Good Morning All,
After the input on the 642 vs M&P 340, I decided to go with the M&P 340. From here, I’ve started to look at the 340PD. It looks like the overall consensus is don’t get it if you plan on shooting full load 357. In my case I will not be. It will be a back up conceal carry gun for when I’m out and about in shorts or sweats and a backup carry gun at work. The sights and weight was what were taken into consideration when I decided on the M&P 340 over the 642 PC. Given the 340PD is lighter and had fiber optic sights it’s seems to be a very good option over the M&P 340.

My question and concerns are, will there be any long term issues shooting 38 bulk ammo and 38+p carry ammo? These will be the types of rounds provided by my department during qualification and carry. Are 38 rounds known to pull or crimp out of the 340PDs? Along this question is there a minimum weight requirement when shooting 38s? Lastly, it seems like some owners have had issues and some have not with using various cleaning materials on the cylinder, is it truly sensitive to solvents?

Thanks for the input

I’ve had my 340PD for several years and the only restriction, marked on the barrel, applies to .357 only. My last range trip was w/ about 100 rounds of .38 and .38+P, no problems. The few times I’ve run .357 the cylinder heats up quickly making ejecting empties difficult. For range trips involving 100 plus rounds find a rubber grip that covers the backstrap to make things easier. My carry set-up is wood factory magnas w/a TGrip and 110 grain +P which are easy w/follow up shots. Never had a problem w/crimp jump.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I’ve got a 340 mfg.in 2009, I carry it in a Mika Pocket Holster and it doesn’t print at all and easy to carry.

I carry it as a “get off me gun”....It’s my Backup . The recoil from .38s cause muzzle flip and torquing, .357s are painful. I’m carrying Gold Dot SB..357.

Something to be aware of, back in the Revolver days, Model 19, opening the Cyclinder and switching over to your left hand and using your thumb to eject the spent cases while using your right hand to use a speed loader, speed strip, or if you’re really old, like me, loose rounds from the drop pouch, was good to go....

Not so with the 340....With the 1.7 inch barrel, Ejector Rod length max extension is .685... Fired case length of WW 130 gr. .38 spl. is 1.140, Unfired ammo mics as .375, Diameter, fired cases .380...The Extractor pushes them ALMOST all the way out, but depending on the ammo, You might have to pick out he fired cases by hand... Unfired Rounds fall out by gravity with the weight of the round, so you may not be aware of the short extraction with Unfired rounds.

Stay Safe!

Thank you for the response and it’s exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for the reply. I did notice what you pointed out about the extraction with my last M&P340. Should have kept it but wanted a Sig 365 so I sold it.

While I don't have the answers to your questions, I am curious what 38 load your department will issue and if you are required to carry it when off duty. I find the Speer Short Barrel 357 135g reasonable to shoot in a 340PD.
Your question about bullet weight was asked here in 2011. See if this helps.
340PD and bullet weight

The issued ammo for on duty (backup) and off duty is Gold Dot 38 special +p 135 grain GDHP. It would be beneficial for me to carry this load off duty as well due to being covered by LEOSA if I travel out of Virginia.

I've had and shot both a lot. The 340PD or Sc is a very light little revolver and carries great, but as others have said, recoil is a bit stiff. I rarely shot .357 out of mine. The 340M&P is a little heavier, so I found it tolerable with the GDHP .357 135 gr. SB rounds. However, I generally carry Buffalo Bore 158+p LSWCHP at @1000 fps. in the 340M&P. I don't generally shoot any .38 or .357 below 125 gr., so I've never experienced any crimp jump. I think the Gold Dot is a good choice.

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Dave Frost

Given the lighter weight for carrying and XS front sight I was fully committed to coughing up $230 more for the M&P 340 vs a 642 Performance Center. With a steady diet bulk 38 rounds for the range and qualifications and carrying Gold Dot 38 special +p 135 grain GDHP would it be better to stick with the 642 Performance Center with the tunes action and polished parts or go with the lighter weight and better sights of the M&P340? I know the added weight of the 642 will have less recoil than the 340.

Exactly this. I own both as well. I prefer the 340 M&P.

I prefer the 340M&P, I don't remember the stats, but I don't think there is much difference in weight between the two, and you get the added strength of the Scandium alloy frame (as opposed to aluminum only). Nothing wrong with the 642 Performance Center, either. I just think there might be a bit more durability with the 340M&P. as well as having the option for .357 if you find you need it. While I don't usually carry the 340 loaded with .357, I usually have one speed loader or speed strip on me with magnums in it. Further, I've found my 340M&P to be pretty smooth right out of the box.

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Dave Frost

I wish price were lower on both so I could buy both shoot both side by side and make a decision. I’ve had 2 M&P 340s and had a 442 PC. I do remember the 442 PC trigger being noticeably lighter and smoother but of course the sight was the downside.

I understand what you're saying. It's always better to be able to make a side-by-side comparison. If you feel the need to lighten up the trigger pull, an Apex of Wolff spring kit works great. Remembering the innards on these newer pistols are usually MIM, a little surface polishing can be done just to remove burrs, but you have to be careful not to remove the hard layer. I've found that very little, if any, stoning is needed if you use the right spring kit. The big one is the rebound spring. If you mix and match, you may find that the rebound spring changed to a lighter weight will be all you need. That is so long as the trigger returns consistently.

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Dave Frost

I've owned a 340 M&P for probably 10+ years. I like the tritium front sight of the M&P. Mine has a Black stainless cylinder which makes it a couple ounces heavier than the titanium one.

With these little, lightweight revolvers, at least for me, it's about figuring out where you are on the weight-pain continuum.

With the 340PD, the obscenely low weight makes it very comfortable to carry but something I just don't get around to shooting much.

The M&P is just heavy enough that I find it tolerable to practice with.

And you have to practice we these things to get decent with them. At least I did. Took some work and I still consider it a work in progress.

Yeah, it's funny. There are only a couple of ounces difference between the 340PD and the 340M&P, but you can sure feel it. I once had a 340 Sc (same as the PD) with the titanium cylinder. It was great to carry, but not to shoot. I was also a little suspicious of the durability of the cylinder. As a result, I ordered a stainless cylinder through Brownell's and installed it. I was surprised at how huge of a difference that little bit of weight made for shooting while really having little effect on how it felt to carry. That's when I decided to get the M&P.

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Dave Frost

The 340PD is the best concealed gun that I have ever carried in 20 years of carrying. Although shooting 357 can be rough on your fingers and no fun, the gun performs well and under actual use, with training, will not be a problem. 38 is quite manageable. It really shines in the easy to carry department. I put it in my pocket (with pocket holster) and carry indefinitely with no weight drag, no pinching, really no more discomfort than my keys. None really. And it is a revolver, no safety, no cycling, no stovepipes. A gun that easy to carry, will be there when you need it. No reason to leave it at home for comfort.

Attached Images

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I love my 340PD and had no problem firing full power 145g 357 Magnum rounds through it. Would it be an all day range handgun ? No-but shooting full power rounds is no issue at all. After reading all the reports I was nervous at first but then after firing my 340PD I had wondered where all the real men had gone lol !!!! I love mine and glad I bought it.

Well, i'll be the contrarian. I prefer the 638-2 no lock. Light easy to carry and the buffalo bore 158gr =P LSWCHP is plenty enough for both ends. Plus you have that single action capability when you have to take careful aim when the bad guy is running away and is at 50 feet or so

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Forum consigliere

New Jersey sucks for LEOSA carry. They don't like hollowpoints and don't give a damn about LEOSA.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36