442 vs M&P340

duck325 · May 12, 2013

I have really been wanting a M&P 340 with the extra uumph of the 357 and super light weight and all. But I also realize that I would rarely shoot the 357 in it. What really has me wondering is how much lighter is the 340 than my 442 and how much more room does it take up in the pocket than my 442? I guess what I am looking for, is which one is the better for typical pocket carry?

M29since14 · May 12, 2013

It will be a bit lighter, but that won't make any difference in your pocket unless you wear very lightweight dress slacks. If you are big enough to put a J-frame in your front pants pocket, either gun will work fine.

If you don't plan to shoot many .357s, just stay with your 442. I don't think J-frames and .357 Magnums are all that great of a combination. Now if S&W would ever bother to make a 340PD in 9x19 (or even .38 Super), I might be more enthusiastic about one of those.

kaaskop49 · May 12, 2013

M29 since 14 is a savvy poster, follow what he says. The Scandium guns, when firing .357M, can have a problem with bullets in unfired rounds pulling out under inertia when the gun is fired. This has happened in the slightly lighter PD series, possibly also occurs in the heavier M&Ps. It has happened to me with my 2001-vintage 360 with titanium cylinder.
The 442 should not have this difficulty with any .38Spl round, but testing is always in order. While I prefer the finish of the 642, the 442 is close to a perfect gun for pocket work. IMHO.
Stay safe, partner.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

wheelyfun66 · May 12, 2013

I have owned the 340 M&P no-lock and currently own the 442 no lock.

I prefer the 340, hands down, over the 442.

The 340, while 357 mag is a bit of a sting to shoot, does handle the magnum loads no problem. In addition, the night sight alone is worth it!

Regarding bullet pull, it is not a problem in the 340 M&P, but rather the 340 PD, due to the even lighter weight of the titanium cylinder. Regardless, stick with bullets over 110 gr and you would be fine.

The 340 and 442 are the same size, so pocket carry works equally as well.

The black finish on the 340 is also much tougher than the coating on the 442. The 340 has the DLC coating, which is very tough and hard to mar.

I sold my 340 M&P to my father, because it was perfect for his needs (cured him of his .380 pocket carry), but if I ever get another chance at a no-lock 340....I'll have one!

gtmtnbiker98 · May 12, 2013

Between the two, the MP340 is hard to beat. Lighter, DLC, and night sight.

shawn mccarver · May 12, 2013

duck325 said:
I have really been wanting a M&P 340 with the extra uumph of the 357 and super light weight and all. But I also realize that I would rarely shoot the 357 in it. What really has me wondering is how much lighter is the 340 than my 442 and how much more room does it take up in the pocket than my 442? I guess what I am looking for, is which one is the better for typical pocket carry?

I would opt for the 442 over the 340. Weight is not the issue. I would not use Magnum ammo in any J frame (not because the gun won't tolerate it, but because I won't tolerate it).

Also, I prefer the more traditional materials and the lower price of the 442.

The 442 carried in the pocket just fine, and it is very durable with even +P ammo.

duck325 · May 14, 2013

I really appreciate the input, but I am still throwing this around a little. Just so I can be sure, the 340 is the same size, height and length wise,
as a 442,but has superior sights and finish, and costs approx. $300 more.

snubbyfan · May 14, 2013

duck325 said:
I really appreciate the input, but I am still throwing this around a little. Just so I can be sure, the 340 is the same size, height and length wise,
as a 442,but has superior sights and finish, and costs approx. $300 more.

Plus it's a couple of ounces lighter.
For me personally it's not worth the additional cost. I'd never shoot .357 magnum out of it and I know that in a self defense situation, I wouldn't be looking at the sights anyway. It's a cool little gun but I can't justify it.
My 442 serves me well, carried owb in one of my custom molded leather holsters.

wheelyfun66 · May 14, 2013

duck325 said:
I really appreciate the input, but I am still throwing this around a little. Just so I can be sure, the 340 is the same size, height and length wise,
as a 442,but has superior sights and finish, and costs approx. $300 more.

