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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 01-15-2015, 11:40 AM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Default M&P340 - Best Defensive J Frame Ever Made

Due to a combination of excellent sights and ideal weight, the M&P340 is the finest defensive J Frame S&W has ever produced. After living with the M&P340 for a year here are my thoughts.

The M&P 340 has the best sights ever available on a lightweight J Frame Snubby period. The XS Big Dot Night Sight up front and a deep cut U shaped rear groove sight. No other J Frame snubby has the rear groove cut as deeply and in a U Shape. All other J Frame snubby rear sights have a shallow Square Notch.

The M&P340 sights are simply amazing and allow for the best sight picture and most accurate shooting I have ever experienced with a J Frame snubby. I own 8 J Frames including the super-lightweight PD models, and the M&P340 is hands down the best defensive J Frame snubby S&W has ever produced.



M&P340 with XS Big Dot Sight & U Notch Deep Cut Rear Groove Sight




All other J Frame Snubbies have the shallow rear groove sight that is SQUARE notch and NOT U Shaped like the M&P340


If you are trying to decide between purchasing any other J Frame snubby and the M&P340, the M&P340 is the superior gun because of the sights. ALSO, when comparing the M&P340 to a super light 340PD, the couple of extra ounces of the M&P340 makes a HUGE difference when firing 357 mags. I have no problem shooting 357s out of my M&P340. For some reason 357s out of my 340PD are absolutely brutal. The 2+oz difference in weight between the two guns seems to make a huge difference.

If you own any J Frame other than the M&P340 with a pinned front sight and install an XS Big Dot, half the dot gets cut off by the shallow square notch. Definitely not what you want. The XS sight is NOT designed to work with a shallow Square notch, or really a square notch at all.

I have also experimented with Trijicon and Meprolight front night sights on J Frames with a pinned front sight. Just like the XS Big Dot, invariably half of the dot gets cut off by the shallow square rear sight. This makes for a poor sight picture. Even worse in quick fire situations you always shoot way too high because you instinctively want to have the whole dot on target. Usually 6" to 10" too high at 25' in my experience. Trust me and avoid doing this and learn from my mistakes/experiments.

I have owned J Frame snubbies for 25 years, I currently own 8, If you want the best defensive/carry J Frame snubby ever made, hands down, you want the M&P340.


Last edited by HarrishMasher; 01-15-2015 at 11:47 AM.
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Old 01-15-2015, 12:25 PM
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OK.......I'm sold, already!!!

Been considering the lighter weight PD, BUT the pic looking down the barrel put me over the top.

Thank you for your experienced review and recommendation!

Last edited by 4Given; 01-15-2015 at 12:27 PM.
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Old 01-15-2015, 02:48 PM
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"All other J Frame Snubbies have the shallow rear groove sight that is SQUARE notch and NOT U Shaped like the M&P340".

I agree with nearly all of your conclusions, and 100% of your enthusiasm, but do need to point out that the 342PD also has the deep cut U-shaped rear sight.
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Old 01-15-2015, 03:07 PM
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I'm sure pleased with mine. Bought it from a fellow member a few years ago for $400 which I thought was a pretty good price.
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Old 01-15-2015, 03:19 PM
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Ok, great news on the XS Big Dot. Well, the whole pistol, really. I recently picked up a 640-3, and need to put something up front that I can see better. Sounds like the XS is a great option to have on the short list of sights.
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Old 01-15-2015, 04:02 PM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16thVACav View Post
"All other J Frame Snubbies have the shallow rear groove sight that is SQUARE notch and NOT U Shaped like the M&P340".

I agree with nearly all of your conclusions, and 100% of your enthusiasm, but do need to point out that the 342PD also has the deep cut U-shaped rear sight.
I have a 342PD, mine has the shallow square notch like every other J Frame snubby I have ever seen.

