I have a model 342-1 that I purchased new in 2003. The cartridge designation on the barrel reads: ".38 S&W SPL". I've seen pictures of several other 342s online that also have "+P Jacketed" written underneath. There is a picture of each shown here: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson - Jim Supica, Richard Nahas - Google Books

Why do some 342s have a +P rating while others, like mine, do not? Is is safe to use +P in mine?

I bought this no dash new in 2000 or so. No idea why yours would not denote +P. May be worth a call to the Factory to inquire. You would have to think it is +P rated but it sure makes you wonder.

Yes, it's safe to shoot any factory .38 Special loads in your gun. The only substantial difference between the 342 and the 342-1 is the internal lock. I'm sure the warning about using jacket bullets when shooting +P's still applies. The following excerpt from the owners manual explains the reason for the warning. S&W recommends jacketed bullets because the cannelure on a jacketed bullet holds crimp better.

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"I also cook."

That is a nice sidearm.

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Chewy

Here's what mine looks like. When I sent an email to S&W, this was the response I received: "The gun is tested for +P and then they put it on the barrel next to the .38 SPCL. CTG. +P. If that is not there then no to +P."

What's going on here? Why would guns built before and after mine have +P on the barrel, but mine doesn't?

It's not the first time an overworked S&W customer service person got it wrong and it won't be the last.

Your gun is built on a high strength aluminum alloy "J Mag" frame with a titanium cylinder. The only thing you'll hurt shooting factory +P ammo is your hand.

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"I also cook."

Thanks Chad. I sure would feel better if I had documentation from S&W saying it was OK.

Knowing Chad personally, and his level of knowledge & experience, not just
with S&W firearms, his "documention" would be more than enough for me.

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Ogy

I wonder if this has something to do with why my gun has no "+P":
Interesting 342 Ti: Questions

Maybe by '03 this was a known issue and the "+P Jacketed" marking was removed as a stop-gap measure?

Look at the cylinder latch side of your gun. Extending down from the recoil shield, you should see a strip of metal which is 'thicker' than the rest of the metal. I'm one step above Amish on the technology ladder, so I can't do the whole pic thing.

Any S&W with that strip of metal is rated for +p

Ok, I've been hanging out here a while and learned a lot. So, what does +P mean? Seems to just be a stronger load.

After a few days of investigation by S&W customer service, I have confirmation that my gun is indeed rated for +P. In addition, I have an offer from S&W to have the gun's barrel shroud laser-engraved with the correct markings at their expense (shipping included). Pretty pleased with S&W customer service right now.

We all knew it was +P rated and therefore it should be correctly labeled. Fell through the cracks somewhere in production. Pain sending it in but I would get it done. Probably be a quick turn around.

Interesting thread....my recently purchased 360J has no +P markings, instead has "S&W 38 CAL" roll marked on the right side of the barrel shroud. S&W says it is +P rated, but........

Thinking about getting a trigger job on this gun while it is a S&W. Good idea?

An old Denver cop armor once told me the best way to tune a J-frame was to just keep dry fireing it once properly lubed. My 442-2 has smoothed up considerably with that practice(with A Zoom snap caps), and regular range practice. Might save you some money, it's your call. Enjoy your shooter!!
Jim

I think if you are going to make S&W jump through the expensive, needless hoop of replacing the shroud on the 342 it would be very nice of you to throw them the carrot of an action tune to make it sort of worth their while. Really, this is an unnecessary if not pointless exercise, but the industry has "done it to themselves" and invited such agonizing with the silly +P designation.

While I do understand what you mean, and it wouldn't matter to me in the least, the lack of the +P marking could have resale implications if he were to ever get rid of it. A lot of potential buyers could be put off by the ambiguity.