What happened to the finish on this 342 ?

[jamesnnc]

Hi
I'd like help with what might have caused the damage to this 342 finish.
The damage seems to go below the surface. Any help is appreciated.
James

 

[murphydog]

It looks like abrasion or peeling of the clear coat, but the right side of the top strap looks more like metal damage.

 

[Spurdann]

Looks like solvent damage to me.

 

[bobsguns]

That looks like corrosion damage to me. Some sort of acid perhaps?

That's a shame too.

 

[stansdds]

I'm going to say a combination of S&W's spray on finish failing plus some corrosion.

 

[CH4]

My buddy has a 342 that looked like that until he pealed off the clear coat. He thinks it was it was caused by solvent, but not sure. I have an 396 with that finish and it's holding fine, but I am careful not to use solvents that contain ammonia, same with my 342PD.

 

[kaaskop49]

Perhaps not helpful, but ditto on all the above. My 342 purchased used in excellent condition lost it's finish when I sprayed GunScrubber on the internals. Peeled off with no further damage or wear. My used 'sister' 337 has been undamaged by GunScrubber. This is not uncommon, especially with 642s: gun xxx3 will incur finish wear, gun xxx4 will be fine.

I vote for some type of corrosive causing that frame pitting. I now use Hoppe's Elite on my Ti cylinder guns with no damage.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome back to the Forum! My 642-2 exhibits some signs of finish wear, mostly from EDC in a pocket holster. Clear coat is wearing off, I suppose, but it's just something I ignore. Your 342 however, appears to have some serious issues beyond clear coat. Did you buy it new? How long have you had it? If the damage is not something that you did or exposed it to, then perhaps a call to S&W is in order.