442 or 340PD

[BIGBOY61]

I need some input from the learned crew here who have either one of these models or both.

My delirium is which to choose from.

This is my reasoning.....The 340 is chambered for 357\38. Ammunition is interchangeable which makes this model a bit more versatile.
The 442 is only chambered for 38 and +P.

I am no stranger to shooting small framed revolvers with hot loads. I have an LCR that I enjoy, but shooting +P loads out of that puppy is no joy, but an effective round for SD.

I am sure that shooting a 357mag out of such a light weight as the 340 would be challenging, but I would probably send it off to Magnaport to get ported.

I am over thinking this dilemma? Would any of you port your 442 or 340?
I have a chance to get a 340PD with the night sights for $660 or a 442 for $329.

Which would you choose? Thanks for your input.

 

[jessegpresley]

Magnaporting is gonna add another $200 with shipping both ways, so now you're on your way to a $900 J frame. Don't know why you really need .357 when .38+P is a very capable round. And anyone who says they like shooting .357 out of a Scandium J frame is a tougher man (or bigger liar) than I. I'd just keep it cheaper and simpler.

 

[BIGBOY61]

Good advice.

BTW, how do you like shooting your 629PC?

I have plenty of semi-autos and I am just restocking my revolver lines.

The J-frame is one and the other will be a 44 mag.

 

[TGDKYSER]

I love my 642-1 with .38spl+p's. The accuracy is ridiculous for a revolver with a 2 inch barrel.

 

[hudsonvalley]

I need some input from the learned crew here who have either one of these models or both.

My delirium is which to choose from.

.....The 340 is chambered for 357\38....The 442 is only chambered for 38 and +P..... a 340PD with the night sights for $660 or a 442 for $329.

Which would you choose? Thanks for your input.

The 442 and 15 boxes of ammo.....same price as a 340 with no ammo.

 

[skeeter1911]

I was in your shoes with this decision awhile back. A .38 +P is a potent round. It's definitely not the .357 but if you're using this as a defensive snub will the .38 +P be effective at prcatical distance...most likely yes. If you're not willing or able to shoot A LOT of .357 to practice and your accuracy suffers then what's the point? I went with the 642 and I'm happy I did. Like hudsonvalley said, use some of what you would have spent on the 340pd to buy some practice ammo. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Macinaw]

Prices in Florida

442 $350 ish

M&P 340 $670

340 PD 800 ish

I went with the M&P 340 it is chambered for 357 if needed. It is less than the 340 PD and almost as light!

 

[Macinaw]

If you can get the 340 PD with the Titanium cylinder for $ 660 do it.

That is about what I payed for the M&P 340 with the stainless cylinder.

 

[Hapworth]

Get the 442.

.357 Magnum out of a lightweight snubby is all kinds of unpleasant and unnecessary, especially with the availability of excellent .38 Special +P defensive rounds.

And when you get the 442, get the model cut for moon clips and minus the integrated lock. Not much more expensive than the regular 442, much less expensive than the 340, moon clips are terrific additions for carry -- and no lock!

 

[BIGBOY61]

This is really a good sickness shared by others than myself!! lol

All great points. I pulled the trigger (pun intended) on a 442 with a no lock model.

I got it for $360.

Been eyeing the moonclip setup for sometime. I may opt that route as well.

Great forum,great responses, and sound advice from those who share from the "what to do" syndrome!

 

[.45mtngun]

The 442 you went with was a wise choice, and at a good price! I have a 442-2 no-lock I keep loaded with Speer Short Barrel 135 grain +P Gold Dots. Believe me at the range that you will be using it( 5 yards and closing!), they will do the job! At 7 yards off hand slow fire I was able to keep 4 out of 5 under an inch. I'm only saying this to prove that the guns are very accurate, but do need alot of practice. I hand load 125 grain lead RNFP bullets for practice as the Speers are pretty expensive and can be hard to find. The Speer load has a very good reputation but so does the old Remongton 158 grain LSWH hollowpoints. My gun happens to shoot the Speer load right over the front sight and about an inch high at 7 yards where as the 158's shoot quite abit higher and to the right. Try both loads and your gun will tell you what it likes and what feels the best to you. I also left the factory springs alone, with the small hammer I want dependable ignition! Hope you enjoy your 442 and this information has been of some help.
Jim

 

[A10]

Good choice BigBoy! My 442 has been my EDC for some time now and I couldn't be happier!

 

[skeeter1911]

Very good choice

 

[BIGBOY61]

The 442 you went with was a wise choice, and at a good price! I have a 442-2 no-lock I keep loaded with Speer Short Barrel 135 grain +P Gold Dots. Believe me at the range that you will be using it( 5 yards and closing!), they will do the job! At 7 yards off hand slow fire I was able to keep 4 out of 5 under an inch. I'm only saying this to prove that the guns are very accurate, but do need alot of practice. I hand load 125 grain lead RNFP bullets for practice as the Speers are pretty expensive and can be hard to find. The Speer load has a very good reputation but so does the old Remongton 158 grain LSWH hollowpoints. My gun happens to shoot the Speer load right over the front sight and about an inch high at 7 yards where as the 158's shoot quite abit higher and to the right. Try both loads and your gun will tell you what it likes and what feels the best to you. I also left the factory springs alone, with the small hammer I want dependable ignition! Hope you enjoy your 442 and this information has been of some help.
Jim

Jim,

All the info, including yours has been helpful. When you are down to 2 choices and then the timing of a great deal pops up in front of you with both firearms, it tends to escalate the decision process! That is why I went to the forum for advice and assurance.
No disappointment with my decision based on all the fine answers here.