S&W Lightweight Snubbies

S

Sarge55

New member
My local dealer has quite the assortment of USED S&W lightweight snubbies. I've been kicking around the idea of picking one of the up. Any comments, suggestions or opinions (other than political) on the following models:

442 (Airweight)
642 (Airweight)
342 (Titanium)
342PD (Titanium)

Do you feel the extra expense for the Titanium models are worth it? This, I'm trying to justify in my own mind... Any insight into my dilemma, would like always, be greatly appreciated! Can anyone give me some first hand experience with these guns? Many thanks!

Sarge
 
Sarge , I have a 442 and 2 - 642's and wouldn't sell them for anything . I think they are an excellent weapon . I looked at the Titanium models and was not that impressed for the extra money , a friend has one and says it is a handful to shoot . I think a nice 642 would be a great addition to your gear . Good luck , Mike...
 
I had a 442 that I had carried almost all the time (every time I carried) for over two years and traded it for a 342 when the first came out. It was probably the worst trade I ever made.

Between the lightweight and the grooved backstrap of the 342 it was more than merely painful to shoot the 342. I fired 20 to 25 rounds of my practice ammunition (158 grain LSWC--not +P), and my hand (primarily the palm) hurt (not just sore--really hurt) for almost two weeks and was sensitive to recoil for months after that. I traded it the day after I shot it.

Looking at your choices, I would go with the 642. I like the 442, it (for me) was very accurate out to 15 yards (furthest I ever tried to shoot it) and pointed very well with the Craig Spegel boot grips I put on it (worth the investment). It was a very good looking handgun, but mine had started to show considerable holster ware (Kramer pocket holster), and I had to be very aware of corrosion (barrel and cylinder).

I now have a 642 and will not trade it (except maybe for a 442). To my eyes it looses "good looks" contest to the 442, but I do not have to worry about corrosion which is a big plus with pocket carry in north central Texas, and the jury is still out on accuracy, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be OK--I'll know after a few more rounds.
 
Hello. I personally prefer the airweight J-frames to the new ti frames. They look "better" in my opinion and you are not limited in your choice of ammunition as they're rated for +P. There are some limitations on the ti revolvers in that some +P non-jacketed loads are NOT to be used. The ti guns are light enough that the recoil impulse can unseat bullets and jam the gun.
Best.
 
I have a model 337 Air Weight Ti. And it's my primary carry gun (next to a NAA Guardian).

I checked out the standard air weight vs. the Taurus total Ti vs. the S&W Ti. (a friend of mine has the taurus and loves my lighter weight smith, though I love the color of the taurus). So in comparing them the little weight saved was a BIG deal to me and was worth the price difference!!!!

As for shooting it the recoil is stout (but not a big deal), but it's not a hi round target pistol. As far as the whole +p/non +p issue, just always shoot jacketed rounds and your all set.

So yes, to me the 2OZ are worth a higher price. It just dissapers in my pocket or waistband.

The only drawback is the company's political position, but the gun is good!

Chris
 
For me, the extra weight savings was worth it. I have an Airweight M38 and a AirLite Ti M342. I use pocket carry exclusively, so the weight savings makes a big difference.

If you use belt carry, then the $120 kick-up for the 3-4 ounce savings may not be worth it.

As for any of the Airweights or AirLites not being high volume guns, I would beg to differ -- it all depends on how well the gun fits your hands. I took the M38 for Insight's Close Quarters Confrontations (train with what you carry, eh?), a week long course with a 1,000 round minimum ammo requirement. Until the gun's timing locked up during the second-to-last day (hehe) it wasn't any problem to shoot.

See the thread "38 snubby" or something like that for pictures of my J-frames.

Justin

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Justin T. Huang, Esq.
late of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania


[This message has been edited by jthuang (edited August 11, 2000).]
 
I have a 342ti and a .357 model 60 (I know that wasn't on the list, I'm just telling you what I have).