And the 340 M&P has the full underlug, which I prefer on a revolver, because I like the protection that it offers the ejection rod, as well as the looks.....

coach22 · May 15, 2013

Not that much difference in weight from a 442 to a 340 M&P.
A 340PD however, is a 25% weight reduction.
Considerable in a pocket.
I do not shoot 357's in it.
Fast follow up shots don't happen.
At least not for me.
My 340PD is loaded with Corbon DPX 110 +P's.

colt_saa · May 15, 2013

The 340 is about 20%+ lighter than the 442. That may sound like quite a bit, however it is only a few ounces. The size difference is not noticeable without measuring

I have been carrying a J-frame every day of my life since 1980. Personally, I love the idea of a J-magnum. I switched over in 1996 as soon as they were available

But a 357Magnum in a J-frame is not for everyone. I own many Centennials and believe in the right tool for the right job.

When carrying on the ankle, in a holster I choose a model 60. If I am carrying in heavy slacks or a jacket pocket I choose the 640 for the concealed hammer.

If pocket carrying in light slacks or shorts, a 442 or titanium 38 is my choice. The light weight reduces how much the pocket swings when you walk.

Fort those rare time that weight (even a few ounces) is an issue I carry the 340. As an example if you were wearing swim trunks and a T-shirt your options are slim.

I realize that not everyone has more then one or two firearms for a specific purpose. Based on what you said about mostly shooting 38s, there is no significant advantage to going with a 340 If you are not going to practice with 357 Magnum, just stick with the 442/642.

One of our LTs called shooting the 340 with full magnums (over 5000 full magnums through mine so far) "A Character Defining Moment"

It is not for the casual shooter, the recoil sensitive shooter or someone with a pace maker

SAFireman · May 15, 2013

While I own and carry a 340, I cannot recommend them to just anyone. Save the $$$ and get a 642 or 442. If you really just want to be able to shoot 357 mag loads (my justification) then spend the extra dough....heck, it's only money and you can make more right?

I can pretty confidently say that nobody that I know of enjoys shooting full-house 357 mag loads out of any Scandium model. See if you can find one locally and give it a try before you buy.

Good luck in your decision. And, if you are ever in Bexar county, stop by and I will let you test drive mine....If you like it, I have a 36oz ball peen hammer that I can hit you in the hand with next

shouldazagged · May 15, 2013

I can't imagine shooting full-power .357 Magnum out of a J-frame the weight of a beetle belch unless you have cast iron hands and steel wrists and really like brutal recoil. And apart from the pounding and muzzle flip, I wouldn't want that much chance of being blinded by my first shot if I had to defend myself at night. The huge flash and blast of .357 rounds is seriously magnified in a short-barreled revolver. I would want to be able, as quickly as possible, to assess the situation and see if there's another attacker.

Just my dos centavos, but I'd stick to .38 Special +P in either of those guns.

MikeyB · May 16, 2013

Adding Pachmayr Compac grips to my J-frame .357 does make it a little more tolerable when shooting magnum loads.

palmettosunshine · May 19, 2013

I loved my M&P 340 right up to the time I pulled the trigger. I now carry a 638....

I loved everything about the 340 at first sight. Loved the big dot sight, loved the black finish, loved the ability to shoot .357's. Didn't love shooting it though. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with that thing even shooting factory .38's.

Picked up a 638 just because I liked the look of it and fell in love. Yes it's heavier, yes the sights are cruder, no it won't shoot .357's but I can put all 5 in the X at 7 yards with no problem and that's what matters to me.

I never would have thought there would be such a dramatic difference but there you have it. Obviously everyone's opinion will vary and that's OK. I would encourage you to try both before you plunk down your hard earned cash.

442 vs M&P340

duck325

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