The reason I purchased both models is that I got the 340PD first and wanted to have one with the stainless cylinder, so I purchased the M&P340.

The sights on them are now the same. The M&P340 comes with the XS Regular-Dot and that is what I had installed on the 340PD. They both have the white-outline tritium night-sight now. As I have said previously, I love the both. The weight-difference is not detectable by me....

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

These are listed with performance center guns but they are regular S&Ws which are "performance center super tuned". They do have a really nice action but they have the regular S&W logos.
A card is included saying they are "PC super tuned resulting in a 25% reduction in double action trigger pull".
The listed modifications are: Hand stoned trigger, hammer foot and rebound seat and reduced rebound spring. retail value of this super tuned action is $89.
I wish all my J frames had a trigger like these, if not for shipping costs they would.
Bob

I am probably one of the manly'est man you willever meet. I own a 337 and when I shoot it with my 148 gr Fiocchi's-it literally brings tears to my eyes.. I can't imagine shooting .357's out od a scandium J frame. Plus, I always wondered why Smith discontinued K frame .357's but then chambered teir J frames in .357. What's up wit dat

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lol Going with the 442 lol .38 Special +P only lol

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40c FS,9Shield(2)40,9Pro

Very interesting....well, just bought my new 442 NO LOCK from Buds for a good price, however, thank you for those "trigger job details" as perhaps in the near future I'll want to improve the trigger pull.

Does anybody know what this type of work will bring the regular trigger pull FROM and then TO in terms of lbs.?

Two details you described above I know of, but what's hammer foot and rebound seat? Anybody know, briefly, what is actually done with these two types of work?

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40c FS,9Shield(2)40,9Pro

In answer to your question, you are right. The aluminum frame guns (e.g., airweight) are only two ounces heavier, do not have the bullet pull issue and are much better shooters. I shoot my 638 much better than the 360 M&P, giving me increased confidence in my ability with it.

That said I've been carrying airweight J's for over 40 years (I'm retired from LE now) and have a clear preference for them. When I purchased the 360 M&P I got it used for a fair price. To me, if buying new the better deal is the aluminum frame airweights. I don't notice the weight difference and have decided to sell the 360 M&P to a friend who really wants one. I'll probably use the money to pick up another aluminum J, this time without the lock.

Best of luck. All of the S&W Js are fine guns and you really cannot go wrong once you understand the limitations of the different models.

thanks Old Cop, your comments earlier along these same lines helped me to realize the 442 is the way to go for me...

Another question please. Is it recommended that snap caps be used while dry firing a revolver with an internal hammer?

Can repeated dry firing smooth out the action a little or do you recommend a "trigger job"? (mabe I should just wait to get the gun and see how it is first!)

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40c FS,9Shield(2)40,9Pro

Snap away without snap caps. (With the revolver pointed in a safe direction and only after you've triple checked it to make sure there are no cartridges in it).
Dry firing won't hurt it a bit.

Thank you! Another question, seems obvious, but I've learned never to assume....can I add the Crimson Laser grips to my 442 if i want to later on?

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40c FS,9Shield(2)40,9Pro

Of course.

That was the one rare exception where is was indeed safe to assume.

OK, how bout this?

1) White sight paint for the front integral 442 sight. Good idea? Any experience with it? Is it effective and stays put a while?

2) Best ankle holster in your opinion.

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40c FS,9Shield(2)40,9Pro

I do get some crimp jump with Hornady Critical Defense .38 +P 110gr FTX. The bullet is cannelured and roll crimped. By the 5th round, the bullet has jumped about .17", not nearly enough to lock up the cylinder or cause other problems, but crimp jump nonetheless. I sent an email to Hornady asking if I received a bad batch, but the email went unanswered.

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Sure you did

Both my 340PD and 329PD are very uncomfortable to shoot with magnum loads. In the 340 I only carry 38sp +p and while the whole purpose of the 329 is a trail/woods gun in mountain lion/bear country I do carry full magnum Garretts in it. They actually hurt to shoot but i figure not as much as a bear.

Can anyone clear up something for me on the Speer rounds made specifically for "short barrel" revolvers?