I just got a set of walnut Ahrends grips for my 342PD today. I ordered them 3 months ago and they just showed up 5 mins ago!
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Old 01-15-2015, 04:07 PM
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Great post. I am strongly leaning toward hunting down a gently used J frame when the tax return comes in. Thought I was sold on a 60 but now I'll keep my options more open!
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Old 01-15-2015, 04:42 PM
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I agree, best sights, and much easier to shoot after adding the CT-405s. Unfortunately I shoot my LCR more accurately so the 340 moved on.
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Old 01-15-2015, 05:13 PM
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Do they make a M&P 340 without the internal lock? That would be a deal breaker for me.
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Old 01-15-2015, 05:16 PM
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I get what you're saying, but I would put the 640 Pro up there as well. It has the advantages you assign to the 340, but more so with night sights and even greater mass for those who want to carry 357 Magnum.
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Old 01-15-2015, 05:20 PM
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Uh, moon clips?
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Old 01-15-2015, 05:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mambeaux View Post
Do they make a M&P 340 without the internal lock? That would be a deal breaker for me.
They do,

I kinda agree with the op, while not easy to shoot.
They do have a great sight picture.
This is 30 rounds of 158gr swc magnums and 5 rounds of 125gr scorchers at 30 feet. They are pretty cool little guns, if you get one your probably gonna like it.

Last edited by CWH44300; 01-15-2015 at 07:48 PM.
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Old 01-15-2015, 06:00 PM
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As impressive as the 340 PD is, I think it is far from the best J-frame S&W has ever produced. That honor could easily go to the Model 36, 37, 49, 60, or 640, all of which I have owned, and all of which I could place #1 on the J-frame list. No IL revolver will ever hold the loftiest position of "best" S&W, though the 340 PD is a very nice carry gun.
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Old 01-15-2015, 06:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mc5aw View Post
...No IL revolver will ever hold the loftiest position of "best" S&W, though the 340 PD is a very nice carry gun.
M&P340 is available without the lock.
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Old 01-15-2015, 06:19 PM
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As impressive as the 340 PD is, I think it is far from the best J-frame S&W has ever produced. That honor could easily go to the Model 36, 37, 49, 60, or 640, all of which I have owned, and all of which I could place #1 on the J-frame list. No IL revolver will ever hold the loftiest position of "best" S&W, though the 340 PD is a very nice carry gun.
Don't overlook the M38 : my favorite, hands down.
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Old 01-15-2015, 06:20 PM
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Still don't understand what all the bad press on the Internal Lock is about. Sounds to me like lemmings going over the cliff. Has anyone ever really had a problem with it. I have six IL guns and shot thousands of rounds with them without an issue.

The M&P340 offers the best combination of weight, caliber, sights and out of the box function and quality for every day concealed carry of any wheel gun out there. If that is your criteria for top of the heap it is hard to argue against it. Other folks may have a different set of criteria for evaluations.
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Old 01-15-2015, 06:33 PM
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Still don't understand what all the bad press on the Internal Lock is about. Sounds to me like lemmings going over the cliff. Has anyone ever really had a problem with it. I have six IL guns and shot thousands of rounds with them without an issue...
Let's not get that started...
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Old 01-15-2015, 06:51 PM
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Nah, that huge, blocky front sight is a deal breaker for the serious concealed carry individual.
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:10 PM
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Nah, that huge, blocky front sight is a deal breaker for the serious concealed carry individual.
Well, call me every day carry, regular range time and professional instruction frivolous...
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:33 PM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16thVACav View Post
"All other J Frame Snubbies have the shallow rear groove sight that is SQUARE notch and NOT U Shaped like the M&P340".

I agree with nearly all of your conclusions, and 100% of your enthusiasm, but do need to point out that the 342PD also has the deep cut U-shaped rear sight.
Here is my 342PD. Shallow Square Notch rear sight. Can you please post a pick of your 342PD with a deep U notch rear? Thanks!

BTW, The Ahrends Walnut's just showed up today! 3 month wait. 0.9 ozs.




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Old 01-15-2015, 07:34 PM
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Best? Well......

I'll go with... It's a fine revolver, for sure.

