My area shop has 442's for a really good price and also a used no lock M&P 340 in original box for around 600. I know they would take less for the 340 cause they have had it for awhile.

My question to you guys is what benefits the 340 would have over the 442 besides the obvious ones that i know like weight, night sights and 357 capable cause i could buy 2 442's for what the 340 cost. And yes, i would be carrying for off duty. Thanks in advance

Unless you plan to use 357, the 442 sounds like a better deal. A new 340 or 640 Pro runs about $700. The 340 is so light you’d probably end up using 38s...I personally prefer all steel like the 640 Pro.

+1 on the above statement,
38 for B/O +P or larger for main weapon 26 oz. or better.

I like the 442 better . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Yeah i already have a pro so i see what your saying

Well, I'll go against the grain here. I have a 340PD I carry OWD in the 5 o'clock position and I'm getting a 442 today or tomorrow. Depends on when I get off of work. I plan on continuing my .357 carring and occasionally having the 442 as a New York reload IWB appendix style w/ the DeSantis Clip Grip. I may just go solo with the 442 occasionally while around the yard or out for a walk.

I like the 442. Everything you need and nuthin' you don't.

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Psalm 27:2

I have had an M&P 340 for several years and really like it. I got it for the front big dot sight mostly and the fact that it was a replacement for a 337 that smith could not repair. I carry SB Gold Dots .38's in it.

I've owned 340 M&P's, 442's, 642's and 640's.

I still have a 442 and two 642's. I don't see the 340's supposed advantages offering any actual practical benefits over the 442/642, so I would opt for the latter and save some money.

I think the only advantages of the M&P 340 are 357 Magnum capability, and better sights. I think the 340's have pinned sights and can be changed to what you want. 442 is fixed.

Not much difference in weight between the 442 and the M&P 340. The 340PD is lighter due to the Titanium cylinder.

thanks guys,

M&P 340 is the quintessential J.
Pinned front sight, so you can try any front sight you want without the expensive services of a gunsmith.
Steel cylinder to add a bit of mass and avoid the durability pitfalls of the Ti.
.357 rated, which means stronger frame, blast shield under the top strap and steel hammer and trigger pins. Collectively, I think of this as the "Endurance" package. Every case of pins breaking or walking out that I've read about was aluminum pins in a non-Sc frame.
Everything you want, nothing you don't, even if you never shoot a magnum through it.

Tough choice. As much as I'd like to say "who needs a .357 snubby" I know at the price you're talking about, I'd have a hard time saying no. And yes, I'd try shooting some .357 rounds in it just to say I did... and probably regret it. You said it's a no-lock, and that would be important to me - I've sworn off buying anything with an internal lock.

You'll probably be carrying .38+p in it (I would) and probably not shooting it often at the range. With that in mind, if money is at all a consideration and you don't care if you never fire .357 rounds out of a J, I don't see how you can go wrong with a 442. I've got one, and it's doing its thing in my pocket just as well as a 340PD would; i.e. carrying light and ready to go in the unlikely event I'd ever need it.

I'm just typing/posting/replying what I'd do right now. I'd go with the no-lock M&P 340. I've not heard any reports of these M&P 340 models breaking, although this could be due to lower (a guess) sales numbers compared to the Mod. 442 guns.

I previously had three 442 models.
1st one had a lock which I suppose is ok; I just never used it as I already had a no-lock 642 and no-lock 640. I sold it off to a fellow LEO.

I later got a no-lock 442 and it broke an internal pin, causing the entire gun to replaced. I didn't really need it and fired a couple thousand rounds until it broke.

The replacement was the 3rd 442, which I immediately sold off to a Range Master friend. I already still had the aforementioned 642-1 and now had a 640 Pro, the older 640-1 was previously sold to another Range-Master friend.

I seldom, if ever, carry the 642-1 alone. It's usually a backup to another handgun, of which there are several from which I choose.

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66/642/640/627/586/60/638/686

Ok, I'll throw in my 2 cents worth here.