Are they loaded hotter in order to make up for less velocity from a short barrel, or are they loaded lighter to make recoil more manageable on a short barrel gun?

If it's the latter, does anyone feel they are giving up much using them in .38 Spl. +P for a SD round? And again, if it's the latter, in .357 would the SB round make the 340PD a little more tolerable?

Probably that.

To answer your other question, what makes the 340PD "more tolerable" is less bullet weight. They really are not all that terrible with 125s. As you head up towards 158s, the full-charge .357 Magnum rounds can make the 340 get pretty wild. The few cylinders-full of Federal 158-gr Hyrdashoks I have fired through my 340 convinced me of that.

I have had a 340PD for 8 or so years with Crimson Trace LG-405 grips. I use Federal JHP 357 for carry. I'm not a big man 5'9", 210 lbs, Wear a size large glove.
When at the range I shoot about 50 rounds of 38sp+p and end with 10 to 15 rounds of 357. I'm old +65 and not the best shot to come down the street. I can fire 5 rounds of 357 in 3.5seconds with a draw from my pocket and have a 5-6" group at 25 yards.
Does it hurt, yes a little, but you will not feel the recoil or see the flash if you find you must use it to defend yourself BELIEVE ME. I do hope it never happens to you but if it does and you have someone high on dope you will need all the stopping power you can handle. Good luck and be well.

Thanks for your reply. "The heat of battle" does blur recoil and pain. Use the best for you and be safe.

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Vietnam Vet

I am glad you purchased a revolver for your needs but just think about this a moment. When the Dirty Harry movie came out, many novice shooters bought Model 29s at whatever prices, loaded them up with full-power .44s, shot a few rounds, and then sold the guns.

The same goes for the 340 and the "novice" shooter. I recently obtained one from a person who did the like-thing. I got it for a lot less, and he (then) got a steel, J-framed gun.

So, after all the advise and your new purchase, I would still look for one to fill in your armory, but remember it is a "mission-specific" gun when using magnums. It's no party firing it. It was designed for serious, close-up use. It's not a "shoot-a-lot" gun with magnums. Fire enough to make sure there is no bullet crimp and leave it be.

TAKJR

Rare to see anyone say such a thing! And true - as far as I am concerned.

It doesn't hurt to drag the 340PD out and shoot a few rounds a couple times a year, but beyond that... why would you?

I just picked up a 340PD and fired it for the first time last weekend. The 38's are no problem in it, I could fire a hundred of them without trouble. I put a laser grip on it, and after a bit of fine tuning it is extremely accurate. I have a very big hand but it works fine for me. I love the simplicity of it. I also have Sig Sauer 290 which is about the same size but it jammed on the first round. If I had to protect my life, I'd never reach for a semi-auto. I'd reach for the S&W 340pd, no brainer. I had to try shooting it with a .357 mag bullet. I shot once and that was it, I was done. Didn't break any bones but it hurt like hell. Holy ****! I'll be loading it with 38s for self protection. Plenty good enough.

My 340SC has been my normal daily carry for over two years. It can't be beat for ease and comfort. It has plenty of power with magnums but it is not bad with the Speer 135 grain short barrel .357 magnums. their not loaded all that much hotter than the Speer 135 gr +P 38 Special loads.

The 340SC doen't have a red plastic insert or dot on the front sight so I painted my front sight with blaze orange surveyor marking paint for better visability

My 340PD summary: federal 158g hydra shook 357 mags.

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I disagree that only reloads back out and jamb the 340pd. I had it happen several times with factory loads when I owned a 340pd. If I recall it was with Corbon (110 gr. ?). I traded for a 340 m&p p and hasn't happened since.

Sorry, just realized this is an OLD thread!

Yup, it is an old thread, but still pertinent. I, too, carry a 340PD almost daily. I stuff it with the Speer 135-gr for short-barrels. I have never had one of these back-out. I did, however, have Remington Golden Saber rounds back-out more than once. I shoot those in my M65 with no problems. So, I do stick to the Speer stuffings for my 340PD and my M&P340. Shoot safe.

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