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Nah, that huge, blocky front sight is a deal breaker for the serious concealed carry individual.
Haha! Nailed it! Can't have that snag!
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:43 PM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Quote:
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Ok, great news on the XS Big Dot. Well, the whole pistol, really. I recently picked up a 640-3, and need to put something up front that I can see better. Sounds like the XS is a great option to have on the short list of sights.
If that is what you took away from my original post, I suggest you re-read it. It is about the rear sight. If you put an XS Big dot or any night sight on the front of your 640, you will find half of the dot is eclipsed by the shallow square notch rear sight. Terrible sight picture and way off hits in rapid fire.
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:45 PM
shutupdata113 shutupdata113 is offline
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it's not the best...here's why...Waaaayyy too much $$$ for what you get. A 442 will get the job done just as well for a lot less coin
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Georgia1911 View Post
I get what you're saying, but I would put the 640 Pro up there as well. It has the advantages you assign to the 340, but more so with night sights and even greater mass for those who want to carry 357 Magnum.
I know the subject says best J Frame, but I clarify in the post, best "lightweight" J Frame.Can only put so many words in the subject, and "lightweight" is a big one

The 640 pro almost weighs twice as much. I was more thinking about the 442, 642, 342, 340PD, 360PD and all the other lightweight snubbies that so many carry for defense. It is hard to comapre the 13.5 oz M&P340 to a 26oz 640 Pro. Very different guns in terms of size and weight. The sights on the 640 Pro are amazing!

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Old 01-15-2015, 07:48 PM
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Uh, moon clips?
I have been thinking about sending it to TK Custom for some time. Might just happen. That would seal the deal.
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mc5aw View Post
As impressive as the 340 PD is, I think it is far from the best J-frame S&W has ever produced. That honor could easily go to the Model 36, 37, 49, 60, or 640, all of which I have owned, and all of which I could place #1 on the J-frame list. No IL revolver will ever hold the loftiest position of "best" S&W, though the 340 PD is a very nice carry gun.
Post is about the M&P340, not the 340PD. Very different guns because of the sighting system, which underpins the whole argument.
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Old 01-15-2015, 07:56 PM
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M&P 340 no lock. I have one, I like it a lot. It's my EDC.

As for the "huge blocky front sight" snagging? Has never happened to me...

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Old 01-15-2015, 08:25 PM
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Those no longer made cocobolo grips really make your 340 m&p Roger. There has been a lot on these 340's today. I have had a 340 m&p & still have a 340pd (both no ILS ) & shooting 357s out of them felt the same to me even with the HUGE 2 oz difference. How could 2 oz tame a beast come on now.
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Old 01-15-2015, 08:35 PM
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I had a 360 scandium. I like exposed hammers. IMHO it is the easiest J Frame to carry, but miserable to shoot. The best defensive hand gun should be more forgiving to shoot. The scandium j frames are awesome, beautiful but a signficant compromise.
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Old 01-15-2015, 09:03 PM
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Quote:
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Still don't understand what all the bad press on the Internal Lock is about. Sounds to me like lemmings going over the cliff.
How does insulting half the members here help your argument?
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Old 01-15-2015, 09:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shutupdata113 View Post
it's not the best...here's why...Waaaayyy too much $$$ for what you get. A 442 will get the job done just as well for a lot less coin
In addition to the sights that the OP is in love with, the tougher "DLC" finish on the 340 M&P is heads and shoulders tougher than the black coating on the 442.

And .357 magnum ain't happening from a 442!
(and yes, I shoot magnums just fine through a 340!)


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Old 01-15-2015, 09:34 PM
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Is there a model equivalent to the mp340 that has a shrouded hammer?
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Old 01-15-2015, 09:49 PM
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Great thread HarrishMasher! The M&P340 does deserve extra attention.

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Originally Posted by Murph12 View Post
Is there a model equivalent to the mp340 that has a shrouded hammer?
No. They haven't produced a scandium with the Bodyguard frame. But, if they built a "M&P349" without the IL, I'd definitely buy two, just because.
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Old 01-15-2015, 09:49 PM
BigMoneyGrip BigMoneyGrip is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathloncoach View Post
I had a 360 scandium. I like exposed hammers. IMHO it is the easiest J Frame to carry, but miserable to shoot. The best defensive hand gun should be more forgiving to shoot. The scandium j frames are awesome, beautiful but a signficant compromise.
What is the significant comprimise?
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Old 01-15-2015, 09:59 PM
629shooter 629shooter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mambeaux View Post
Do they make a M&P 340 without the internal lock? That would be a deal breaker for me.
Yup. SKU: 103072

