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

My first choice would be to get both, the 340 for pocket carry and occasional practice and the 640 for belt carry and regular practice.

If limited to one and I were going to pocket carry it most of the time, I'd go with the 340 for the lighter weight.

The 640 can be pocket carried, but the heavier weight can be an issue. You could always take your pants to a tailor and have them lenghten and reinforce your pants pockets to better handle the extra weight.

I carry IWB, so if I were making the choice I'd pick the 640 to make it easier to shoot and practice with.

I don't consider night sights essential on a defensive gun, so that's not a big deal to me. I also don't care for moon clips so that option is also moot.

Regarding practice, even if you intend to carry .357 Magnum loads, you don't have to do all of your practice with them. I carry a 642 loaded with Speer SB-GDHP +P. I'd say probably 2/3 to 3/4 of the rounds I fire are standard pressure .38 Special loads and the remainder +P. Such an approach can mitigate any recoil-related issues with practicing.
 
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M&P 340 vs 640, very tough choice. I've owned the M&P 340 a couple times (currently have one barely used) and have considered the 640 to the point of even putting one hold, but so far haven't purchased. These two are by far the only two modern J frames I'd buy (and the no-lock versions of both), and I've spent many many hours comparing the two, and still haven't completely come to a final decision. Close but not final.

As you know by now the answer depends on your requirements, modes of carry, philosophies, etc., but my opinions (I stress opinions):

In short, forget aesthetics, moon clips, glowing sights, etc. It all comes down to two factors:

1) Is pocket carry a must?

2) Are you comfortable shooting .357 magnums from a J frame?

If you must have pocket carry option, and especially if you pocket carry frequently, the 340 wins, no question. I find any steel J-frame too heavy in a pocket: it swings the pants about when you walk, it's bulky, and is hard to draw quickly and cleanly. I don't even pocket carry the 340 for the last two reasons. If you belt carry or IWB carry, either is fine in terms of weight, but if pocket carry is a requirement, go for the 340. I also don't pocket carry any gun because when you sit down, it's pointing down range, not down.

In terms of shooting comfort, .357 magnum is unpleasant in any J-frame. I've done it from a 340, 649, 60, etc. using up to 158 gr bullets in downloaded handloads and factory full power loads. I'm a medium build with medium sized hands. Unpleasant much more so in the 340. Steel 640 helps here. Still not pleasant but far less unpleasant than it is in the 340. If I was just carrying SHTF ammo I wouldn't mind (so I tell myself), but if you're doing any range time with magnums, even downloaded lighter loads, the 640 will be less punishing.

The most important difference between these two is the weight. Far more important than size, sights, barrel length, aesthetics, moon clips, etc.

I believe you've lowered it down to the best two modern J frames. I'd do whatever you can do to own both, and spend some time getting to know them, and keep the best, sell the other. Or not :)

Lastly, if you're willing to buy used, I would also consider a 640-1 (anything after the 640 no-dash will handle .357 magnum). You don't get moon clips or glowing sights, but you get a quality pre-lock piece, without the "Pro Series" script and fluted barrel (I'm not a fan of either). Again, pocket carry, maybe not.

Current fave and daily carry here is a humpback 49, looking for a 49-2 or 649-2, have a 340 posted FS but now talking myself out of it LOL, looking for a 640 and considering a 640 Pro. See? Not easy.
 
I'm with the ContinentalOp, you need to get both. I'm glad that I bought both. Yes, I'm a collector, but not so much of modern guns. I only have a Glock because they presented me with my service gun when I retired. And yes, I have some really nice carry automatics, too, but for day in and day out, carry, these two little charmers I posted above are the most likely to be the ones in my pocket.

Best Regards, Les
 
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?
Click to expand...

Love the 3" barrel length! But maybe a bit short for a typical .357 magnum. Choice might just come down to which you prefer to shoot: .357 magnum or 38 special
 
snubbert said:
M&P 340 vs 640, very tough choice. I've owned the M&P 340 a couple times (currently have one barely used) and have considered the 640 to the point of even putting one hold, but so far haven't purchased. These two are by far the only two modern J frames I'd buy (and the no-lock versions of both), and I've spent many many hours comparing the two, and still haven't completely come to a final decision. Close but not final.

As you know by now the answer depends on your requirements, modes of carry, philosophies, etc., but my opinions (I stress opinions):

In short, forget aesthetics, moon clips, glowing sights, etc. It all comes down to two factors:

1) Is pocket carry a must?

2) Are you comfortable shooting .357 magnums from a J frame?

