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

Eagle1*

Eagle1*

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
362
Reaction score
330
Location
Ohio
I am contemplating buying another J frame and really the only reason is that I want the lightest J I can get for when I jog, exercise etc. I have a 442 and love it to the point that I want another but to fill a different roll. It is just killing me that I have to pay more than double the price of a standard 442 to save basically 3-3.5 ounces.

So, here is my question to all you J hounds that have a 340PD, is it the price of admission worth the weight savings or should I just get another 442 and carry some lighter rounds which might save me an ounce or 2. Right now I am carrying the Gold Dot short barrel 135 grain +P in my standard 442. Any help would greatly be appreciated, Thanks ...
 
Register to hide this ad
Well, I would carry the ammo I thought best independent of weight.

Downgrading the ammo to save an ounce seems wrong.

I have just purchased a used 340PD for $600, but haven't carried it yet. In addition to a few less oz weight, I figured it would be more reliable than a gun made for 38+p.

Plus, I plan to try the 357 Mag version of the 135 Gold Dot short barrel. If I can "stand" it, I might consider it for a carry load.

The 135 grain gold dot 357 Magnum version is on the light shooting side for a 357 Magnum load, but performed a little better than the 38 Special +P version of the same load on the Luckygunner tests.
 
Last edited:
OK, just did some pricing at my LGS and here is where I am at.

442, $350.00
442PC, $400.00
340M&P, $720.00
340PD, $833.00

And all are available at this time so my options are wide open.

Regarding the ammo, I was talking about a 95 grain Hornady for weight savings only during exercise or maybe a 110 grain offering as well. I know the ammo weight does effect ballistics but I am willing to take the chance considering that if I ever have to pull it, heres hoping that the mere sight of a gun will ward off any would be attacker and if not, I still have something to defend myself with other than my hopes and dreams. The gun is for 2 legged prey as well as 4 as I almost was attached my a neighbors dog last year and got away by hitting it which worked out great in that instance as I was not carrying anything then...
 
I have owned a 340PD for many years. A lot of those it just rode in a velcroed holster inside the drivers' door pocket on my business car. When carried, it was in a leather PCH pocket holster in my light wool dress slacks.
I carry 135 gr. Gold Dots in 38sp.
Weight does make a difference but so does pride of ownership. I think it comes down to one's finances. If you think you will ever regret not buying the 340PD then get it now. I had the money and knew that is the gun I wanted.
In retrospect, I may now go for the M&P with steel cylinder as it has a more durable finish.
Will either work just fine and as for the extra ounce or two, the difference in holster weight may minimize any difference.
Here is my 340 after years of being exposed to extreme cold, heat, and sweat. BTW, I have LG405 grips and I highly recommend them as they are great recoil reducers.
20170427-083630-zpsgmjxbgf7.jpg
 
For jogging/exercising, yes, it is worth it. I bought my 340PD specifically for this reason and now of course I carry it every where. I picked up a cheap Uncle Mikes holster and being the weight is so light on the 340pd, this holster with elastic band shorts is an excellent combo. I get no shifting when jogging with this combo.
 
I should add, that I bought my 340PD used. $600 or $650, Can't remember.
 
My 340PD, in a Mika Pocket Holster, has been in my pocket most of the last 12-13 years. For a reason. Trying to rationalize a few ounces for a few hundred bucks is a waste of time.
 
Yes, look for a used 340PD. Folks buy them, shoot a couple cylinders of 357 mag loads and trade them in for something else. Should be able to find one for around $600 as mentioned above. And yes, in my opinion the premium is worth it to have the lightest 357 available. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
I have both the M&P340 and the 340PD. I carry the M&P340 most often in a Sticky pocket-holster along with a Speed-strip. I load it with Speer Gold-Dot 135-gr for Short-Barrel, either .38-Spl +P or .357-Mag. Really not much difference. I attained the 340PD first and carried it. When the M&P340 became available, I got it due to the cylinder. Either provides peace-of-mind. I do not regret purchasing either. I went with these due to their frames being rated for .357-Magnum.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
 
luangtom said:
I have both the M&P340 and the 340PD. I carry the M&P340 most often in a Sticky pocket-holster along with a Speed-strip. I load it with Speer Gold-Dot 135-gr for Short-Barrel, either .38-Spl +P or .357-Mag. Really not much difference. I attained the 340PD first and carried it. When the M&P340 became available, I got it due to the cylinder. Either provides peace-of-mind. I do not regret purchasing either. I went with these due to their frames being rated for .357-Magnum.
Click to expand...

A lot of sense in this post. The weight differential between the 442/642 and the two 340s is insignificant. What IS significant is the .357 chambering. I would not buy either 340 unless I intended to carry .357 ammunition. I own 2 of each so I speak from experience. The steel cylinder of the M&P allows me to use the 110gr .357 JHP which is not allowed in the PD. Recoil is bearable. I still have to work up a factory mag load for the PDs.

May I suggest, is there some way you can try these guns with magnum ammo at a range before buying one? You may find them intolerable, as many do. If so, stay with the 442, buy a 2nd and a 3rd, can't have too many snubs. Good luck with your decision, partner.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
So I went down this path as well. Presently I have a 351PD and a 442.

What has amazed me is the dramatic difference when carrying in a coat or pants pocket. The listed weights are four ounces apart, but printing and general carry seems more like a pound difference.

Everyone values attributes differently, but I would strongly endorse the PD series for a jogging gun. I absolutely know that use case and weight is magnified when slapping against you. There is piece of mind in knowing you did everything possible.
 
What has amazed me is the dramatic difference when carrying in a coat or pants pocket. The listed weights are four ounces apart, but printing and general carry seems more like a pound difference. [/QUOTE]

I agree, its amazing what a few ounces less can feel like when lugging it around all day in your pocket or coat.

I have a 642 and the 340PD. For me the PD is the one I carry.
 
There is no gun as easy to carry as the 340PD Airlite. I can carry it all day in my pocket with no problems or stretching the fabric when I move. You have to remember that it is there. I consider the weight and dimensions worth the price. The best carry gun, is one that you will carry. 38 Special is nothing to sneeze at but 357 magnum may make emergencies end a little sooner.
 

Attachments

  • 357MagModel 340PD.jpg
    357MagModel 340PD.jpg
    204.6 KB · Views: 56
If you can swing it, just buy the 340PD. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but hey, you’ll likely only buy one! :D

Seriously, yes, to me, it is worth it to get the weight reduction. You just might find you’re apt to take the 340PD along in some situations where you’d leave the 442 at home. If it’s just too much dough, maybe shop around for a used one? :o
 
Well now you guys aren't looking at it in the right angle..the money is still in your pocket, just in a diffrerent form of precious metals..I carry my investment all day in my pocket and after plunking it in a pocket holster I have not wanted my cash back..ever. The two 340s I own will be the last firearms I own in the end. I think the ones you will carry all the time will be the last to sail into the sunset.
 
Last edited:
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
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

3
New To Me 442 "Ultimate Carry"
2
Replies
23
Views
4K
.357magger
3
Eagle1*
Pro series J frame 642/442 worth the extra expense?
Replies
10
Views
865
Old cop
O
chief38
I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH FOR 7 YEARS ABOUT BUYING THIS KNIFE - DECISION MADE!
2 3 4
Replies
62
Views
3K
mikeruns
mikeruns
T
S&W Ultimate Carry J Frame 432
2 3 4
Replies
79
Views
11K
Rider1300
R
Erocksmash
Wife took my 442, looking at others any suggestions
2
Replies
25
Views
2K
GCF
G

Latest posts

Back
Top