Product: Model M&P340 - No Internal Lock
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  #36  
Old 01-15-2015, 10:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarrishMasher View Post
Post is about the M&P340, not the 340PD. Very different guns because of the sighting system, which underpins the whole argument.
My mistake. However, the title of your thread is, "M&P340 - Best Defensive J Frame Ever Made" and that is the underlying point that I disagree with as you did not differentiate between Airweight, AirLite, or steel J-frames in this title. If you are going to champion a lightweight revolver, that is an entirely different animal than its steel counterpart, and you must address the downside of lighter weight as much as the upside.

J-frames are primarily close up defensive handguns, thus the front/rear sight concept can quickly become a moot point as 7' - 10' self defense distances are often point shooting territory. Additionally, I will argue that lighter revolvers like the M&P 340 and its brethren are far more difficult to engage follow up shots with than steel Js, due to their weight ... especially when using +Ps and/or .357s. While wood grips look attractive, they are not designed for J-frame comfort, especially with revolvers in the 12oz-15oz range. I am yet to meet a person who can fire a lightweight J-frame with hot loads and a wood grip for more than a cylinder or two without pain. Such a limitation makes the revolver far less ideal than one that can be shot with less felt recoil and muzzle flip. Also, sight picture means little if your revolver is a challenge to quickly get back on target.

I believe the M&P 340 is a fine CCW revolver, but I prefer steel, and consider the models I mentioned to be far better all around J-frames for durability and practical shootability.
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Old 01-15-2015, 10:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarrishMasher View Post
Post is about the M&P340, not the 340PD. Very different guns because of the sighting system, which underpins the whole argument.
HarrishMasher,

Thanks for this thread.

Could you measure the width and depth of the rear sight notch on the M&P340 and post them?
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Old 01-15-2015, 10:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigMoneyGrip View Post
What is the significant comprimise?
Respectfully, imho, a scandium snubbie is too difficult for many people to shoot well. Particularly compared with heavier, longer barreled options. If I was in a defensive situation a 340 would be down on my list of hand gun choices. It scores most of its points (imho) because you are more likely to have it on your person than a larger, heavier option.

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Old 01-16-2015, 01:41 AM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldtexan View Post
HarrishMasher,

Thanks for this thread.

Could you measure the width and depth of the rear sight notch on the M&P340 and post them?
This is better M&P340 on the left 340PD on the right. M&P almost twice as deep.


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Old 01-16-2015, 01:50 AM
629shooter 629shooter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathloncoach View Post
Respectfully, imho, a scandium snubbie is too difficult for many people to shoot well. Particularly compared with heavier, longer barreled options. If I was in a defensive situation a 340 would be down on my list of hand gun choices. It scores most of its points (imho) because you are more likely to have it on your person than a larger, heavier option.
I agree, when it comes to the "felt Recoil" generated by a full-house 357 Magnum.(which isn't as bad as some think) But, a lot of people carry a 642 or 442, and I don't notice a difference in felt recoil when shooting 38 Special/+P with the 442/642. But, I do notice the difference in speed and accuracy with the M&P340 because of the sights.

Lets face it, there are a lot of 642, 442, Ruger LCP, Kel-Tec P-38T etc. In the holsters/pockets of permit holders because they are easy and comfortable to carry. Not because they are easy to shoot or they shoot them well.(Yes, it bothers me when someone carries something that they haven't gained an acceptable level of proficiency with.) But, there isn't anything we can do about most of that.

If/when you need deep concealment and, the "bigger" one isn't an option. You could do a lot worse than a M&P340.
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Old 01-16-2015, 06:57 AM
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I handled a NIB 340 M&P the other day...

Sweet J frame. I had thoughts of my 642 & 640 Pro gathering dust while the 340 rides happily in my pocket. As the OP said, it has a really nice sight picture with the Big Dot up front.

I say "handled", but I guess I really meant to say "fondled". OBTW, it was just like this lemming likes 'em - lockless.