If you must have pocket carry option, and especially if you pocket carry frequently, the 340 wins, no question. I find any steel J-frame too heavy in a pocket: it swings the pants about when you walk, it's bulky, and is hard to draw quickly and cleanly. I don't even pocket carry the 340 for the last two reasons. If you belt carry or IWB carry, either is fine in terms of weight, but if pocket carry is a requirement, go for the 340. I also don't pocket carry any gun because when you sit down, it's pointing down range, not down.

In terms of shooting comfort, .357 magnum is unpleasant in any J-frame. I've done it from a 340, 649, 60, etc. using up to 158 gr bullets in downloaded handloads and factory full power loads. I'm a medium build with medium sized hands. Unpleasant much more so in the 340. Steel 640 helps here. Still not pleasant but far less unpleasant than it is in the 340. If I was just carrying SHTF ammo I wouldn't mind (so I tell myself), but if you're doing any range time with magnums, even downloaded lighter loads, the 640 will be less punishing.

The most important difference between these two is the weight. Far more important than size, sights, barrel length, aesthetics, moon clips, etc.

I believe you've lowered it down to the best two modern J frames. I'd do whatever you can do to own both, and spend some time getting to know them, and keep the best, sell the other. Or not :)

Lastly, if you're willing to buy used, I would also consider a 640-1 (anything after the 640 no-dash will handle .357 magnum). You don't get moon clips or glowing sights, but you get a quality pre-lock piece, without the "Pro Series" script and fluted barrel (I'm not a fan of either). Again, pocket carry, maybe not.

Current fave and daily carry here is a humpback 49, looking for a 49-2 or 649-2, have a 340 posted FS but now talking myself out of it LOL, looking for a 640 and considering a 640 Pro. See? Not easy.
Click to expand...


Great response! I don't currently have a firearm that allows me to pocket carry, so it's hard to tell if it's a "must" and how much I'll do it once I own a j frame. I wear a suit to work everyday and live in Florida where it's hot and humid 99% of the time, so pocket carry could potentially be my new favorite method with either one that I pick.

I hit the range and practice with my EDC at least 3-4 times per month, so whichever I choose will certainly see a fair amount of rounds through it. I'm not necessarily recoil sensitive, but still want to somewhat "enjoy" shooting it and practicing with it. I've been shooting a buddy's 642 with .38spl, and can say that I do enjoy shooting a snub nose.

Is there any difference in the trigger pull/smoothness between the two?

I can definitely see myself with both in the future, but have to pick one for now. I know I could find a nice used gun, but want to buy brand new. That being said, if you could only pick one which would it be for you?
 
Jsferrazza said:
Is there any difference in the trigger pull/smoothness between the two?
Click to expand...

While I find both trigger pulls somewhat long and heavy, the 340's seems smoother and lighter to me. Not by much. I'm not sure if it's truly smoother/lighter as it could just be the difference in "response" (tactile feedback) of the frame material. Softer, heavier steel will give a different response than stiffer and lighter alloy. Again the difference is small, but especially when I dry fire the 340, it just feels a little better.

I think you'll find the 340 trigger very similar to that of the 642 you shot.

Jsferrazza said:
I can definitely see myself with both in the future, but have to pick one for now. I know I could find a nice used gun, but want to buy brand new. That being said, if you could only pick one which would it be for you?
Click to expand...

If I had to pick one (without the option of buying a second in the future), I would go with the 640, for three reasons:

1) weight: I carry IWB and don't pocket carry so weight isn't a problem (the gun's weight... my own weight IS a problem as I really need to lose 25 lbs :D ) - so no problem with 640 weight and no great weight-saving advantage with 340.

2) shooting comfort matters: I want to enjoy range time with the snub with no hurting hands. The .357 magnum in a 340 isn't fun for me, even with my slightly downloaded handloads (granted they were heavy 158 gr not lighter 135, 125, etc)

3) material: I prefer steel in a revolver. Yes this gets into aesthetics but I can't help it.

So if I had to buy only one for me, the 640.

But if I had to recommend only one for you:

You live in Florida and wear suits a lot, so you may benefit from some flexibility. I'd recommend the 340, because it will give you more carry OPTIONS. When you're faced with restrictions, options become more valuable. Furthermore you don't have to shoot 158 gr bullets like I do; you can use lighter ones for both range and carry (Speer makes the .357 magnum 135 gr with short barrel which might make a great carry round for the 340), to reduce the discomfort of shooting .357 magnums.
 
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snubbert said:
While I find both trigger pulls somewhat long and heavy, the 340's seems smoother and lighter to me. Not by much. I'm not sure if it's truly smoother/lighter as it could just be the different in "response" (tactile feedback) of the frame material. Softer, heavier steel will give a different response than stiffer and lighter alloy. Again the difference is small, but especially when I dry file the 340, it just feels a little better.

