340PD or a couple 442's, decisions decisions...

[Eagle1*]

I am contemplating buying another J frame and really the only reason is that I want the lightest J I can get for when I jog, exercise etc. I have a 442 and love it to the point that I want another but to fill a different roll. It is just killing me that I have to pay more than double the price of a standard 442 to save basically 3-3.5 ounces.

So, here is my question to all you J hounds that have a 340PD, is it the price of admission worth the weight savings or should I just get another 442 and carry some lighter rounds which might save me an ounce or 2. Right now I am carrying the Gold Dot short barrel 135 grain +P in my standard 442. Any help would greatly be appreciated, Thanks ...

[Cal44]

Well, I would carry the ammo I thought best independent of weight.

Downgrading the ammo to save an ounce seems wrong.

I have just purchased a used 340PD for $600, but haven't carried it yet. In addition to a few less oz weight, I figured it would be more reliable than a gun made for 38+p.

Plus, I plan to try the 357 Mag version of the 135 Gold Dot short barrel. If I can "stand" it, I might consider it for a carry load.

The 135 grain gold dot 357 Magnum version is on the light shooting side for a 357 Magnum load, but performed a little better than the 38 Special +P version of the same load on the Luckygunner tests.

[Eagle1*]

OK, just did some pricing at my LGS and here is where I am at.

442, $350.00
442PC, $400.00
340M&P, $720.00
340PD, $833.00

And all are available at this time so my options are wide open.

Regarding the ammo, I was talking about a 95 grain Hornady for weight savings only during exercise or maybe a 110 grain offering as well. I know the ammo weight does effect ballistics but I am willing to take the chance considering that if I ever have to pull it, heres hoping that the mere sight of a gun will ward off any would be attacker and if not, I still have something to defend myself with other than my hopes and dreams. The gun is for 2 legged prey as well as 4 as I almost was attached my a neighbors dog last year and got away by hitting it which worked out great in that instance as I was not carrying anything then...

[Marshal tom]

Why not look at the 351c in .22Mag just for those occasions. It ways 11oz. and I believe it is a 7shot.

[gnystrom]

I have owned a 340PD for many years. A lot of those it just rode in a velcroed holster inside the drivers' door pocket on my business car. When carried, it was in a leather PCH pocket holster in my light wool dress slacks.
I carry 135 gr. Gold Dots in 38sp.
Weight does make a difference but so does pride of ownership. I think it comes down to one's finances. If you think you will ever regret not buying the 340PD then get it now. I had the money and knew that is the gun I wanted.
In retrospect, I may now go for the M&P with steel cylinder as it has a more durable finish.
Will either work just fine and as for the extra ounce or two, the difference in holster weight may minimize any difference.
Here is my 340 after years of being exposed to extreme cold, heat, and sweat. BTW, I have LG405 grips and I highly recommend them as they are great recoil reducers.

[GTBL]

For jogging/exercising, yes, it is worth it. I bought my 340PD specifically for this reason and now of course I carry it every where. I picked up a cheap Uncle Mikes holster and being the weight is so light on the 340pd, this holster with elastic band shorts is an excellent combo. I get no shifting when jogging with this combo.

[GTBL]

I should add, that I bought my 340PD used. $600 or $650, Can't remember.

[KalamazooKid]

My 340PD, in a Mika Pocket Holster, has been in my pocket most of the last 12-13 years. For a reason. Trying to rationalize a few ounces for a few hundred bucks is a waste of time.

[22hipower]

Yes, look for a used 340PD. Folks buy them, shoot a couple cylinders of 357 mag loads and trade them in for something else. Should be able to find one for around $600 as mentioned above. And yes, in my opinion the premium is worth it to have the lightest 357 available. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

[luangtom]

I have both the M&P340 and the 340PD. I carry the M&P340 most often in a Sticky pocket-holster along with a Speed-strip. I load it with Speer Gold-Dot 135-gr for Short-Barrel, either .38-Spl +P or .357-Mag. Really not much difference. I attained the 340PD first and carried it. When the M&P340 became available, I got it due to the cylinder. Either provides peace-of-mind. I do not regret purchasing either. I went with these due to their frames being rated for .357-Magnum.

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[kaaskop49]

Originally Posted by luangtom

I have both the M&P340 and the 340PD. I carry the M&P340 most often in a Sticky pocket-holster along with a Speed-strip. I load it with Speer Gold-Dot 135-gr for Short-Barrel, either .38-Spl +P or .357-Mag. Really not much difference. I attained the 340PD first and carried it. When the M&P340 became available, I got it due to the cylinder. Either provides peace-of-mind. I do not regret purchasing either. I went with these due to their frames being rated for .357-Magnum.

