Hi All,

I was in to my local pawn shop today to view a 342 S&W .38 special. I believe this is the PD version as it has Hogue grips. I love the gun, it's exactly what I am looking for in terms of size.

The owner said it was his personal gun and works perfectly. I am concerned about overall condition, specifically by the barrel which appears to have some oxidation? I am looking at $350 out the door on the gun which in my research seems fair (let me know what you think). Please see attached photos and I appreciate any feedback and thoughts if I should go ahead and purchase the gun.

Thank you in advance!

Matt

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That is a steal on a great gun. Go get it. I paid $750
For mine 10 years ago but it has smaller rubber boot grips on it. And this is a no lock gun. Might see if he will take $300 cash OTD.

I'd like to take that back. I just saw the crack on the barrel on the last picture. That is a NO Go.

Thank you for the quick reply! I told him I want my wife to come check it out and see what she thinks. I'll try to get it down a little more then. Any concern for that oxidation by the barrel/wear on the gun?

Welcome! It's at a very good price. The finish on these is not very durable and I'm guessing the owner wore it on his right hip where it could get dinged and scraped. Doesn't affect function at all.

Be forewarned, it is very light and you might be surprised at how much it recoils even with light loads.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Wow - talk about road rash! I wouldn't touch it - you can get a new 442 for about the same amount of money. The new revolver will have a lifetime warranty - I don't know about that one. As rough as it looks, I would also be concerned about it mechanically ...

Edited to add: Your 4th photo is scary - I cannot believe they had the nerve to price that (originally) over $400...

Thank you both for your replies. What should I look for when inspecting the gun? Aren't the newer s&w revolvers heavier (not made with titanium?) and significantly more expensive? My goal is to have a reliable concealed carry which my wife won't be scared to carry either. It should not see significant use besides range fire for practice.

I'd be more concerned about what looks to be a crack on the top of the barrel by the front sight. I'd pass and find a different air light on Gunbroker if it was me. Gun looks like it has seen some use/maybe abuse.
Just my opinion. If it is just cosmetic and you really like it, your call.

I just saw the crack on the top of the barrel as well. I'd have recant and pass on that purchase

It is one of the lightest .38 Spl guns out there. It is also out-of-print. Many LEOs carry one of these in a jacket pocket as back-up insurance. Condition looks awfully rough: there seems to be a substantial gouge near the front sight. It is very difficult to fire: my 342 hurts to fire even with lighter wadcutters and standard service ammo. A veteran NYPD firearms instructor on the Forum feels the same way.

For an additional $50 or so, you can purchase a brand new 442 or 642 revolver which weighs a few additional ounces and is easier to fire. Since there are available (and better) alternatives, I would not buy this 342. YMMV

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thank you, that crack? was my concern too. I wasn't sure it it was just aesthetic which I don't care about or functional which would be a deal breaker for me.

Thank you all! Based on the responses on condition, I believe I will pass on it. I don't want to inherit someone else's issues in the future. What is the preference here between the 642 and 442?

I wish people wouldn't do other people "favors" by offering such damaged mdse for sale.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Think I'd try to arrange a test fire. The poor thing looks like it hasn't had any good lovin' at all. Makes me wonder if the pawn shop guy isn't into S&W S&M.

I would recommend a 442 because I believe the frames on them have been found to stand up better to wear. I have a 637 - with the same finish that the 642 would have, and the cylinder center pin is actually gouging a track on the frame from opening and closing the cylinder. There is no gouged track on either my 360J or 442 - they have a shiny track where the pin has passed by - but no gouge. I thought I saw here on SWF that the 4-series frames are actually anodized versus a painted on finish on the 6-series aluminum frames. Not sure about anodizing or not - but I have seen differences in wear patterns as noted above.

Thank you! I am checking gunbroker for a 442.

MattR82:

It might pay off to check out a few local gun shows, if you aren't in a terrible rush, especially if you can find something else that feels good to you. Hands on is a wonderful thing... immediate feedback, and you're not restricting yourself to one model. Deals can be found on older M36s, for example, if you are OK with the extra weight of an all-steel piece. That added weight also mitigates felt recoil if you are recoil sensitive, as are some with the lightweights. The possibilities are numerous. Bonuses are no sales tax or transfer fees if you find a private seller at one of the tables. Same with ARMSLIST... check out the listings for your state.

Works for me.

I have a 342 that I have had for years. I believe that I gave $500 for it when I bought it. It is in like NIB condition. It is a great carry piece. Light isn't the word for it. I shot mine when I first got it, to see if it hit at the point of aim at 7 yards. Once I knew where it hit, I haven't fired it since, don't see a need to do so. I keep it clean and use the Hogue Grips. I change out the ammo every year. Would buy one again if I needed it. The one that was offered to you was toasted, I would not have even offered to buy it.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Thank you all for your excellent responses. I am in no rush, I will keep looking for either a better condition 342 or a new or like new 442. I have shot a revolver at the range before and the recoil took some getting used to! I have a Sig P226 at home which is much smoother but too large for cc.

