Hello all. I plan to buy a new revolver for daily carry. I am 5'10" and175 lbs, clothing range from shorts and t-shirt in summer, t-shirt and jeans all year, suits to work, etc. Has anyone carried both the 340 pd and 442/642 that could tell me if it's worth the extra $250 to save the 4 oz on the 340? How noticeable is the difference and does lighter weight make it much easier to carry? Both guns are lighter than my current sig p239.
340 pd Versus 442/642
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I doubt you'd notice the weight difference. Get a no-lock 642 and throw on some Hogue bantam grips. That should reduce it by a few onces.
I find the airweights are bulkier than they are heavy.
If you don't mind an exposed hammer, Buds Gun shop sells a 360 in .38 spl. For about $450. I believe the weight is the same as the 340.
I find the airweights are bulkier than they are heavy.
If you don't mind an exposed hammer, Buds Gun shop sells a 360 in .38 spl. For about $450. I believe the weight is the same as the 340.
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This is the right answer
I have the M&P 360 and the model 638 (shrouded hammer hump back) and have pocket carried both. My favorite is the 638, I do not notice the difference in weight and shoot it better than the 360. The 360 limits you in choice of ammo (no lead bullets) and costs over $200 more. For me you get a better buy with the 642/442 or 638.
I've pocket carried a 642 and 342 AirLite Ti. The 342 is the same as the 340pd, weight wise, both having a titanium cylinder. The weight difference is very noticeable when pocket carrying and worth the extra bucks imho. I have hogue j-frame bantam grips on the 342 and they work best for 135 gr. Speer Gold Dot .38 spl +P loads. I now load full wadcutters, Federal GM38A with the +Ps on speed strips. 642 works great for ankle carry NY reload.
I have a 340PD in my pocket right now. I replaced the rubber grips with Eagle Secret Service wood stocks (yeah, it's uncomfortable to shoot, but they work great) and I love it. I have a 642 I rarely carry anymore.
I don't really notice the weight difference, and I like the fact it's a .357 Magnum. It's probably my most carried gun these days, mostly as a backup. I think it's well worth the added cost.
Oh, yeah, plus I just think the thing is really COOL.
I don't really notice the weight difference, and I like the fact it's a .357 Magnum. It's probably my most carried gun these days, mostly as a backup. I think it's well worth the added cost.
Oh, yeah, plus I just think the thing is really COOL.
jframe
Member
Just as a slight drift, I never realized that the Hogue Bantam rubber grips are lighter than the Uncle Mike's boot grips they come with, but I've heard it now from a couple of different sources. I bought some Saturday night and put them on my 642, and I believe they ARE somewhat lighter.
PetersCustomLeather
Member
I agree completely! Sure an M&P 360 isn't that much more noticeable than a 642, as it's not nearly as light weight as a 340PD.
The 340PD and 342PD are both VERY light. Yeah, they are not that fun to shoot, but they are very nice to pocket carry! I sold a 342 and 340PD and kick myself for selling either or both. Especially the no lock 342PD! Ugh..... very hard to replace and a perfect pocket gun!
ar15ed
Member
in my humble opinion, the 340pd is the greatest carry revolver ever created! it is, by far the least intrusive, lightest thing out there that still packs 357 punch. my opinion is that carrying a gun is 99.99999% CARRYING a gun. weight is everything. most folks go through their entire life without ever even pulling out their carry gun, much less pointing it- or shooting it- at a threat. the 340pd can be a painful little beast if you fire it a bunch, but man, it is powerful, when, or if you ever need it, and (did i mention?!) it is LIGHT for all the time you are just carrying it!
Great topic, timely for me as I was about to buy a 442 without the IL. Looked real hard at the 340, but the IL is a deal breaker for me. Then I read about more non-IL models coming soon, so I put my plans on hold.
RE: 340PD vs. 442, looks like I'll be splitting the difference weight-wise and go with the M&P 340.
RE: 340PD vs. 442, looks like I'll be splitting the difference weight-wise and go with the M&P 340.
