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Old 04-10-2015, 03:17 PM
P&R Fan P&R Fan is offline
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Default What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?

I have had a M340PD for a few years now. It is by backup gun, and lives constantly in my left (non dominant side) pocket. The trigger pull on it is really heavy. I can work it left handed, but it's pretty hard. I have heard some people have bought aftermarket spring kits for J-Frames. Anybody have any experience with this model?
I want to make sure it is TOTALLY reliable though.
Jim
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Old 04-10-2015, 03:58 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Originally Posted by P&R Fan View Post
I have had a M340PD for a few years now. It is by backup gun, and lives constantly in my left (non dominant side) pocket. The trigger pull on it is really heavy. I can work it left handed, but it's pretty hard. I have heard some people have bought aftermarket spring kits for J-Frames. Anybody have any experience with this model?
I want to make sure it is TOTALLY reliable though.
Jim
P&R Fan,

I must chime in here too with the same question about a Model 360PD, a cousin or brother of your 340. I too want to know what can be done about the trigger pull.

The way I got into this mess is that I bought the Ruger LCR 357 before the Smith. And I have come to think that that was the "industry standard." But of course is it not!!!

I know all of the talk about a good, light J Frame needs a hard trigger pull for safety and all. But I surely do hate having a $1000 gun and not be able to hit anything with it because of the trigger.

I just suppose I only have two options: Shoot it enough to get better with it OR have a "trigger job" done on it.

I look forward to yours and other insights.

rd
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Old 04-10-2015, 04:27 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Apex Tactical makes a duty/carry spring kit, for J-frames, that they say is 100% reliable
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Old 04-10-2015, 05:15 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I've tinkered with the J-frames. I don't like the results spring swaps yield unless there's compelling physiological need to really reduce pull, in which case the defense load better be well suited and tested a lightened hammer spring; in a J, I've found no meaningful reduction in trigger weight from a rebound spring swap.

Gentle, informed smoothing of all moving, load bearing components has been the ticket for me, along with the right grips, load, and regular practice.
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Old 04-10-2015, 06:52 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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The Wilson Spring Kit helps, but you need to smooth some of the internals to really get a better pull. If you haven't done this sort of thing before, it might be best to let a gunsmith do a trigger job for you.

I used the Wilson kit on both my 638 and the 342PD. The 638 came out really nice. The 342PD had a slow trigger return and I had to go back in and do some more smoothing. It's much better but still not as nice as the 638.
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Old 04-10-2015, 07:01 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I have the Wolff J frame spring kit in both of my J's. 110% reliable & no expensive Gunsmithing. But, I have PD Policy I have to abide by. So if u have a good smith then have at it. The spring kits are a MUCH cheaper alternative.
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Old 04-10-2015, 09:32 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I have a degenerative motor nerve condition and I was having a heck of a time shootin' my 442 with my right hand. The sides of barns were safe.
I changed to a Wolff 8 pound main spring and 11 pound rebound spring. While I had the gun apart I did a bit of smoothin' with an extra fine Arkansas oil stone. Reassembled and lubed.
I had already put a Pachmayr Compact grip on it to work better with my big hands.
I've never had a light strike with it. In fact it dents the primers deeper than a bone stock M66.
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Old 04-11-2015, 06:33 AM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Just buy an LCR and be done with it.
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Old 04-11-2015, 06:54 AM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Polishing parts equals a smoother pull... Lighter springs equal a lighter pull. The two together give me the best results.

Lots of trigger time (live or dry) will do some polishing of the contact points and develop your trigger muscles making it feel lighter, even with factory springs.

If you lighten the hammer spring make sure it is still strong enough to fire the primers in your carry load.

Even with a perfectly polished and lightened trigger, the J-frames require a lot of practice to master their accuracy potential. The light weight J's are the hardest for me to master.

Edmo
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Old 05-11-2015, 11:21 AM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Originally Posted by slabside2 View Post
Just buy an LCR and be done with it.
Slabside2,

I hope you and I do not get flamed by "I second that emotion" as the song goes.

I have a Model 360PD and it is about to kill me to learn how to shoot it. The Hi Viz Sight is all wrong, the trigger pull is terrible.

My problem is, I bought my first gun and it was the Ruger LCR 357 and boy is it smooth!!! I cannot for the life of me figure out why Smith cannot do as least as well as their number one competitor in the snubby market??

