S&W 340PD w/IL & fiber sight input please?

Eagle1* · Jun 20, 2023

Guys, I have located a NIB S&W 340 PD with internal lock and fiber optic sight (link at bottom) at a very decent price for it being a NIB J frame. I am very interested in it and was wondering what your thoughts were on this damn internal lock feature. If I order a NIB one (without IL), it will cost me $1099.00. I am almost saving $200.00 bucks if I get this one at the link below. The fiber optic sight is fine with me, but I am I stupid to spend the extra almost $200.00 just to get one of these with NO internal lock.

I am going to be using the gun to ccw when exercising/running and summer carry when I don't want to use my 642 so the weight savings will be a benefit to me. Opinions would be helpful here.. Thanks in advanced....

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-340-pd

pbramlett · Jun 20, 2023

personally, i'd get the one without the lock. You could also buy the lock delete kit and remove the lock but i much prefer them without the lock period.

KalamazooKid · Jun 20, 2023

To be honest, the 340 PD has been my primary carry for about 15 years and I couldn’t care less about the IL. I added the CT laser grips not only for the laser but also the extra padding where it counts the most.

Yes, it’s a monster with full load 357’s but very manageable with 38 SD rounds. Mine rides in a Bob Mika pocket holster.

Eagle1* · Jun 20, 2023

looks good man...

gnystrom · Jun 20, 2023

I have owned one with the lock for more than a decade and I have many boxes of rounds fired including 357's. The lock is of no consequence to me at all. Mine has a red insert in the front sight.
Like KalamazooKid, I have those same LG405 grips which seem to help with recoil as well as give me the choice of a laser option.

Old cop · Jun 20, 2023

I’ve had the no lock 340PD for about 10 yrs & it’s been great in a pocket holster. I keep it loaded w/+P because .357 produces too much recoil for quick & accurate f/u shots, at least for me.

Data · Jun 20, 2023

As for the IL feature on the 340 PD ... I don't have a problem with it and I never had a single issue with it. In my experience, the lock feature works very well, and ... I never had a single malfunction with respect to shooting the .357 full house loads. (Federal's "C357B" load in the 125gr. JHP)

Contrary, to my experience and opinion there are lots of people who don't care for the IL mechanism. and some say and feel that it's vulnerable to locking up during rapid fire, thus rendering the gun inoperable. There have been reports of the IL locking up as well. I am sure that if it was or is a problem, Smith would have recalled or stopped producing the gats with the IL. With that said, perhaps you might be better off purchasing the 340 PD without the IL. Please note, that the "No Lock" 340 PD comes with an iron sight instead of the Fiber Optic.

Lastly, the 340 PD is excellent for outdoor-related activities such as biking, walking, Jogging, hiking, XC Skiing, Backpacking, etc, etc. Plus, it's a superior backup gun as well.

Keep in mind that there is a bit of harsh recoil, especially with the full house .357 loads. With adequate practice, anyone can learn to shoot well with it. The 340 PD is a dream to carry, but not your average range toy.

I forgot to mention my thoughts about the 340 PD front fiber optic sight ... I consider gun sights to be subjective and that one's mileage may vary. All in all, the front green fiber optic sight will do its job so as long as you do your part. The site is very bright outdoors and is easy to pick up. The accuracy is suitable out to 25 yards in my experience , but in slow fire mode only.

hyena · Jun 20, 2023

Just throwing an alternative to you, Eagle. You could shave 2 ounces off your 642 with a titanium cylinder. Mine went from 14.5 to 12.0 with Altamont wood boot grips. 12.9 with Uncle Mikes. Of course you'd still have a .38, not a .357. I'd like to have a 340PD but I'm 1) too cheap 2) likely not tough enough to shoot it with .357 loads. So rather than pay $$$ to gain an ounce I stuck with my 642-1.

Rich Richardson · Jun 20, 2023

On the subject of interlocks, my Taurus 44 has a much less obtrusive lock placed on the hammer.

Data · Jun 21, 2023

On the subject of the Smith & Wesson 340 PD exclusively, what do you know or think about the IL on the J frame and do you like the front fiber optic sight?

KalamazooKid · Jun 21, 2023

Data said:
On the subject of the Smith & Wesson 340 PD exclusively, what do you know or think about the IL on the J frame and do you like the front fiber optic sight?

Relative to the IL, as mentioned, over the 15 years I've owned mine I've fired about 3,000 rounds thru it with zero problems. Again, no issue for me.

I did add the green FO sight to mine when I got it (I can't remember what came on it) and really like it. This little revolver has always felt like an extension of my hand and feel very comfortable with it.

Eagle1* · Jun 21, 2023

Well, I could not help myself and went and looked the gun over. After checking out the trigger, timing and how it was put together (no major factory defects), I bought it for $920.00 plus tax. I was afraid to order a non IL model for the higher price and it be a factory reject so I opted for the one I could look over and verify it. After reading multiple thread and reviews about the IL, it seems everyone is split on whether they like it or not so I am going to go with it until something indicates that it was the wrong choice. I am very happy with it and will try to get a pic of it up here soon. There might be a 642 Pro series for sale here soon guys, I don't know....

Eagle1* · Jun 21, 2023

Here you go guys, swapped grips out already and she is stoked with Speer Gold Dot short barrel 38 +p

Old cop · Jun 21, 2023

One more suggestion: Make sure to shoot a box of your carry ammo to ensure there’s no crimp jump. Some of these light J Frames had a problem w/that.

Data · Jun 21, 2023

@ Eagle1*

Congrats on the new Gat. A huge plus for the follow-up and pic share.
The aftermarket grips look fantastic as well as the choice of ammo via the Speer Gold Dot .38 +P Short Barrel Load. Well done! ; )

HOUSTON RICK · Jun 22, 2023

Congratulations you will love it. Shooting 357 is a little harsh on your hand and fingers, but much better than being on the receiving end. Be sure to observe the 357 ammo restriction. The best feature is of course the weight, so easy to carry that you will have a firearm when you need it.

F224 · Jun 25, 2023

I'm running D&L Sights on two J frames: My full underlug, full length ejector stroke 2.5" barrel 642 and my 340. The 340 has the lock removed and the 642 does not have one. Both guns wear boot grips these days.

Eagle1* · Jun 26, 2023

Great lookin 340 man. Lets see that 642 as well, especially if they have different stocks on them now. Love seeing how guys setup their j frames to their individual taste's.

S&W 340PD w/IL & fiber sight input please?

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