342ti vs 3913 seeking advise

r2d4 · #1 04-15-2009, 02:49 PM

I have a very nice early model 3913. I have been contacted about a trade offer for a 342 with the big dot front site and laser grips. I have not seen it yet. he says it has some wear as he is a police officer. He is also offering 150 rounds of defence ammo. Should I trade or not??

s&wchad · #2 04-15-2009, 04:47 PM

I'd make the trade if the 342 is in good shape. The 342Ti frame is silver and the 342PD frame is black (the cylinders are titanium). The model was made with and without the IL, and the earlier variation is obviously more desirable (and valuable). 3 boxes of good .38 Special is worth well over $100 today and the CT grips are $200+.

r2d4 · #3 04-15-2009, 05:19 PM

Thanks for the advise. I am leaning that direction. I want to make the right decision. I think 342 is of higher value than my 3913.

Happy Hunter · #4 04-15-2009, 06:37 PM

I had a 3914 that I traded off last summer. I got about $270 for it. I would much rather have a J frame than $270. I would do your deal in a heart beat!!!

AKAOV1MAN · #5 04-18-2009, 10:25 PM

Depends on what you are using gun for. If all you want is a different gun, then the trade is a good one. I would keep the 9mm for defense however.

ImprovedModel56Fan · #6 04-19-2009, 06:36 AM

They are really different guns for different situations. I am going to go out on a limb and say that that policeman would rather try to conceal a 3913 than put up with the recoil of a 342ti, and I don't blame him. If you have enough guns already and won't miss the 3913, I can certainly see trading; the relative value (to other folks, at least) has already been discussed above. However, there is no guarantee that you will find the 342ti particularly usable, although there probably IS some ammo that would make it acceptable. You may have to change grips, but even without the laser sight, it is probably still worth more than the 3913, unless you actually have to use it in a life-and-death situation, but that's not really what a gun is for. OOPS! Yes, it is.

If you like playing with guns, trade, but be sure you still have a gun you know you can use to protect yourself. You also might consider trying the gun out before you trade. If you still like it after you have fired it at a target (and hit the target), it's a great deal. But if it's unusable and you don't have another gun besides your 3913 (which I presume you do like), it's only good for money and you still need a gun.

pogo2 · #7 04-19-2009, 06:44 AM

Contrarian Point of View

Although the dollar value of the J frame package is probably more than the value of your 3913, I would keep the 3913.

I consider the 12 ounce .357 J frame to be an impractical gun because of recoil, so I wouldn't take one at any price. The 3913, on the other hand, is one of the best and most useful semiautos S&W ever made. It conceals like a champ and is easy to shoot well.

orangehole · #8 04-19-2009, 07:07 AM

I own both and although I love the 3913 series, I would trade one for a 342. Sure recoil is rather painful but the 342 is just the perfect run to the store/errands gun that you grab when you don't feel like holstering up. Toss it in your pocket holster and go. Most LEO carry them as backup so it probably shows more wear than actually rounds fired

bravastar1 · #9 04-19-2009, 10:28 AM

I thought this post needed a picture of a no lock Md 342ti. Any ideas of how many were made?

18DAI · #10 04-19-2009, 04:37 PM

I agree with those who suggest you keep the 3913. The 3913 is simply more practical, all around, than the 342ti, IMO. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI.

r2d4 · #11 04-20-2009, 03:56 PM

Thanks for all the advise. I am really going back and fourth. I have a beretta type m that is a single stack and in the same category of the 3913. I really like the smith for weight and S&W great warranty. Still up in the air..

kbm6893 · #12 04-20-2009, 04:07 PM

I have a similar post to this one on the semiauto forum. I have a 642 with lasergrips and a 3913. The 642 is a dream to carry, but I do not enjoy shooting it nearly as much as I do the 3913. .38 ammo is more expensive, so practice will cost more. The 3913 is only 5 ounces heavier than the Glock 26, which is a very popular PD back-up gun, but it is so much slimmer and comfortable to carry (I sold my Glock 26 to buy the 3913). I really cannot imagine shooting anything lighter than the 642, and the 342 has it beat by at least 3 oz. I really want to get another full size revolver, so I am thinking of selling the 642.

The airweights are great to carry, but lack in many other areas (shootability, rapid reloading, capacity).

r2d4 · #13 04-20-2009, 05:22 PM

I think I will keep it. I like it and can pick up a airweight later. I will start a new thread asking some questions in the auto section.

chp5 · #14 04-24-2009, 01:10 PM

I had a 342ti and loved it but traded it in a moment of weakness. The 342's are no longer made and sell for a premium. The 12oz size is great and is more manageable with grips that cover the backstap (I used the Uncle Mikes three finger grip and shortened it for pocket carry).

The 3913, while a serviceable pistol, is worth <$400 or so. The 342 is likely worth far more. 342 on GB

Stainz · #15 04-25-2009, 05:33 AM

I am sorry... you want to know if an evil-bottom-feeder should be traded for a revolver - and you asked on a revolver forum? Of course! In a NY minute!!

Seriously, the 3913 is nice, for a rude-case-tosser, but the 342Ti is sweet - if in good shape. The ammo and CT grip help, too. My worry is simple - LEO's I know generally look at BUGs like we do car keys - ie, whether shot or not, they are usually dinged a bit. I have a friend who carries what I thought was a dirty/scarred 642, only to find that it was a 2 yr old 442 with it's black finish worn away! Look it over... and, if you want a great CCW .38, that's potentially a good deal.

Stainz

5Wire · #16 04-25-2009, 10:07 PM

I think almost any J Frame is well suited for pocket carry (in a pocket holster). The main drawback is they are so light it's easy to become unaware of the weight you're carrying.

The 3913 has higher capacity in a more powerful cartridge. It is also significantly heavier. Here's an overlay comparison using the 642 instead of the 342:

(Photos & text: Smith & Wesson)

586L-Frame · #17 04-26-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 18DAI:
I agree with those who suggest you keep the 3913. The 3913 is simply more practical, all around, than the 342ti, IMO. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI.

+1
I agree with 18DAI.

I have a number of pistols to select from
in my collection, and I always return to my
3913.

586L-Frame

r2d4 · #18 05-01-2009, 12:41 PM

I kept the 3913 and picked up a 442. compromise is a wonderful thing.

chp5 · #19 05-01-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by r2d4:
I kept the 3913 and picked up a 442. compromise is a wonderful thing.

Now that was an excellent solution! Go shoot 'em

5Wire · #20 05-01-2009, 08:14 PM

I had both types at one time, a 642-1 and this 3913:

which I sold with some later remorse.

The 642 is always with me.

HEADKNOCKER · #21 05-02-2009, 06:03 AM

I have a 3913NL & a 342Ti Pre Lock..
Would guess the Airlite J Frame snub to be worth quite a bit more than the 3913 IMO..
I never carry the 3913 because I've been spoiled by my 642 & 342Ti that I pocket carry..
Both the 3913 & 342 are great handguns or they wouldn't be in my safe..
For carry I don't think you can beat a J Frame Airlite or Airweight..
Nothing against the 3913 mind you it's the thinnest 9mm auto I've come across that allows a full grip & is 100% reliable with all ammo I've sent downrange..
Gary/Hk