Wife took my 442, looking at others any suggestions

[Data]

340 PD @ 11.7 oz. (SKU: 103061) No Lock - MSRP:$1139.00
340 M&P @ 13.8 oz. (SKU: 103072) No Lock - MSRP: $959.00
442 @ 14.6 oz. (SKU: 150544) No Lock - MSRP: $539.00

The 340 PD gets my vote, due to lowest weight reduction. It's a dream to carry, hard to believe at times when I have it on my person.

 

[Brian Parrish]

This!

Some of my thoughts with some time with my 340PD.
I like how it is as light as you can get with the titanium cylinder.

However some of the things that I have come to consider as reasons to not buy one.

Titanium cylinders can be vulnerable to some gun cleaning solvents.

Empty cases are more difficult/stickier with titanium compared to a steel cylinder as you try to eject the longer case (357 vs. 38) with that too short ejection rod.

Since you have to be careful with cleaning, I don't shoot any 38 length cases in it so that I have to worry about the extra cleaning involved.

I have a friend load a mid range power practice round for me that is similar to the Speer short barrel and Remington Golden Saber 357 loads.
It has been hard for a long time to find either of those loads but I have enough to switch out for new carry ammo. There are rather few low to mid range 357 loads out there for pratice or carry.

In a lot of ways I kind of wish I got the M&P version with the steel cylinder.

Eventually, probably when I run out of the Speer Gold Dots and the Remington Golden Sabers, I will probably make the switch to all 38...

Always looking for the Goldilocks load.
357 cases get stuck if i have been practicing with 38's so I do not do that anymore.
I can clean the carbon fouling from the cylinder chambers with a great product that works, Iosso Bore Cleaner. It is a white cream that comes in a toothpaste tube. I believe it is NOT abrasive. It does take some time and some scrubbing. I don't have any titanium so I don't know for sure but I think it is safe for that. Please correct me anyone.
If magnums are too much from a snub, and 38+p+ are perfect but cause the magnum cases to stick, then here are my choices:
-Don't fret about reloading the revolver at speed.
-Only use 38's in it.
-Only use 357's in it.
-Reload my own soft 357's. (This)
-Keep the cylinder clean enough.

 

[Erocksmash]

I like the new wife option only replace wife with cabin in the woods, smokey mountains, maybe a dog and sweet silence.

M&P lands tomorrow we shall see how she works out.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Well the title says it all, wife liked the 442 so much she says I can have it back, so once again I'm left seaking another no lock J frame.

I've got it down to, two of them. Pictured below

Aside from obvious price difference, sight, weight and cylinder material any difference in personal experiences?

Is there a bullet weight limit on the titanium one ?

Obviously going to run/train with the gun and don't want to wear it out.

Thanks
Erik

After due consideration, I got rid of my "AirLight Ti" many years ago. I didn't like the special coating on the titanium cylinder, which is sensitive to the type of cleaning chemical used, and once the coating is gone, the cylinder is apparently surprisingly fragile, and the extensive damage that occurs from firing is not covered by warranty. I suggest reading the owner's manual. The page from the current owner's manual is shown. Also, remember that cleaning solvents or solutions with ammonia are also forbidden.

Also, I have no use for a J Frame of any type which fires magnum loads. I am sorry to say, therefore, that my choice would be either the 442NL or the 642NL (NL = No Lock).

That said, part of the excitement is getting something different. If that is where you are, ok, but I suggest staying away from titanium and internal locks.

 

[zeke]

Well I decided on a M&P gentleman, I know 357 won't be fun but I guess if I have to use it that won't be fun either... titanium is cool but I stuck with the stainless just because.

And never liked cleaning the light weight cylinders.

 

[GCF]

Well I decided on a M&P gentleman, I know 357 won't be fun but I guess if I have to use it that won't be fun either... titanium is cool but I stuck with the stainless just because.

Good choice IMHO. I bought the M&P myself probably 6 - 7 years ago, & it gets carried daily.

Speer short barrel 38+P only. I look at it as a seriously overbuilt 442. No worries about that pesky cracked J frame problem, that pops up from time to time either.

Hogue Bantams for daily pocket carry. And what ever that black finish is, it has held up 100%, as well.

No regrets passing on the slightly lighter Ti cylinder model. The thing is so light as is, I sometimes (sorta') forget I'm carrying it...