A lot of sense in this post. The weight differential between the 442/642 and the two 340s is insignificant. What IS significant is the .357 chambering. I would not buy either 340 unless I intended to carry .357 ammunition. I own 2 of each so I speak from experience. The steel cylinder of the M&P allows me to use the 110gr .357 JHP which is not allowed in the PD. Recoil is bearable. I still have to work up a factory mag load for the PDs.

May I suggest, is there some way you can try these guns with magnum ammo at a range before buying one? You may find them intolerable, as many do. If so, stay with the 442, buy a 2nd and a 3rd, can't have too many snubs. Good luck with your decision, partner.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[HardToHandle]

So I went down this path as well. Presently I have a 351PD and a 442.

What has amazed me is the dramatic difference when carrying in a coat or pants pocket. The listed weights are four ounces apart, but printing and general carry seems more like a pound difference.

Everyone values attributes differently, but I would strongly endorse the PD series for a jogging gun. I absolutely know that use case and weight is magnified when slapping against you. There is piece of mind in knowing you did everything possible.

[ben_g1]

What has amazed me is the dramatic difference when carrying in a coat or pants pocket. The listed weights are four ounces apart, but printing and general carry seems more like a pound difference. [/QUOTE]

I agree, its amazing what a few ounces less can feel like when lugging it around all day in your pocket or coat.

I have a 642 and the 340PD. For me the PD is the one I carry.

[HOUSTON RICK]

There is no gun as easy to carry as the 340PD Airlite. I can carry it all day in my pocket with no problems or stretching the fabric when I move. You have to remember that it is there. I consider the weight and dimensions worth the price. The best carry gun, is one that you will carry. 38 Special is nothing to sneeze at but 357 magnum may make emergencies end a little sooner.

[M29since14]

If you can swing it, just buy the 340PD. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but hey, you’ll likely only buy one!

Seriously, yes, to me, it is worth it to get the weight reduction. You just might find you’re apt to take the 340PD along in some situations where you’d leave the 442 at home. If it’s just too much dough, maybe shop around for a used one?

[michpatriot]

Well now you guys aren't looking at it in the right angle..the money is still in your pocket, just in a diffrerent form of precious metals..I carry my investment all day in my pocket and after plunking it in a pocket holster I have not wanted my cash back..ever. The two 340s I own will be the last firearms I own in the end. I think the ones you will carry all the time will be the last to sail into the sunset.

[SpartyME]

Durability, weight savings, 357 capability, and finish corrosion resistance are all reasons to spend the extra coin for a 340.

[gr7070]

I am amazed at how much a difference 2 ounces makes! It really is quite different.

I'm frugal and wouldn't have thought it was worth the money, but it is.

There is a cheaper option. Swap out the cylinder in your current 442 with a titanium one. That saves 2 oz. Midway has them. I got one for $100 due to a birthday coupon.

Smith & Wesson Cylinder Assembly S&W J-Frame 357 Mag Titanium

[LPD256]

Get 2 guns and two Galco ankle-holsters. They will enhance your workout, unless of course your workout is in a swimming pool.

[CH4]

Don’t have a 340PD, but have the 342PD. If I had a 340 I’d never carry magnums. It was definitely made for carrying. You’ll forget you have it.

[Electraclyde]

I had a 340pd for a few years. I did not see a difference in carry comfort/weight from my 442. I am not a runner, but was a "race walker". One day at the range, I timed 5 shots at a paper plate at 7 yards. .357 mag. took slightly more than 1 second longer than .38spe+p from the 340pd. In addition, I hit the plate with all 5 shots of the .38spe. With the .357 mag. I missed the plate once. There was no significant difference in time or accuracy between the 340pd and the 442, using the same ammo. I did sell the 340 and have since replaced the 442 with a 442pc.

[GaBoy45]

IMHO the sights on the 340 series are worth the extra money.


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[ScottN]

I suggest you first figure out how you will carry when jogging or exercising, and see how your current j frame works with that carry method. That might help you figure out if a few less ounces make a difference.

For example, if you plan to use a belly band then go ahead and get one now and see how the 442 works with it. You may find out it works fine and you can put your money towards a different firearm. If you think shaving a few ounces will make a significant difference then go for the 340pd.

Just a thought.

[mikerjf]

You're exercising... carry the few more ounces!

What ScottN said is good advice - find a carry method that works for the motion. Pocket carry is irritating for me when power-walking in cargo shorts, but AIWB is no problem.

[jringo8769]

Well I just had to sell my 340pd...they are excellent...just the right weight...i would highly recommend one...God Bless,John
I carried hollow point 158 gr 38 specials
Perfect pocket carry in a Mika pocket holsters too
Big difference over the standard airweight Smith

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[Eagle1*]

Guys my method of carry is already a very small fanny pack that barely fits the 442, so the 340pd will fit the same. The weight savings is the issue for the slapping when jogging. Don't want the belt to strangle me when i'm jogging. Pocket carry for off duty would be an option as well. Also what ammo do i have to stay away from if i get the 340pd model. I will only carry primarily 38 in it so you know. I lovemy 442 just trying to go as light weight as possible cause i'ma small fellow. Thanks for all the info to date and it seems that the pd model is limited allot by you guys for what it is. I just don't wantto regret spending 800 bucks is all.

