340 M&P No Lock - Pros/Cons?

[Old cop]

I'm considering a 340 M&P No Lock and was wondering what the good and bad points were for this model. I see it listed on the S&W site for $869, and w/my member discount at my LGS (Retired LEO membership) I should be able to get it at a somewhat reasonable price.

Is the bullet "pull" thing still an issue along with restrictions as to bullet weight in either .357 or .38 (I would probably carry 158 grain +P FBI lead HP)? For those that have them would you purchase another one?

Thanks,
Old Cop

 

[Dump1567]

I believe bullet pull is only an issue with guns that have alloy cylinders, but I'm sure it can still happen. Be sure to test fire whatever ammo you will carry.

I had one of these and recently traded it for a 27-2. It's a great gun, but if you never intend to shoot .357, I would just stick to the 442/642 no lock series. That's basically why I traded mine. I only planned on shooting/carry .38 spl. And I actually shot my 642 better than my 340. I found I was more accurate with the blade front than the xs dot. 340's are also double the price of the 442/642 guns.

The 340 is slightly lighter than the 442/642 guns, but you may never be able to tell when you're carrying it. And if you're looking for a pocket carry with the lightest weight possible, than the PD version is the way to go.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have an M&P 340 that is my always gun. I really like it. I had an action job done on it and it is just great. I agree with the above comment on the 442/642. I had a 337Ti that I had to send back to the factory for repair and they could not fix it. They offered to replace it so I ordered the 340 M&P. I carry SB 135gr Gold Dots in it and do not plan to carry .357's due to the heavy recoil etc. You should not have the bullet jumping issues with the M&P.

Tom

 

[allglock]

I totally agree with Dump 1567. I like them so much I bought two! I carry the 340 in the winter loaded with 357s. In the summer I usually carry a 342. Shooting 357s is not a problem for me. That is why I bought the M&P 340. Love the front sight too!

 

[Naby]

I have a 340 M&P CT (with lock) and it is my go to carry gun. I'm not sure what I think about the CT grip. As far as the laser is concerned I could take it or leave it. I do love the way the grip covers the normally bare back strap though. If I had it to do again I might have bought the regular 340 and then bought an aftermarket grip that covers the back strap.

Some people consider these little guys BUGs but I think they're the perfect blend of power, reliability, and concealability. I've carried OWB, on my ankle, in my pocket, and under my arm in a 5-11 shirt and didn't hardly notice it with any method of carry.

I bought it thinking I'd shoot .357s from it (and I did for a while). Currently I carry it with Buffalo Bore's .38 Special (non +P) 158 grain LSWCHP rounds. I've tried their +P's and short barrel .357s and they're about the same. Their non +P round is about as stout as most manufactures +P stuff anyway. I can handle the gun with .357s, I just prefer the .38s for reasons that I will not go in to right now. I do agree that if you are never going to shoot .357s then one of the X42 models would be a more economical choice although I think they weigh a few ounces more.

 

[PRussell34]

Excellent weapon! I have the M&P 360 (same gun only with the exposed hammer) Never had an issue with bullet pull on this gun or my 340PD.

Random piece of advice.....Do NOT get these guns Mag-na-ported. I bought my 340PD used with this done to it, the muzzle flash will blind you and the porting does very little to mitigate the recoil (IMO) Needless to say, the 360 is always with me and the 340 sits in the safe. Be safe and enjoy your new pocket cannon!!

 

[1sailor]

I have one that I bought from a board member a few months back. With the Pachmayer "compac" grips it is not bad at all to shoot with .357's. In fact, the last time out my sons girlfriend came with us (about 117lbs) and she really got a kick out of shooting it (no pun intended, really). It's a lot more fun to shoot than most will let on. I hear guys tell of not being able to fire more than a couple rounds because of the pain. I know a 117lb girl who thought that was funny as hell. Admittedly, I do have the Pac grips which add some cushion but they take up very little extra space. When I carry I load the first four as +p's and the last shot a full house 158gr HP. My main reason for picking it over a +p only is the "ability" to also fire .357 mag. Who knows what the future's going to bring and having that ability could mean the difference between a loaded or an empty gun. Sorry for the really big picture.

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

I had one of the 11oz 340's. Between the lock, flame-cutting and bullet pull issues, and the ferocious recoil I decided it was too much trouble--if I wanted ammo sensitivity etc I'd carry an autoloader. It was very easy to carry, but the the 642 I replaced it with isn't bad and a whole lot less finicky and more pleasant to shoot, no lock either. 442's and 642's can be had new under $400. Considering all those factors there's no way I'd go with the 340 over the 642.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

An advantage of the 340PD and 340M&P, over the 442 is that the gun is black but most of the parts (including the chambers and bore) are rustproof.

 

[allglock]

An advantage of the 340PD and 340M&P, over the 442 is that the gun is black but most of the parts (including the chambers and bore) are rustproof.

Rust resistant , I think you meant to say.

 

[BobR1]

Good Points:
It has a XS 24/7 Tritium front sight.
Looks to me like the rear sight trough is enlarged a little to match the front XS sight. Not 100% sure, but looked that way to me.
It will shoot 135 Gold Dot Short Barrel 357 magnum ammo.
It's a light weight full power concealed carry gun.

In my opinion this is the best Smith & Wesson J Frame Concelaed Carry handgun offered to date.

