Hey guys, brand new here. I've been thinking about getting the S&W 340PD with the HIVIZ but I'm concerned about two things and wondering if you could help me.

1) I've read that sometimes with recoil the rounds/casings can back out a little bit while firing and actually cause a jam? Preventing the cylinder from rotating? Is this true with the 340PD? Especially because it's such a lightweight revolver?

2) Is the recoil with this revolver really outrageous with .357 rounds?

I appeciate any and all replies as I look forward to learning about this revolver.

I have the 340 M&P and, yes, some bullets can dislodge and tie this gun up. Recoil with magnum ammunition can only be described as vicious. These little guns are among the best S&W has ever made for carrying a lot and shooting a little. They are not for inexperienced shooters. I do the majority of training and practice with a model 640.

Does this apply to all the smaller J-frame models? (possibility of bullets dislodging) or just the 340 models?
The reason I'm looking into revolvers is that I'm tired of jams with some smaller semi-autos. Find it surprising and ironic that revolvers can jam too!
Do these kind of "tie ups" happen with specific types or brands of ammo? And other brands, no problems?

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

The answer to both questions is yes.

The owner's manual cautions you to test your cartridges for signs of bullet pull. Of course you would want to test your ammo anyway, so no big deal. The only problem is testing with .357s is not a lot of fun.

The gun has to be used with jacketed 120-gr or heavier ammo in .357.

I have never seen similar warnings associated with the other J-frames - just the Titanium .357s.

Recoil is subjective, but I don't know anyone who wouldn't say the 340PD's recoil is pretty severe. Winchester Silvertips are about all I can handle. I read about people using 180-gr ammunition in 340s. I would not call them a liar, but it seems incomprehensible to me. My impression is that most .357 125-gr loads are "tolerable," the Silvertips less so, but not out of the question. Federal 158-gr Hydra-shoks: "intolerable." Anything heavier: "absolutely intolerable." Just my $0.02.

I carry my 340 SC with Speer Gold Dot 135 gr short barrel.

I don’t think the recoil is fun but it is tolerable with the CT grips (air pocket to reduce felt recoil)
I practice with 135 SWC lead +p+ crimped real tight!

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Shoot fast & live long
Warren

That was very helpful, thank you..perhaps I should consider carrying and practicing with .38 Special +P instead...do you have any advice as far as best ammo brand or bullet weight to use? Is this caliber less likely to cause the rounds to dislodge as I'd imagine there's less pressure...

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

I have a 340PD and carry it constantly.
It is easy to carry. I use a DeSantis front pocket holster, and the gun just disappears.
As for shooting, it is not a pleasant pistol to shoot with 158 Gn FMJ full power magnum loads.
I carry with Federal factory 125 Gr. JHP .357 Mags, and have never had a bullet pull problem. I don't think anyone will unless they are shooting taper crimp handloads.
A factory load with the case crimped into the bullet ferrule is not going anywhere.

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Fuego

Very nice looking pistol sir and Happy Veteran's Day.

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

Oh wow, that's good to hear, you just gave me a sense of relief, cause I just had a bad day at the range with 2 of my semi-autos jamming and I finally said, hey, it's revolver time...so it's good to know the revolver bullet pull problem pretty much just happens with certain types of reloads (I don't reload)
Fuego, thank you. Very helpful indeed.

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

In reality having the option of using magnum ammo is an okay idea for situations when nothing else is available. Most people that carry these guns regularly load them with 38 Special +P's. It's a very effective round and makes a second aimed shot possible within a reasonable time frame. I often carry a model 28 with magnum ammo and the 340 goes into back up role. The ammo is interchangeable between them if either should go down.

Good points, I understand the .38 +P is a very effective SD load and the lower recoil/blast compared to .357 would be a major positive factor, as you said, for rapid target acquisition if needed.

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

One of the main reasons I'm considering the 340PD is because it comes with rubber grips. Are those CT grips rubber? If not, perhaps I should get these instead. What do you guys think? Rubber or CT? The traditional rubber grips more concealable?

The other main reason I'm looking at tis particular model is the HIVIZ front site. Is it nice?

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

Wow guys, the best price I can find is at Buds, $791.00 That's one of the reasons I appreciate your input.

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

These CT grips are soft rubber. This gun conceals very well.

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Shoot fast & live long
Warren

The CT grips are considerably larger, likely much more comfortable to shoot, than the concealable standard boot grip style. I wouldn't care for the CT grips at all. Sights too are a personal thing and selection depends on intended use. I went with the M&P model because it comes with night sights and mine is mostly used at night.

Appreciate the facts (didn't know about the night sights on the M&P) and your differing perspectives and preferences.

