Seems to me that the 342 fills the niche of an ultralight .38, that is currently empty in the S&W lineup. The 442/642 has a great price, but at 15 oz is a bit heavy for the perfect pocket carry revolver.

So, if I want an ultralight pocket revolver (~11 oz), but I'm not the least bit interested in shooting .357's from such a light gun, the 340PD would work and I could just shoot .38's (what I suspect most folks actually do!). But, why do I want to spend the substantial amount of extra money for a scandium frame that I don't actually need?

Enter the 342 which has an aluminum (non-scandium) frame which is still light yet keeps the price down, and yes the titanium cylinder is going to drive the price back up, but at least not back up to the astronomical level of the 340PD.

I have and carry a 342, and I agree, it is a great little poket gun. It normally rides as a BUG to a service size .357. The spare ammo I carry is .38 so it will work in either gun. I was thinking of trading my 342 for a 340. Not so I could carry it loaded with .357, but so that my spare ammo could be .357 and still work in either gun. The 340 would still be loaded with .38s. That was until I saw the price of the 340. Not worth it.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

The M&P340 is a nice gun. It's my hiking/backpacking gun when I'm in country where I want a .357, like at lower altitude where there can be cats, but not bears (where I would want a .44). It bumps the weight up a couple ounces and the night sights are superb, yet still it is priced lower then the 340PD.

AMEN! Best pocket carry gun ever! Hands down.. S&W could make millions by reintroducing the 342/337 and PD versions.(With no lock , of course)!