337PD vs 360PD

IMO, Id buy the 357 as you can shoot 38's through it anyway. You always have the option of shooting the stouter round thru it
if you choose to. Plus resale is a little better with the magnum guns. Shoot well
 
Agree with Eric. Only proviso, however, is if you know absolutely positively that you'll never shoot 357s and will never sell the revolver, then it might be better to buy the 38 model. 38s out of a 38-length cylinder are probably slightly more accurate (though at snub ranges, not much of an issue). Either way, enjoy the snub!
 
I bought the .38 Spec. version, 342Ti. The cylinder is 1/10th of an inch shorter. After shooting light .38's I can tell you there ain't no way I would ever torch off a .357 load in a gun like that. It was cheaper than the .357 as well. If you are going to carry a .357 round, get the .357 gun. If you are going to carry a .38, get the .38.
 
My mistake. I measured the cylinders. My 342 cylinder is .357 length, not .38 length. Also, apparently the 342 is not substantially cheaper than the .357 version anymore. I paid $395 NIB for mine, but now there is only a $40 difference in price.
 
I've been looking at these two Smith's myself, trying to
decide which is better; not that I will purchase either?
Common sense tells me that I don't need anolther J-
frame; cuz my vintage Smith & Wesson model 60 Chief's
Special fills the bill.

The only reason I can think of, would be to "retire" the
stainless model 60 and carry either the 337PD or the
360PD.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Once you "tote" one of these lightweight revolvers for a day you will appreciate the niche that they fill. They are amazingly comfortable to carry. The hammerless versions are also the only truly pocketable revolvers on the market. Even a 642 is a bit too heavy to carry in a pants pocket of dress slacks, but a 340/342 in a pocket holster will do the job without pulling your pants down.
 
I agree with Clemson

These guns are so light that you almost forget that they are there. I used to own a Ruger SP-101 .357Mag, 2 1/2" barrel 25oz. "it was a great gun", but try wearing an SP-101 on your ankle all day. It starts to hurt after only one hour and only gets worse as the time roles on. Now wear an ankle holster with a 12oz. S&W M-340PD in it, it's so light that you can wear it all day and with no pain.
What I would suggest anyone do, is buy the S&W,M-340 or M-340PD and start with .38spl so you can first start to get used to the Recoil and then slowly introduce .357Mag's. Eventualy you will get used to the recoil, "I did". I also suggest the .357Mag, 340 becouse you get both calibers in one gun and there is no difference in accuracy or velocity when shooting .38spl from either the S&W M-342 or M-340, and the M-337 or M-360.
 
If you buy a .357M with a Ti cylinder, and shoot .38 Spec loads in it, you will have to clean it -- but be very careful how you clean it. The Ti cylinders can be ruined by careless cleaning (read the owner's manual, don't assume you know how to clean Ti).
 
I went with the 342PD. Some people are really into power over practicality though and I think that's primarily the reason they get the 340. If it came in .454 they'd still get it, even if shooting it snapped their damn wrist off! It is my personal policy not to carry any round or ammo that I don't practice a considerable amount with! I don't buy the "adrenaline will get you through theory!" It might. But it also might take out a bystander (or a few ceiling fans as in a panic you are not accustomed to the recoil)! I don't know anyone who has purchased the 340 who puts more than a few rounds through it before going: "Sh@t!" and switching to .38. Save your money, even if it is only $50.
 
I'd get the 38 version just on general principles. Why? Because I'd never put a .357 in it and it does not have to be a general purpose gun. I have others for that.

justinr1
 
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