I have kicked around the idea of buying one since their introduction. But, I just keep hesitating. Should I? If I decide to finally get one, it will probably be a few months anyway. I've got some other projects that require $$$. But, when those are finished, I'm gonna consider one. Unless, you guys talk me out of it. Keep in mind I have not shot one and, I can't find one to shoot. So I'm looking for any feedback positive as well as, the negative.

Thanks in advance.

I have one in no lock. Ok gun, but unless you need the front night sight, a couple of ounces shaved off curb weight, and want to beat the hell out of yourself/hand running .357 through a gun that weighs about as much as the cartridges, I'd suggest a 442/640.

I don't think I will make a habit out of shooting magnums out of it. I have considered a 640 as well.

I have had one for a number of years. When I pocket carry a revolver the 340 is it.
Speer gold for short barrel in 135 grain plus P is my preferred ammunition.
I bought it with the CT 405 grips which I highly recommend.

I like mine. The reason I went with the 340 over the 640 is that I can fire the same 38 +p level reloads in 357 cases in it as my other revolvers. I haven't fired it a whole lot with hot loads nor do I have much desire to. Never had any problems with it and it is accompanying me on a backpacking trip tomorrow am.

Thanks for the info guys!

I should have added that cost is a factor that makes me less than enthusiastic. M&P340 is rather expensive as well as hard to find used.

The M P 340 is more expensive but I certainly am a fan of the tritium front sight.
I have a MP 360 and love it.
I have shot .357 out of it. It's a hand full to say the least but if needed I can handle the magnum loads.
I'm currently carrying Speer SB .357 in it.
Dave N

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Independent Field Tester/R&D

I had a 340pd. I sold it for a few reasons--first, somebody offered me more than I'd paid for it (used). I didn't like the lock, or the ammo restrictions. The fact that it was a .357 was irrelevant to me as I'd never subject myself to that kind of recoil. Bought a 642 AND a 442...both NIB... with the $ from selling it and the 642 became my everyday carry.
All that said, I miss that little featherweight....what a delight to carry--you forget it's there. The extra 4 oz of the 642 isn't much but it's noticeable. If I still had it I'd disable the lock and load it with .38's.

I love to carry mine. But as the years go by I am liking shooting it less and less with 357, even plus p's aren't fun . I have one of Smiths 15 ounce guns a 638 and carry it to, and really don't know the difference. If you want a 357 go for it. Other wise save your self some money and go with a little heavier gun.

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balin
NRA Life Member

I found I didn't really need that front sight....which is what attracted me to it in the first place. I should have known better. Just got sucked into look at the pretty new, shiny thing.

Been shooting and carrying J-frames since the 60's and a well tuned one...have three...is pretty much just an extension of my arm/hand.

My common load in lw is 125 NyClad. That or Speer 135+P in steel. .357 in these things is just nuts.

I also must admit to being not particularly fond of the build design nor the lock work of the newer J-frames. Perhaps that's just old age.

I absolutely love mine. I went to my LGS looking for a J-frame to replace my SP-101 that was just too heavy for my needs. I wasn't planning to buy a 340 but was offered too good a deal to pass it up. The lock really doesn't concern me. Now in the interest of full disclosure I haven't fired anything but .38 special in it yet. AND I was a little hesitant to do that given the weight and the fact that I owned an LCR for one cylinder's worth of firing. I hated that gun so much I traded it the same day. I have to tell you the .38's in the 340 were a non-event. I wouldn't hesitate to fire +P or .357 out of it, I just haven't had the chance to get back to the range and the .38's were all I had with me the day I shot it.

Since I haven't fired any +P or .357 out of it I am carrying .38's, Federal Hydra-shok's to be exact, for now. Once I have shot the +P's and .357 I'll decide what to carry in it.

Even if I decide to keep the .38 as my carry load I'll keep this one instead of a heavier J-frame. I carry my 340 in my pocket with a Blackhawk size 3 pocket holster. I work in an environment that requires a coat and tie or suit and I've never been made with the 340 in my pocket. I truly do forget it's there sometimes. If I have pants on this gun is with me. It works in my jeans, my cargo shorts and even my bathing suit. Forget American Express, I don't leave home without my S&W M&P 340.

I purchased a 340PD strictly for a pocket carry gun and it fits that bill nicely. IMO if you are looking for a gun to fit any other purpose, there are much better choices.

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated.

I have a 340 PD; it sits in my front pocket everyday. I also have a 640Pro, and when the weather gets warm it replaces my Glock which resides on my right hip.

The 640 is much easier to shoot. I limit myself to 10 rounds of .38 for practice in the 340 PD; more than that I get tingling and I worry about nerve damage. I carry 4 rounds of +P in the 340, and the last round in .357.

I carry all Federal .357 (125 grain) in the 640. I practice all I want with .38s in the 640 with no discomfort.

Both have excellent sights. The 640 Pro sights are the best I've ever seen on a J-frame. They are Cylinder and Slide's sights and I believe they can be retro-fitted to any J-frame.