Smith and Wesson Airweight

[makemyday]

Lots of these newer guns are made air weight. Has anyone have concern about shooting large amount of rounds or anyone have cracks? breaks?

Thanks

[Gat Man]

The S&W 642 / 442 Airweights are rated for 38 Special +P. I own both and if you’ve ever shot one I think it’s safe to say your hand will wear out before the gun does. The barrel and cylinder are made of stainless steel or carbon steel, respectively, frame is made of aluminum. The super light as a potato chip scandium 357 supposedly have issues with lighter grain bullets and may flame cut the cylinder. If you shoot the heavier 357 then it should hold up, your hand, not so much.

[BajaJames83]

Smith and Wesson has a lifetime warranty.
They have a great reputation for durability. Also with that said shooting high volumes of full power through a air light would be rare as it will beat you up before the gun.

[KrisDSA]

Lots of these newer guns are made air weight. Has anyone have concern about shooting large amount of rounds or anyone have cracks? breaks?

Thanks

Not at all. There was a guy on Glock talk the shot over 8k of 38+p with no issues with his 642

[DanGunner]

I ffiund my 442 and 642 to be quite comfortable to shoot, albeit with standard loads, nice I upgraded grips to Pachmayrs.

[MJB]

Hell, step up to the 629pd....every time you reload you start asking yourself why....

I carry it only when backpacking it's great to carry not to shoot

https://youtu.be/UzDLAKTQKZs

[jon94520]

If you can afford to put enough rounds through your airweight you can afford to buy a new one, but S&W would likely replace for free.

[RayPDA]

https://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2018/02/smith-wesson-mp340-review-revolver/

[IVC]

I have 360PD. By far the hardest gun to shoot, way harder than X-frames (and I have four of those). When shooting full power 357 magnum it will draw blood and mess up your hand before the frame gets damaged. And, frame *will* get damaged from full-power loads. Do a search on Night Guard series which use same materials but in larger package (I also have 327NG, 329NG and 329PD).

Realistically, super-light revolvers should be used only for 38 Special. Just because a gun can handle it (for a while) doesn't mean it's smart to do it, both for your own sake and for the sake of the gun.

[Joust]

[jon94520]

[Joust]

[BajaJames83]

They are not that hard to shoot. Yes it's a snub nose but like with all other guns the basic fundamentals still apply.
Maybe you flinch too much in anticipation

[Title1guy]

For most shooters, a snubby will outlast the owner.Airlites like the 340PD and 360PD are difficult, but not impossible, to shoot well. Airweights are heavier, and thus soak up recoil a little better. The thing is, the Airlites are so comfy to carry, particularly pocket or ankle. A loaded Airlite weighs similarly to a loaded LCP. Plus, you can add any number of grips to them, including a CT laser grip with an air pocket to cover the back strap, for more comfort. And, you can load them with anything from 90g Hornady "Lite"
38s, to 357s (not less than 125g for the Airlites), to .38 wadcutters, so as to find your recoil tolerance. Downsides: limited capacity, few with good sights, and they take practice to become proficient in their use. Also, the Airlites are expensive. Ruger makes the LCR, another good lightweight snubby in a variety of calibers. I think everyone should own at least one in their collection.

[bergmen]

I agree. I love shooting my 442 and my wife loves shooting her 642. The trigger is really nice right out of the box. I put a full length Hogue grip on mine since I hate not having a pinky rest and it doesn't compromise concealability for me. Very comfortable, never had any issues with pain or discomfort.

Very accurate, the RO during my CCW qualifying round made it a point to compliment me on my shooting. It doesn't take much practice to get very good with this revolver and yes, I shoot +P most of the time. Love this gun one of my favorites for EDC.

Dan