Info on 342

[Bigbore61]

Purchased a model 342 Airlight ti 38spl +P Jacketed, aluminum gray finish with darker titanium cylinder, rubber bantam grips, pinned black blade front sight, notched rear sight, no exposed hammer (DAO), built in lanyard loop. Serial # CDF0060. I have read that 3 designated scandium frame material, but these were actually aluminum frame, stainless barrel insert and titanium cylinder revolvers. Appears to be unfired, as there is no powder residue on the cylinder or frame. LNIB
Looking for build date, ship date etc...

[edw794]

it is an aluminum frame as i have one too. does yours have the internal lock? mine doesn't.

[s&wchad]

Yours probably shipped in 1999.

If you have the white outer box that housed the clamshell case, the “Spec Ord Code” on the label is a Julian style date code. The first character designates the year and the last three characters represent the sequential day of the year.

This 686-4 has a Spec Ord Code of 6121, which translates to the 121st day in 1996.



If it has the envelope containing a fired case, look at the firing date. Both will be very close to the manufacture date.

S&W used “Scandium” as a trade name. The frames are aluminum alloy with traces of scandium added to the mix. Scandium is a rare earth element that substantially increases the strength of aluminum alloys. It’s much more expensive than gold by weight.

[Bigbore61]

No lock. I do have the outer white slip that the box comes in, however the labels are torn off enough not to read.

[kaaskop49]

OP: Congrats, you picked up a VERY nice gun. If you intend to use it as a carry piece, you must test fire to make sure the ammo you choose doesn't jump the crimp. The 342 is very susceptible to this and is the reason why I've never carried mine.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[Bigbore61]

Thx kaaskop49,
I use Underwood 38+p 100gr 1300fps. I am not EDC until I have time to shoot it a bit. However, I did do a wolf spring kit and added Hogue 3 finger rosewood grips.

[psp7304]

I recently picked up a 342. What height is the front sight and is there a replacement sight with an orange insert? Also, any idea where I can get the pin for for the lanyard loop? My 342 is missing the pin.

[reccpd101]

psp7304,

S&W may still have the pin in inventory. I believe the same pin fits the 317 22LR and I think it is still in production. I have 2 342s and a 317, they appear to be the same. I've never seen a embedded front sight but they may be available after market. One of mine has a front night sight that's aftermarket. I have no idea what the height of the sight is. All I have seen have been the same.

Just checked the S&W website, the 317 shows as available and has a factory installed HiViz sight. My 317 is older and I haven't seen one with the HiViz in person.

[reccpd101]

I use my handload in my 342 and apply a crimp using Lee's 357 magnum crimp tool adjusted for 38. It does add an extra step in the process but doesn't jump crimp even with a stouter load. You will not want to shoot many stout loads in a 342 !!!!

[psp7304]

I emailed Smith and Wesson and they are sending me a lanyard pin at no charge, which was a pleasant surprise. They were unable to determine the height of the front sight of my 342Ti. I'm going to call them tomorrow and try to order a front sight with the orange insert for a 340PD or 360 which appear to be the same height as the 342Ti.