Info Request for M&P 342

Mobilman44 · #1 08-13-2011, 11:22 AM

Hi!
I'm new to this Forum, but a long time shooter and owner of various S&W handguns over the years.

I bought a new M&P 342 yesterday. It's a .38, 5 shot, matt black revolver with triton front sight. It weighs 13.5 oz mt. It will be used primarily for a second home defense gun.

My questions are, when were they made, of what material, and can plus P be used in it - although I seriously doubt I'll put more than 200 rounds a year through it.

Is there any special care for this piece? I found the factory "instructions" pretty generic and obviously this is not your typical steel/stainless handgun.
Thank you!
Mobilman44

Mobilman44 · #2 08-14-2011, 10:26 AM

Hi!
I'm surprised no one has replied to my post, for I thought the M&P .38 was fairly popular. Yikes, did I buy a "white elephant"????

Hope to hear something soon,

Mobilman44

ImprovedModel56Fan · #3 08-14-2011, 12:00 PM

Never heard of an M&P 342. Maybe it's something new. I have a 342PD, which is extra-light and finished in black (except for the titanium cylinder). It's rated for +P, and so marked on the barrel. Bullets lighter than 125gr are not recommended, at least in +P, and maybe not at all. S&W (1-800-331-0852) is the source you should be using for ammo restrictions, not the internet, although this particular web site is a pretty high-class operation. Nevertheless, no one is guaranteeing the info you see here, and a false or questionable statement may not be challenged immediately.

s&wchad · #4 08-14-2011, 12:05 PM

It’s a .38 Special version of the M&P340, not a white elephant at all. I’m sure it’s rated for +P. There was a thread about these last year:
New weapon on market: 342 M&P

Mobilman44 · #5 08-14-2011, 01:44 PM

Hi again,
Thanks for the lead on the older thread, my piece looks exactly like the one pictured. I do not see a "+ P" on the barrel, and frankly I have no intention of shooting the higher powered ammo through it - I was just curious if it would take it.

It appears to be of a very high quality, and fits my needs for an upstairs home defense handgun that the wife could easily handle. And being for home defense, a .38 SJHP would work just fine (as it won't go through brick walls, etc.).

Thanks all,
Mobilman44