Ok so I found a great deal on a new 340PD without an IL and bought it. Now I need to figure out how to best carry it. It will be my first CC revolver and first J frame so I am looking for suggestions. I am decent size guy, 6' 235 lbs who wears jeans or cargo shorts. I carry a P3AT in my front pocket now but the 340 may print in a front pocket. I have previously carried a FS M&P semi in an IWB Comp Tac holster so I wouldnt rule out a IWB or even an outside the waistband holster for the 340 if I can find something that rides high and tight so a t shirt will conceal it. Oh, the other thing is what ever I go with has to be available in Southpaw.

Also looking for grip advise. Are the factory rubber grips on the 340PD any good or is there a go to option for daily carry?

Thanks

To my hand, the factory "fish scales" are the best rubber grip out there -- they conceal well, fill the hand enough, and absorb more recoil than any other I've tried. Have a few go-rounds with them, you might decide you don't need to switch.

A lightweight J-frame calls for IWB, I think, where you can sometimes forget you're wearing it. Take a close look at Lobo Gun Leather's Offset Belt Clip -- a terrific holster. Alessi Talon and Ritchie Nighthawk (same holster, different makers), is also top-notch. And Bell Charter Oaks has several similarly excellent offerings.

Point is, IWB, deep concealment leather plays really well with 15oz snubbies.

I use Spegel boot grips and a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster to carry my 642. It conceals well under an untucked shirt. It should work well with the 340.



Spegel boot grips can be hard to find or you may have to wait if you order them from Spegel directly. I've also used Eagle Secret Service grips with good results.

Also, for snub revolvers, I tend to prefer holsters that carry the cylinder about even with the belt. It seems to give the best stability. Something to consider.

Some pants have deeper pockets, it varies widely. Slash pockets on khakis and cargo pants/shorts can be great with a pocket holster/sleeve, but if the pockets are shallow and you have a 3-finger grip on the gun, the butt will be easily seen. I only buy pants and shorts with deeper pockets. I can usually tell by reaching my hand in. If in doubt, a trip to the dressing room is in order. Even at the warehouse club where there is no dressing room, you can test it in the car without even putting the pants on. I have cargo flap pockets that will hold a Glock 27 in a pocket holster. By your jeans bigger and you can more easily use IWB. I just bought a nice pair of 2" oversized Wranglers for $7 at the thrift store.
As for the factory grip, I suggest you use them and see what you think. What will you be carrying? Shoot those grips with your carry load. If you plan to carry 357, shoot some and report back to us with your conclusion. I fired 3 different rounds of 357 from a 340PD on Sunday and my first trigger finger joint by the nail had a small skin avulsion and was bleeding. Two hand hold, 3 finger laser grip. Similar feeling to having the palm of your hand whacked with an ax handle, which some people claim not to mind. I will plan to chrono those and determine the energy involved for comparison with a Ruger LCR 9mm. 357 from that revolver is not for everyone, but it also makes a nifty 38, as I'm sure you well know.

+1 for the Lobo offset clip iWB. Attached is a pic with my 640-3.

I also use it with my M&P 340 which is very easy to carry.

Regarding front pocket carry, with the correct holster your 340 will print a lot less than you think. I'm 5' 8" and frequently carry a J in a front pocket of relaxed fit jeans. The holster I'm using is from Simply Rugged. Most people carry so much junk anyways that even if they do see something to them it's just a lump.

Attached Images

	SR 1.jpg (90.9 KB, 61 views)
	Lobo 640-3.jpg (93.3 KB, 85 views)

You have to know that how you carry is as much about how your cloths fit is what you carry . I carried a snubby for 18 years with a Hogue 3 finger soft rubber grip in my front pocket at work building homes and iwb after work . My pants were a loose original fit carharts most times or a Columbia sized to fit for comfort . Pockets are big enough to work .

I never liked the short 2 finger grips when shooting hot loads . I like Hogue but pachmyers has a couple fine soft rubber grips too .

Might check out garrett holsters for a nice fitting and functioning rig . There silent thunder Solo would give you cant forward or to the rear with a single or double belt hook with some height adjustment . Nice holsters for carry . With your slender to me size a 1:30 or 2:00 carry canted to the rear would let you tuck a shirt in too and still have easy access while sitting and driving that pocket carry does not offer .
Tuckable Kydex and Leather Holsters: Silent Thunder Fusion Model | Garrett Holsters

A lot of good advice already. I would add a Crimson Trace laser sight.

thanks guy. I just ordered a Lobo Gun Leather IWB Offset Clip in horsehide. Now the 4-6 week wait time begins.

At work, I carry my S&W 642-2 (Yes, it has the lock...for now.) in my left hand uniform cargo pocket in an inexpensive, large, square bottom pocket holster so it doesn't shift around. It also doesn't beat me to death, even when running.

On my own time I use Don Hume JIT belt slides (OWB), both left and right for more carry options. The J-frames conceal well with an untucked shirt.

How good a deal did you get?

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

So long as you know that lobo leather is under new ownership . Bottom line is with ever one that carry's you have to find what works best for you .

Yup, I knew that but decided to give them a shot. The original owner is still involved as a consultant supposedly so hopefully they havent jockeyed with the proven designs. I will report back once it arrives.
I agree with your bottom line statement but the only way to figure it out is to start with what appears to work with a large number of people and then narrow down from there.