340PD or a couple 442's, decisions decisions...

[Electraclyde]

I had a 340pd for a few years. I did not see a difference in carry comfort/weight from my 442. I am not a runner, but was a "race walker". One day at the range, I timed 5 shots at a paper plate at 7 yards. .357 mag. took slightly more than 1 second longer than .38spe+p from the 340pd. In addition, I hit the plate with all 5 shots of the .38spe. With the .357 mag. I missed the plate once. There was no significant difference in time or accuracy between the 340pd and the 442, using the same ammo. I did sell the 340 and have since replaced the 442 with a 442pc.

 

[GaBoy45]

IMHO the sights on the 340 series are worth the extra money.


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[ScottN]

I suggest you first figure out how you will carry when jogging or exercising, and see how your current j frame works with that carry method. That might help you figure out if a few less ounces make a difference.

For example, if you plan to use a belly band then go ahead and get one now and see how the 442 works with it. You may find out it works fine and you can put your money towards a different firearm. If you think shaving a few ounces will make a significant difference then go for the 340pd.

Just a thought.

 

[mikerjf]

You're exercising... carry the few more ounces!

What ScottN said is good advice - find a carry method that works for the motion. Pocket carry is irritating for me when power-walking in cargo shorts, but AIWB is no problem.

 

[jringo8769]

Well I just had to sell my 340pd...they are excellent...just the right weight...i would highly recommend one...God Bless,John
I carried hollow point 158 gr 38 specials
Perfect pocket carry in a Mika pocket holsters too
Big difference over the standard airweight Smith

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[Eagle1*]

Guys my method of carry is already a very small fanny pack that barely fits the 442, so the 340pd will fit the same. The weight savings is the issue for the slapping when jogging. Don't want the belt to strangle me when i'm jogging. Pocket carry for off duty would be an option as well. Also what ammo do i have to stay away from if i get the 340pd model. I will only carry primarily 38 in it so you know. I lovemy 442 just trying to go as light weight as possible cause i'ma small fellow. Thanks for all the info to date and it seems that the pd model is limited allot by you guys for what it is. I just don't wantto regret spending 800 bucks is all.

 

[M29since14]

You won't regret it.

You can use any .38 Special ammunition you prefer, but with .357s you are required to use 125s or heavier. There is a NOTICEABLE difference in recoil between the 125s and considerably heavier .357s in the 340PD, IMO. I am not terribly recoil-shy, but in the 340PD, the 145 gr Silvertips are as heavy as I care to go.

If you can find a nice 342PD somewhere, you might prefer that model. They're both great, but I consider the 342 just a tiny bit more desirable. It's .38 Special only.

 

[Eagle1*]

I am amazed at how much a difference 2 ounces makes! It really is quite different.

I'm frugal and wouldn't have thought it was worth the money, but it is.

There is a cheaper option. Swap out the cylinder in your current 442 with a titanium one. That saves 2 oz. Midway has them. I got one for $100 due to a birthday coupon.

Smith & Wesson Cylinder Assembly S&W J-Frame 357 Mag Titanium

This is an idea, any issues with timing whenyou swap one ina standard j frame? 140 bucks is expensive too.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The difference in weight(only a couple of ounces) is very noticeable in pocket carry between my 337 and my 638. down at that weight level, a couple of ounces can be close to a 25% difference.

 

[gr7070]

This is an idea, any issues with timing whenyou swap one ina standard j frame? 140 bucks is expensive too.

There *shouldn't* be. Use your "ejection star" with it instead of the one it comes with. You'll want to confirm the timing.

Only truly cheap option you have is the status quo. ; )

 

[M29since14]

This is an idea, any issues with timing whenyou swap one ina standard j frame? 140 bucks is expensive too.

It's a bad idea, IMO. Remember when folks didn't see any reason you shouldn't ream your Model 10 to accept .357 Magnums?

Yeah, I know, it's the same Titanium cylinder. It's NOT the same frame. You're paying the extra freight for both the Titanium cylinder and the Scandium-alloyed frame. Before I'd do that, I'd be looking around for a nice, clean, used 340. The nature of that beast is that you're more likely to find one that's "hardly used" than one that's been "shot to death".

A good buy on a used 340 should be about net of a cylinder and a new 442, give or take a little. You'll have a gun that is factory original, safe and sound for .357s, and should already be running properly.

 

[Cal44]

If you put the Ti cylinder in a 442, you should treat it like a 342Ti. Only shoot 38 and 38+p in it. No 357.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

The only reason I wouldn't want to put a 340 titanium cylinder on a 442 or anything frame marked "38 special +p", is that the cylinder isn't marked so. And could chamber 357s......

 

[Gene L]

Not sure what's wrong with a .38 special. Especially a +P. I've got a 442 and 3 oz savings is worth a $400 for a revolver you'll likely never use. I've got a 442 and find it suitable, but I don't jog. Too old.

 

[rich5674]

2 442PC

The diff between a 442 and 340 is 2oz with equal grips. the PC guns are easily worth $50 more than standard. I have and recommend the 442PC and 110-125gn+P 38spl. The 125+p is the most I can hang on to and hit my target 5x5 rapid fire. I don't feel under gunned.

 

[Eagle1*]

thought I would let everyone know I finally bit the proverbial bullet and bought a NIB 340PD. Got it for $825.00 which was a smoking deal in my area for NIB PD J frame.

Shot 45 rounds out of it yesterday and it was fine recoil wise for the first 20 or so rounds then it got to be annoying to the point that at 45 rounds I had enough for the day and that was 40 rounds of 38, 130 grain UMC stuff and then 5 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense +P. I am very happy with my purchase though and have been carrying it ever since I got it last week.

Thanks for all of the help...

 

[michpatriot]

Congratulations!

You won't regret spending the extra coin they are leaps and bounds better for pocket carry, by the way nice pihranas!
I went with the G-mascus green smooth on mine but those might find their way into my other 340.. You could try the Gold Dot Short barrel 357 loads they don't kick that much more than +p and are darn accurate for my tastes. Read up on care of that titanium cylinder..and stay AWAY from Hornady critical defense it seems to eat titanium for lunch..everybody who has titanium erosion has shot that stuff..coincidence?

 

[Eagle1*]

Can someone elaborate on the hornady ammo issues please? Haven't heard that and i actually just bought some of that and have shot 5 rounds of it already out of my gun.