I picked this up at the gun show today. It has the internal hammer like the 642. 2 1/2" barrel. It came in a fitted case, and is NIB. Supposedly only made in 1990. No lock. It appears to be a "K" frame size. Serial Number CDH43XX. It appears to be an aluminum frame, or possibly Scandium. The cylinder is non magnetic, so I assume it's titanium. It's super light. Does anybody know anything about it? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
EarlFH

Just say'en...

It's an L-frame. And it's ugly! But it will serve you well, my friend.

It is an L-frame. Made for 6mo in 2001. 38 Special +P not 357 Magnum. They are great carry guns. The frame is aluminium alloy and cylinder is titanium. Do NOT use a brass or stainless brush on the cylinder it will remove the protective finish.

I agree with Erich. It looks the same as my 296, butt ugly, but kinda rare.
It's not a .357 Magnum, I believe it's a .38 Spl.
Jim

Known in the S&W forum as the infamous Humpback. L-frame, 5,000 produced I believe. Requires a bit of extra care to keep it looking good and functioning properly. Only feed it high quality ammo. Very light to carry, and comfortable. Definitely an acquired taste. Some love them, some hate them. I love mine.

SORRY ABOUT THAT! I got so excited that I forgot pics.





EarlFH

You are right. It's 38 special +P
So should I just use a brush with fiber brissles(spelling?) to clean the chambers?

Thanks guys,
EarlFH

Nylon brush only. Also, check to see if you have the tiny lanyard post at the base of the grip/frame.

You're right, I hadn't even noticed it, but it's there. Is regular gun cleaning lube OK to clean the aluminum? The only other aluminum gun I have is an "original" model 460, 38 special, "J" frame from the Performance Center, with a black finish.

EarlFH

Stick with CLP on the 242. S&W had aluminum coating issues around this time.

Found one with heavy oxidation/corrosion on the finish in various spots. Looks like someone went to town with a metal bristled brush. Still worth picking up for $500? No box though.

I have two 242 Ti revolvers.

I think one was $700 and the other was $750 if I remember correctly.

Both are in almost new. One came with the box and brochures.

They are 38 Special +P guns. Titanium cylinder. I don't think they have Scandium frames. I believe the frame is Aluminum alloy (without the Scandium) like the 642.

They are L frame, but use the K frame grips like other L frames.

Good triggers.

I usually just clean mine right away after shooting with patches and Rem Oil. I haven't used any Hoppes #9 and no brushes although I suppose a nylon bore brush would be OK -- but haven't needed it yet.

I imagine the finish is prone to the same problems as the 642, but so far both of my 242's look good.

If you want an light carry gun, it seems like $500 for one with challenged finish is Ok.

But check the cylinder to see if there is erosion, as replacement cylinders are hard to find.



With Arends Cocobolo grips:

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DON'T USE ANY KIND OF AMMONIA BASED CLEANERS IT WILL KILL THE FINISH ON THE CYLINDER. HOPPES # 9 NO GOOD TRY TO USE CLEANERS LIKE EEZOX ,BALLISTOL OR HOPPE'S ELITE. JUST LOOK TO MAKE SURE NO AMMONIA IN IT LIKE I SAID. USE AN ERASER ON THE FRONT OF THE CYLINDER TO CLEAN OFF GUN POWER RINGS. THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD BY TONY M FROM SMITH WESSON. IT WORKS GREAT NO PROBLEMS ON MY SW 340 PD. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT NEW PIECE I LIKE IT AND WITH NO LOCK EVEN BETTER!

Cal44 hit the nail on the head. I recently lucked into a 242ti myself in the original box and have fallen in love with this revolver. What's not to like with an Airlite, prelock, L Frame, with 7 rounds of 38+p?

As mentioned, the titanium cylinder is delicate when it comes to heavy cleaning. You can see with my 242ti, that the erosion is in its very very beginning stages. This wasn't a deal breaker for me as its not bad yet and the rest of the gun was very clean, but I am actively looking for another replacement cylinder. This is proving somewhat difficult, I wish another batch would be released to midway or numrich.

I've been chatting with Jim on options for a cylinder swap. From our research we have found that the 242ti 38 special cylinder is the same size/dimensions at the 686+ 7 shot cylinder. He has replaced his 296ti cylinder with a stainless one from a 696 with no issues, I'm hoping the 686+ cylinder swaps out with my gun as well. I wonder if anyone has ever done this for their shooter 242's? Then, for the once in a blue moon that I carry the gun, I can swap the cylinders back for the weight savings.

$500 for a rough one, I think that's a pretty good price. It just depends on just how rough it is. I don't mind older blued guns that show their wear but for the 242ti finish, too rough would be a no go for me. The cool box being gone is also a bummer. But, you gotta ask yourself like I did, when will you see another one? They were only made for one year, unlike the 296ti.

Here are my pics

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CAL44 I LOVE THOSE GRIPS THEY LOOK LIKE KIM AHRENDS BOOT GRIPS VERY COOL TOUCH OVER THE UNCLE MIKES. I JUST GOT RIDE OF MY EAGLE SECRET SERVICE FOR SOME OF HIS BOOT GRIPS FOR MY J FRAMES AND LOOKING INTO GETTING SOME FOR K FRAMES. EVERYBODY HERE ON THE FORUM HAS REALLY COOL AND GREAT GUNS.

I would use SLIP products, as I do for just about everything.

Remember that this format (the 242 and 296) are not safe queens or display guns - they are revolvers designed for a level of serious use and cosmetic wear is just a collateral consequence. One should not be stupid about how they treat them or what is used to clean them, but that also does not mean that babying one is needed. My 296 gets carried if it fits my needs, cosmetic wear being the last thing I would consider.

__________________
NHI, 10-8.

Seems as though a 6yr old humpback thread has found its way to the surface again...lol nice find

Great find. One of several recent revolvers I wish S&W would put back into production.