I like the 442 best for pocket carry. It's not too bad to shoot 125 and 130 grain standard 38. If it is a little much, Hogue Tamers or Pachmyer Compacts will help a lot.

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Two Handguns every day

I checked on a gun find web{gunwatcherdotcom} site and recently about 6 or so used 342 sold $450 to $600.
Looking at that gun looks like it might have been kept under the truck seat. A lot of abusive wear besides the cracked barrel. I think you are right passing on that gun for any price.

These are not target guns. Shoot them once to ensure function and to see that it hits point of aim.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

How confident are you going to be with a gun you've shot only once? I wouldn't carry a gun and ammo that I couldn't shoot on a regular basis.

I live in heavily populated South Florida, not too many areas I can shoot besides the range and I don't hunt.

Very confident. These are not target guns. Shooting them with full house rounds will leave you with a hands that hurts and is red and probably somewhat swollen. I shoot about 200 rounds of handgun and 150 rounds of rifle every week. So I am very confident. How often do you shoot?

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Drive up to Sebastian, we can find you something up here. have a range 6 miles from the house. Gun shop is about 3 miles the other direction.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I shoot my carry gun every week. I enjoy rifles too but I'm not sure how much that is going to help me with my snubby.

I should also mention, this is the reason I carry a steel framed revolver, I can use whatever ammo I want and my hands have never become swollen.

AJ you want to sell your 342? Not sure if I am allowed to ask that, so apologies if I am not following the rules. Having a hard time finding one. We are in Palm Beach County.

No Sir, it is not for sale. If you take a drive sometime and are on U.S. 1 in Wabasso, stop at Paul's Gun there. Email me if you want and I will give you the store hours. They have a nice selection of revolvers usually.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Agreed. Especially with that 4th photo. Is that a crack in the barrel? The finish wear I'm more or less ok with but that barrel looks bad

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Any trigger time is helpful to making a better shooter. I shot IPSC for many years and averaged 1K rounds per week to keep me at the level of competence I felt was necessary. I spent at least 8 hours a day on the range a minimum of 5 days a week at the time.

A steel framed revolver is twice as heavy as an AirLite II. 50 rounds of +P through a 352 is a workout. What does you piece weigh? My 342 weighs about 11 ounces.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Well if you're happy with your abilities with your 342, who am I to argue?
I haven't weighed any of my revolvers, I'd estimate my J Frames to be around 20-21 oz, my K-Frames, 30 oz give or take a couple. I guess I'm just not sensitive to a heavier gun, I barely notice even a K frame.

50 rounds through any of these is barely a warm-up.

I do own an airweight too, but can't remember the last time I carried it.

Trained as a USMC Combat Handgun Instructor and a Combat Shotgun Instructor. Certified by the FBI as a Firearms Instructor. Yes, I am happy with my abilities with any firearm I care to shoot. I qualified Expert with 2 inch J Frames, 4 inch K Frames, M1911's and the M9 for handguns. I also qualified Expert with the M-14, M16A1 & A2. Further I qualified Expert with the Mossberg 500 & 590 and the Remington 870. I do pretty good with the HK MP5 also. So, yes I feel comfortable with firearms.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I would pass on that one. Too many issues. You can find a good 442 or
642 probably for less. Lose those Hogues. They defeat the purpose.
It is a concealed carry gun. It should be wearing the small boot grips
for concealment.

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In Omnia Paratus

Keep the Hogues. They give better control, unless you have the hands of a five year old. In my opinion and for me the boot grips are way, way to small.

I totally agree with you on the revolver the OP asked about. Maybe buy it for $25 for the parts in it and trash the rest.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

These links you may find informative on a 442 and 642.
Smith and Wesson 442 Matte Black .38 SPL 1.8725-inch 5Rd

Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight Centennial Stainless .38 SPL 1.875-inch 5Rd

Hope I was some help.

God bless,
Birdgun

Photo on left I am "gripping" the Herrett's Jordan Trooper stocks on my
model 19. I have an extra large hand, and have no trouble shooting my
642 with the boot grips.

2nd from left, I've had this 642-1 no lock for about 15 years and carry
it often. You can see it is in good shape, because I take care of it.

The 642 is a concealed carry gun. The boot grips they come with are
intended to help the concealment. Those big Hogues will print.
These small concealed carry guns are carried a lot and shot not
so much. When you shoot in a self defense situation you will not
even notice the recoil. A little familiarization practice from time
to time is advisable. If recoil is an issue, use wadcutters.

3rd from left is my favorite concealment holster. The #320 from PWL
(Price Western Leather). It is a re-production of Chick Gaylord's Speed
Scabbard. Below it to the left is Garrity's Inconspicuous and to it's
lower right is Allesi's Hard Shell Talon. Both IWBs.

4th from left the 642 in DelFatti's ASP-DD shark trim, on a Crescent
shark belt.

