Air Lite vs Airweight??

JJ_BPK · Jan 30, 2012

I have started looking for a 337 or 342, continental preferred.

I have read most all the threads on the models, but still have holes in the matrix..

1)What is the difference between the air lite, airlight, and airweight models, if any?

2)Does anyone want to share their matrix of 337 & 342 model info?

Here is what I found so far:

The 337 was introduced in 1998 as the Chiefs Special Airlight Ti.
The 337PD was introduced in 2000 on the 337-1 frame
replaced by the 337-2 PD in 2002 with the internal lock.
The 337 range was discontinued in 2004.

193356
337- no lock
337-1 target 3.2inch
337-2 airlite titanium lanyard loop backstrap

serial ranges CFKxxxx in August 2002 and CFSxxxx in December 2002

103054 - 3-1/8" Target Kit Gun, synthetic grips, Hi-Viz red sight,
1999-2002 - 2001 Retail $779, discontinued July 2002.
103055 - 3-1/8" Target Kit Gun, Wood Laminate Grips, 1999-2002; 2001 Retail
$779, discontinued July 2002.
163054 - 3-1/8" Variation WITH INTERNAL LOCK, 2002. All Kit Gun variations discontinued, 2003, All 337's discontinued 2004.

342, Air Lite, pre-L
342-1, Air Lite, IL
342ti 11.3oz
342PD 10.8oz, IL,
342 titanium cyl 103814 cdl4xxx 9175
Product Codes 163814 (silver) and 163816 (PD - black) as having the IL, made 2002-04.
The 342-1 revision added the lock in 2001.

342MP 163075 13.5oz black

Thanks
JJ

s&wchad · Jan 30, 2012

The term Airweight goes back to the 1950's and generally means it has an aluminum alloy frame with a steel cylinder and barrel. Some of the early guns and the .22's had an aluminum cylinder.

AirLite was coined in the late 1990's and the guns are lighter than an Airweight. They typically have a titanium cylinder, except for the rimfires (aluminum). A number of the Airlite .22's have an aluminum barrel with a stainless steel liner.

Broadside · Jan 30, 2012

The 337 and the 342 are Smith & Wesson AirLite models. The will say AirLite on the right side.

Some people call them Airlight instead of AirLite. The correct term is AirLite.

They have an Aluminum/scandium ally frame and a two-piece barrel with pinned-in front sight.

Most have a Titanium cylinder. However a very few have a stainless steel cylinder. These are part of the M&P series of revolvers.

Airweights are a different line of J-frames. They have the standard aluminum alloy without scandium. Equivalent examples of Airweights would be the Model 37, 637, 442 and 642. All of these have steel cylinders.

Smith & Wesson is currently producing a number of centennial (hammerless) models without the internal lock. If you are interested in a Model 342, you may wish to look at either the no-lock Model 340PD or M&P 340 that are currently in production.

Both of the 340's are the exact same sized as the 342. The primary difference being that they are chambered to accept .357 Magnum as well as .38spl +P. The PD has the Titanium cylinder while the M&P has a blackened stainless steel cylinder.

Note that just because you have a revolver chambered in .357 Magnum doesn't mean you have to shoot .357 Magnum. You can live a very fulfilled life even if you only shoot .38spl or .38spl +P through your .357 Magnum.

JJ_BPK · Jan 30, 2012

Thanks for the quick responses..

I already have a 940-1, 9mm & 60-10, 357 and have experienced the recoil differences between 38, 9mm, & hot 357.

My problem was I searched for info on the 337 & 342 and forgot about the older aluminum frames and the new 340/360 M&P & PD models.

My current CCW carry is my 940 or CS9 and would like to try the 10+oz 342 for hot weather.

Tx again..

Broadside · Jan 30, 2012

I've seen some lock version (342-1's) floating around various auction sites for around $500 to $550. These were N.I.B.

If you are interested in a no-lock revolver, you may want to check out the 340PD. The weight and size will be identical to the 342.

If you end of getting one with a Titanium cylinder, make sure you heed the warnings about using jacketed ammo and minimum bullet weight. Also pay careful attention to the solvents you use to clean the cylinder. Certain solvents will compromise the protective coating on the Titanium.

Lobster Picnic · Jan 30, 2012

What's the downside if the protective coating is compromised? And why does titanium need a coating?

Ralph G. Briscoe · Jan 31, 2012

I had an airlite--a 340--briefly. They are effortless to carry, hell to shoot with defense ammo. That, plus the lock and the ammo restrictions made me decide to go to a no-lock 642 (airweight) and I haven't looked back.

les_garten · Feb 5, 2012

Ralph G. Briscoe said:
I had an airlite--a 340--briefly. They are effortless to carry, hell to shoot with defense ammo. That, plus the lock and the ammo restrictions made me decide to go to a no-lock 642 (airweight) and I haven't looked back.

Hello,
I'm new here, first post! I am looking at the 342PD because itis so light. Why do people dislike the lock so much? Does it hurt or denigrate the action?

They are easily removed I understand.

