Concerns Regarding Used 340 SC

I've been looking to get a small form firearm for EDC for a couple of months now, and recently decided on getting a J-Frame revolver for this purpose. My intention was to purchase a Model 640 brand new through a dealer, though while I was out and about at a local range, I stumbled upon a used Model 340 SC, for $600 after tax. I deliberated a bit, but I decided to make that purchase. I was talking about and sharing pictures of the revolver to a good friend of mine, who mentioned that there was something off about the trigger, saying that there was a casting ring on it that he had never seen before in a S&W firearm. He suggested I give S&W a call to confirm the serial and verify the legitimacy of the revolver before I do anything else with it.

I did just that, and the company confirmed that what I had purchased was a legitimate 340 SC, shipped out in January 2008. Content, I went to a shop closer to home to see about getting the revolver restored to its original coloration. While discussing prices and wait times, the smith at the counter asked if he could inspect the revolver I had purchased, citing concerns of damage and neglect. After a brief look over and dry-fires, he confirmed that there were problems. The smith stated that the revolver was mistimed; that the trigger was gritty and grabby (He suggested an over painting from the previous owner); and that the cylinder did not roll smoothy, and that it caught against the frame and 'hopped' into a locked position, citing a bent yoke barrel (He suggested mishandling of the cylinder, going by the gouges and scrapes). The smith suggested I give S&W a call to get the revolver serviced, because it's a good that just needs the attention of someone who cares, though he offered to buy it from me and do it himself if I didn't want to deal with the hassle. After talking to my buddy about the situation, he suggested I join this forum and reach out to you guys, to see if there's anything seriously wrong or concerning about this revolver from a casual glance before I make a call. I've uploaded pictures in an album below.

I think the question I want to ask is: What would be your advice going forward? I know I've most likely overpaid for this revolver given its current condition, but I'm not sure if I want to pass it off to the smith who offered to buy it off me. It's a lovely firearm, and I would like to give it the love and TLC it deserves — Though that's probably the sunk cost fallacy talking... Thanks in advance for your time, and thank you for your viewpoints!


RoleData Model 340 SC - Album on Imgur

Not a J-frame aficionado, but it appears that gun has been finished with something like Cerracoat (sp?). You can see runs on the yoke. There should be a considerable contrast between the color of the scandium frame and the darker grey of the titanium cylinder, that's not present on that gun. Just like on a used car, with a new coat of paint, what are they trying to hide? The side plate has obviously been off as evidenced by the chipped, whatever, finish and the buggered screw heads, so who knows what was done inside.

For $600, if this was a reputable shop, I would run, not walk, back and get your money back - but that's just me.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

I would try to return it to the original seller.

I'm sorry to say that I think that it has suffered some abuse. Smith & Wesson has a lifetime warranty, but it is limited to the original owner.

You could send it in and see what they say.

The 340 is a dandy carry gun, not for the faint of heart with full house 357 rounds, but doable with 38spl and +p

Good luck, and welcome from Texas!

SAFireman said:

The 340 is a dandy carry gun, not for the faint of heart with full house 357 rounds…

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An accurate statement. I once attended a sponsored event where guns and ammo were provided. There was an Airlite revolver, for which the only available ammo was 125gr .357 JHPs. If there hadn’t been witnesses I wouldn’t have finished the cylinder.

I liken the sensation to catching a fastball bare-handed.

I agree that the gun seems to have been abused and then painted/cerakoted (to cover up the abuse?) very poorly.

I too recommend a return, if possible.

Did you get it from a reputable shop?

RCL-09 said:

I agree that the gun seems to have been abused and then painted/cerakoted (to cover up the abuse?) very poorly.

I too recommend a return, if possible.

Did you get it from a reputable shop?

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Knob Creek Gun Range. Unfortunately, unless they have extenuating circumstances, their policy is final when it comes to firearm sales. No refunds or exchanges.

If the timing / carry up is off, that would create a potentially unsafe scenario where the hammer could drop / discharge a round without the cylinder being locked in position...I'd think that would qualify as an "extenuating condition / circumstance"?

If you cannot return it, you can try to fix it. I think it can be fixed.
Has not happened to me but have heard of stories of wrong solvents eating away the clearcoat on the frames and cylinders. The cerakote paint might have addressed that as well as hiding any abuse.
I do see in your pictures that the frame was likely painted without any disassembly of the action on the gun. Cerakote on the inner workings would really gum it up. You might need to invest in the some screwdrivers to see if anything under the sideplate needs addressing.
If it is binding the action or rotation of the cylinder you would need to lightly scrape or sand it down to free it up.

Regarding the yoke, It could have been “hollywooded”. I.e. flicking the cylinder back into the frame which causes all sorts of yoke misalignment problems. If you wanted you could try to bend it back straight with a dowel.
Im sure S&W could also bring it back to working condition for a nominal fee.
Best wishes on your endeavors.

If the LGS that sold the gun will not take it back, I would contact S&W and inquire about repair/servicing. Whatever is necessary, there will have to be some expense incurred. From what you describe, this is not an "easy one". I would not try to do anything myself. Allow a trained factory gunsmith/tech to do the work.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

kaaskop49 said:

If the LGS that sold the gun will not take it back, I would contact S&W… I would not try to do anything myself. Allow a trained factory gunsmith/tech to do the work.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

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Sound advice, IMO. Sorry for the disappointment but I really think Kaaskop49’s advice is the way to go. Good luck with your “rescue.” I’ve done a few of those. Sometimes the economics aren’t there, and you just chalk it up to a learning experience.

RoleData said:

Knob Creek Gun Range. Unfortunately, unless they have extenuating circumstances, their policy is final when it comes to firearm sales. No refunds or exchanges.

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Selling you a borderline unusable revolver sounds extenuating to me. Personally, I wouldn't take no for an answer, either.