340PD

[44 mag]

Nagging itch to pick one of those to shoot mostly 38 special and replace my 642. I own several J frames ( 642, 60-14, 640pro).I like my 642 and I carry it 20% of the time either in pocket holster or Harry’s icon IWB . Good purchase or waste of $$ to save couple ounces ? Bonus It’s a nice looking gun ..

 

[Cal44]

The 340pd has noticably more recoil than a 642. More than you would expect given the small weight difference.

I like the 357 mag capability, but rarely shoot magnum ammo.

But if you have the money, you should get what you want. We only go around once.

 

[B_Still]

A good cost compromise might be a 360J, if you can find one. .38sp only, and you can swap or bob the hammer if you prefer. Mine happened to come with an additional titanium cylinder for even more weight savings. Other than an LCR, it's my first J-frame, and unfortunately I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet.

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

 

[old pipefitter]

340

I own a 340M&P the difference between the PD and the M&P is the PD has the titanium cylinder and the M&P has a stainless cylinder so its maybe an ounce or two heavier. I usually shoot mine with +P .38'S. Its quite a handful with .357's. Some lighter .357 loads would be the cats meow. I do carry mine with Factory .357's

 

[michpatriot]

GET it! You won't ever miss heavier for pocket carry. Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 gr 357 ain't bad to shoot. And it expands Good, and in cold weather where the 38 gold dot looses ve!ocity when the powder is cold and fails to expand the 357 version keeps enough velocity to expand. If you don't like the internal lock get the red ramp sight version without the lock.

 

[22hipower]

It won't be your favorite range gun but for concealed carry it is hard to beat.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Muss Muggins]

I have both, along with a 442. The 340PD is my main daily carry, especially in the summer with shorts, a t shirt, and a SnubbyFan AIWB holster. The difference between the 340PD and the 442/642 is noticeable, but I carry from daybreak to bedtime. The price difference is significant, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, but the 340PD is worth it, in my never humble opinion. Your mileage may vary . . .

Nagging itch to pick one of those to shoot mostly 38 special and replace my 642. I own several J frames ( 642, 60-14, 640pro).I like my 642 and I carry it 20% of the time either in pocket holster or Harry’s icon IWB . Good purchase or waste of $$ to save couple ounces ? Bonus It’s a nice looking gun ..

 

[M29since14]

…But if the have the money, you should get what you want. We only go around once.

True! Buy it and give it a try. If you don’t like it, you can always sell/trade. I’m betting you’ll like it.

BTW, with the lighter-weight .357s, 125 grain, in particular, the 340 is MUCH more manageable than with 158s. The difference surprised me. I didn’t expect it.

 

[KalamazooKid]

I absolutely love mine and have carried it daily for going on 14 years (or thereabouts). Yes, it’s painful to shoot the magnums but in my world, it’s a good pain![emoji41]

Mine has always worn CT laser grips not only for the laser, but also the padded back strap.

 

[Greg3458]

I don’t see the point. Too light for most to control and shoot accurately beyond 3-5 feet. When you can carry a 10 - 11 round 380 these days. Personally I prefer compact size pistols.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[joebuck]

The pinnacle of concealed carry revolvers, especially in hot climates. Get one but just make sure to know the special cleaning precautions of the Ti cylinder and check the screws for backing out every so often. Load it up how you like it. Crazy hot to grandma soft.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I’ve got both a 442-2 and a 340PD and I just don’t notice much difference in them (both are loaded with .38 Special). I wouldn’t part with my 340PD but my primary edc is my 442-2.

 

[Lonestar57]

I like mine, especially with the Herrett grips.

 

[ADP3]

I'll stick with a 442~1 or 642~1. No titanium cylinder issues, no lock and no two~piece barrel. If I need more oomph Buffalo Bore makes ammo that will do the job.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[American1776]

I had one, without the internal lock. It's the easiest gun I've ever carried. Could carry it in gym shorts pockets.

However: the titanium cylinder needs to special care. No harsh brushes, which could wear off the coating, which would cause the titanium to start to 'catch on fire' so to speak during shooting. I didn't have this happen, but there a plenty of photos of it happening.

I would prefer the steel cylinder M&P version.

 

[scruffy]

The 340pd has noticably more recoil than a 642. More than you would expect given the small weight difference.

This. ^^^ I had one and didn't practice with it much. Hard for me to justify the price when a 642/442 will do the same thing and handle .38 +P much more comfortably. The sights were better, but that just wasn't worth it to me. Sold it after a few months.

 

[Liquidm17]

Awesome gun super lightweight. I have both and notice the difference in my pocket and even holding the guns. I went with the red ramp no lock version. Carry it a Mika pocket holster with a set crimson trace 405s.

The 442/642 are amazing guns and a lot better value. With that said if you have 10 100s laying around get the 340pd.

 

[Old cop]

I’ve carried a no lock 340PD for years in a Blue Force pocket holster. As someone whose carried a J Frame since 1968 this model is great as an EDC. What puts most folks off is the expense, but if carried daily it’s worth it. Mine is loaded w/+P b/c magnum rounds produce significant recoil making follow up shots very difficult, at least for me.

 

[scott53]

For many years I have carried a 340 PD with Crimson Trace Laser LG-405 grips in a pocket holster from the time I get up until I go to bed. It's loaded with Federal HST Micro .38 Spl. 130 gr. In my opinion recoil is not that bad. I shot the Vickers 5-5-5 Drill (5" circle, 5 yards, 5 shots, 5 seconds) from concealment cold with no warmup in 4.89 seconds and all 5 hits in the 5" circle. In daylight or low light I can keep 5 shots in the A zone of an IDPA target out to 10 yards. If I didn't shoot it well out to 10 yards I wouldn't carry or own it. All it takes is the time and willingness to train with what you carry. I shoot a few cylinders full every time I go to the range regardless of what else I am shooting that day. Buy one and practice with it is my recommendation. I think you will like it.

On days when I add a holstered Shield or SIG P365 and spare mag I still carry the 340 PD and reload as a backup.

 

[M29since14]

As I was reading these comments it appeared to me that probably at least 75% of the folks who bought a 340PD would be just as well off, or better, with a 342PD. S&W should have made more of those. I hardly ever see one for sale. I’m sure there’s a reason for that. (That is not meant to take anything away from the 340.)