I have 2 M&P 340s (no locks). I believe them to be the quintessential pocket guns. I love the light weight and the big dot site. I load them with .357 Gold Dot SB 135s (a "mid range" .357) and find that's about the hottest round I can manage with them. Other than that, its 38 +P.

However, I wouldn't think of holstering them on the belt. If I want to put a gun on the belt, it will be a larger, heaver gun that I can shoot better. If staying with a snubby as opposed to a larger revolver or semi, I have an all steel 640 Pro (also no lock) that shoots most anything and is an excellent holster snubby, as is my all steel Colt Magnum Carry. Both too heavy for pockets, but excellent holster guns.

I've owned a m60, two 340 PDs (the titanium cylinders were problems with a lot of shooting) and a 442. All have long since been sold in favor of the four snubs listed above.

So for me, if its primary carry mode is to be pocket, you can't go wrong with the M&P 340. If it will be carried on the belt, then I would recommend a heavier firearm.

As always, YMMV.

Colt

I carry a 442 and have had zero issues with it, but if the price difference isn’t that great I’d definitely go for the 340.. I’m also the kind of person that doesn’t see the point of carrying .38 in a .357 so I plan and acquire accordingly


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Well I can get the 442 no locks for $310.00/pc plus tax which is what makes that a good deal right now. I could have 2 of the 442's NIB for damn near the same price as a used M&P340 no lock. So you see the reason for this question.. Now that I have thrown that out there?????.....

I have owned an M&P340 for a few years now. Paid about $400 for it from a forum member. I have two things to say about them. First off is that they do not buck uncontrollably even with full house 158's. I have watched others firing my pistol and it really isn't the recoil that you notice. It does feel like someone is slapping the palm of your hand with a ruler and it isn't pleasant but, it never feels uncontrollable. Second, in your entire life have you ever heard anyone say "my pistol is no good because it has the capability of firing .357 Magnums". They aren't as cheap as the 442's and I doubt I would have paid $700 for one. Personally though, I would rather have one M&P340 than two 442's. None of us knows what the future will bring and having a pistol capable of firing more than one type of ammo could come in handy. If you currently have or plan to buy any other .357's in the future it almost seems like a no brainer to have a carry pistol capable of firing the same ammo. If you buy, sell, and trade your pistols a lot than maybe the M&P340 is too expensive. Over the course of time though the cost becomes less and less important. Of course nobody should ever spend their mortgage payment on a pistol that was financially out of their reach otherwise. I'm sure that which ever one you chose will be the right one for you.

357 Magnum in a J-frame is not for everybody.

There is nothing wrong with that. Some people are built to take the additional recoil and others are not.

Only you know your limitations and that should be how you make your decision.

On the other hand, if you bought the 357 Magnum revovler, you could carry 38s in it until you felt comfortable with the full power 357s

Shooting full power 357 Magnum ammunition form a J-frame revolver (even a steel one) is not fun.

It was never meant to be fun.

It was meant to give you the most power available in the smallest package for those OH **** moments when you realize that you have inadvertently stepped into a bad scenario

Myself, I have been carrying a 357 J-Magnum revolver since their introduction in 1996. I carry and shoot full power ammunition
Since I have access to more than one J-frame, I carry the heaviest revolver that my style of clothing will support.

Easily a hundred of my associates have tried my 340 in the off-duty qualification course. Not all of them were successful .

As to the NY Reload, I am a fan

The 442 , speedloders, holster, grips and ammo for the cost of the 340 alone

very nice. I opted for the 442. pics to follow standby....

I like my 442. I've heard a few reports of airweights breaking. But I think there are plenty out there that don't break and have been shot.

Mine has a flat black coating on the aluminum frame and then the barrel and cylinder are steel blue or almost black but not like the frame is. First one I have seen like this but I am alright with it. Cant wait to see how it wears as I love guns that have been used and show it...

I think you made a wise choice! Most people find that even .38 SPL +P is excessive from an airweight, so 357 from a 340 would be brutal by most people's standards.

You'll thank yourself on range day.

