640 Pro Series or M&P 340 - help me choose!!!

Mister X said:
I've owned 640's and 340 M&P's.

I personally found the 640 a bit impractical for pocket carry while the 340 was ideal for it. If pocket carry isn't your preferred carry method and you insist on carrying/shooting .357 magnum, then the 640 probably makes the most sense. I don't care for moon clips on defensive revolvers and don't see the pro models sights being a big advantage on a snub considering it's likely defensive use and would opt for a standard model myself. Just my opinion though, YMMV.
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Why do you say the 640 is impractical for pocket carry? The length, weight, stock grips?
 
Jsferrazza said:
I actually saw thr first link the other day, but haven't seen the second one. I would be getting the non-lock model if I got the 340. Do you think the bullet issue could be something to turn someone away from the M&P340?
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In your question about "the bullet issue," if you mean .38 vs .357, probably. That and the price.

If there were a poll about J-frames in general and the alloy J-frames specifically I get the sense a big majority of respondents on this forum would opt out of ever using .357s in them.

I keep my goal in mind: best results if I get into a bad situation, which for me would be an aggressive bear that thinks I'm trespassing, or worse yet, lunch. So I'll do what I need to do -- practice, practice, practice -- in hopes the outcome will be in my favor if I ever get into that situation. The magnum's bite isn't nearly as bad as the damage those big claws and jaws might inflict.

I sold my 629 because I grew really tired of the weight, and when I go to town I put the moon clip with Speer GDSB 135gr .38+P in my 640 Pro.

The best any of us can do in advance of a purchase is read all the opinions we can find. Then consider them all and not just look at the ones that fit our preconception of what we think we want. I'm ever awed by the great, collective wisdom on this forum based on hundreds (thousands?) of years of experience. Makes sense to seek it out, as you have done.

There is no perfect-for-everybody gun. Picking a working gun is very personal. There's no universal consensus, there is no wrong answer, but there are lots of stories of guns bought that end up being sold because they didn't do what the buyer wanted.
 
two-bit cowboy said:
In your question about "the bullet issue," if you mean .38 vs .357, probably. That and the price.

If there were a poll about J-frames in general and the alloy J-frames specifically I get the sense a big majority of respondents on this forum would opt out of ever using .357s in them.

I keep my goal in mind: best results if I get into a bad situation, which for me would be an aggressive bear that thinks I'm trespassing, or worse yet, lunch. So I'll do what I need to do -- practice, practice, practice -- in hopes the outcome will be in my favor if I ever get into that situation. The magnum's bite isn't nearly as bad as the damage those big claws and jaws might inflict.

I sold my 629 because I grew really tired of the weight, and when I go to town I put the moon clip with Speer GDSB 135gr .38+P in my 640 Pro.

The best any of us can do in advance of a purchase is read all the opinions we can find. Then consider them all and not just look at the ones that fit our preconception of what we think we want. I'm ever awed by the great, collective wisdom on this forum based on hundreds (thousands?) of years of experience. Makes sense to seek it out, as you have done.

There is no perfect-for-everybody gun. Picking a working gun is very personal. There's no universal consensus, there is no wrong answer, but there are lots of stories of guns bought that end up being sold because they didn't do what the buyer wanted.
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I should've clarified the "bullet issue"... Quite a few of the guys on that thread were talking about "bullet pull", that's what I was referring to.
 
OP- if you can only have one in my mind it's a no Brainer. 640 Pro. Suit and tie 5days a week? Galco king tuk appendix carry... Done. You can even put some nice back strap padded pachmayer diamond pros on it and still be 100 percent concealed all the while toting around an easily manageable Buffalo bore or barnes 357 short barrel load that will go 1250 fps.

I have a 340 and a 649. The 340 is a last choice tank top and bb shorts type of gun to me. Nothing fun or easy about it. I load and can shoot the Speer 357s out of it without issue. No more though.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.
 
I have a few 640-1's and one of the very first of the Scandium 340's that was built. The all SS 640-1 is a bit much for pocket carry, but the 340sc is a JOY.

I tried some real barn burner 125gr Federal JHP rounds in my 340 and it made me bleed in the first cylinder. I settled with 158gr mid-range Magnum ammo. I had several issues of bullet jump with Remington Golden Sabers see http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/168749-updated-again-8-18-2013-holy-bullet-jump-batman.html?highlight=holy+bullet+jump

The two guns that you are considering are built for two different purposes. The 340 fills the pocket carry role better (length & weight). If you are stepping up to a belt gun check out the model 65 with a 3" barrel.

Good luck in your search, and if you have the chance, do take up the offer to shoot them both (the 340 is certainly a 'memorable' gun).
 
SAFireman said:
The two guns that you are considering are built for two different purposes. The 340 fills the pocket carry role better (length & weight). If you are stepping up to a belt gun check out the model 65 with a 3" barrel.

Good luck in your search, and if you have the chance, do take up the offer to shoot them both (the 340 is certainly a 'memorable' gun).
Click to expand...

I want to be able to belt carry and pocket carry, but still want a gun with the most "shootability" that I can enjoy practicing with.