I know I will probably get flamed for this? Go figure?!!! But I could not let it pass without saying something.

My two cents worth!
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Old 05-11-2015, 11:28 AM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I put Apex spring kits in my 642 and my 640 Pro. I HIGHLY recommend them.
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Old 05-11-2015, 12:03 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snubbyfan View Post
I changed to a Wolff 8 pound main spring and 11 pound rebound spring. While I had the gun apart I did a bit of smoothin' with an extra fine Arkansas oil stone. Reassembled and lubed.

I've never had a light strike with it.
+1
So far reliable and lighter pull.
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Old 05-11-2015, 12:34 PM
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My $0.02 . . .

Polish rebound slide and contact surfaces in frame then LOTS and LOTS of dry fire practice with snap caps.
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Old 05-11-2015, 01:11 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Like the earlier comments, I too have used the Apex kits and had excellent results.
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Old 05-11-2015, 08:46 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Quote:
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...... I cannot for the life of me figure out why Smith cannot do as least as well as their number one competitor in the snubby market??.......
The LCR is a "clean sheet" design. A smooth light trigger movement was the top priority from day one. They succeeded. It's got a great trigger.

The J-frame trigger is wed to a S&W design that over 100 years old. (Though the coil-spring main-spring is a newer addition). It's robust and time proven action, but I don't think it's possible to get it as light and smooth as a LCR.
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Old 05-13-2015, 05:02 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I used the Apex kit in my new 340PD. I used high quality screwdrivers from Forstners, paper clip, rebound spring tool and a small pair of needle nose pliers. Easy but I was very nervous about performing surgery w/o any experience. I shouldn't have worried. With the right tools and good instructions from Apex it was a breeze. I'm very happy with the results but it wasn't immediately obvious. I've since fired a few hundred rounds through it and dry-fired several hundred times. The
combination of changing springs and wearing it in has resulted in a very sweet trigger. Maybe it's just me bragging cause I'm really liking this j-frame.
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Old 05-13-2015, 08:04 PM
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Quote:
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I put Apex spring kits in my 642 and my 640 Pro. I HIGHLY recommend them.
+1. I had Apex install their kit in my 340SC and it made a big difference. Highly recommended.
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Old 05-13-2015, 10:34 PM
Tjhjunk Tjhjunk is offline
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I put the JMiculek spring in my M&P 340 and it's just about right. The kit comes with 3 springs and I used the lightest and it breaks CCI primers just fine.
Tim
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Old 05-19-2015, 09:19 AM
Rhetorician Rhetorician is offline
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I used the Apex kit in my new 340PD. I used high quality screwdrivers from Forstners, paper clip, rebound spring tool and a small pair of needle nose pliers. Easy but I was very nervous about performing surgery w/o any experience. I shouldn't have worried. With the right tools and good instructions from Apex it was a breeze. I'm very happy with the results but it wasn't immediately obvious. I've since fired a few hundred rounds through it and dry-fired several hundred times. The
combination of changing springs and wearing it in has resulted in a very sweet trigger. Maybe it's just me bragging cause I'm really liking this j-frame.
SW340PD,

I really do respect your opinion. But who wants to spende $1000 on a hand gun then have to do a "trigger job" "right out of the box?"

That is my point!!! or question as it may appear?

I am sure I will get flamed for "taking the name in vain!"

My thoughts!

Yours?

rd
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Old 05-19-2015, 01:02 PM
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I'm ready for a "clean sheet" design from S&W. Small frame, light trigger, 6 shots. And yes, I've heard of the Colt Detective Special.
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Old 05-19-2015, 09:28 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhetorician View Post
SW340PD,

I really do respect your opinion. But who wants to spende $1000 on a hand gun then have to do a "trigger job" "right out of the box?"

That is my point!!! or question as it may appear?

I am sure I will get flamed for "taking the name in vain!"

My thoughts!

Yours?

rd
I agree that paying that much for a gun and then paying to improve it seems wrong. But,,,,,I had a great time doing it. To me, it's like deer hunting, I do not
calculate the cost/lb for venison. Seriously, I was looking/researching for the best concealed carry weapon to fit my specific needs. The 340PD was and is the perfect match and I knew before buying it that it would need a trigger job.
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Old 05-26-2015, 06:04 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhetorician View Post
SW340PD,

I really do respect your opinion. But who wants to spende $1000 on a hand gun then have to do a "trigger job" "right out of the box?"

