MODEL 342Ti BACK FROM S&W

gtoppcop

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I just received my previously used 342Ti (.38 Special +P) back from S&W's Performance Center. While at the Mothership, they refinished her well-worn outsides and gave her a bottom-up review and clean bill of health.

This revolver was previously carried by an LASD undercover narcotics Deputy and looked as though it had been dragged behind a truck for 40 miles. There were many scars of its hardscrabble existence.

The artisans at S&W did a masterful job of bringing this old warhorse back to life. They re-passivated the frame and Titanium cylinder, as well as going through her to ensure she's ready for another 100K miles.

She currently wears a set of VZ G20/Linen grips. These are better than the original Hogue Bantams, as they don't catch on clothes and are actually a bit more trim. They work wonderfully with the JET speed loaders I carry for the J-Frame.

Obviously, the rubber vs. G20 vs. Wood argument is a moot point: At 10.5 ounces, one is not going to shoot more than three cylinders-worth of .38 Specials in one sitting. With 125gr +P Golden Sabers, she's borderline horrible to shoot. With that said, the whole point of this gun is to carry much and shoot less than often. I will try the 130gr FMJs for a friendlier range experience.

I customarily shoot the J-Frames at 21 feet. If I can hit cosisistently at the baseball-sized Shoot-N-See center, I'm GTG. Many iterations of dry firing and presentation drills are the norm for these "Expert's Guns".

If any of you are considering sending your well-worn S&W back to Springfield for a make-over, I can heartily recommend them. This 342Ti is the second gun I've received back from them in two weeks. They are making good things happen to older guns.





 
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I have a beat up second hand 342 as well. The previous owner did a bad job trying to install an XS front sight and dinged up the barrel shroud. I've been debating sending it to S&W to fix her up. How long was the turn around for yours? Thanks for the post.
 
Your 342 looks fantastic. I have a 337ti & 325sc & I'm glad to hear that if the finish gets bad on them that they can be restored. I hate to ask but I would like to know the approximate cost so I can start saving.
 
Did they refinish the frame & barrel, then reapply the markings? (Like the atom, S&W logo & the "AirLite", etc.). Cuz those things look great!
 
Did they refinish the frame & barrel, then reapply the markings? (Like the atom, S&W logo & the "AirLite", etc.). Cuz those things look great!

I'd like to know the answer to that one as well. I have J-frame"AirLite" .22, I forget the model no. with a similar type finish on it that is a MESS. Nevermind how it got that way...:confused:

After seeing how nice yours turned out, I'd sure consider sending mine to Smith for a rework too. Looks great!
 
Man that looks great, I have a couple old dogs I have been mulling over sending in. Would love to know about cost ad turnaround time as well.
 
They did the job in 7-8 weeks. The job no doubt took longer than a steel gun, due to the damage and the material. Whoever did it deserves a raise. They are true artists!

The job cost $237 with shipping. Not bad considering the work that has to be done. I'm sure that there was chemical stripping of the old finish, file work and the subsequent chemical finishing to complete the job.

I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Thanks for the comments on the VZ grips. I wanted a monochromatic look. I may have reached it.

The last thing I may perform is to have Mag-Na-Port do their Combat Trigger modification. That is, to radius and polish the trigger. Not sure yet. It's NOT a shooter's gun and may not benefit from such a modification.
 
Thanks gtpoppcop for sharing the details. I am surprised that it was as inexpensive as it was. After seeing those vz's on your 342ti I'm thinking about trying that color combination on my 325sc.
 
I'll ask again. Did S&W reapply all the markings? Reading between the lines, the implication is they did, but a simple yes/no would nail it down for certain.
 
Wow S&W did a fantastic job. They brought back to life a 65 Lady Smith for me recently, so I can relate.

One thing you should reconsider. I know the VZ grips look great. Only problem is they are VERY heavy. Heavy grips on a 10oz revolver totally defeats the purpose of having such a light carry gun. The VZ grips weigh upwards of 4 ozs. For comparison, Eagle Secret Service grips and Ahrends Walnut or Maple grips, weight just under 1 oz. It is a huge difference that you can feel, especially on the 342. My 342 wears Walnut Ahrends.

Walnut Ahrends on my 342
IMG_0510_zps4cace632.jpg



Here are Eagle SS grips checkered and smooth

Smooth Eagle SS on my 432PD
IMG_0066_zps9b602470.jpg


Checkered Eagle SS on my 360PD
IMG_1433_zpsb2d34b14.jpg



Finally some Ahrends Cocobolo on my M&P340:
IMG_0067_zpsda9a14e2.jpg
 
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Your 342 looks amazing and thanks for posting about it. It's really good to know that you can send the alloys back, and have them "re-done." If wanted or needed, even if it happens to be a discontinued model.

I know where a 342 Ti is sitting, and after reading this thread I might make them an offer.
 
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Kernel,

I'm sorry. I thought I said that they did in fact to the remarking of the piece.

Regret the SNAFU.

Thanks gtoppcop. I'm about convinced to call them and pack my pitiful looking little .22 back to Smith. Think they can bring it back to life?

18390861369_a0b6a00cae_z.jpg


18579082241_0fba9af6a8_z.jpg
 
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