Smith & Wesson Model 342

While perusing epinions, I noticed a dearth of gun reviews. Except for a few posted by Mattjoe, EvilJeff, and few others, there are just too few of those for a true aficionado like yours truly. In fact, there is not even a category for guns! Duh. Considering that guns are a durable consumer product of high dollar value it appears to me that epinions has simply overlooked the potential for some well-placed revenue. Think about it: police officers, sportsmen, hunters, collectors, and shooters of all stripes spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year on guns, ammunition, and accessories. Well, I intend to fix the deficiency of too few gun reviews even if epinions fails to realize that the demand is out there.

The gun I am currently writing about is a J-frame Smith & Wesson revolver in 38 Special caliber. The Smith & Wesson revolver bears a proud history dating back to 1852, and boasts the first cartridge revolver in American history, the Model 1. But enough of history, on to the Model 342.

Smith & Wesson revolvers are produced in four basic sizes, denominated J, K, L, and N, framed models. These letter designations refer to the overall size of the weapon, with the J being the smallest and the N being the largest. The N frame revolver is world famous, being the platform for the large magnums like the 44, "Dirty Harry's" personal choice. Nobody argues with Clint Eastwood, at least to his face.

The J frame Smith & Wesson comes in a multiplicity of configurations, but is most familiar to the casual reader as the "snub nose 38" of detective movie fame. There have been untold millions of these snubbies produced and many a bureau drawer or nightstand in America has one of these beauties as its permanent resident.

The Model 342 is the latest in a long line of snub nose 38s, being a "Centennial" model S&W. The Centennial is designed for deep cover concealed carry with a hammerless configuration for non-snag presentation during moments of extreme duress. In fact, the Centennial model can even be fired through the pocket of a coat if need be, although it is not recommended for continued use unless you want to replace your clothing regularly. The Centennial is named for the fact that it was introduced in 1952, the centennial of the Smith & Wesson company.

The Model 342's claim to fame is the space-age materials it is made from: premium aircraft grade aluminum and titanium, the same as high performance aircraft like the "SR71 Blackbird" are produced from. Titanium has the benefit of the same strength as an equivalent piece of tool steel with only 60% of the weight. For this reason the Model 342 weighs only 11 ounces where an equivalent steel Centennial model would weigh almost double that. It makes a huge difference in the carrying of such a revolver, as anyone who has carried a 342 (and anything to compare it with) will be quick to agree.

Firing the 342 consists of pressing the thumb piece forward, opening the cylinder, loading five 38 Special cartridges, and closing the cylinder. Using the sights, acquire your target and place it atop the front sight, aligning the front blade even with the top and between the rear sight notch with equal parts of daylight showing on either side of the front sight blade. Pull the double action trigger with a clean, smooth motion straight back. The revolver should fire at a time that surprises you. That is called a "clean surprise break" and is the sign of an accomplished marksman. After you have fired your five shots, press forward on the thumb piece, open the cylinder, tip the barrel up, press back on the ejector lever and eject the cartridges; then you can reload, or clear the gun for leaving the range. Make sure to clean your 342 in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions provided with the gun.

The Smith & Wesson Model 342 is a high tech example of revolver manufacture at its finest. I highly recommend that you purchase one! Enjoy!

Always, always remember the four rules of safe gun handling:

1. All firearms are loaded.
2. Never point your weapon at something you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4. Be sure of your backstop, guns can shoot through things.



Recommended: Yes