S&W 442? Or S&W 342PD?

[tyro]

I have decided to have three carry guns: the first is my 4" Ruger GP 100 (in springbreak shoulder holster); the second is a 2.25" Ruger SP 101 (in belt/hip holster or heavy-duty vest pocket); the third is an S&W J-frame (in right front pants pocket or ankle holster). My question is, Which S&W J-frame?

Two preliminary considerations, please: (1) I have thoroughly pondered the Taurus 85 models, and I have read the many happy Taurus testimonials on TFL; but after having briefly owned a new Taurus, and after seeing and handling the Taurus 85 models in the local gun shop, I do not like or want a Taurus; (2) I have thought through (after reading reams of rants on TFL and other web sites) the debate re S&W's political and business fiascos and betrayals. I intend to buy a new S&W J-frame. Blessings on all Taurus lovers and S&W haters :) .

Here is the choice I have to make, and about which I solicit advice: (1) order a customized 15 oz. 442 from Jack Weigand (he offers a package deal providing a factory fresh 442); or purchase from a dealer a 10.8 oz. 342PD and ship it to Wiegand Combat Handguns for a combat trigger job and barrel porting. Do any of you have opinions or see reasons to favor either model over the other model?

[EnochGale]

OK - first.

1. I have a 442 and love it.
2. I have shot fifty rounds through a 342 and found
the recoil manageable but sharp. It is lighter
but the 442 never bothers me in my pocket. The
640 did.
3. Porting - I didn't know you could port a 342. I thought
they had a special barrel liner shroud deal that didn't
sound easy to port.

I would advise against porting. A pocket gun is used
real close. If you ever do retention drills, you don't
want a ported gun.

Thus, I would go for a 442 or 642 as it is cheaper and
not that heavy. I would not get porting. Trigger job
maybe but I don't mind my standard trigger.

[dixiejon]

I just bought a NIB S&W 642 this afternoon for 389.88. I have always wanted one of these little lightweight hammerless j-frames as I have a S&W 649 that I bought 12 years ago and find myself carrying it more than any other pistol I own. I also purchased a box of Federal Nyclad 125 gr HP to go with it. I love the Glocks and 1911's but for everyday carry I find that I like the S&W j-frames better because they carry so well. I would recommend the 642!

[tyro]

EnochGale,

Thanks for your reply, which I will continue to ponder following this immediate response.

The 442 would be ported, so the factor of porting makes no difference in my choice between the two models. I am aware of the pros and cons of porting, particularly with reference to shooting from a retention position. I don't know where I read it - perhaps here on TFL; but an apparently competent and experienced trainer explained how he and his organization trained for combat with ported handguns in retention positions. As I recall ('wish I could remember where I read this!), he trains handgunners to cant the wrist of the gun hand away from the body 45 to 90 degrees (only when in a retention position, of course). According to him, if my memory does not betray me, the arm and hand are stronger in this position and the blast from the porting goes away from the body. I need ported guns. My 4" Ruger GP 100 is ported, and the 2.25" Ruger SP 101 will be ported. I'm 67 years old, weigh only 128 lbs, have symtoms of arthritis, and I cannot very well tolerate shooting unported revolvers enough to practice regularly with them. I am convinced by the arguments, explanations, and research of a number of specialists who say that ported handguns can be used effectively and safely in personal defense and combat scenarios.

I asked Jack Weigand about porting the 342PD; he indicated he could do it. However, I am aware of the makeup of the barrel as you describe it. That goes in the "con" column for the 342PD, and the "pro" column for the 442.

[tyro]

dixiejon,

Thanks, I will consider the 642.

