340pd questions/concerns

[GE-Minigun]

Looking at a 340pd and I have some concerns…long story short. Found one on another board…I make an offer and the guy jumps on it (surprised me actually)…told him I would get back in touch in a day or two. We go back and forth a little and agree to a new price (had some extra items I wasn't interested in); again I tell him I'll get in touch in a day or two. I find out Monday there might be or is a lock failure problem with the "lighter" guns, however the only gun mentioned was the 329 and not the 340 and this was from 2010. Today he emails me stating he'll drop the price to sweeten the deal which it does, but not that much (if you know what I mean). So, is there a lock problem and has it been fixed? If there is a fix, how would I know it was done to this gun? States gun was purchased in 12/2013. Thanks for any help.

 

[P&R Fan]

I have one that lives in my left front pocket 24/7. I'm right handed.
I have had no problems with it.
Jim

 

[slabside2]

Same here. Had it for years with the dumb lock and I shoot the hell out of it and never a problem with the lock.

 

[b_san]

Looking at a 340pd and I have some concerns…long story short. Found one on another board…I make an offer and the guy jumps on it (surprised me actually)…told him I would get back in touch in a day or two. We go back and forth a little and agree to a new price (had some extra items I wasn't interested in); again I tell him I'll get in touch in a day or two. I find out Monday there might be or is a lock failure problem with the "lighter" guns, however the only gun mentioned was the 329 and not the 340 and this was from 2010. Today he emails me stating he'll drop the price to sweeten the deal which it does, but not that much (if you know what I mean). So, is there a lock problem and has it been fixed? If there is a fix, how would I know it was done to this gun? States gun was purchased in 12/2013. Thanks for any help.

Are you asking if there's a lock problem with his specific gun or just 340pd's in general? In general, there is no particular lock problem on the 340PD but there is always a chance that any mechanical item could fail on any handgun. Due to the lighter nature of the titanium magnums, they are subjected to more recoil battering so there is slightly more (though still a very remote) chance that something, lock included, could fail.

If the price and condition is right for you, buy it with confidence.

 

[M29since14]

There seem to be rare cases of the lock mechanism causing problems with the ultra-lightweight guns, and the 340PD is one of them. Most of us don't care for the lock and think it is ugly and silly, but the vast majority of the guns apparently work fine. My 340PD and 329PD (both with locks) have been trouble-free.

I wouldn't worry about it unless you see some evidence of a problem with your particular gun. In that case, I'd bet S&W would fix the problem, for the good of all.

 

[yupitsnuge]

I have a 340PD and its easily my favorite gun to carry. I would always prefer my G19 with 10rds over a small revolver with 5, but I always pass up the G19 for the 340PD because once it goes in the pocket, you won't even know its there. I removed the lock in mine because of all these forums telling me the lock is horrible. I never had any issues before, and I don't have any issues after. GET THE 340!

 

[Old cop]

Some of these ultra light guns had problems with lead bullets jumping crimp, I can't recall which models though. If it were me I'd buy it and use jacketed ammo that I had tested at the range to ensure reliability.

 

[Rangerpat]

I own a 340PD and a 329NG and have removed the lock from both revolvers and replaced them with "The PLUG" that I purchased from a member of this great Forum.
Do a search for the "the PLUG" on this site and on YouTube. It is very easy to change out and will eliminate any worry you may have concerning lock failure.

 

[nawilson]

As Rangerpat said, if the lock worries you that much, then remove it. It isn't that hard to do.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Just my 2 cents but it seems to me you should have addressed your concerns before you made an offer. Where I come from a mans offer is binding and a reflection of more than the value of the purchase.

p.s. I've have a 360pd for years and never had a issue of any kind through hundreds of rounds of 38 +P shooting

 

[mickeyblueyes]

Buy the gun, if you have not held one yet,you don't know what your missing. As stated remove the lock,u tube 10 mins. Put some fancy shoes on it and get a sweet leather holster. I will bet you'll carry that gun till they peel your cold dead fingers off it.

 

[GE-Minigun]

Well I'm getting the gun, now I need a pocket holster. While looking on line for a holster I came across Condition Orange Concealment Holsters and unfortunately he is no longer making holsters, so now the search is now for a "new" one. What I'm looking for is the thinnest and lightest holster out there, so where do I find a critter? Thanks.

 

[M29since14]

You'll probably have to experiment a little. I use an Uncle Mike's size 3 (I believe) and am happy with it in a jacket. In that application it is mainly acting like a sheath to keep pocket fuzz and crud away from the gun. Lots of guys use the same thing in their pants pocket. All I can say is they must have BIG pants and BIG pants pockets.

Let us know how the gun works for you. Start with something other than 158-gr full-charge .357s.