342 PD Question

[kpb0605]

I was'nt looking for one of these but I came across one and decided to bring it home with me. Its actually in very nice condition and was shot very liitle. It's almost unbelievable how lite these things are. My question is I dont ever see many post on here concerning these revolvers. Are these unpopular, problematic or just so few numbers that theres not much discussion with them. Anybody have one of these and whats your opinions of them. Thanks.

 

[MSgt G]

I really like these, but have yet to see one first-hand.

 

[coltchris]

I've got a 342PD that I bought new in Dec.'02. Your right about the VERY LIGHT weight; it's been my daily carry gun since I bought it and hardly know it's there! Had zero problems with it.

 

[mysmith]

I got my 342PD in Nov. 2001. No one had heard of it at the gun shop
I ordered it from. I had been reading about it for a while.They thought I was crazy to pay that much for a s&w snubby. It is an awesome carry gun and my shooting buddies seem envious of the lite weight. I would buy another or a variation of it if one came my way.

 

[ab4ka]

I picked up a 360PD the other day and I loved the look and feel of it...I'd still have it if I hadn't had to trade it for my 386NG I didn't get a chance to shoot it, but I'd suggest holding on tight. I shot my 386 today with 125gr .357 Magnums and recoil was stout, and it weighs twice as much as the 360/340. If I find a way to get another 360PD (or a 340) I wouldn't hesitate, if for nothing else the cool factor is off the scale!

 

[jmark1651]

The 340 and 342 PD are great pocket revolvers. Even loaded, they seem light as a feather,compared to other snubbies.

 

[d625]

Just a personal opinion (no flames please), but I find no enjoyment in the super-light guns. I have a 442 that is light, but not super-light, and it's just no fun to shoot with 38spl+P ammo. It is however a great carry gun for deep concealment. I carry mine in an ankle holster and really forget it's there. Your 342PD would serve that purpose even better.

My range time with the 442 is limited to an occasional point and shoot drill on a full-size silhouette target at 5 yds or less, and it serves that purpose quite well. Would I ever look forward to burning a box of 50 in one session with that gun? Nope.

I have a 315 Night Guard coming, now that's a different story!

 

[Brian41]

I've thought about buying one too but my Model 37 is light enough for a small carry pistol but want will surely take me down that path soon enough too for one like your's.

Not to detract from your thread but what are the suggested means of cleaning and caring for the PD models? I've understood harsh cleaning agents can remove the finish and not 100% sure on how to deal with them.
I have a 325PD and today bought a 327PD and have used Nevr Dull on the 325 but what is safe for these guns?

 

[Robert B]

Is it +P rated?

I'm just curious. Is that 38 plus P rated?

 

[mysmith]

.38 S&W SPL +P JACKETED on the barrel.
I've shot +P's thru it, carry them in it, but mostly shoot 158gr RN rainier with 3.5 gr bullseye reloads in it for practice. It weighs almost the same as the Ruger LCP 380, but I alternate between them for pocket carry.

 

[kpb0605]

Thanks for the replies guys.... Like I said, I had no real interest in this kind of revolver, but something just sparked my interest in this one. While I havent had the chance to shoot it yet, I'm becoming more and more intriqued by it. I can honestly say I'm starting to like it. I actually was only interested in it as a possible piece used for trading on a couple items on my wish list, but those thoughts are quickly disappearing. While never having shot a 38 spl or +P (45ACP, 45LC and 9mm person myself) I'm interested in seeing how this weapon works.

 

[David1958]

I have one and it is a great carry piece and very accurate. I have no problem running a box of 50 down range once a week to stay proficient with it. Although it is +p rated, I use standard loads for practice and Federal Nyclads for carry. +p is a tad stout, but not unmanageable. Do follow the recommendation for jacketed ammo, though. I have used others and the bullets really do come out of the casings. In the paperwork that comes with the 342PD it explains this and how to test if the ammo you do use will be problematic. When I picked this one up (no lock), I sold off my M642-2 and never looked back. I never had an issue swith the M642 either, just preferred the 342PD. They are hard to find, generally and VERY hard to find pre-lock. My estate will have to sell mine!

 

[florida1098]

If you can find one buy it, you will love it.

 

[David1958]

I have seen them sell for anywhere from $ 450 to $ 800 depending on condition, lock or no lock and the current market demand. Good luck with it.

 

[kpb0605]

OK... I give. You guys have convienced me to give this thing a chance. I'm going to buy a box of shells and try this thing out before making a decision on whether I'm going to keep it or not.

 

[Dale53]

You asked the question so I will answer honestly. I consider the Air Weights to be light enough. My daily carry is the 642 with the FBI +P load. That is as much recoil as I want to deal with. I do NOT enjoy shooting the 342.

Just a personal thing. To me, it's too much of a good thing (or rather, too little of a good thing>)).

Dale53

 

[JNewell]

You asked the question so I will answer honestly. I consider the Air Weights to be light enough. My daily carry is the 642 with the FBI +P load. That is as much recoil as I want to deal with. I do NOT enjoy shooting the 342.

Just a personal thing. To me, it's too much of a good thing (or rather, too little of a good thing>)).

Dale53

This is YMMV. I mean that in a friendly way. I have been carrying and shooting a 342 since it first hit my dealer's shelves. This is one of the best J frames S&W ever made, and finding one without a lock is a bonus. I will say that for range practice, a stainless equivalent is a much better choice, but for actual carry, the 342 and 342PD are hard to beat.

 

[kpb0605]

Bought a box of regular 38 spl's today and headed to the range. I didnt have much time available but I did get to run 25 rounds through it. Let me start by saying I'm not a revolver man, but have I have shot a few. I much prefer semi's but in fairness, I went and fired the 342 with an open mind, and actually, I was surprized. I was half expecting a fire breathing dragon when I touched off the first round, but was greeted by a nice bark from the short muzzle and a sharp snap of the wrist. Nothing like what I was expecting and it was actually fun shooting this thing. I did experience alittle soreness in the arch of my hand after about the first 20 rounds. Now I dont think I'd enjoy target shooting this thing for an afternoon, but as other have stated here on the forum, the 342PD does what its suppose to do. It goes bang everytime and its quite accurate. I think I found a new carry gun in this 342PD and I believe I'm going to keep it and try some +P defensive rounds and see how she reacts to those.....

 

[Beretta682]

I've got one with the IL and absolutely love it. No problems what-so-ever. I have a custom Sam Andrews ankle holster I use on and off duty and I swear the holster is heavier than the gun loaded. I also have a Tyler t-grip and Barami hip grip on it and it is perfect even with jogging shorts and a t-shirt. It is my go everywhere gun. I will never get rid of this one.

 

[SCVGun]

I have a 342PD and really like it. Of course, I carry it a lot more than shoot it. One thing, how does the grips come off of this? Cannot find screws, afraid to pry anything off. Anyone know?