Thanks again for a great discussion! Decided the M&P340CT NoLock was the one. Placed my order and hope to get it this week. Glad we talked before I went with the 340PD (although I'm sure I would have been happy with it as well).
I put a couple of Walthers up for sale and want to get a lightweight J-Frame for everyday carry. I will probably be shooting regular .38 special rounds through it most of the time. Weight is a big factor and the 340PD looks like maybe the lightest current production J-Frame? It looks to be just about the perfect self defense gun for my needs at 11.4 Oz. I could look at a used 342 at under 11 Oz, but being able to shoot .357 rounds should I change my mind later is appealing. Also, it looks like the 342 goes for close to the same price as a 340PD? So, I was really thinking this was the gun for me. However, as I research it more I'm starting to see things about bullet-pull, temperamental titanium, and no bullets under 125 grains. How much of a problem are these issues? If the gun is having this many problems, why is S&W still making it? Should I look in another direction? Kind of bummed as this looked like the perfect gun for me. Any thoughts? If you own this gun, would you buy it again? Do the Pros outweigh the Cons?
Thanks for any insight,
JT
...Knowing what I know now, I would have bought the 342PD instead. I have gotten over any desire to load the 340PD with .357's. Kills on one end and mains on the other.
Yep. I have a 342 and like it. 357's in a gun this weight are nuts. Even with pachmayrs modified to actually fit my hands, Speer 135 SB HPs loaded to just over factory velocities are all I want to shoot. Scandium and titanium, great carry gun.I too can honestly say I would prefer a 342PD to my 340PD,