[M29since14]

You won’t regret it.

You can use any .38 Special ammunition you prefer, but with .357s you are required to use 125s or heavier. There is a NOTICEABLE difference in recoil between the 125s and considerably heavier .357s in the 340PD, IMO. I am not terribly recoil-shy, but in the 340PD, the 145 gr Silvertips are as heavy as I care to go.

If you can find a nice 342PD somewhere, you might prefer that model. They’re both great, but I consider the 342 just a tiny bit more desirable. It’s .38 Special only.

[Eagle1*]

Originally Posted by gr7070

I am amazed at how much a difference 2 ounces makes! It really is quite different.

I'm frugal and wouldn't have thought it was worth the money, but it is.

There is a cheaper option. Swap out the cylinder in your current 442 with a titanium one. That saves 2 oz. Midway has them. I got one for $100 due to a birthday coupon.

Smith & Wesson Cylinder Assembly S&W J-Frame 357 Mag Titanium

This is an idea, any issues with timing whenyou swap one ina standard j frame? 140 bucks is expensive too.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The difference in weight(only a couple of ounces) is very noticeable in pocket carry between my 337 and my 638. down at that weight level, a couple of ounces can be close to a 25% difference.

[gr7070]

Originally Posted by Eagle1*

This is an idea, any issues with timing whenyou swap one ina standard j frame? 140 bucks is expensive too.

There *shouldn't* be. Use your "ejection star" with it instead of the one it comes with. You'll want to confirm the timing.

Only truly cheap option you have is the status quo. ; )

[M29since14]

Originally Posted by Eagle1*

This is an idea, any issues with timing whenyou swap one ina standard j frame? 140 bucks is expensive too.

It’s a bad idea, IMO. Remember when folks didn’t see any reason you shouldn’t ream your Model 10 to accept .357 Magnums?

Yeah, I know, it’s the same Titanium cylinder. It’s NOT the same frame. You’re paying the extra freight for both the Titanium cylinder and the Scandium-alloyed frame. Before I’d do that, I’d be looking around for a nice, clean, used 340. The nature of that beast is that you’re more likely to find one that’s “hardly used” than one that’s been “shot to death”.

A good buy on a used 340 should be about net of a cylinder and a new 442, give or take a little. You’ll have a gun that is factory original, safe and sound for .357s, and should already be running properly.

[Cal44]

If you put the Ti cylinder in a 442, you should treat it like a 342Ti. Only shoot 38 and 38+p in it. No 357.

[Lou_the_welder]

The only reason I wouldn't want to put a 340 titanium cylinder on a 442 or anything frame marked "38 special +p", is that the cylinder isn't marked so. And could chamber 357s......

[Gene L]

Not sure what's wrong with a .38 special. Especially a +P. I've got a 442 and 3 oz savings is worth a $400 for a revolver you'll likely never use. I've got a 442 and find it suitable, but I don't jog. Too old.

[rich5674]

The diff between a 442 and 340 is 2oz with equal grips. the PC guns are easily worth $50 more than standard. I have and recommend the 442PC and 110-125gn+P 38spl. The 125+p is the most I can hang on to and hit my target 5x5 rapid fire. I don’t feel under gunned.

[Eagle1*]

thought I would let everyone know I finally bit the proverbial bullet and bought a NIB 340PD. Got it for $825.00 which was a smoking deal in my area for NIB PD J frame.

Shot 45 rounds out of it yesterday and it was fine recoil wise for the first 20 or so rounds then it got to be annoying to the point that at 45 rounds I had enough for the day and that was 40 rounds of 38, 130 grain UMC stuff and then 5 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense +P. I am very happy with my purchase though and have been carrying it ever since I got it last week.

Thanks for all of the help...

[michpatriot]

You won't regret spending the extra coin they are leaps and bounds better for pocket carry, by the way nice pihranas!
I went with the G-mascus green smooth on mine but those might find their way into my other 340.. You could try the Gold Dot Short barrel 357 loads they don't kick that much more than +p and are darn accurate for my tastes. Read up on care of that titanium cylinder..and stay AWAY from Hornady critical defense it seems to eat titanium for lunch..everybody who has titanium erosion has shot that stuff..coincidence?

[Eagle1*]

Can someone elaborate on the hornady ammo issues please? Haven't heard that and i actually just bought some of that and have shot 5 rounds of it already out of my gun.