I've got a sweet S&W 342 with 1 7/8 barrel in satin finish, the gun is perfect for concealed carry, and mine is like new, as I've never shot it before, just carried it.

The other day I went to the range to bond with the gun. I used some reloads (125 grs. jacketed hollow points with 5.1 grs. of Unique) that I was very familiar with in shooting other .38's. Agreed, the load is a easy load to shoot, but very accurate has been my experience.

Anyway, I had some Shoot and See targets placed about 15 ~ 18 feet away. Standing, two hand hold, I could not hit the Shoot and See target at all. I guess I fired at least 5 (25 rounds) chambers full.

The bullets were going to the left/right or below/above the target, no matter how I aimed.

I also had my Model 38 (Bodyguard) flat latch, pinned barrel, (which I had never fired before) and proceeded to go through the same procedure. I was able to hit the bullseye of the Shoot and See target 4 out of 5 times consistently. (several shots were almost in the same hole)

I guess my question is, since the 342 has a two piece barrel, could that be the culprit?

Has anyone else experienced this accuracy problem besides me?

As of now, the Bodyguard will replace my 342 Ti.

augy

342 Ti


Bodyguard

I've got a sweet S&W 342 with 1 7/8 barrel in satin finish, the gun is perfect for concealed carry, and mine is like new, as I've never shot it before, just carried it.

The other day I went to the range to bond with the gun. I used some reloads (125 grs. jacketed hollow points with 5.1 grs. of Unique) that I was very familiar with in shooting other .38's. Agreed, the load is a easy load to shoot, but very accurate has been my experience.

Anyway, I had some Shoot and See targets placed about 15 ~ 18 feet away. Standing, two hand hold, I could not hit the Shoot and See target at all. I guess I fired at least 5 (25 rounds) chambers full.

The bullets were going to the left/right or below/above the target, no matter how I aimed.

I also had my Model 38 (Bodyguard) flat latch, pinned barrel, (which I had never fired before) and proceeded to go through the same procedure. I was able to hit the bullseye of the Shoot and See target 4 out of 5 times consistently. (several shots were almost in the same hole)

I guess my question is, since the 342 has a two piece barrel, could that be the culprit?

Has anyone else experienced this accuracy problem besides me?

As of now, the Bodyguard will replace my 342 Ti.

augy

342 Ti


Bodyguard

If it's that inaccurate there's something wrong. Is the barrel liner loose?
I have one of them and it's not like that at all.
Any chance the frame is cracked right under the barrel?

__________________
Lynnie, Professional Pest

I'm looking at it now. The gun looks and feels perfect.

To shoot that poorly I'd think there's something wrong.
I might need a trip to S&W.

__________________
Lynnie, Professional Pest

Get rid of it. Its a lemon. I will take it off your hands for $300.
Seriously though... Have someone else shoot it,and see if it shoots different. You are shooting 2 very different guns. Different grips different triggers, etc.

Good point, I'll let a friend shoot it next time.

I'm tempted to sell it

Shoot it from a rest to get a feel for what's happening. The light DA-only guns are difficult to shoot well, and take a lot of practice. I have a 340PD and 360PD (converted to DA-only) that I shoot a lot, but I'm not particularly good with. I can do as well with my 2" Mdl 15 at 25yds as I can with those snubbies at 25ft. Assuming the gun is OK, start practicing at 5ft, not 5yds, and work your way back as you get comfortable with the gun.