Newbie considering purchase S&W 342 Airlite

[MattR82]

Hi All,

I was in to my local pawn shop today to view a 342 S&W .38 special. I believe this is the PD version as it has Hogue grips. I love the gun, it's exactly what I am looking for in terms of size.

The owner said it was his personal gun and works perfectly. I am concerned about overall condition, specifically by the barrel which appears to have some oxidation? I am looking at $350 out the door on the gun which in my research seems fair (let me know what you think). Please see attached photos and I appreciate any feedback and thoughts if I should go ahead and purchase the gun.

Thank you in advance!

Matt

 

[Aemsl69]

That is a steal on a great gun. Go get it. I paid $750
For mine 10 years ago but it has smaller rubber boot grips on it. And this is a no lock gun. Might see if he will take $300 cash OTD.

I'd like to take that back. I just saw the crack on the barrel on the last picture. That is a NO Go.

 

[MattR82]

Thank you for the quick reply! I told him I want my wife to come check it out and see what she thinks. I'll try to get it down a little more then. Any concern for that oxidation by the barrel/wear on the gun?

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! It's at a very good price. The finish on these is not very durable and I'm guessing the owner wore it on his right hip where it could get dinged and scraped. Doesn't affect function at all.

Be forewarned, it is very light and you might be surprised at how much it recoils even with light loads.

 

[GeoJelly]

Wow - talk about road rash! I wouldn't touch it - you can get a new 442 for about the same amount of money. The new revolver will have a lifetime warranty - I don't know about that one. As rough as it looks, I would also be concerned about it mechanically ...

Edited to add: Your 4th photo is scary - I cannot believe they had the nerve to price that (originally) over $400...

 

[MattR82]

Thank you both for your replies. What should I look for when inspecting the gun? Aren't the newer s&w revolvers heavier (not made with titanium?) and significantly more expensive? My goal is to have a reliable concealed carry which my wife won't be scared to carry either. It should not see significant use besides range fire for practice.

 

[WisconsinKen]

I'd be more concerned about what looks to be a crack on the top of the barrel by the front sight. I'd pass and find a different air light on Gunbroker if it was me. Gun looks like it has seen some use/maybe abuse.
Just my opinion. If it is just cosmetic and you really like it, your call.

 

[Aemsl69]

I just saw the crack on the top of the barrel as well. I'd have recant and pass on that purchase

 

[kaaskop49]

It is one of the lightest .38 Spl guns out there. It is also out-of-print. Many LEOs carry one of these in a jacket pocket as back-up insurance. Condition looks awfully rough: there seems to be a substantial gouge near the front sight. It is very difficult to fire: my 342 hurts to fire even with lighter wadcutters and standard service ammo. A veteran NYPD firearms instructor on the Forum feels the same way.

For an additional $50 or so, you can purchase a brand new 442 or 642 revolver which weighs a few additional ounces and is easier to fire. Since there are available (and better) alternatives, I would not buy this 342. YMMV

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[MattR82]

Thank you, that crack? was my concern too. I wasn't sure it it was just aesthetic which I don't care about or functional which would be a deal breaker for me.

 

[MattR82]

Thank you all! Based on the responses on condition, I believe I will pass on it. I don't want to inherit someone else's issues in the future. What is the preference here between the 642 and 442?

 

[kaaskop49]

I wish people wouldn't do other people "favors" by offering such damaged mdse for sale.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[ExcitableBoy]

Think I'd try to arrange a test fire. The poor thing looks like it hasn't had any good lovin' at all. Makes me wonder if the pawn shop guy isn't into S&W S&M.

 

[GeoJelly]

I would recommend a 442 because I believe the frames on them have been found to stand up better to wear. I have a 637 - with the same finish that the 642 would have, and the cylinder center pin is actually gouging a track on the frame from opening and closing the cylinder. There is no gouged track on either my 360J or 442 - they have a shiny track where the pin has passed by - but no gouge. I thought I saw here on SWF that the 4-series frames are actually anodized versus a painted on finish on the 6-series aluminum frames. Not sure about anodizing or not - but I have seen differences in wear patterns as noted above.

 

[MattR82]

Thank you! I am checking gunbroker for a 442.

 

[ExcitableBoy]

MattR82:

It might pay off to check out a few local gun shows, if you aren't in a terrible rush, especially if you can find something else that feels good to you. Hands on is a wonderful thing... immediate feedback, and you're not restricting yourself to one model. Deals can be found on older M36s, for example, if you are OK with the extra weight of an all-steel piece. That added weight also mitigates felt recoil if you are recoil sensitive, as are some with the lightweights. The possibilities are numerous. Bonuses are no sales tax or transfer fees if you find a private seller at one of the tables. Same with ARMSLIST... check out the listings for your state.

Works for me.

 

[AJ]

I have a 342 that I have had for years. I believe that I gave $500 for it when I bought it. It is in like NIB condition. It is a great carry piece. Light isn't the word for it. I shot mine when I first got it, to see if it hit at the point of aim at 7 yards. Once I knew where it hit, I haven't fired it since, don't see a need to do so. I keep it clean and use the Hogue Grips. I change out the ammo every year. Would buy one again if I needed it. The one that was offered to you was toasted, I would not have even offered to buy it.

 

[MattR82]

Thank you all for your excellent responses. I am in no rush, I will keep looking for either a better condition 342 or a new or like new 442. I have shot a revolver at the range before and the recoil took some getting used to! I have a Sig P226 at home which is much smoother but too large for cc.

 

[haywood]

I like the 442 best for pocket carry. It's not too bad to shoot 125 and 130 grain standard 38. If it is a little much, Hogue Tamers or Pachmyer Compacts will help a lot.

 

[gman51]

I checked on a gun find web{gunwatcherdotcom} site and recently about 6 or so used 342 sold $450 to $600.
Looking at that gun looks like it might have been kept under the truck seat. A lot of abusive wear besides the cracked barrel. I think you are right passing on that gun for any price.