AJ
US Veteran
Which is more desireable a 342 Ti or a 342 PD? Both are no locks and NIB. I already own the 342Ti. A friend has the 342PD.
342 Vs 342
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RightWinger
Member
Not sure why, but I have owned 3 of the 342Ti and one of the 342 PD, the PD has always been priced a bit higher. The only difference is the PD is black and the front sight is black with a red ramp....other than that no difference. Both guns are great for CC, maybe the PD looks a little more "evil" or tactical and that has boosted its demand.....or maybe less of them were made w/o a lock....
OP
AJ
US Veteran
Yes, I understand that they are both Ti's. Not sure either why the PD version goes for more. If I get it (the PD) it will probably sit in the box as I already use my Ti for a carry piece. Not even sure why I like the PD other than it is different.
DC7
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The 342PD is definitely more desireable than the 342Ti, which is strange because they're almost (but not quite) the same gun. Many people prefer the black finish of the PD, while others like the fact that at 10.8 ounces, the PD is one of the lightest .38's ever made by S&W. By comparison, the Ti weighs in at 11.3 ounces with Dymondwood grips and 12 ounces with Uncle Mike's rubber grips.
The weight difference comes partly from the use of ultralight Hogue Bantam grips on the PD, but that's not the only difference. S&W eliminated some additional metal from the gun, something that is particularly noticeable in the cylinder flutes. Check out how wide the flutes are on this 342PD, compared to the narrower flutes on the 342Ti below it:
Still, there is no functional difference between the two in either carrying or shooting--the weight difference is too small to be noticeable, especially when they're both wearing the same grips. (I use LG-405 lasergrips, which are about the same weight as the Bantams.)
I carry the 342PD more than the Ti, but only because I prefer dark-colored guns.
The weight difference comes partly from the use of ultralight Hogue Bantam grips on the PD, but that's not the only difference. S&W eliminated some additional metal from the gun, something that is particularly noticeable in the cylinder flutes. Check out how wide the flutes are on this 342PD, compared to the narrower flutes on the 342Ti below it:
Still, there is no functional difference between the two in either carrying or shooting--the weight difference is too small to be noticeable, especially when they're both wearing the same grips. (I use LG-405 lasergrips, which are about the same weight as the Bantams.)
I carry the 342PD more than the Ti, but only because I prefer dark-colored guns.
WFR
Member
342 PD
Buy it if the price is right.
Buy it if the price is right.
OP
AJ
US Veteran
I recently stumbled into a 342PD at a decent price. (Dumb luck) It came with some very thin, wood, 2-finger boot grips. I swapped them out for the Bantams and fired some various loads with it yesterday. I am not particularly recoil-sensitive, but it does have a bite even with standard pressure .38's. Trade-off. Looks like it will be the Federal Nyclads for carry.
Are the Bantams or CT405's the best compromise with respect to recoil absorption/concealed carryability (Mika Pocket Holster)? Does the jacketed restriction apply to full wadcutters as well? Thanks!
Are the Bantams or CT405's the best compromise with respect to recoil absorption/concealed carryability (Mika Pocket Holster)? Does the jacketed restriction apply to full wadcutters as well? Thanks!
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AJ
US Veteran
HEADKNOCKER
Member
I sold a "pre Lock" 342Ti used "As New" For $850..
And I was unaware that the "342PD" was that much lighter than the "342Ti"..
Great Pics and explination of the weight reduction from DC7
These are one of the most pocket friendly revolvers ever produced IMO..
The only S&W revolver I'm awair of that weighs less is the 317 22lr with an aluminum cylinder..
Gary/Hk
And I was unaware that the "342PD" was that much lighter than the "342Ti"..
Great Pics and explination of the weight reduction from DC7
These are one of the most pocket friendly revolvers ever produced IMO..
The only S&W revolver I'm awair of that weighs less is the 317 22lr with an aluminum cylinder..
Gary/Hk
OP
AJ
US Veteran
I have a 317 2". Have had the springs replaced to lighten the trigger pull and it also wears a Hogue monogrip. The 317 is set up exactly as the 342Ti, so that I can practice with it and don't have to spend big bucks on ammo and still have the same general feel.
Spotteddog
Member
My Wife and I each have a 342PD David.
I run Hideouts on mine, she runs the C/T laser on hers http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Products/SmithWesson/LG405/tabid/235/Default.aspx
No issue with bullet creep with full wad cutters. You may experience creep if running the Remington FBI load? If you do, it will typically grow between .010"-.015" in length by the last round. (Verified) FWIW, a full wad would have to stretch nearly to it's entire length to fall out. The roll crimp around the mouth of the cartridge prevents this from starting. My Wife's is currently running these 20D/20
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Hvy .38 Spl (Non + P) Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
Without issue.
I run Hideouts on mine, she runs the C/T laser on hers http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Products/SmithWesson/LG405/tabid/235/Default.aspx
No issue with bullet creep with full wad cutters. You may experience creep if running the Remington FBI load? If you do, it will typically grow between .010"-.015" in length by the last round. (Verified) FWIW, a full wad would have to stretch nearly to it's entire length to fall out. The roll crimp around the mouth of the cartridge prevents this from starting. My Wife's is currently running these 20D/20
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Hvy .38 Spl (Non + P) Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
Without issue.
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rburg
Member
Last weekend I picked up a 342PD at a street fair. I thought it was a good price at $600 and it came with some CT laser grips. I removed them and tossed on the original grips. I don't like extended length grips on J frame guns. With luck I'll manage to trade them for a set of the shorter ones.
The one I just bought has the lock. It had already been removed and was floating around in the case. A good thing. On the Centennial frame, the lock is much less of an issue because it doesn't have the flag slot. I guess its nice the PDs sell for more. I wouldn't have blinked if it had been the Ti, and would have preferred it be a no-lock gun to either.
The one I just bought has the lock. It had already been removed and was floating around in the case. A good thing. On the Centennial frame, the lock is much less of an issue because it doesn't have the flag slot. I guess its nice the PDs sell for more. I wouldn't have blinked if it had been the Ti, and would have preferred it be a no-lock gun to either.
Spotteddog, Thanks for the info! I did the test with all the loads I ran throught he 342PD yesterday. The only round that had to be discontinued was a 125 gr STHP. The 158gr SWC, 148 gr WC and 125gr Nyclads all functioned fine. I have ordered a couple of different styles of Hideouts to see how they work. I can always go back to the Ahrends, Bantams or S&W with a Tyler. Laser grips down the road, perhaps. Tx, again. David.
JNewell
Member
OP
AJ
US Veteran
Picked it up today. As I stated traded it for a M1917 that had been refinished by S&W. Had a total of $300 in it. Now I have the 342 Ti & PD along with a 317. I'm happy.
Spotteddog
Member
AJ,
I hope you'll be as pleased as we are owning this pair!
It's a fine little revolver no heavier than a mouse's "poot". And will shoot till the cows come home when she likes the hands she's in! It would be one of the last guns I'd ever part with?
I hope you'll be as pleased as we are owning this pair!
It's a fine little revolver no heavier than a mouse's "poot". And will shoot till the cows come home when she likes the hands she's in! It would be one of the last guns I'd ever part with?
