340PD; Need Advice - New Member

[overthehills]

I've just came into posession of a 340PD & realize this is a whole "new game" with the exotic materials. The barrel shroud is loose & will have to go back to S&W after the holidays. I carry & compete with 625s, 686s, 66s, 642LS, & 642PRO (gotta love moon clips). As I get into this Scandium/Titianium mix, the cleaning & maintenence routines I use (brite & shiny) won't be acceptable here. ANY advice from those who have gone before me would be greatly appreciated. As a big fan of cast lead, Care & Feeding also what I need. Thank you.

[slabside2]

Welcome, there is a lot of good info here on the 340pd. You have yourself a great little carry gun. I had mine for years and carry it 24/7 and never had a problem. I clean mine with Brake Free and a nylon brush. Thats it. Don't try to clean all the burn marks off the cylender face that's were the trouble starts. I'm sure other guys will jump in and offer you more advice.
Mike

[s&wchad]

The barrel and shroud shouldn't loosen from firing. Check the frame under the barrel for a crack. S&W blames the cracks on over tightening of the barrel at assembly. Whether it's just loose or the frame gave way, it need to go back to the factory for repair/replacement. The special wrenches used to tighten the barrel are not available.

Cleaning the titanium cylinder and frame is not a major issue, just don't use anything abrasive. Nylon brushes, Hoppe's and/or CLP are fine. I've cleaned the charge holes with a bronze chamber brush with no problem. The stainless steel barrel can be cleaned like any other barrel.

Cracked frame:


How to get a pre-paid shipping label:
(click here)-> Warranty Repair Shipping Form - Smith & Wesson

[snowman.45]

I recently got back a 340 Sc I sold to a young officer several years ago. I had replaced the titanium cylinder with a stainless steel one when I first bought it to add weight and due to the cleaning issues. When I got it back, it was a mess; uncleaned for a prolonged period and badly flaking finish. I stripped the remaining finish by hand and refinished it with titanium KG GunKote. I replaced the front sight with an XS Big Dot tritium, and changed the springs and firing pin using an Apex kit. I have just ordered a plug for it, so when that comes, I'll install it. This will make a perfect pocket carry for my retirement battery. Mine is now more like a 340 M&P. They are great little pocket guns.

Almost forgot to answer the OP's original question. I cleaned the titanium cylinder as others have described; no hard bristled brushes and no abrasives on the face of the cylinder to remove lead. a lead removal cloth would be as far as I'd go, aside from nylon bristled brushes and solvent.