Does anyone have an experience with either the S&W 342 or 342PD?  I need pros & cons.  Thank you.

Recoil and muzzle flip with factory 38spl ammo is fairly stiff, but not unmanageable.  Real light, if you are going to conceal carry.  Accuracy is only so-so at 25 feet, but then it is not meant for target shooting.  I haven't tried +Ps.  You could save yourself some money by buying a S&W442(15oz) same frame but it has a steel cylinder, where as the 342s(12oz) has a titanium one.

USA! USA! USA!

The biggest problem with the 342 is the cost.  

While I don’t consider it a problem, the 342 is limited to jacketed rounds.

Recoil in the 342 with +P ammo is pretty severe – it flips so badly the inside of the triggerguard comes up and whacks your trigger finger.  This shouldn’t be a problem in a gunfight unless you develop a severe flinch or the gun jumps out of your hand.

The triggerpull is a bit heavy.  Accuracy doesn’t seem very good but it’s not designed for accuracy.

The 342 is meant to be carried a lot and shot a little.  To that end it is perfect.