Jesse_Cravens
Inactive
I'm in the market for a ccw revolver, and I have decided on a S&W hammerless snubby. I am stuck between a model 442( airweight centennial style), and an model 340 airlite.
I know the 340 has an scandium alloy frame which is stronger. I have doubts about a aluminum alloy framed revolver.
Smith and wesson's website says the following"So how does a little scandium produce this remarkable increase in strength in aluminum alloys? Regular aluminum alloys have a grain structure that can be coarse and non-uniform, not a desirable property for yield strength. Even more problematic, this structure has a tendency to weaken over time through use. Adding a tiny amount of scandium to the alloy produces several results, the most important being a new alloy with a much finer grain structure which means greater strength and a reduction or elimination of long-term fatigue effects. "
Their website makes it sound as if airweight frames weaken drastically as a normal occurance.
I know the airlite is 3 oz lighter. I like the idea of being able to carry .357's
but I could be happy with .38sp +p. And I dont mind recoil. I think debating recoil is silly. Deal with it , or throw rocks.
I wanted to ask you guys with experience with any of these airweights if :
1. You think airweights weaken noticeably over a period of time... say 15 years.
2.Is the airlite version(340) worth the $238 more than the 442(airweight)?
I know the 340 has an scandium alloy frame which is stronger. I have doubts about a aluminum alloy framed revolver.
Smith and wesson's website says the following"So how does a little scandium produce this remarkable increase in strength in aluminum alloys? Regular aluminum alloys have a grain structure that can be coarse and non-uniform, not a desirable property for yield strength. Even more problematic, this structure has a tendency to weaken over time through use. Adding a tiny amount of scandium to the alloy produces several results, the most important being a new alloy with a much finer grain structure which means greater strength and a reduction or elimination of long-term fatigue effects. "
Their website makes it sound as if airweight frames weaken drastically as a normal occurance.
I know the airlite is 3 oz lighter. I like the idea of being able to carry .357's
but I could be happy with .38sp +p. And I dont mind recoil. I think debating recoil is silly. Deal with it , or throw rocks.
I wanted to ask you guys with experience with any of these airweights if :
1. You think airweights weaken noticeably over a period of time... say 15 years.
2.Is the airlite version(340) worth the $238 more than the 442(airweight)?