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11-30-2015, 10:43 PM
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How did your 340 PD turn out for you?
I had heard there were some problems with the 340 PD. I wonder if they would have been more successful rated as a .38+P?
I'd like to get one, but I would use regular .38 spc loads. The Airweight with +P is tough on my old wrist.
How did your 340 PD turn out for you?
Thanks
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11-30-2015, 11:02 PM
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I've had mine since they first came out and it has been a faithful companion when a heavier firearm was not a possibility. I snatched the lock out and put the plug in it, never thought about lock or plug again. As I am sure you are aware, this is not exactly a plinking revolver and is not what I would call fun with plain .38s, let alone +P, let alone .357. The 357s reminded me of my misspent youth spent hitting mailboxes with a bat from a car window, only using your palm instead of a Louisville Slugger.
The weight factor makes this a uniquely valuable item in the armory, and despite the considerable cost and limitations as far as hand fatigue, I would never sell it.
Here is a family portrait with the 340PD and its great-grandfather.
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11-30-2015, 11:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Guevera
I've had mine since they first came out and it has been a faithful companion when a heavier firearm was not a possibility. I snatched the lock out and put the plug in it, never thought about lock or plug again. As I am sure you are aware, this is not exactly a plinking revolver and is not what I would call fun with plain .38s, let alone +P, let alone .357. The 357s reminded me of my misspent youth spent hitting mailboxes with a bat from a car window, only using your palm instead of a Louisville Slugger.
The weight factor makes this a uniquely valuable item in the armory, and despite the considerable cost and limitations as far as hand fatigue, I would never sell it.
Here is a family portrait with the 340PD and its great-grandfather.
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Beautiful family portrait!
I thought regular 38's would be doable. Have you ever tried target wadcutters out of it? Is it still a handful with low power loads?
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11-30-2015, 11:46 PM
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Love mine and carry it daily but gave up on shooting the magnums after a couple of cylinders worth. +P's will work just fine for me and Mr. Bad Guy if ever needed.
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12-01-2015, 01:14 AM
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Light is nice. Intact hands and wrists are a lot nicer in my elderly book.
I do envy you guys who can successfully carry and shoot the gnat-weights. I just can't do it anymore.
What is the actual weight, unloaded, of the 340PD?
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Oh well, what the hell.
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12-01-2015, 10:19 AM
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I have owned one since they came out. It wears Crimson Trace LG 405 grips. I have shot all types of ammo through it. I recognize it is not a range gun, but it's ability to ride in a pocket holster and go totally unnoticed make it a terrific carry gun.
I run a few rounds of Gold Dot 135gr. through it every once in awhile and have seen no ill effects from having it secured in a car much of the time through MN winters and summers.
Use care when cleaning the cylinder as apparently the finish can be damaged. S&W also recommends light weight bullets not be used. I have experienced no lock issues, no bullet setback or jump from any of my handloads, or experienced any of the typical recoil related horror stories. I repeat, this is not my range gun. It is for SD carry and use only so I cannot say I have fired thousands and thousands or rounds without issue. Hundreds may be a better number in my case.
In my estimation, this may be one of the very best of the "concealable" firearms ever made.
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12-01-2015, 11:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnystrom
I have owned one since they came out. It wears Crimson Trace LG 405 grips. I have shot all types of ammo through it. I recognize it is not a range gun, but it's ability to ride in a pocket holster and go totally unnoticed make it a terrific carry gun.
I run a few rounds of Gold Dot 135gr. through it every once in awhile and have seen no ill effects from having it secured in a car much of the time through MN winters and summers.
Use care when cleaning the cylinder as apparently the finish can be damaged. S&W also recommends light weight bullets not be used. I have experienced no lock issues, no bullet setback or jump from any of my handloads, or experienced any of the typical recoil related horror stories. I repeat, this is not my range gun. It is for SD carry and use only so I cannot say I have fired thousands and thousands or rounds without issue. Hundreds may be a better number in my case.
In my estimation, this may be one of the very best of the "concealable" firearms ever made.
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What kinda damage to the finish? I just use solvent and oil on my guns. But in reality, seldom ever clean them unless they get really bad.
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12-01-2015, 11:10 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shouldazagged
Light is nice. Intact hands and wrists are a lot nicer in my elderly book.
I do envy you guys who can successfully carry and shoot the gnat-weights. I just can't do it anymore.
What is the actual weight, unloaded, of the 340PD?
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I think it is 3 oz lighter than the aluminum Airweight 38+P snub. Somewhere in the 11 oz area?
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12-01-2015, 02:44 PM
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I believe most issues involve damage to the protective coating on the titanium cylinder. Brake cleaners and the like, as well as ammonia products appear to be harmful. I use Hoppes or Shooters Choice and bronze brushes and never had any problems. I avoid any abrasives on the outside of the cylinder. These guns are not fragile, just super cool. I am pretty sure the M&P 340 with stainless cylinder was introduced because people did not follow instructions with the 340PD. Keep your gun. The 2oz. it saves is worth it.
Links from a couple of forums--
cleaning a titanium cylinder
Use of solvents on titanium, scandium or alloy revolvers - THR
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12-01-2015, 02:50 PM
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Over the last 14 years of ownership, mine is past the 7,000 round mark with full Magnum factory ammunition.
I have no idea how many hand loads have been in it.
No problems yet.
BTW, mine has never fired a 38 Special.
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12-01-2015, 05:37 PM
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I would consider the 340 M&P. It avoids the problems the PD has for a minuscule increase in weight, is less expensive, plus it is available without the internal lock.
Last edited by Mister X; 12-01-2015 at 05:38 PM.
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12-01-2015, 06:22 PM
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My 340 PD has held up well since I purchased it in 2006. I removed the lock and installed "the Plug." I'll admit that .357 mag factory ammo does a number on my semi-arthritic hands.
Most of the time I shoot and carry .38+P ammo without any problems.
I carry the .357 mag ammo when I'm out walking in the woods because black bears are common where I live, it's nice to have that option.
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12-01-2015, 10:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister X
I would consider the 340 M&P. It avoids the problems the PD has for a minuscule increase in weight, is less expensive, plus it is available without the internal lock.
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The M&P version also allows you to shoot magnum loads that are taboo in the titanium cylinder PD: the 110gr JHP which I consider ideal for snub magnums. I have 2 no-lock M&P 340s and they have, to all intents and purposes, replaced the .38 Special airweight revolvers I have carried for years.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
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12-01-2015, 10:59 PM
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Mine has been flawless. With the crimson trace grips, I don't mind the magnum loads.
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12-02-2015, 01:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister X
I would consider the 340 M&P. It avoids the problems the PD has for a minuscule increase in weight, is less expensive, plus it is available without the internal lock.
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Both the M&P340, and the 340PD are available without the lock.
But, if I had to pick one, my choice would be the M&P340.
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12-02-2015, 02:45 AM
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I have carried mine in my back pocket in an uncle mikes holster 12 years. Never leave the house without it. Have never had any interest in firing magnums in it. The old FBI load works fine. The only 357 magnum load I have owned is the Remington 125's and shot them for 30 years or more. I hear people say they shoot stacks of 357's in their PD. We all know there are 357 and then Remington 125's. I find it hard to believe they are shooting boxes of those or the Federal.
JR
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