342 v. 442; is the HUGE price premium worth it?

[PIMAN]

Originally posted by 1076shooter:
I am in the market for a 442 or 342. I want a light pocket gun that will disappear and be easy to carry. I was looking at the 442, until I read the forum some and some posts reminded me of the 342.

Now, I know the 342 is a few ounces lighter, but is the 3-4 ounce difference worth the couple-hundred bucks difference in price? Looking in the classifieds here and on Gunbroker, 442s appear to be available for around 450-550 if you look. 342s start in the 600s and go up to near $1000 in some cases. You gotta be kidding me!! There is at least a 200-400 premium for a 342. Is the only difference the titanium cylinder? Does it REALLY carry that much better than the 442 to justify the cost?

I am on the fence about it because part of me wants the LIGHTEST .38 out there, period, but I dunno if the price point is worth it.

Thoughts?

I have a 442-2 with a laxermax, that I carry in a front or rear pocket in a Krammer pocket holster. I shot the lighter 342 before I made the deal. I personally liked a little more weight when I shot it, And shoot 'em you should do. I've heard it said carried often and shot little. True for sure. But you, and your wife, should shoot it from time to time to remind you whats going on.

Either one, it still is center of mass that counts.
PIMAN

 

[PIMAN]

Originally posted by PIMAN:

Originally posted by 1076shooter:
I am in the market for a 442 or 342. I want a light pocket gun that will disappear and be easy to carry. I was looking at the 442, until I read the forum some and some posts reminded me of the 342.

Now, I know the 342 is a few ounces lighter, but is the 3-4 ounce difference worth the couple-hundred bucks difference in price? Looking in the classifieds here and on Gunbroker, 442s appear to be available for around 450-550 if you look. 342s start in the 600s and go up to near $1000 in some cases. You gotta be kidding me!! There is at least a 200-400 premium for a 342. Is the only difference the titanium cylinder? Does it REALLY carry that much better than the 442 to justify the cost?

I am on the fence about it because part of me wants the LIGHTEST .38 out there, period, but I dunno if the price point is worth it.

Thoughts?

I have a 442-2 with a laxermax, that I carry in a front or rear pocket in a Krammer pocket holster. I shot the lighter 342 before I made the deal. I personally liked a little more weight when I shot it, And shoot 'em you should do. I've heard it said carried often and shot little. True for sure. But you, and your wife, should shoot it from time to time to remind you whats going on.

Either one, it still is center of mass that counts.
PIMAN

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[ranger7]

It's a matter of personal preference. I recently owned two 642s and a 442 with a CT laser grip on whichever I chose to carry. A few months ago I happened on a LNIB 342PD which I started to carry. (All my x42s are pre-lock.) I liked carrying the 342 a little better than the Airweights. I definitely liked shooting the Airweights better.

When I discovered how much the 342s were selling for, I decided that I really didn't want to pocket-carry an $800+ revolver with a $200+ laser. I could picture my 342 sliding out of my pocket while I was mowing the lawn and getting eaten by the mower.

Since I liked shooting the 642/442 so much better, I felt I'd rather have the money than the 342. So I sold the 342 and I don't regret it, so far. If I find another pre-lock 342PD at a reasonable price, I'll buy it but I'll continue carrying the 642/442.

 

[scout]

Hey PIMAN,

I would really appreciate hearing your impressions of the LaserMax J-Max. Do you have any experience with the Crimson Trace grips for comparison? I don't think too many Forum members have seen the J-Max grips yet. Maybe you could post your review in a new thread. Thanks.

 

[bk43]

I own both a 342 and 642-1 and the few ounces does make a difference. The extra money saved is not worth it if the revolver ends up sitting at home because it is too heavy or you just don't feel like lugging it around.

I came back to this thread and while rereading it I busted out laughing. I'm sorry but "lugging it around" and leaving it home becasue it's too heavy and we're talking a 642? I certainly agree a 342 is easier to carry but a 642 is too heavy?

Bob