S&W Mod 242 Airlite Ti

M

Mike Spight

New member
Yeah, I know they're butt ugly, big for a .38 S&W Special snubbie (L Frame) and have been discontinued, but I found one for a great deal, new.

I tried it today with 158gr LSWCHP +P and fired six from the seven shot cylinder. I stopped and inspected the last (7th) round and the bullet had begun to creep forward just a tiny bit. Not enough that it would have bound up the cylinder, but... Oh, it was quite accurate, firing fast, offhand at IDPA tgt...a reasonably tight group at about 7 yds. By the way, they were quite comfortable from a 18oz revolver. The Uncle Mike's Boot Grips feel really good on the round butt L Frame.

Bought some Speer Gold Dot 125gr JHP +P and that will probably negate the problem, but didn't have time to put any through.

Anyone else out there have one of these? Your experiences with your 242 in general and specifically in terms of ammunition choices that won't walk a bullet out of the case but are accurate for you?

Thanks for the help.

Mike
 
Mike,

Just so you don’t feel lonely, I will admit that I own one of these butt ugly guns also. In the gun’s defense I will say that mine has one of the smoothest S&W factory DA triggers I've felt since the mid 70s. The addition of a Wolf 12# rebound spring has made it both light and smooth.

Since I consider reloading a religious experience, 99% of all rounds through my handguns are reloads. Due to this, the 242 has seen mostly 158 gr. SWC. On those occasions when I do load it for serious purposes, I’ve been using Triton 110 gr. +Ps.

Mostly this gun seem to go with me when I know I will be forced to leave it in my truck unattended for some period of time. I figure the way this gun looks; no self-respecting thief would take it.

Just kidding (about the theft part).

JAC
 
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RangeGod,

Thanks for the response. Good to know someone else was intrigued enough to buy one and likes it.

Now I want to find a Mod 296, also discontinued. As I understand it, it's basically the same piece, but in .44 S&W Special with a 5 shot cylinder.

Cheers...

Mike
 
I have the 296 am in the opposite direction. I want to get the 242 to round them out. I actually think they both look good. I think they are extremely user friendly with no sharp edges to catch. I still need to find a good holster.
 
I had a brief flirtation with one

It threw several 158gr. loads about 6" left and 8" down from my POA at the 25yd. line. This was unacceptable to me. Couple that with the sometimes finicky 7rd. plus lockwork, and it was traded off.
 
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