340PD Range Report

[Old cop]

Took my new-to-me 340PD to the range today and shot a variety of standard pressure and +P .38 at 3 yards. The recoil was manageable, especially with the 110 grain +P Hornandy Critical Defense stuff. Shooting off-hand I managed a < 2" group in the center of the target.

Before going I called S&W and asked if the warning on the barrel, "No less than 120 Gr. Bullet" applies to .357 only and they confirmed that it was magnum only. No bullets pulled out of their casing, even the lead FBI +P stuff was no problem. This gun carries great, but I'll never shoot or carry .357 ammo in it.

 

[AJ]

Took my new-to-me 340PD to the range today and shot a variety of standard pressure and +P .38 at 3 yards. The recoil was manageable, especially with the 110 grain +P Hornandy Critical Defense stuff. Shooting off-hand I managed a < 2" group in the center of the target.

Before going I called S&W and asked if the warning on the barrel, "No less than 120 Gr. Bullet" applies to .357 only and they confirmed that it was magnum only. No bullets pulled out of their casing, even the lead FBI +P stuff was no problem. This gun carries great, but I'll never shoot or carry .357 ammo in it.

I have the 342 AirLite II, just about the same gun except chambered in .38 Special only. I used the .38 Special +P Critical Defense in it also. Never have felt a need for anything else. Great carry gun, can almost forget that you have it with you.

 

[cleans up]

Very nice, I've got a real affinity for these ultra light j frames. Enjoy it, just don't forget you carrying it, a legitimate possibility

 

[pittpa]

This gun carries great, but I'll never shoot or carry .357 ammo in it.

That's what I said when I got mine, used. I was only looking for a very light 38. This gun really shines for carry with boot grips and 38 loading. Then my pal got a 9mm revolver and I started comparing 38-9mm-357 ballistics. I was tempted and did try various 357 with a chronny, and compared the felt recoil to the 9mm lcr. Of course, full power 357 is punishing in this gun, (literally, it cut my trigger finger) and likely not worth it ballistically. I went with a 3-finger grip and now carry Speer 357 short barrel. It pushes out over 1000 FPS in my 340 and makes over 300 ft/lb muzzle energy, still 50# short of the hot 9mm load in the ruger. Beyond that, reasonably fast follow shots become a challenge if you don't train all the time, or maybe even if you do. If I wanted to use a 2-finger grip, I'd have to stick with 38.

 

[AJ]

I am using a Hogue Monogrip on my 342Ti. It adds about a 1/2 inch or so to the grips, but you can now get your whole hand around the grip. Feels good and still conceals about the same.

 

[GCF]

Took my new-to-me 340PD to the range today and shot a variety of standard pressure and +P .38 at 3 yards.

Did you notice any problems (accuracy, fouling, etc.), w/ the cast bullet loads?

I've been considering CB hand loads, for my 340.

 

[Old cop]

GCF: No fouling or accuracy problems with cast ammo, the gun cleaned up nicely & shot to POA. I removed the rubber boot grips and put on an old set of Herritts Shooting Ace wood grips. They cover the backstrap and extend about an eighth inch below the grip frame. Combined with a grip adapter it handles +P fine and does not compromise pocket carry. I keep it loaded with Speer 135 grain +P short barrel ammo.

 

[GCF]

GCF: No fouling or accuracy problems with cast ammo, the gun cleaned up nicely & shot to POA. I removed the rubber boot grips and put on an old set of Herritts Shooting Ace wood grips. The cover the backstrap and extend about an eighth inch below the grip frame. Combined with a grip adapter it handles +P fine and does not compromise pocket carry. I keep it loaded with Speer 135 grain +P short barrel ammo.

Thanks for the info. I load mainly cast bullets for target ammo. The M&P340, is my only new model revolver, & I was wondering about compatibility w/ lead.

I'm w/ you on the Speer Gold Dot / 135 +p / SB - for carry.

Out of curiosity, what do you use for clean up?

 

[tcon]

Resist the urge to fire .357 in it. Nah.. you need to know. Hehe. MP340 here.

 

[bronco45]

I shot a 340 one cylinder full of 158 357s at a 50 yard B27. Shot the weapon prone and hit the torso 4 out of 5. Gave the gun back to the guy who owned it and haven't fired one since. That was in 2003!

 

[buckshotshorty]

............. This gun carries great, but I'll never shoot or carry .357 ammo in it.

That is what I love about my LCR 327 Federal Magnum, I can carry it with magnums because they are comfortable yet powerful, and get six shots to boot.

 

[alexrex20]

I don't understand why people get the 340PD with no intention of shooting .357 through it. Just get a used 342PD for $300 less, which is even lighter than the 340PD.

I carry 135gr .357 Gold Dots in mine.

 

[JohnSW]

I don't understand why people get the 340PD with no intention of shooting .357 through it.

I suppose a .357 could be viewed as an "extra durable" .38.

 

[GCF]

I suppose a .357 could be viewed as an "extra durable" .38.

An extra durable / over built, no lock .38spl - w/ .357 option. That was my thought when purchasing, anyway...