M342 question

[tlawler]

Is the frame on a 342Ti strong enough to shoot .357 Mag with a cylinder swap? I've been thinking about getting a titanium .357 cylinder and installing it in my 342 to give me the option of carrying full house magnums for SD and still practicing with .38 spec. wadcutters. In effect, rolling my own M340. What say the experts?

 

[kaaskop49]

Not an expert, I just couldn't sleep. I would say no. The frame of the 340 is a scandium alloy: I understand a trace of this metal is introduced into the frame to strengthen it for magnum use. The 342 is not a scandium frame. The top strap of the 340 is substantially thicker top-to-bottom than that of the 342. This can be fun when buying tight-fitting holsters. The 340 has a guard (proper term?) fitted into the frame above the b/c gap to decrease wear at this juncture from firing magnum ammo. Not present on the 342. Not visible to the naked eye is the collar fitted around the 340's yoke which fits into the front of the cylinder when assembled.

For me, there are enough differences and variations between the 2 guns to say "no" to this project, if solely on the basis of the scandium 340 frame.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. You mention practice with WCs while loading magnums for carry. Have you ever felt the difference in terms of recoil between the two power levels in a 12oz gun?

 

[civil1977]

Would the .357 cylinder drop in or would it need fitting? I believe the titanium cylinders have a coating on them so if any fitting was required, the coating could be compromised. Is the difference in ballistics between the two rounds worth it out of a sub 2" barrel? Short barrel specific ammo would be needed to get the most out of it.

 

[AJ]

Why not just sell the 342Ti and buy a comparable .357? Most folks I know carry .38 Special +P in their lightweight .357's.

 

[tlawler]

Not an expert, I just couldn't sleep. I would say no. The frame of the 340 is a scandium alloy: I understand a trace of this metal is introduced into the frame to strengthen it for magnum use. The 342 is not a scandium frame. The top strap of the 340 is substantially thicker top-to-bottom than that of the 342. This can be fun when buying tight-fitting holsters. The 340 has a guard (proper term?) fitted into the frame above the b/c gap to decrease wear at this juncture from firing magnum ammo. Not present on the 342. Not visible to the naked eye is the collar fitted around the 340's yoke which fits into the front of the cylinder when assembled.

For me, there are enough differences and variations between the 2 guns to say "no" to this project, if solely on the basis of the scandium 340 frame.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. You mention practice with WCs while loading magnums for carry. Have you ever felt the difference in terms of recoil between the two power levels in a 12oz gun?

Kaaskop, you make some good points I hadn't thought about, like the b/c gap shield, the yoke collar and the thickness of the top strap. The 342 has the atomic symbol like the PD's have. I thought maybe it was a scandium frame because of that, but I guess they use the symbol to designate a titanium cylinder also. I used to have a 360PD and would put a cylinder of 158gr. .357's through it each range session along with a box of .38+p. The difference is...invigorating First time I ever shot it with magnums, it really tore up my trigger finger. No blood, but dang near dislocated it at the first joint. I learned how to hold it so the punishment was spread out over my hand. Still not pleasant.

Would the .357 cylinder drop in or would it need fitting? I believe the titanium cylinders have a coating on them so if any fitting was required, the coating could be compromised. Is the difference in ballistics between the two rounds worth it out of a sub 2" barrel? Short barrel specific ammo would be needed to get the most out of it.

I checked the 342 cylinder against my 640-1 and they are dimensionally identical. I haven't tried swapping them, but I think I will just to check. According to Paul Harrell and Ballistics by the Inch, there is a not insignificant difference between .357 mag and .38 spec +p out of a snub. And if the difference in energy imparted to your hand is any indication, then yes, I think there is an advantage to using .357 mag in a SD situation.

Why not just sell the 342Ti and buy a comparable .357? Most folks I know carry .38 Special +P in their lightweight .357's.

I probably couldn't get much for it. The finish is a little compromised from carry and sweating on it. Plus it's the only gun my wife will carry. I carry it around the house in a Mika pocket holster and just wanted the .357 option when I carried it. I know I could go buy a 340PD, but that's the price of a nice N-frame P&R. I'd rather swap cylinders for $150 and save the money for a Nice S&W Oh, well...it was just a thought and I wanted to run it past you guys.

 

[AJ]

I probably couldn't get much for it. The finish is a little compromised from carry and sweating on it. Plus it's the only gun my wife will carry. I carry it around the house in a Mika pocket holster and just wanted the .357 option when I carried it. I know I could go buy a 340PD, but that's the price of a nice N-frame P&R. I'd rather swap cylinders for $150 and save the money for a Nice S&W Oh, well...it was just a thought and I wanted to run it past you guys.

If the finish is a problem, then I would have it parkerized (have a friend that does it for the LGS). I find the .357 model of the Ti to be very slow for a controlled second shot. Even the +P .38 Special can be much, much slower than my M27 3.5" with .357 Mag defense loads.

AJ

 

[joebuck]

Always could do Buffalo Bore 158+p SWC-HP. True 1000 FPS load out of a .38 snub. Good stuff. Fastest I ever got chrono to read on a Smith 360 (357 mag) was 1275fps with Buffalo 125 grain hot loads. Haven't chrono the 125 Barnes yet which is suppose to be faster.
I would not do the swap if I were you. Try the BB 158 SWC's 38 specials.. You will be impressed. Great carry gun you have.

 

[mod34]

I carry it around the house in a Mika pocket holster....

I know that this is a bit tangential, but thanks for the tip! I've been wanting a nice set up for my PC642, saw your note and ordered a pocket holster from Mika for it. Thanks for the tip!!

 

[tlawler]

I carry it around the house in a Mika pocket holster....

I know that this is a bit tangential, but thanks for the tip! I've been wanting a nice set up for my PC642, saw your note and ordered a pocket holster from Mika for it. Thanks for the tip!!

Bob's holsters are a cut above. You will be satisfied.