I like shooting my J frames. I enjoy shooting the 442 with standard 38 special ammunition. I don’t mind small amount of practice with 38+ P. I don’t see myself enjoying shooting anything lighter. The 442 carries fine in my pocket. I never had a 340. The 442 works good for me. I paint the sights, install Hogue Tamer Grips on my Range/waistband 442 and keep the Boot Grips on the pocket 442.

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Two Handguns every day

I looked up "masochism" in the dictionary. There was a pictured of a guy shooting full-house .357 Magnum out of a gnatweight J-frame.

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Oh well, what the hell.

It might have been my picture from last year. A friend and I went out in a snowy mess last year and shot 150 rounds of factory 125 gr. Magnums with my 340PD.

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I didn't get on this thread in time to give you my two cents
worth, but you made the right decision.

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In Omnia Paratus

Actually there was a second guy in the picture. He was soaking his gun hand.

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Oh well, what the hell.

im gonna take it to the range tomorrow and compare it to my 642.

The 442 and 642 should be about the same. 442 is slightly heavier from what the Smith website shows.

I think that you were looking more for an answer to " Is the 340 almost $300 BETTER than the 442? " . If the ability to use .357 or the extra .9 ounces of weight savings mean much to you then maybe.I carry a 642 often in a pocket and have no need for anything lighter at the increased price.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

9 ounces of savings? Waaaa? They was 6 ounces?

I'm pretty sure that's how all 442's are. The finish on the aluminum is a bit different than on the steel. It's more.... matte. The barrel and cylinder are definitely not polished blue, but it looks more like blueing. Where the aluminum looks more like a dark parkerizing. Like a modern AR.

I think this pic shows it well:

Since the frame of the 442 is alloy, it is probably anodized. This finish make it more dull than the steel finish.

I have old 640,442 old not plus P, 60, 36 and 340 PD no lock. The 340 pd I never shoot 357 mag I don't care what people say your not going to burn the power out of that small BBL. The only thing you will do in the woods will start a fire out of that small BBL from blast. Just joking I like the 340 PD because it is light but it has shield to stop flash from killing cone. Also has two pins in frame that makes frame strong and has like a brass insert by cylinder release that on 642/442 do not have so after awhile 442 because like egg shape. I am just telling you what Karl Sokol told me that why I bought it Karl knows his stuff. Remember this SW has life time war so are those things I said worth it? I think for the money 442 is very good gun its not charter arms or taurus junk yes there ***. What ever Smith you go with you will be good to go I bought the 340 to show off cause it was a lot of money save your cash 442 brother.

I have Two of them and the finish is holding up well. The Boot Grip Gun is in my pants pocket in a pocket holster every day. The other is in my waist in a leather clip on holster. Both from 2012 or 13

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Two Handguns every day

Got a no lock 640-1, & a no lock M&P340 (bought new 3-4 years back) myself. Both loaded w/ 135 Gold Dot +P / SB.

The 340 gets WAY more street time (EDC), & the 640 is my bump in the night piece. Both are excellent weapons (zero buyer's remorse), & I'd REALLY hate to do with out either.

I considered the 442, before purchasing the 340. The 442 is I'm sure, a good gun for the money, but price differential aside, I believe the 340 to be a much better built firearm.

I view it as seriously overbuilt for it's intended purpose. And overbuilt IMHO, is worth paying extra for.

Had I been seriously strapped for cash, & in need of a pocket pistol, I'd have bought the 442 -, hoping for the best. I'm far from affluent, but although admittedly a bit on the pricey side, the few extra bucks for the 340 just didn't seem like that big of a deal - for a weapon that was to be my first line of defense 90% of the time. Of course, that's just me.

Greenback dollars come & go like the wind, but top quality defensive firearms seem to stick around...

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Regards - GCF

I have a 642 and a 340pd. .357 mag in the 340pd stings pretty good after a couple of cylinders. I carry it because its super light and doesn't weigh my scrubs or basketball shorts down. I carry it with .357 magnum and have a 1911 in my bag at my desk. As for the 642, it's a nice gun. I just have no need for it since I have the 340pd. I have wilson combat kits in both j frames with no issues.

