over 90 days
from what little bit of info I've found online the 242 was only produced 1 year and there were approximately 1600 built, so determining a "fair market value" is up to the experts here.

murphydog · #4 10-20-2009, 07:49 PM

Onequickwrench;

You're very welcome. The current edition of the SCSW has a NIB value of $425, but my impression (and my recollection when I sold mine 1-2 years ago) was more along the $500-600 range.

Hey, at your height and weight, how about a 329PD, the lightweight .44 Magnum?

Revolver King · #5 10-20-2009, 07:56 PM

I have one of these and like it very much. I have seen them sell for $700.00 more then once. I know it would take that for me to part with mine. Mine is also moon clipped and has an Ashley big dot on it.

murphydog · #6 10-20-2009, 08:10 PM

Have a look at this link, just posted. It's the .44 Special version of the 242, looks to be a good shooter/carry candidate:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sa...96-19-5-a.html

DC7 · #7 10-21-2009, 02:50 AM

About a year ago I sold a NIB 242 for $750.

JNewell · #8 10-21-2009, 08:15 PM

I haven't seen one in years. They're quite uncommon - not many were sold because a .38/.357 in an L-frame didn't compete well with the J-frame 342 (and the "normal" 642/442 Air Weight) guns that were for sale at the same time. I've shot the 296 .44 Special version and will tell you that the trade-off for bigger size is MUCH easier control due to the larger grip, compared to the J-frame.

If you don't grossly over-pay, I would guess you could get out of it for about what you paid for it if it doesn't suit you down the road.

Onequickwrench · #9 10-21-2009, 11:11 PM

I went back to the gun store today and smoked the 242 over closely.
The only blemish on the entire weapon is where the cylinder lock pin hits the frame when the cylinder is closed.
There is a noticable streak in the finish from the pin hitting the frame. Other than that the weapon is pristine.

DC7 · #10 10-22-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onequickwrench

I went back to the gun store today and smoked the 242 over closely.
The only blemish on the entire weapon is where the cylinder lock pin hits the frame when the cylinder is closed.
There is a noticable streak in the finish from the pin hitting the frame. Other than that the weapon is pristine.

A 242 is hard to find in any condition, much less new in the box. I'd grab it immediately if I were you!

FYI--That streak in the finish from the cylinder lock pin is normal for AirLite models, even brand new ones.

CAJUNLAWYER · #11 10-22-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onequickwrench

Murphydog,
thanks for the input.
I won't have too much trouble with IWB concealment as I'm 6'1" @ 275. My Sig 229 works well for me, but weighs a ton by comparison.
I'm not much of a wheel gun guy, but 7 shots of 38+p should do the trick if needed.
I ran searches on Gunbroker and Gunsamerica and there hasn't been a 242 listed for over 90 days
from what little bit of info I've found online the 242 was only produced 1 year and there were approximately 1600 built, so determining a "fair market value" is up to the experts here.

One of our members LowriderFXR has one for sale in the classifieds. Dealing with Many is like dealing with the Pope-the gun is like NIB and the price is fair.- (pretty good actually).

Nevermind, it was a 296 and it's sold. But still, if you ever get a chance to buy a gun from Many, it's a good experience.

JNewell · #12 10-22-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC7

That's a great price! I'd grab it immediately if I were you.

Concur. You should be able to cover your costs on a resale (though it may take a little longer than for a more popular model) if you change your mind.

Onequickwrench · #13 10-24-2009, 06:20 PM

Thanks to everyone who offered information and opinion.
I decided to purchase the revolver and picked it up this afternoon.
It's going to the range with me tomorrow morning for some practice.
I'll post a range report tomorrow.
Wish me luck.

Onequickwrench · #14 10-25-2009, 03:43 PM

Just got back from the range and my expectations were blown away ( pun intended )!
25 rounds downrange at 8 yards and another 25 while advancing on the target during tactical drills.
All shots hit the target and during slow aimed fire there were several double entries!
I've got a new lightweight BUG!

WC145 · #15 10-25-2009, 05:02 PM

Told ya!
Congrats on the new piece, you won't be sorry you bought it.