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

I carry my 340PD almost all the time, front pocket, left side. I'm right handed. It just disappears, I literally forget it's there sometimes.
I carry it with Federal 125 grn JHPs. These recoil more severely than anything else I've tried, but everything I've read about them indicates they are one of the most effective self defense loads available. I also replaced the rubber grips with a pair of Eagle Secret Service boot grip stocks. These stocks are not made for shooting comfort, they are made to make the revolver more concealable, and they accomplish that very well.
Since I carry it on my non-dominant side, I shoot at least a couple cylinders left handed only every time I take it out. Do I enjoy it? Absolutely not. But I'm not shooting this gun for enjoyment. I'm training. I'll be honest with you, it's not fun shooting this thing with these loads, but I feel pretty good about my abilities with it, and that takes practice.

I hear ya, this pistol has a specific purpose and that's why I was concerned about the issue raised earlier--the bullet pull problem where the rounds back out a little while firing effectively causing the revolver to jam!

Another member generously contributed saying this only happens with certain kinds of reloads, do you guys agree?

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

I've never had it happen.
That doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I could see with reloads without a good crimp it could be a strong possibility.

I guess a good "crimp" allows the round to stay flush within the individual cylinders? Please pardon a revolver newbie, Glock and CZ guy

And that's why S&W recommends a certain bullet weight to be used in this model?

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

NOT true. Out of the four or five top-tier factory loads I've tested, two were prone to jumping crimp.

Bottom line to all 340 users, test the load you're going to carry -- at least a couple cylinders full, measuring OAL of the fifth round after firing the first four. If the fifth round remains the same length, it's not pulling.

I feel rather strongly that a .357 Magnum in an S&W Airlight revolver is an abomination. Clint Smith talked about one of his students showing up with a new AirLight .357 and the first revolver full actually broke bones in his hand - he had to be taken to the hospital. I do NOT discount that story. These are BEASTS.

My daily carry is a 642. .38 Plus P's are plenty enough for me (I have a pair of Crimson Trace #305 grips on mine). That is my tolerance level.

I am not a stranger to handgun recoil. I have shot my .375 JDJ Contender a LOT and shot it well, but that AirLight .357 you can have! I would MUCH rather shoot a 45/70 in a Contender than the .357 AirLight and, in fact, have done so.

For goodness sake don't buy one until you shoot one.

FWIW
Dale53

They are mean little guns, there is no doubt. But I don't know if they are that mean!

The good thing about the 340PD is that it is lightweight - very lightweight. The recoil is vicious, but if you decide it is just too much, you can still shoot .38 Specials in it - like any other .357 Magnum. But the point is, you still have a VERY light gun.

If you ask yourself the question, "Would I buy this gun even if it was only chambered for .38s?" you will have the answer to whether you really want the gun for the right reason, IMHO. Having the extra power is certainly a plus. You may or may not be able to actually use it effectively. But the light weight is really the big attraction, for me.

I look at the hi-viz sights as being snag nightmares. I would not want them on anything I own, but particularly not on a pocket gun. The red ramp is much better in that context. The choice regarding the CT grips is entirely another thing. The matter of whether to look at the sights or look for the red dot is a problem for me. I have too many different guns and am too old to teach myself that kind of new trick. JMHO.

The 337 doesn't say anything about bullet weight but does warn that .38+P must be jacketed.
Bob

Points well taken guys and equally as well appreciated.

Two main take away points for me:

1) Test the ammo you plan on carrying thoroughly

2) Use .38 Special +P

Do I have it right? Gee, I'm a quick study!

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

Not necessarily.

Another revolver newbie question, if you can bear it,
I know you can change the grips on the 340M&P or 340PD but can you change the front sight too or is it permanently fixed making that impossible?

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

The 340PD is manageable but it's the least pleasant of all revolvers I've fired. That said it's still my carry gun and when I carry it is with me or the 342Ti in 38 Special is.
If you get one and the recoil is just too much don't worry about it, just carry it as a 38 Special. Different grips might help manage recoil as well.
I changed mine out.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Yes and yes.............., bullets can jump forward under recoil and the recoil can be just plain NASTY. I have around 1500 rounds through my M&P360 and love to carry it. It is just under 16 oz. loaded. The 125 gr. Gold Dots are clocking 1200FPS!!!!! I vary the fodder in the gun, but enjoy shooting 38 specials out of it. Winter carry gets the heavy bullets and magnum ammo as clothing is much thicker. Here are a few pics of my M&P360.....

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Go big or stay home

I alternate carry of my M&P340 and my 340PD. I love them both. I carry them with Speer 135-gr Gold-Dot HP .38-Special +P for short-barrel revolvers. I have never had bullet-jump in any of the +P loads.

However, I did experience bullet-jump with Remington Golden Saber .357-Magnum load in the 125-gr configuration. That is the only one that I found it in during my testing. I tried Federal HD with 125-gr, Winchester Silvertips and Speer GDHP 125-gr. These three did not jump crimp.