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Mine is the no lock 340PD b/c saving weight is what’s most important for me. I keep +P in it since that’s the easiest for me to handle follow up shots with. If saving money is more important than weight than the 442 would be my choice. You’ll need lots of regular practice w/a J frame and you can buy a lot of ammo w/the difference in price.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Um...HUH!?!

442 is 14.7 ounces

340 is 13.8 ounces

.9 ounce difference.

I left out the . my bad

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

Aaaaaah. I was just going to ask how much a 340 actually weighs. I think the better sights would be a good thing and the fact that they may be built tougher than a 442/642 would be a good thing. I wouldn't shoot .357's in it though. No way, no how. I wouldn't even want to try one.

eta: What I meant to say was, they "weigh" 6 ounces? Cuz 9 away from 15 is 6....... But like you said, you meant .9 not a whole 9.

My 340PD weighs 11.5 oz. empty which is quite a difference from the 14.5 oz. 442, especially when pocket carried. Hope this helps.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

THE M&P 340, HAS BEEN MASSAD AYOOB'S OFF DUTY AND BUG, FOR THE PAST DECADE, AND HE LOVES IT !

IMHO---TOPPING THAT TREMENDOUS ENDORSEMENT OFF WITH THE FACT THAT ITS A NO-LOCK, IN ITS ORIGINAL BOX, MAKES THIS CHOICE A NO-BRAINER.....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Geeez, that's light. I wonder why there is 3oz difference between you and the other poster. I was thinking it was lighter than 13oz.

I don't even think I would like shooting wadcutters through that thing. Much less Plus P's.

Just to clear up some miss information here guys. The M&P340 weighs .9 oz lighter than the 442. The 340PD weighs 3 ounces less than the 442 because it has the ti cylinder. I think there has been some confusion here,,, Want to make sure we are all on the same page.

Thanks for all of your replies as I went with the 442 for some money savings at the moment. Plus it shoot great for me with these Hogue blue lava grips on it. I am very happy with it. Now if I could get the trigger where I liked it, that would be great. However it shoots great for me so I am happy...

The below target was at 7 yards, 10 rounds of 130 grn UMC Remington.

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Try thr wilson combat trigger kit. Its cheap and works great. I have it in both my j frames and 686+.

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Nice piece (like those Hogues!) - I am sure it will serve you well. Congrats on the acquisition!

Although some adamantly disagree, I personally think a spring kit (Brownells, Wilson, Apex, etc) is a great / inexpensive add on. Have one in both of my j frames - w/ no reliability issues.

My alloy 340 was much improved, by installing a Brownells kit, internal lubrication, & lightly polishing the rebound slide bearing surface. I DID NOT touch the hammer, sear, trigger, or internal frame surfaces.

It has also gotten noticeably better w/ use, & although quite acceptable at this point, still won't hold a candle - to my smooth as silk, early 640-1.

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Regards - GCF

The weight of a weapon will change with the..........
style of grips that are put on the frame.

Many take the factory wood off and add a Hogue or other grip that
takes up the recoil a little better.

Later

My 340 has the scandium titanium alloy cylinder, and it weighs 11 ounces. The 442 weighs 15 ounces. That 4 ounces IS notable, for pocket carry. And for me, it was totally worth it to buy the more expensive gun, that weighs 4 ounces less. I did own a 642 and 442 for a time, and carried side by side, you really notice the difference compared to the 340. I much prefer the lighter gun. And to me, it was totally worth it to spend the extra money on the 340. A lifetime of pocket carry, you'll prefer the lighter gun.

The 340 is a purpose built gun, and it does what it was designed to do exceptionally, which is to be a reliable, ultra light weight pocket gun. Its not a good or fun shooter, its not a range gun, its a pocket gun.

I wouldn't waste my money on the fake 340. The one with the steel cylinder. Its barely lighter than a 442. Try to find a real 340 with the titanium cylinder.