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Old 01-16-2015, 08:39 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wheelyfun66 View Post
In addition to the sights that the OP is in love with, the tougher "DLC" finish on the 340 M&P is heads and shoulders tougher than the black coating on the 442.
You are forgetting about the 442 Pro Series "moonclip". It has the same PVD DLC coating on it's SS barrel and SS cylinder, plus it's cut for moon clips, and no IL. The kicker is that it's MSRP is $370 less than the MP340. With magnas on it I weigh it at 13.7 oz.. It is accurate and not uncomfortable to shoot with 158gr LSWCHP +P.
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File Type: jpg 442.jpg (93.9 KB, 146 views)

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Old 01-16-2015, 08:43 AM
at_liberty at_liberty is offline
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I am thinking my 60 Pro is a contender. It performs admirably with Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 357s and is a lightweight ( 1 LB 6 OZ) alloy gun. It is particularly distinguished by a 3" barrel. It is a belt carry gun, not a pocket gun.

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  #44  
Old 01-16-2015, 08:50 AM
at_liberty at_liberty is offline
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My personal favorite is my 36-1 Chief's Special, a nickel plated 3" pinned beauty in 38.
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Old 01-16-2015, 10:13 AM
Lobster Picnic Lobster Picnic is offline
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The 351c has the XS White Dot and deep u-shaped sight channel. I believe the 43c does also.
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Old 01-16-2015, 10:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruMatt View Post
Still don't understand what all the bad press on the Internal Lock is about. Sounds to me like lemmings going over the cliff. Has anyone ever really had a problem with it. I have six IL guns and shot thousands of rounds with them without an issue...
The IL serves no purpose necessary to the intended function of the firearm, thus its presence violates the philosophy of elegance. That is: keep any design as simple as possible to fulfill its intended role. If the best you can say about a feature is that it doesn't fail often, then perhaps you are better off without it.
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Old 01-16-2015, 01:13 PM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by psjoe View Post
You are forgetting about the 442 Pro Series "moonclip". It has the same PVD DLC coating on it's SS barrel and SS cylinder, plus it's cut for moon clips, and no IL. The kicker is that it's MSRP is $370 less than the MP340. With magnas on it I weigh it at 13.7 oz.. It is accurate and not uncomfortable to shoot with 158gr LSWCHP +P.
Yes but the sights are the absolute worst and there is nothing you can to do fix it. The front sight is not pinned and is part of the frame. And it is black which blends right in on any dark target, providing zero contrast. Next time you are at the range, shoot at a black target, you can't even find the front sight.

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Old 01-16-2015, 01:14 PM
HarrishMasher HarrishMasher is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lobster Picnic View Post
The 351c has the XS White Dot and deep u-shaped sight channel. I believe the 43c does also.
Yes it does, but 22 is just not a serious defensive caliber.
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Old 01-16-2015, 03:14 PM
16thVACav 16thVACav is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarrishMasher View Post
Here is my 342PD. Shallow Square Notch rear sight. Can you please post a pick of your 342PD with a deep U notch rear? Thanks!
Just rechecked my 342PD no lock and compared it to a 642. The rear sights are identical, so I stand corrected.

I think what threw me off initially is the fact I have an XS standard dot on the front, and my sight picture with the standard J frame rear notch was actually pretty decent when I compared it to your picture of the XS big dot and the deep rear sight.
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Old 01-16-2015, 03:30 PM
psjoe psjoe is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarrishMasher View Post
Yes but the sights are the absolute worst and there is nothing you can to do fix it. The front sight is not pinned and is part of the frame. And it is black which blends right in on any dark target, providing zero contrast. Next time you are at the range, shoot at a black target, you can't even find the front sight.

Hi, I was addressing the features and finish of the pro series, but you could get xs sights installed on a 442, they even have a glue on version. A quick search here will show some folks who have done it, not sure of the $ and practicality. Or you could get laser grips, or add some paint. I mostly point shoot with mine in DA, it's a great pointer. I have used the sights while staging the trigger and I agree they are indeed poor but when taking your time they work. However, to me this is a pocket gun, belly gun, get off me gun... really meant for up close point shooting. Plus you can pick them up, 442 Pro Series, for around $400 NIB with the features I listed above.

Last edited by psjoe; 01-16-2015 at 03:45 PM.
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