That is my point!!! or question as it may appear?

I am sure I will get flamed for "taking the name in vain!"

My thoughts!

Yours?

rd
I swapped a KelTec P32, two magazines, and a Fobus paddle holster to get my nickeled, 1982 vintage, S&W Model 37. The trigger pull was...stout. The $26.95 I paid for the Apex Tactical Duty Spring Kit was more than well worth it. If I had spent $1,000.00 on a J frame, the $26.95 for the kit would be less than a decent holster or just more than a 20 round box of premium defensive ammunition.

YMMV.

Just an addendum: My Model 37 has the firing pin in the hammer which may provide additional mass to the firing stroke that the separate firing pin systems just can't generate.
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Old 05-26-2015, 06:36 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden View Post
The LCR is a "clean sheet" design. A smooth light trigger movement was the top priority from day one. They succeeded. It's got a great trigger.

The J-frame trigger is wed to a S&W design that over 100 years old. (Though the coil-spring main-spring is a newer addition). It's robust and time proven action, but I don't think it's possible to get it as light and smooth as a LCR.
I'd put my 442's trigger up against an LCR's anytime.
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Old 05-26-2015, 08:35 PM
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Apex kit. Cheap do it yourself fix. Easy breezy trigger pull easy...
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Old 02-23-2016, 12:59 PM
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Saw the FedEx guy go by yesterday. Then he went back the other way. The phone rang; it was Bill from my LGS: "Your gun's here." So Barbara and I walked across the street. Paperwork took a few minutes then we yakked with Bill for nearly an hour.

Got home and pulled the trigger on my new M&P 340. I had done enough research to know I should expect it to be heavy, but oh, man. Thought I was going to have to head out to the shop, put the grip in a vice, and hook up the Jeep's winch.

Found this thread from nearly a year ago and after reading the question and all the replies I felt better. What a great resource. For an older guy I have a pretty steady hand so I'm going to follow the suggestions of many of you... practice, practice, practice, and learn.

Thanks for a great forum!

Bob

ps: for those of you who are eligible, I highly recommend using S&W's LE/Military/1st Responder program. Got the no lock 340 from Quantico Tactical: $625.99 + $15 shipping + $20 for Bill. Bill offers great prices, but he said he couldn't even buy it for what I paid. I'll mail the S&W rebate form today.
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Old 02-23-2016, 02:27 PM
jeffnles1 jeffnles1 is offline
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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I've put the Apex kit in 2 of my J-Frames. Does make for a noticeably lighter trigger. A little judicious stoning and polishing of the return spring carrier does a lot to smooth the trigger pull.

Nice thing about the Apex and other spring kits is you're not making any changes to the firearm that are difficult to un-do. Takes about 15 minutes to install the springs and about 15 minutes to "un-install" the springs and return to stock.

Jeff
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Old 02-23-2016, 04:01 PM
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Get the kit and put moly in all the moving parts. Run the action to work the moly into the pores of the metal. Don't forget to add moly on the sear.
You might think about adding a shim on both sides of the trigger and hammer to reduce friction
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Old 02-23-2016, 04:08 PM
BigMoneyGrip BigMoneyGrip is offline
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I bought the Apex kit months before I got my M&P340. Between the kit and some polishing, the gun is now shootable. I don't see how one could shoot the gun, accurately, without trigger work.
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Old 02-24-2016, 12:32 PM
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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jeffnles1, BigBill, BigMoneyGrip: thanks for your replies; they are not lost on me. They're mighty compelling, in fact.

I have to go punch some holes in paper with .38s (providing I can hit the paper) because a new gun shouldn't just sit there and look good. My Karl Nill grips should be here within five weeks, and I can't wait to see what difference they'll make. Then if I can't tame the beast I'll likely spring for new springs -- no use having a gun that serves no purpose.

Thanks again,

Bob
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  #30  
Old 02-24-2016, 01:46 PM
tcon tcon is offline
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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Hi Cowboy...
Don't do a thing until you've dry-fired between 1000-2000 times. Three things happen: the springs settle, the parts smooth out, and your muscles get stronger. You probably know this already but it bears repeating for those who may not.

