I'm trying to justify the $ for a M&P 340 (no IL) purchase, and am looking for reasons why it's superior to any other J frames. Does it offer anything more than my steel frames, Airweights, and Airlites? A big plus is the Hi-Viz sight, which is much easier to acquire on a target. I'm partial to Bodyguards and Centennials, and the 340 would be a primary CCW loaded with .38s. Waste of money? Superfluous purchase? Great idea? Insights and opinions, pro and con, are most welcome. Thank you in advance.

I struggled with the same question and I just bought a 340MP this afternoon myself. It came with the tritium front site and the crimson trace grips. It had left the store and come back without ever being fired. The story is that a guy bought it for his wife and the trigger pull was too much. I couldn't beat the price even if I found an equally unused j frame and bought crimsom trace grips for it, so I bought it.

I guess it depends on what you already have that is similar and what you are trying to accomplish that one of those guns does not already do for you. I have one right next to me as I write this. It was a replacement for my beloved 337 with bobbed hammer and fantastic trigger job that I carried for several years. It went to the factory with a problem that could not be fixed so I had it replaced with the M&P. I love mine even if it does have the IL. It is a tad heavier than my 337 Ti was but not that much. I like the night sight on it.

Tom

I must admit that the M&P 340 with night sight is on my "to buy" list someday.

Here are the three advantages I see over the Model 442:

1. Scandium alloy frame
2. Night sight or Hi-Viz sight
3. .357 Magnum caliber

To me, the Scandium alloy frame is worth the price difference. The sight is nice, but doesn't make it worth more to me. I'd actually prefer a .38 spl caliber because I'll never shoot .357 Magnum.

Any how, I think what you have to ask yourself is whether any or all three of the above items justify the additional cost in your mind.

My plan would be to eventually have the cylinder machined for moon clips. I prefer to have that done to a stainless steel cylinder rather than Titanium even though the gunsmiths that do the work say it is fine.

I bought my M&P 340 because it weighed less, offered a great front sight that I could actually see in total darkness, its a .357MAG, and last but not least its a S&W Centennial J frame snubby without the internal lock. I'm not rich but the money factor meant nothing because I'm not buying anything that I can't afford, period!! So if you want it and can afford it go for it, I think you will be pleased.

The only caution I would offer is that you should not use lead rounds in these super light J's, they jump crimp and lock up the gun. Aside from that they are great for pocket carry.