Questions about the 342, 642.

[rabid_rob]

Okay, I want the lightest .38 special DA-only S&W revolver I can find (and afford) for a CCW gun. Looks like either the 342 or the 642, so here come the questions:

(1) Which is heavier, and by how much?

(2) For the 342, I understand from the SCOSW book you should not mix lead and jacketed rounds. I like to practice with all lead 148g wadcutters, so if I shoot a cylinder full of them, without mixing in +P rounds, is that okay?

(3) Besides cost, stainless v. aluminum, and weight, what other differences or concerns are there between these two?

 

[rabid_rob]

Okay, I want the lightest .38 special DA-only S&W revolver I can find (and afford) for a CCW gun. Looks like either the 342 or the 642, so here come the questions:

(1) Which is heavier, and by how much?

(2) For the 342, I understand from the SCOSW book you should not mix lead and jacketed rounds. I like to practice with all lead 148g wadcutters, so if I shoot a cylinder full of them, without mixing in +P rounds, is that okay?

(3) Besides cost, stainless v. aluminum, and weight, what other differences or concerns are there between these two?

 

[DC7]

The 342 is by far the lightest at around 11 ounces; the 642 weighs about 15 oz.

The ammo restriction on the 342 is not about mixing jacketed and lead bullets; it's a general restriction on any lead bullets. The recoil is so heavy that as each shot is fired, it can cause lead bullets of the remaining rounds to pull forward out of their cases, possibly enough to jam the gun. Full wadcutters are seated very deeply, though, and generally recoil a lot less than defensive rounds, so it's possible they might be OK. I've never tried it, so I don't know for sure.

The only other concern with the 342 is that abrasives shouldn't be used on the outside of the titanium cylinder ....something about abrasives damaging the protective surface layer of the titanium, causing erosion of the cylinder and possibly voiding the warranty.

I have both guns, and the 342 is definitely the one to get if you want the lightest revolver available. But the 642 is easier to shoot, has no bullet-type or cleaning restrictions, and can be purchased for less than half of what some 342's are going for these days.

 

[Bob79]

The 342 is a bear to shoot, I bought one and ended up selling it. Even with standard pressure .38's it is a handful.

The 342 comes with Hogue Bantam grips, which are 1oz lighter than the Uncle Mikes which come on a 642. The weight of a 342 with Bantams is about 11ozs, and a 642 with Bantams is about 14 ozs, so the Airweight is about 3 ozs heavier.

I would get the 642 if I were you. The gun is very controllable shooting the Cor Bon DPX 110 grain +P ammo. I have a 442 and a 37, both which are great guns. As already stated by DC7, you have to worry about cleaning, and bullet pull with the Airlites. But I'm 95% sure the warning about jacketed ammo only applies to +P ammo. So if you shoot standard pressure lead ammo I think its OK, but you can call S&W to be sure.

Good luck, let us know what you get.

 

[tmbrcruizr]

I recently bought a 342Ti from S&W forum member benjmatt,, awesome buy, gun, and member. I have put about 100 rounds through it, shoots POA with 158 JHP. Recoil is not a problem. I carried it around all weekend and it is more comfortable to carry in pocket than my Seecamp .32, and easier to shoot. I haven't gotten my reloading adjusted so I don't get bullet pull, but not nearly so bad as to lock gun up. Guess I may have to buy a box of bullets for carry.
I would buy the 342, and may buy another.

How many rounds of standard load ammo has anyone put thru theirs?

 

[mp357]

The difference in "real life" terms is not worth the difference in price or recoil for the couple
of oz's that you save. If you don't pick up both at the same time, you can hardly tell which is which. I've had both, shot both and carried both. For the money, get the 642. Or, find a mod 37 which will weigh an oz or so less than the 642..

 

[Sporting12]

Another vote for 642.
Regards, Pete

 

[akviper]

I have both and the 342 gets carried during the summer while the 642 resides in the safe. The lighter gun is easier to carry and will not print as much as the heavier gun. Is the 342 a fun gun to shoot? No, but the 642 isn't much easier to shoot either.

I practice with lead wadcutters and had no problems with bullet jump. I carry the Speer 135 grain SB load. Every other month I shoot up the Speer carry rounds (five in the gun, five from the speed strip, five from the speedloader) to stay familiar with them. They shoot about two inches high at 15 yards.

Thirty years ago the Model 37 and 42 Airweight guns were not very popular. They were considered too light and only the toughest among us could ever think of shooting one well. Gun writers of the time said the average shooter should stick with steel frames only.

Now we have 500 Magnums, eleven ounce 357s, and 26 ounce 44s. Contrary to popular belief, people today must be a lot tougher than past generations.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

Originally posted by akviper:
Thirty years ago the Model 37 and 42 Airweight guns were not very popular. They were considered too light and only the toughest among us could ever think of shooting one well. Gun writers of the time said the average shooter should stick with steel frames only.

I always wondered what people thought of Airweights back then, instead of looking back knowing what they know now. Thanks for the insight!

 

[SWAT Lt.]

In my opinion the 342 is the best pocket revolver ever made, although recoil is stiff. The 642 would be second. If you can find one reasonably priced (what ever that is these days) and plan on carrying it more than shooting it, and can handle the stiff recoil, I say get the 342. I love mine. Good luck!

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I too Have both Guns & Haven't carried the 642 since I aquired the 342Ti..
The small difference in weight is realy noticable, To Me Anyway, When carried in the Pocket the 342 almost dissapears were the 642 is more noticable, I've carried my 940 in my pocket before & it feels like a brick compaired to either the AirWeight or AirLite..
As far as Ammo Goes I have the +P 135gr Semi Jacketed Speer Gold Dots for the 342 & usualy carry Non +P Federal Nyclads in my 642, Thanks for the Nyclads DC7..
I'll be carrying the 642 this winter in an Alessi shoulder holster..
If your Looking for the absolute Lightest carry Revolver in 38+P the 342 is the winner..
I forgot to mention that my 642 is a No Dash & is NOT +P Rated..
Gary/Hk
342Ti 642 940

Not A LOCK In The Bunch

 

[Spotteddog]

The difference is huge, if pocket carry is the mode of choice. Remember, your talking about a 1/3 reduction in weight. But, you pay for it when doing your due diligence of practicing (monthly, at least) with any gun you intend to carry. And actually intend to be able to hit something with.
A 342 using +P's, will chew you like trying to give a house cat a bath. But, they also shoot exactly where pointed. Are you ready to endure what you must in order to become proficient with it, is the more appropriate question.

Anyone got some Alleve?