340 finish durability?

[folkenheath]

I tried searching for this but couldn't find what I was looking for. I am looking at buying a 340 for CC. I want the covered hammer for reduced snags (it probably won't be shot DA anyway if I could, that's not what this gun is used for), and I was very surprised to feel the difference of the titanium cylinder, what a difference less than 2 oz makes. Anyway, my question is on the finish. I think the silver finish would show wear much less obviously than the black finish. But all the new guns are black finish. Is the new black finish more durable than the previous silver finish, or are they the same just a difference color? Thank you.

 

[folkenheath]

I tried searching for this but couldn't find what I was looking for. I am looking at buying a 340 for CC. I want the covered hammer for reduced snags (it probably won't be shot DA anyway if I could, that's not what this gun is used for), and I was very surprised to feel the difference of the titanium cylinder, what a difference less than 2 oz makes. Anyway, my question is on the finish. I think the silver finish would show wear much less obviously than the black finish. But all the new guns are black finish. Is the new black finish more durable than the previous silver finish, or are they the same just a difference color? Thank you.

 

[s&wchad]

The black finish on the frame is much more durable than the clear coat (silver). I think the black is an anodized finish. It is only cosmetic - not like it can rust.

 

[folkenheath]

So the silver is just a clear coat finish, like a paint? If that's all it is then I don't really like that. I would of though they would both be anodized. But I guess I haven't really looked at the finish much. Thanks for the picture by the way.

 

[Paul105]

Mine's seen considerable holster and pocket carry. The other side is slightly worse.

Paul

 

[Landpimp]

my black 340PD which has been in my pocket(in holster) daily for 4 years, shows much finish wear, all the edges are down to shinny silver....oh well thats what it was made for.

I do blow the lint out weakly

 

[s&wchad]

Originally posted by Landpimp:
I do blow the lint out weakly

I do that too, but I blow pretty hard!

I try not to spit and I do it about every seven days.

 

[folkenheath]

Thanks for the pics guys. So is the new M&P340 the same exact finish as the 340PD? And those are both anodized? It sounds like the silver (clear) finish is less durable, but maybe less obvious than silver under black. Although I am very picky about keeping my guns looking like new, this would be my first CC and I do realized it will apppear used in a short time.

 

[pinkymingeo]

The silver/clearcote finish wears rapidly. The black finish is much more durable, and easily repaired with Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black. No good way to patch the silver.

 

[coach22]

Bought my 340 PD in May of 04.
After 6 months, at the top rear of the frame,
the part that sticks out of the Mika pocket holster,
where it rubs against the inside fabric of the pocket,
lost the black coating. Just a small spot on the edge,
but it bothered me.
I sent it to the factory,
no charge both ways and they refinished it.
Took 2 weeks both ways. A year later, the same thing
happened in the same spot. I sent it back to the factory
and they sent a new gun in July 06.
The same thing happened about 9 months later.
I decided, it's a pocket gun,
that's what I bought it for, so I live with it.
The Birchwood Casey stuff wears off quickly.
Now when it bothers me, I use a black Sharpie.
It is, in my humble opinion, the best gun made
for that purpose. A small, powerful, reliable
and lightweight gun, that you forget is there,
that in an emergency, for self defense,
that will probably happen within 8 feet or less,
has no equal.
Mine is loaded with Buffalo Bore 125 +P 38's.

 

[jdeere_man]

I have 340pd and it has finish wear on all the edges and high points from pocket holster carry, etc. I think that's just part of it.

 

[StuntPilot]

I have a 340PD that has been carried daily for 3 years. I use an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster.

The gun has no finish wear at all, and looks great. I clean it with Slip2000.

 

[bhk]

I put paste wax on my clear-coat gun. I guess the wax wears some, but the clear-coat is in perfect condition. I just put a little more wax on the wear surfaces every couple of months. No big deal.

 

[folkenheath]

Thanks for the tips guys, I think I will just go with whatever one I can find a better deal on and take care of it, but realize it is a pocket gun. Appreciate it.

 

[folkenheath]

I found a used one at a gun show, thanks for the help, see it here...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3001000143/m/9461081143

 

[Paul105]

If you can find them, the Federal American Eagle .38 Special 130gr FMJ would be a perfect starter load to introduce your wife to this lightweigt. They chronograph right at 700 fps from my 1 7/8" 340 PD and are easy to shoot. This is just practice ammo, not for serious social work.

FWIW,


Paul