5th is a high ride Shark OWB from Black Hills on the Crescent Shark
belt. (The knife is a Piranha)

Lots of advice on this thread, but opinions vary.
Of course the ultimate decisions are for you to make. Good luck

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In Omnia Paratus

As others have said, avoid that marred up 342 like the plague. I have a 642, and I feel this is unpleasant to shoot. I now carry steel frame revolvers. 940, 640, 632, and I just picked up a 60-7 from 1990, these are guns that shoot well. They are very concealable, and don't hurt to shoot. Good luck in your gun hunt.

Very impressive!

Thank you all for your responses. I am going to check some local shops this weekend for a 342 as I really like the weight difference/titanium build. If I can't find anything worthwhile and priced right, I believe a 442 will be it. I also am interested in the H&K P30SK, a local lightly used one with extra mags is asking $550.

Matt, glad that some veteran shooters offered you some helpful advice. May I say in closing that, at the present time, LGSs seem to be full of new handguns of all stripes. I buy new guns for the same reason I steer away from secondhand clothes. It is not necessary to purchase used and perhaps find yourself with (old expression) a "pig in a poke," a gun whose provenance is a mystery. Good luck and good shooting!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thank you for the kind words, Kaaskop49. I truly appreciate everyone's knowledge and assistance. If I come across another worthy gun I will certainly let everyone know. Thanks again and have a great holiday weekend!

I like the 442, found a new no lock model for a great price a few years ago. My first "lightweight" j-frame and the recoil was not as bad as I would of thought. Out of the box with a rather nice trigger pull and sights I can see.

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Stay safe people!

Nice guns and holsters. Here in Florida we mainly run around in shorts and t-shirtsand sandals. I carry my 342 in a Uncle Mike's Pocket Holster with the Hogue Mono Grip. No problem in concealing it. Never wear a holster as t-shirts tend to expose things. I prefer a grip that fills my whole hand, it gives me more control over the gun and lessens the felt recoil. A lot of folks carry their pieces just dropped into their pockets. When I am visiting a friend in Pa., I can carry differently there than I do here. Especially when it is cooler there than it is here.The clothes used up there in the winter will let me carry my N Frame M27-2 3.5 inch and keep it hidden.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I too wear T shirts almost all the time. Short sleeves in Summer and
Long sleeves in Winter (this is not Florida). I liked those from Duluth
Trading that are 3" longer, but they quit making the OD color which was
my favorite and Duluth seemed to wear out fairly fast. So I tried Berne
for a while. I think they do wear better. Last time I bought Carhartts.
They are made like iron. Don't think I can wear them out. The 2XT are
actually too long for me by about an inch. (I'm 6'2"). The regular
Carhartts are only about an inch shorter than the Duluths and Bernes.

Sorry, this is probably a lot more than anyone wanted to know about
T shirts.

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In Omnia Paratus

What I am trying to get at is that we are not Don Johnson in Miami Vice down here. It is hot and sweaty down here usually seven or so months out of the year (at least) for me. So shorts and a t-shirt for me pretty much year round. Unless I am inside a non-steel gun is better so sweat salts don't get to it. Can't abide plastic or tupperware guns. Also in the waist band is not a good carry for me at least. So in the pocket of my shorts (I buy them with ccw in mind). It gets even hotter down by where the OP lives (almost 120 miles further south). I know it is not the heat, it is the humidity...........

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

If you are going to carry it--you have to shoot it. A lot. A few ounces gained with a steel frame goes a long way towards improving shootability. Frankly, I think it's better to have a slightly less concealable handgun that's fun to shoot, than a nasty little thing that's a chore to bring out.

I see it regularly. Guys show up to qualify with their Bodyguard .380 or their LCR, and it's clear they've never practiced with it. Not because they're never at the range--but because the recoil is painful, or the sights are too small, or the trigger sucks, and they just hate shooting it.

My advice would be to just let the wife pick what she wants. I see a lot of ladies with the gun their husbands got for them(selves). They struggle along, and they hate shooting. Now, that might not be in the budget, but that's what I think.

Check out the classifieds on these forums. There are good deals to be had on nice steel J-frames of every variety and date. Nothing wrong with an older, well-cared-for J.

I'd also suggest at least thinking about getting into reloading. You can crank out quality .38 Spl ammo for $5.50/box (or what is, in my opinion, utter garbage for about $4.50). And you can make exceedingly low-recoil ammunition that will be pleasant to shoot all afternoon. If you're able to shoot at a private club with membership dues, as opposed to a for-profit range that charges hourly, reloading means you can afford to shoot two to three times as much for the same budget.

To put it another way--people shoot until it hurts. Whether it's your hands or your wallet, reloading lets you shoot longer.

Thank you for the advice Wise_A! I will look into this. There is a gun show here this weekend, planning on going Sunday with my wife to see what is available.

Matt,

Check your email/PM.

AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Didn't get anything AJ.

Got them right?

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.