342 PD Ti

[MG34/bar]

Have had a 342 (no lock) since about 2002, and have shot it a good bit. Never had any trouble with the Titanium cylinder showing wear, as I clean it carefully. Last year (2018) after a range session I noticed while cleaning the gun that the barrel of the yoke (the portion that is in the center of the cylinder) had a circumference crack around it.
Sent it back to S&W (good service and fast turn around) and it came back repaired with a stainless steel yoke (same as the one in my 642) as a replacement for the original aluminum one. Don’t know if that was because S&W had problems with the original aluminum one, or if they only have the steel one due to the 342 being out of production. Never weighed the revolver prior to the repair, but it now weighs 13.3 ounces on my electric scale fully loaded with 125 gr. Jacked hollow points. I can’t really tell any difference in weight in my hand or in my pocket.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I actually sold mine. Keep in mind that I am 74, slightly weaker than in my youth. I am now even a little cautious about .44 Mag, which I used to regard as a medium-recoil cartridge.

I agree with your resolution on grips, and I further consider classic Model 36 Magnas as probably the best grips. For me, without a Tyler, so that my middle-finger knuckle does not get rapped. But recoil control includes max grip strength in use when firing, and my max may be slightly less than it once was. Wadcutters or light bullets may be best. You'll have to find out for yourself. At one time, I considered it OK, later I didn't.

At present, a 642 is my lightest gun. I also have a few Model 37 revolvers, but the SB (with Magnas and a Tyler) is in a whole nother class in shootabilty.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

I shoot my 642 with 158gr. +p loads regularly and do not consider it abusive. stout yes, abusive, no. I don't find the 342 to be abusive at all with 110gr. Hornady ftx rounds. I get the lightest J frame in a service caliber with some of the lightest ammo and move on without a second thought.

 

[reccpd101]

I am 68 with lower upper body strength due to chemo. I own a 342ti no lock and a 332ti no lock and several airweights. Both my 3--tis wear magna grips and a Tgrip adapter. The 342ti has been magnaported. I shoot it with target full wadcutters or critical defense low recoil. The 332ti I use 32 long Remington Performance Wheelgun. I have had no problems with either. I would NOT shoot +p in either ti. There is a world of difference in the recoil from either of the tis and my airweights. I like the tis for ankle carry.

 

[snowman.45]

I’ve owned the no-lock 340PD for several years and found it to be a great pocket carry. Shooting +P isn’t too bad but magnums are too harsh for quick & accurate follow up shots. I put S&W wood magnas w/a grip adapter for pocket carry.

I've carried the 340 M&P and the 340 PD with the titanium cylinder. I think there's a 2 to 3 oz. difference between the two. Both carry well in the pocket. I use Buffalo Bore 159+P LHP FBI load at @1000 fps. It's got a little buck to it and even more so in the PD, but it's doable. I have no trouble carrying either gun. I have no desire to fire magnums through them. I also use the CT 405 laser grips. In my opinion, they a great addition.

NOTE:
I need to make a correction; it was not the 340 PD I had, it was the 340 Sc. Don'tthink that really makes much of a difference, but in the interest of full disclosure......

 

[AJ]

As I read through this I have to laugh to myself. These revolvers are meant as defensive pieces, Not meant for target work or as an offensive piece unless that is all you have.

Grips are what the owner feels comfortable with. Some larger grips will work fine for most applications. If you are comfortable with the smaller grips so be it.

Use the ammunition recommended by the manufacturer. They do this for a a couple reasons. One is function, a nonfunctioning gun is no good. The other reason is safety, the manufacturer does not want you to get hurt using their product....this prevents lawsuits. Also I hate it when a gun blows up.

These guns are meant to be shot seldom and carried a lot. Hopefully, you never have to use it for real. Better to have it and not use it, then to need it and not have it.

Yes, I own a 342 Ti and have for years. I shot it to see where it hits the target up close and personal. I shoot it once a year to remember where that is and to put fresh ammo in it.

I am at the range shooting three days a week for three hours each day. Two days are with rifle and one day with handguns.

If you want to try and make a target piece then go ahead. Buy a padded shooting glove...........

 

[kaaskop49]

Don'tcha just love J-frame threads? All the J-hounds are out. Maybe we should have a J-frame forum...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[681ismyfavorite]

just thought I'd show my no longer locked J frame.

 

[1971mopar]

I agree with everything AJ said. Mine is carried a lot, shot occasionally. But its a joy to carry.

681ismyfavorite, your 342pd looks great! I told myself I didn't care about removing the lock on mine, but after seeing your photo, I might order a kit.