PetersCustomLeather
Member
I verified this today. The 340PD and 340 M&P are both in their catalog already, but none in stock. I'm excited about this, I will be getting a 340PD with no damn lock!! YES!
SAFireman
Member
I carry a 340 daily, and YES the weight makes a difference. I don't practice with more than 10 357 rounds per session, but I run plenty of 38 special 130gr RNL through it. I hope that I don't ever have to use it, but the weight makes it easy to be certain that it is there when it is needed. I am certain that if it is ever needed, I will not even notice the recoil, but the receiving end will know the difference.
Just my .02 and as always YMMV....I would trade out my ILS version for the no-lock version without hesitation....anyone wanna trade?
Just my .02 and as always YMMV....I would trade out my ILS version for the no-lock version without hesitation....anyone wanna trade?
My vote goes to the 442/642.
Personally, I find my 442 to be light enough and have no desire for a gun that weighs less. (or a .357 snub for that matter) Personally, I think the .357 looses too much of its muzzle velocity in the 2" barrels to be worth the extra recoil and blast. To each his own, but J-frame .357's aren't my thing.
Just my 2 cents.
Personally, I find my 442 to be light enough and have no desire for a gun that weighs less. (or a .357 snub for that matter) Personally, I think the .357 looses too much of its muzzle velocity in the 2" barrels to be worth the extra recoil and blast. To each his own, but J-frame .357's aren't my thing.
Just my 2 cents.
PetersCustomLeather
Member
My vote goes to the 442/642.
Personally, I find my 442 to be light enough and have no desire for a gun that weighs less. (or a .357 snub for that matter) Personally, I think the .357 looses too much of its muzzle velocity in the 2" barrels to be worth the extra recoil and blast. To each his own, but J-frame .357's aren't my thing.
Just my 2 cents.
JW,
I really like the 340PD for carrying... the weight makes it feel like its almost not there, compared to my 642 that I for sure know is there!
In a 340PD, I still carry the same ammo.... Gold Dot 38's for the Short BBL guns..... I dont love the beating of the 357 in the 340pd!
I can practice with my 642 and a tiny bit with the 340 but carry the 340. My wife can carry the 642 if she wants.
Tackelbarry
Member
I think you will be very happy with the 340 series if that is what you choose. That being said, if you are going to carry the gun I highly recommend the 340 M&P. Being retired L.E. and now running a firearms training company I will only carry a gun that has a front night site attached. I understand this is a close up "get off me now" gun, as are all defensive pistols, but the night sight really does draw your attention when you are under stress or duress. Also, statistically and from professional experience, most violent confrontations happen after dusk and during hours of darkness.
I carry a 340 M&P in a DeSantis front pocket holster, as my back-up, every day. It is very accurate and hitting 6"x8" steel targets out to 25 yards is easy. I like it so much I bought a second of the same. Bottom line, if you are spending that kind of money, go all the way and get a gun with night sites. Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Scott Jens
Check Six Training LLC
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C.H.P.D. (ret.)
I carry a 340 M&P in a DeSantis front pocket holster, as my back-up, every day. It is very accurate and hitting 6"x8" steel targets out to 25 yards is easy. I like it so much I bought a second of the same. Bottom line, if you are spending that kind of money, go all the way and get a gun with night sites. Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Scott Jens
Check Six Training LLC
Home_Page
C.H.P.D. (ret.)
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Fuego
Member
I like the 340PD. I have the older, slimmer, smaller Crimson Trace laser grips on it. I carry in a DeSantispocket holster, and the gun carries very discretely.
The slight reduction in weight does make it easier to carry.
The slight reduction in weight does make it easier to carry.
JumpinJack
Member
I've owned a 340 but sold it and got a 342 (couldn't stand the hole) I also own a 638 and a 642. The weight makes a difference for pocket and ankle carry. Shooting them is a big difference. I'm probably going to have to sell my airlites due to arthritis in my hands. These light weights are beating me up too bad to shoot anymore.
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