Could be Improved Points:
It is about $200 to expensive for what it is in my humble opinion.

Note: you should be able to find one for $750 or a little less, if you look some, and do not live in a Communist controled state.

I was looking at a 340 M&P with a Lock pretty hard, and ended up with an LCR 357, and added the XS 24/7 sight to it. I ended up spending $510 on the LCR 357 equipped the same as the 340 M&P. I liked the 340 M&P better from a purely looks stand point. Functionally you will have to put some Apex parts in the 340 M&P to match the LCR 357's factory trigger. For a using carry gun, they both get the same job done equally well. The 340 M&P looks better, the LCR equipped the same is about $240 cheaper. I put that $240 difference towards an LCR 22 to go along with it. I like it very well also.

Just my 2 cents

Bob

 

[1sailor]

As much as I really like my 340 I have to admit I doubt I would have paid the market price. Luckily I got mine from a member for $425 delivered which included a trigger job and extra grips. that was less than I would have paid for an LCR.

 

[allglock]

I will agree it is overpriced by about $150.....But, S&W,has to pay for their warranty service somehow...

 

[ltxi]

Bought one a few months ago. First J-frame purchase in well over 10 years. Got it pretty much because of the front sight, plus its ability to handle a consistent diet of +Ps.

Good gun....pretty much just what I expected. Shoots almost as well as my older 60 and 442 after much trigger group work. Front sight makes it worth all the effort. Big con is the cost....expensive. Given I already had two great, trusty carry J-frames, I wouldn't even have considered buying this gun if I were on any kind of a budget.

 

[wheelyfun66]

I love my no lock 340 M&P.

Yes, it is expensive...
but for me, the front sight and durable DLC finish, combined with the light weight and ability to fire .357 magnum...all make it worth it!

Some people say that .357 mag is wasted out of a short barrel..but no matter how you look at it...it still beats .38 special!

It is not for extended range visits...but .357 mag is definitely controllable...with some practice and the right loads.

I paid about $730 for mine, including shipping and FFL fees.
For me, it is worth it.

 

[John Law]

Old Cop,
The cheapest LE discount I have seen on the M&P 340 Model# 103072 ( No Lock ) is $615. The bullet pull was only on the AirLight with the Scandium Frame and Titanium cylinder. S&W advised using 125gr or heavier bullets, if I remember correctly they also said no lead bullets, jacketed only. The problem occurred mostly with the lead bullets and the lighter 110gr ammo.
The weight for the 340PD 11oz, the M&P340 13.5oz and the 442/642 at15oz.
Speer GD makes a 135gr Short Barrel in 357 magnum that is pretty mild to shoot compared to the 125 or 158gr loads. They also make a 135gr Short barrel in 38+P.

 

[scotp7]

All,

This is an interesting topic.

A couple observations to throw out and questions to ask for the knowledgable folks here about this subject. (Note that for this response, I will think only about no lock revolvers -- the 342 M&P with a lock that is available just doesn't count.)

I don't care much about the ability to shoot .357 out of a lightweight J frame, but there is more than that ...

Right now, with no original 342 being available, the 340 PD is the lightest J frame available. Just over 11 oz, it is only half an ounce heavier than the 10.7 oz original 342 PD. And at least for me, as much as I like my 442 and 642, that is a really noticeable difference.

The 340 M&P sounds great, with its great front sight, lack of any bullet pulling, and no cleaning worries, but it is nearly the weight of my 442/642, so I'm not sure of the value in making the investment vs the 442/642.

I generally use standard pressure fodder in at least my 342, often the 642, and almost always use jacketed stuff, but still, it would be nice not to have to have to think about that potential issue. (Which wise poster in this thread commented that if he wanted to worry what he was feeding it, he'd just carry a semi-auto?) If I knew that there was no bullet pulling in the 340 PD, I might just go ahead and make the investment (despite the price).

I can't tell in this thread -- what are people saying about bullet pulling? Is that an occasional issue with the 340 PD? IE, with any scandium cylinder, or only with the 342? (Especially wondering about 158 grain +P LSWCHP and 158 grain +P Nyclad.)

One more question, in regard to using .38 special in scandium .357 cylinders. Does the added scrubbing that is wise to do in a .357 cylinder fed .38's going to run the danger of harming the cylinder? (Which would be a vote for M&P and 442/642.)

Yeah, a 340 PD without a lock is calling me. Thanks for any input on my ramblings above.

Scott

 

[wheelyfun66]

I always thought that bullet jumping the crimp (pulling) was only for 110 gr or less...?
Does the barrel of the 340PD not have it clearly stamped or engraved "shoot only 125gr or higher"....or some kinda warning like that?
anyhow...I think that one would be fine with bullets of 125gr or higher...

regarding the cleaning of the cylinder...I do not think that scrubbing your cylinder to remove .357 mag residue would ever harm it? Use a reasonable cleaning solvent, and you will never harm metal..no matter how precious!

Finally, I think the 340 M&P is often dismissed by those who do not wish to shoot .357 mag from them...but for me, the front sight and tougher finish make them worth the extra money!

The X/S front sight really has to be seen and used to be fully appreciated, especially on these airweights.

Keep us posted on your decision!

 

[ladder13]

Budspolicesupplies has the 340 M&P, no lock for $607 shipped. May have to get one.

 

[Old cop]

Thanks for everyone's input, I ordered one today and will update after the first range trip.