1 old 0311 · Feb 5, 2012

While recoil is a subjective thing I can shoot an easy box of ammo in an Airweight, BUT Air Lite gets pretty unpleasant. Not much difference carrying though.

zoom6zoom · Feb 5, 2012

Does it hurt or denigrate the action?

Not unless it malfunctions. Rare, but it happens.

Oh, and they are ugly. Even after plugging the hole I still have that damn arrow scratched into the side.

warrconn · Feb 5, 2012

zoom6zoom said:
Not unless it malfunctions. Rare, but it happens.

Oh, and they are ugly. Even after plugging the hole I still have that damn arrow scratched into the side.

Yep. Plus it's the principle/political aspect of the whole lock thing. When the 442 was offered w/o a lock I jumped on it.

Old cop · Feb 5, 2012

I recently picked up a NIB 340 M&P. This is the scandium frame w/stainless cylinder and barrel in .357 w/the big dot night [front] sight. It has had about 300 rounds down range, regular pressure .38, +P .38 and mid range .357. It handled everything w/no problems and I found the mid range .357 no snappier than +P.

All that said it is a very expensive gun and the better value is the 442/642. I bought it for the light weight and front sight. It has become my EDC so I'm happy w/the purchase.

BurgerBoy · Feb 6, 2012

I use a m642-1

Helderberg · Feb 6, 2012

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I carry a 638-3 and could not care less about the lock. I also have a 637 with a 2.25 barrel and it does make a difference. That added weight, little as it is, hanging out in front of the gun effects the recoil enough to notice.
The shrouded hammer on the 638 makes it easy and clean to draw as I carry it most in my front pocket. I use Hornady CD ammo and do not feel the need to use .357 for a pocket gun. Practice is the most important thing when it comes to any pocket gun so what ever you choose plan to get some range time with it.
Good luck, Frank.

JumpinJack · Feb 6, 2012

I owned both a 342 and a 342PD. Both were pre-lock and I paid a premium to have them. While they were effortless to carry they were hell to shoot. Recoil even with non +P ammo was horrible. In order to carry the gun in my state a 60 round qualification course is required for the gun carried. After 20 rounds I couldn't go on due to the pain. It's ammazing what 3 oz can do. I've shot 250 rds over a weekend in my 38-2 with no problems. I've sold the 2 Airlites. My hand hurt for days after those 20 rds in the 342.

Steve in Vermont · Feb 6, 2012

I will never understand why, when S&W made the 642, they didn't add a couple of ounces of weight and make it all SS (like a 640 only in .38). My old 36 is only a few ounces heavier than the 642 but put a box of ammo through both and you'll feel the difference.

Broadside · Feb 6, 2012

Steve in Vermont said:
I will never understand why, when S&W made the 642, they didn't add a couple of ounces of weight and make it all SS (like a 640 only in .38).

The original 640 (Model 640 no dash) was .38spl with a 1 7/8" barrel just like the Model 642.

You can usually find them for $350 to $450 on GunBroker.com.

Broadside · Feb 6, 2012

Lobster Picnic said:
What's the downside if the protective coating is compromised? And why does titanium need a coating?

Under the correct conditions Titanium will burn and burn rather violently. Those conditions can be created using certain type of lightweight, high-velocity ammunition.

In order for lightweight projectiles to do the same or more damage than their heavier counterparts, they have to move faster (Force = Mass x Acceleration). Ammo manufacturers accomplish this by using gunpowder that burns faster, and hotter, than the powder normally used for ammo of the same caliber.

The intent is to reach peak pressure sooner so that the projectile accelerates at a more rapid rate thus exiting the barrel at a higher velocity.

The byproduct of this is additional heat which has been known to cause flame cutting on the faces of titanium cylinders. Several members of this forum have posted pictures of this condition.

The problem is usually restricted to the lightweight (<125gr.) .357 Magnum rounds. However, some members have reported the problem when using just +P .38spl ammunition.

If you use the wrong type of cleaner on the Titanium cylinder you will compromise the coating that was applied by the factory. This has been shown by several members to lead to flame cutting on the face of the cylinder.

chp · Feb 6, 2012

I feel a noticeable different in my bobbed 337Pd (10.8 oz) vs my bobbed 637 (15 oz) in the pocket - and in the hand when shooting.

I like owing both versions! J Frames are like popcorn - I must have some more . . .

Got a 43c on order

Steve in Vermont · Feb 7, 2012

Broadside said:
The original 640 (Model 640 no dash) was .38spl with a 1 7/8" barrel just like the Model 642.

You can usually find them for $350 to $450 on GunBroker.com.

I'm well aware of this, I just don't understand why they stopped manufacturing them. Perhaps it's like cell phones, smaller and lighter is the rage. But what happens when the keys to the phone become to small to use, or the gun becomes to small (light) to shoot comfortably? I'm sure there are other considerations, cost to manufacture, ect, but I do know that my guns, including 3 snubbies, are all steel and 2 of them have been around for over 40 years.

Air Lite vs Airweight??

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