[sox]

I have a 342PD and have pondered having it magnaported. I spoke with them at length and it is very do-able. The gun must be shot 150rounds beforehand, so that the barrel may seat. Now the gun is almost to the point of too light. I almost got rid of it after the first box of nyclad. My thinking has changed, as it is just really nice to carry. I am going to experiment with the winclean 125gr@775fps. 3D also makes a 100grain Wadcutter @ 750fps. These loads should be tolerable, but are hard to locate. I have a ported Taurus and it makes all the difference, as most of the recoil energy seems to be muzzle flip. I have also taken up the habit of wearing an uncle mikes shooting glove, which helps considerably. I did my own trigger job, after doing alot of research and am very happy. There was considerable improvement over the stock trigger. I would recommend shooting them side by side at a rental range. I really don't think its worth the extra dough. I think the extra weight and porting will make the gun much more enjoyable to shoot regularly. I also love the availability of accessories for the little J frames. Best luck.

[tyro]

sox,

Thanks for your comments.

Please help me understand the following two sentences of what you wrote:

"I really don't think its worth the extra dough." Are you referring to the 342PD?

"I think the extra weight and porting will make the gun much more enjoyable to shoot regularly." Are you referring to the 442?

[sox]

Yes on both accounts. Dave.

[Runner]

I would go for the Taurus 85, but if you absolutely must I would go with the 442 of your options. The heavier weight will make it much more pleasant to shoot and thereby assist in accuracy.

Bottom line go for the heavier of the two!

[tyro]

Runner,

Thanks for the clear and emphatic recommendation, which I will heed. I'll order two Weigand specials: the SP 101 and the 442.

[cuerno de chivo]

I much prefer the lighter weight of my SW342PD over my old SW642LS. I do not regret trading off my SW642LS at all. 14 ounces loaded with a Barami Hip-Grip. It's so light that you can carry it in the waist band of your underwear under sweat pants or shorts.

[VictorLouis]

I have a 442. You can safely use any bullet weight in .38, whereas the Ti gun is restricted to the lighter, jacketed loads. That's probably OK though, because that's all that most folks can tolerate out of the lighter gun, anyway.:) I don't find the weight of the 442 to be a concern in pocket carry.

My only experience with a ported revolver is in .357. It does make a difference, though just how much in a .38 I wouldn't know. People get all worked up about the hazard of firing one in CQ. Well, what about all the gas and debris that blasts out from the barrel/cylinder gap?:D The porting seems to me to be a non-issue.

It is my understanding that the 342 cannot be ported for two reasons. The effect, as was mentioned, of the barrel continuing to screw itself in tighter as it is fired is the first. I guess this may stop at a certain point after a break-in period? The second was that the aluminum shroud of the barrel won't withstand the erosion of the gases passing through the ports. Perhaps this also settles in after a time?

[cuerno de chivo]

Only +p lead is not recommended due to bullet jump. Standard pressure lead is not a problem.

[tyro]

If porting were not a priority for me, and if I were not very sensitive to recoil, I would get the 342PD. But what I have read about the barrel of the 342PD indicates to me that I should pick Weigand's customized 442.

This has been an interesting thread that has helped me make my choice. Thanks to all who have contributed comments.

[sox]

Tyro, S&W used to make a Model 460. It is basically a modified 442 with enhanced trigger, magnaporting and nice checkered ebony Eagel secret service grips. Quite a nice package. I would get rid of my 342PD for one in a heartbeat. I think this thing used to be called "streetfighter" if I am not mistaken.

[tyro]

sox,

What you describe is what Jack Weigand is doing with the 442 (except for the grips), which is what I have decided to get from him (in addition to his customized Ruger SP 101).

[38Mike]

Tyro,

I've got a 642 and after working with it for a while, have decided to keep it loaded with standard pressure 125 grain Nyclad ammo, and to practice with standard pressure reloads or factory stuff ( UMC 130 FMJ, etc.)

The only thing that bothers me about shooting this gun, after about 100 rounds, I've got a nasty red welt in the web of my shooting hand, between thumb and trigger finger. I'm going to buy a shooting glove, wear it for practice sessions.....

I'd try the 442, maybe the glove for practice too...

My .02 worth..

Mike M.

[tyro]

Mike,

Indeed I will get the 442 ('already have good shooting gloves) :).