Unfortunately I haven't found a way to be able to shoot either since most of the gun shops and guys around me are, well... GLOCK-aholics :mad:
 
Well,

Here are the 640-1 Pro Series and the 340 PD side by side. Sorry for the iPad photo, but I'm here at the cabin, and lighting isn't too good. I have some other choices, like the M&P 340 as well, but these two represent most of my carry recently, and I think you are looking at something similar.



When I pocket carry, which is how I mostly carry, I use a Galco horsehide pocket holster. Here is the 640-1 in the holster:



And here is the 340 PD in the same holster:



As you can see, they have exactly the same profile in the pocket. The difference is in the weight. The 340 PD weighs a little over 11 oz., and the 640 weighs a little over 23 oz. twice as much weight, not counting the ammunition and holster, which would be the same for each.

When I am pocket carrying in Levi jeans (and you have to be careful which "number" you get, as my old "505"s used to have deep pockets, but they don't anymore, and I went to, I think, "550"s, which had, the last time I bought, deep pockets). Anyway, when pocket carrying in jeans, I don't notice the difference in the weight. But when carrying in a suit trouser pocket, I find the heavier gun does not carry well.

Personally, I'm glad I have several choices, and enjoy switching around. Of course, I spend a lot of time shooting all of my guns, and feel confident in my skills with pretty much any of them.

One note on the moon clips. I keep my 640 loaded with a moon clip, because it will ensure positive ejection of the empties. I usually carry spare ammo on a speed strip. Moon clips are nice, but they are not very sturdy, and are easily bent. This will not happen when used as I use them, but I would not be confident in trying to carry spare ammo in one. But having the capability in no way detracts from the versatility of the gun, it only enhances it.

As a poster noted above "buy both of them!"

I hope that we have given you some help, but ultimately, the choice is yours. Either of these guns, or the M&P 340 would be a fine firearm, and one that you can stake your life on... If you master it!!! Someone, maybe the "Master", Jeff Cooper once said: "owning a handgun no more makes you a great shot than owning a piano makes you a musician!, You must master either one to be proficient!"

Best Regards, Les
 
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I am faced with the same dilemma as the OP. My local store has a 640-Pro and a 340-PD. Currently, I have a 3" 686 and 4" 686. I am thinking of trading the 4" 686 towards one of these. The reason I may trade the 4" is because every time I pick up the 3" 686, I say to myself, this is the perfect weapon. Thoughts?
 
GTBL said:
I am faced with the same dilemma as the OP. My local store has a 640-Pro and a 340-PD. Currently, I have a 3" 686 and 4" 686. I am thinking of trading the 4" 686 towards one of these. The reason I may trade the 4" is because every time I pick up the 3" 686, I say to myself, this is the perfect weapon. Thoughts?
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I was interested in the 686+, but feel that it's too big for me - especially for pocket carry. I'm a really small guy (5'8" & 130lbs), so that 686 just seemed too big for me to reasonably conceal.
 
Jsferrazza said:
I want to be able to belt carry and pocket carry, but still want a gun with the most "shootability" that I can enjoy practicing with.

Unfortunately I haven't found a way to be able to shoot either since most of the gun shops and guys around me are, well... GLOCK-aholics :mad:
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That, my friend, is one sad state of affairs.

Have you considered moving? :p

Seriously, one of the forum members here has both, make a road trip, it is worth it :D

Or, if you are close to Ocala, I will be out that way in the near future, and I would be happy to meet for some good fried shrimp and range time.
 
Sure, if you're ever up in WV, I have quite a few that you would be welcome to try out. You've seen the 340 PD and the 640-1 Pro Series, I also have the M&P 340, and even an original low number pre model 40, and a 42, and a lot of others as well. I am partial to the Centennials in general, but also have Chiefs Spaecials and Terriers, and a Bodygaurd (the revolver kind), and a lot of other snubbies, including 7 or 8 Colts. Come on by and we'll shoot a little!

The Hammerless design just makes sense to me for a concealed carry gun, though, and there are a number of choices and finishes and weights and calibers etc., that will answer most requirements!

Best Regards, Les
 
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Jsferrazza said:
I should've clarified the "bullet issue"... Quite a few of the guys on that thread were talking about "bullet pull", that's what I was referring to.
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Ah, got it. I don't experience it with either gun, now.

The first night I had my 640 I loaded it with snap caps for a little living room range time. The next day I put it on the FedEx truck back to Springfield. Had I used ammo on the range I would have gotten bullet pull -- to the right, which I thought was weird. The action felt like somebody had assembled the gun in a sandbox. Plus the front sight was dark. The factory replaced the front sight and the trigger. Now the action is smooth as glass, and all three Tritium dots are bright.
 
two-bit cowboy said:
Ah, got it. I don't experience it with either gun, now.

The first night I had my 640 I loaded it with snap caps for a little living room range time. The next day I put it on the FedEx truck back to Springfield. Had I used ammo on the range I would have gotten bullet pull -- to the right, which I thought was weird. The action felt like somebody had assembled the gun in a sandbox. Plus the front sight was dark. The factory replaced the front sight and the trigger. Now the action is smooth as glass, and all three Tritium dots are bright.
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I'm sure this is was a wording mistake on your part, but did you really send a Smith to Springfield?
 
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