I still decided to remain with the Speer GDHP 135-gr in .38-Special +P for my daily-carry.

I find either of the revolvers I carry to be carried alot and fired little. If I wanna do lotsa range-time, I get out the K-frame Model 65 or the L-frame Model 686.

Oh, I carry right-front pocket-carry in either a Don Hume or a FIST. Sorry to have rambled-on....

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

It's secured with a pin, but it's best to decide which front sight you want and just order the gun that way. Installing and pinning a new front sight is possible, but would be best left to someone with experience in that type of thing.

So when are you buying the 340?

I have had the front-sight changed-out on my 340PD, twice. First, I went with the Meprolight. It was installed by my local 'smith in 15-minutes.

I replaced that with the XS Sights Regular-Dot due its having a great white-outline for these old eyes. I need it for quick acquisition. This one took a bit longer to drill through, as it has a harder composition than the Meprolight. All told, maybe an extra five or six minutes for a total of 20 or so to change it and pin it. It took but a few swipes of the file to seat properly before pinning.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

I own the 360 M&P but found that I do not shoot it that well compared to my aluminum frame model 638. I have tried .357 and .38 in the 360 M&P without any problems, but the issues of bullet pull concern me enough that I have decided to sell/trade it.

It does carry great but I have to have confidence in my daily carry and find it lacking with the extremely light weight guns (my mental issue only). The alloy frames are only a couple of ounces heavier so I really don't notice the difference.

All that said, they are fine weapons and I do not discourage anyone from purchasing or carrying them.

Helpful info. and VERY NICE pics of those wood grips look great! (Both of you guys)

Think I'll go .38 Special +P...now if I can only find a new 340PD or 340M&P with "no lock" I'm go ahead and pull the trigger. (DAO of course)

Old Cop, thanks for your views and I'll be thinking about that too...the heavier the gun, the more comfortable it is to shoot and the less likely of a bullet pull issue...(do I have that right?)

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

Thank you sir. That's what I thought, the sights are much more easily replaced on Glocks, etc...than they are on revolvers.
What ever gave you the impression I'm interested in a 340?

Once I decide between the 340PD and 340M&P AND which one I can find new with "no lock" AND hopefully at Buds for a good price... These little babies are expensive! Might have to thin out the semi-auto collection a bit to make room for a different kinda gun altogether!

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

I doubt that you'll find a no-lock for less than $850. Wholesale price (with shipping) is pushing $775. And.... I think these will be very limited as only one distributor is going to have them. I'm getting one for me! :-)

Only one distributor??? Why's that? AAwww, you're just yank'in my chain...

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

Not at all, I appreciate it. Why did you get the two guns that are so similar to eachother? Just curious as I'm trying to decide BETWEEN the two. Is the 2 oz. difference really noticable? Do you prefer the sights better on the 340PD during the day? And the 340M&P at night, obviously? Curious.

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

Well, maybe one distributor with several locations. It was RSR wasn't it?

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Yes, it was...do they have several locations nationwide?

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

I've owned the 340Sc and have fired magnums in it. That isn't pleasant, but you can live with it. I currently have a 342PD that I really like. It's very light and keeps me from being tempted to carry .357 in it. I'm considering a 340 M&P no lock, if I can find one (and afford it), but I'll probably only carry Buffalo Bore 158 gr. LHP rounds at 1000 fps. They'll hurt enough, I'm sure. I did notice a bit of bullet pulling with some of the lighter magnums, but that was pretty much solved when I went to the .357 135 gr. GDHP. Even in magnum, it wasn't too bad.

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Dave Frost

I forget, but I think they have either 3 or 5 locations.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Thanks Joni, you're right...I looked them up and will contact them as to how I can proceed with my effort to find one.

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

Roger,

I've a like new 340PD I'd let go for $600.00, but it has the darn internal lock. Of course they're easy to remove.

They are? Are you sure? Then why the big deal about the issue? Doesn't quite sound right. Hope it's true.

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

It's not rocket science for sure.
YouTube - S&W Internal Lock Removal

Thank you. You may have saved me alot of $$$ and aggrevation. Although, I'm no gunsmith. Mabe I'll have one do it and polish the internals for a smoother, lighter trigger pull. And mabe a front Mepro sight if I don't go with the 340M&P..All this said, now I'm thinking 442 for $300.00 less and 2 more oz. in weight.

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

Old cop....all the input here from several members has been very helpful, but yours helped the most...I decided to get the 442 No lock. Thank you sir.

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

Davidson's has some Performance Center guns avalable in the 442/642 line. I don't know how their prices compare but you can get a quote in your zip code.

Thanks. I just went ahead and placed my order for a 442 No Lock on Buds.

Oh...
ANNOUNCEMENT: BUDS HAS BRAND NEW 442 NO LOCKS FOR $438.00!!!

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