What I can say about the 342 is that it's a dream to carry, and a nightmare to shoot.

It's absurdly light. Yes, there is a significant difference between the airlite and airweight, especially if you carry in a pocket or ankle holster (which is what I do). If carry is your main concern, and you plan on using it more for carry than target shooting, go with the titanium.

However, if you plan on carrying on your waist, or not carrying, or if you plan on doing lots of target shooting, the alloy is much more tolerable to shoot.
 
I have owned several J frames. I also traded my 442 for a 342Ti when they first came out. The 342 is considerably lighter. It is the "minimum" gun that I will carry. I cannot shoot the 342 as well as the 442, but I certainly don't find it punishing to shoot. I guess I'm just a little recoil immune. I will keep the 342 for the light weight, but I really don't think it is worth the extra cost over the 442. If I had it to do all over again, I'd just keep the 442.

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Get your 1911s and AR15s while you still can!
 
Hi. I have a 642, as does a co-worker, and we both use ankle, pocket, and fanny pack carry. It is not too heavy for pockets, though the Ti MIGHT be easier, I can't see it being $125 easier. The airweight is fun to shoot...for the first 5-10 rounds. Then, I start learning to flinch unless I really bear down. This is with standard pressure 125 Nyclads, I'm not convinced of a big gain in going +P. I bet the Ti would get to be no fun even faster, which translates to even less practice. 642 will keep it's finish longer than the blued gun, I vote 642 for these reasons.

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When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; IT IS that they shall be destroyed forever...Psalms 92.7
 
have a 442 and tried a 342 at a range.

While the gun is light and the recoil manageable for an experienced shooter, the extra money wasn't worth it for a trade.

I pocket carry the 442 and am used to the weight. The 640 was a different story and too heavy.

Personally, I think SW is price gouging a touch and so are dealers. I'm starting to see the 32 Mag Airlites really come down in price.

I might pay another $50 for the gun but not
$150.
 
I have a 442 as my 'always' gun; have not shot the Ti guns but everything I see indicates the recoil is very substantial. To me the weight is not objectionable; everything is a compromise and I think the 442 is one of the best compromises around. I'm just glad S&W brought back the 'hammerless' configuration before they self-destructed.

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For non-belt carry, the 342 and kin are worth the (considerable) extra money. If you're going to go that route, consider the PD versions, which are about 10% lighter (deeper cylinder flutes).

With respect, I have to disagree with Justin. In my large hands, the 342 is very unpleasant for practice, even with light loads. The solution is to buy a used steel or stainless Centennial and use that for practice. (Well, you were looking for an excuse, right? <g> )
 
Bought my wife a 442 nickle plated.After 60 rounds she had it! I carry it in the warm weather in my pocket,and the DOCKER canvas pants are the only ones with pockets deep enough to conceal it for me.Thought it was a great gift for her at the time.Go figure she likes my 229 SIG better.Don't think i'll introduce her to my GLOCKS.She's a better shot than I am now. :)
 
There is one downside to the S&W Ti frame guns. The recoil is severe with most effective .38 Special ammonition and the interval betwwen shots will increase.
 
What about the new scandium Airlites that are supposed to be even lighter (~2 oz.)?

Has anyone handled or shot these yet?

Also, does anyone know their prices?
 
The Sc guns won't see my pocket until
the CEO of SW swims across the Atlantic
in his underpants and tell Queen Elizabeth
that he made a mistake in signing the agreement. Ha ha.

Seriously, I wouldn't be a new SW unless management changes and they ditch the agreement. Maybe if Bush gets in , they can
do it.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by plnkr1234:
the new scandium Airlites[/quote]

Plnkr1234, do you mean the "PD" models, or something even newer?
 
There are ads out for SW like in the latest Combat handguns that advertise Scandium added to frames to make them stronger.

This might imply 357 magnum liteweight snubbies which would be a bear to shoot.

But I don't think they are on the web page yet or weren't the last time I looked.
 
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