In a span of a couple of months last year, my wife got a 642 and I got a M&P340. Our first revolvers. The springs on her 642 seemed lighter than my 340 and her action also seemed smoother - fewer felt rough spots. These were to be "last ditch" defensive carry pieces anyway and before buying, I did expect stiff triggers. Better too stiff than too light.

After lots of dry-firing, both pieces loosened up - the rough sections diminished and the springs seemed loss stiff. During the dry-firing exercises, I mostly did two hand and right hand intentional quick follow-through which is most likely how I will fire it if faced with a threat that justifies deadly force.

But I also did slow pulls. When you do it slow like this, you will hear/feel the first click, then the second click. At the second click, stop. This is the shelf. Any farther and the hammer is released. (my 340 had a bit of roughness at this hammer release point) Slow pulls develop muscle and build control.

By dry-firing, I got good at a medium-quick pull and stopping after the second click, exacting my aim and firing. Stopping at the second click is almost like pulling the hammer back and firing in single-action.

Of course, that type of drill is for more accurate, deliberate longer distance shooting where you have a second of extra time which is not what these little guns are for. Almost all of my practice with the MP340 is quick, smooth, aimed complete firing at ranges of 5-10 yards.

I look at indoor dry-firing as training and I even use a target.

So anyway... after this break-in period I did want to open them both up to get the metal dust out and since I knew I would have them open, I figured I would learn a new skill so I bought two Arkansas stones, watched the Yoda-G video about 10 times and found a S&W exploded J-frame diagram.

Both revolvers got a thorough interior cleaning and careful polishing of the contact surfaces and judicious, selective lubrication. I replaced the 18# (?) trigger rebound spring in my wife's 642 with a 13# Wolf but left mine with the factory rebound. I left both factory hammer springs, too. It went well. The only mishap was losing the smallest spring (sear spring) in mine and I had to vacuum the room with a stocking as a filter to recover it.

Both are now ultra smooth, the 642 which had a lighter pull anyway is more suited to her but I left my MP340 on the stiff side which I prefer because if I ever have to use my .357 when it counts, I won't be concerned with the trigger pull.

Good luck with yours.

Oh... .357 ammo through the 340? I don't advise it without a thin leather shooting glove. You might want to try it so you know what it feels like - it's fun but the hard snap is enough to move skin at the bottom knuckle of the thumb. *thin leather glove*. If you want performance between .38+P and full .357mag, I found that Buffalo Bore 19G/20 125JHP is shootable in the j-frame and is designed to be low flash, quick burn and reduced recoil. It's what I carry.
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Old 02-25-2016, 12:48 AM
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pittpa pittpa is offline
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What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD? What's the best way to lighten the trigger pull on a M340PD?  
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My 340 PD trigger was too stiff for the light weight of the gun. Apex kit made the trigger a non-issue without lightening it a ton. 357 rounds cause a cut on my trigger finger knuckle due to my long finger. 357 gives too much recoil for reasonable followup shots for me; I only bought it for 38 anyway. Recoil in a lightweight carry gun can be a key issue. Ammo selection in snubs is very important, worthy of it's own book or website. Plenty of high quality ammunition won't perform in short barrels. It is a shame they usually only test out of 4" barrels or longer and don't warn you of sub-par performance out of a snub. Standard off the shelf 357 rounds can chug out at 1100-1200 FPS, though. I didn't bother to chrono the hotter ones, as I did not plan to carry them and did not want to beat up myself and the gun. More typical, popular 38 rounds go out in the 700-800+ FPS range for me. Underwood 125g +p GDHP averaged 1041, but Speer would not claim it works reliably at that velocity, and I can't find any gel testing of that round at that velocity. After watching a lot of gel testing, and shooting a variety of expensive/regular and +p ammo, I'll be carrying the Speer 135g +P short barrel Gold Dot hollow point. It runs around the mid to high 800 FPS and should be relatively easy to shoot. This Gold Dot hollow point has 7 expanding sections, while their other GDHP bullets have only 6 sections. Buffalo Bore has Tcon's round above going out of a J-frame at over 1100 FPS. How that bullet at that speed is reduced recoil, I don't know, but I didn't shoot it. That's 340 ft/lb energy. The Underwood round I clocked makes 301ft/lb and it stings. The Speer short barrel round makes about 223 ft/lb. You'll have to shoot some to see what you can live with among the rounds that perform.
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