I think you'll find the 340 trigger very similar to that of the 642 you shot.



If I had to pick one (without the option of buying a second in the future), I would go with the 640, for three reasons:

1) weight: I carry IWB and don't pocket carry so weight isn't a problem (the gun's weight... my own weight IS a problem as I really need to lose 25 lbs :D ) - so no problem with 640 weight and no great weight-saving advantage with 340.

2) shooting comfort matters: I want to enjoy range time with the snub with no hurting hands. The .357 magnum in a 340 isn't fun for me, even with my slightly downloaded handloads (granted they were 158 gr

3) material: I prefer steel in a revolver. Yes this gets into aesthetics but I can't help it.

So if I had to buy only one for me, the 640.

But if I had to recommend only one for you:

You live in Florida and wear suits a lot, so you may benefit from some flexibility. I'd recommend the 340, because it will give you more carry OPTIONS. When you're faced with restrictions, options become more valuable. Furthermore you don't have to shoot 158 gr bullets like I do; you can use lighter ones for both range and carry (Speer makes the .357 magnum 135 gr with short barrel which might make a great carry round for the 340), to reduce the discomfort of shooting .357 magnums.
Click to expand...


Really appreciate the nicely written recommendation! Althought I love the extra features on the 640 Pro, the concealability of the MP 340 is pulling me in that direction. I enjoy getting s lot of range practice in so my only hang up is the light weight for extended range time. I think it's something I would just get over after a while of using the MP340 though...

I'm headed to the gun show next week and will be able to hold both of them side by side. I know it's not the same as shhoting them both, but hopefully it helps me make my decision when I pick up the 23oz steel 640.
 
Jsferrazza said:
This may sound goofy
Click to expand...

Not to me it doesn't, it's one of the ways I tested my new in-coming CCW. I rigged up a 2 lb. dumbbell and just about the same width and all inside as a IWB and walk around with it for awhile just to see if I could pull it off. The gun is only 29.6 oz. but loaded will crack the 2 lb. mark

But weight wasn't my biggest concern it's a BIG gun.
Anyway it's gonna work out just fine but further modifications will be in order. I'll most likely be wearing a second gun belt underneath my shirt and just letting the muzzle end rest on top of my outside belt line.

There's not return for me, some 17 months and 8 guns later I found my ultimate.
 
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Thanks for all of the feedback Guys!

Not to elongate this topic, but three things that weren't really touched on:

1. Long term durability of a scandium-alloy gun vs. all stainless gun shooting. 357's (could be irrelevant)?

2. Maintenance and care of the black finish vs. Stainless? I know it's a carry gun, but I'm somewhat OCD and try to keep my guns polished/waxed and nice looking.

3. Shootability of the 1.8" barrel on the M&P340 vs the 2.1" on the 640?

Thoughts?
 
1. stronger than pure stainless, lighter and better corrsion protection.
___

2. be careful what you use on the finish
___

3. won't matter just like sites don't matter on a snubby, learn to 'point-shoot' and nothing over 15 ft. (not yards) These are pure defensive guns. Up close and personal.

Good luck.
 
Jsferrazza said:
This may sound goofy, but I should find something around the house similae in size and weight of the 640, and walk around with it in my pocket all day hahaha
Click to expand...

I just logged on to suggest you do just that.

If you can manage the 640 it really should be no contest assuming you can only have one of the two guns.
 
Well, one of the things about pocket carry, the centennial style of gun is the most "sealed up" style, and it is difficult for dust, lint or debris to get into the mechanism. I wipe mine down every day though, in the evening, because even one day in my pocket, inside the holster I showed above, leaves it with lint all over it, particularly when I'm wearing cotton jeans, which is most of the time. Synthetic fabrics generate less lint. This is not a big deal, but if left for a long time would build up. Maybe I'm a little OCD myself. I also usually push a clean patch through the bore and chambers while I'm at it, just to keep them dust and lint free. I think you will be happy with the M&P 340, but I wanted the 340 PD also, and then I just happened to see the 640-1 Pro Series at a LGS for a very attractive price, and that's how I ended up with all three. All "No Lock" versions. If I could only have one, I would probably choose the PD, with the titanium cylinder, but the M&P with the stainless cylinder is the same gun, plus the tritium front sight, and an extra two ounces.

I'll bet in a couple of years, you'll ended up with all three!

Best Regards, Les
 
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les.b said:
Well, one of the things about pocket carry, the centennial style of gun is the most "sealed up" style, and it is difficult for dust, lint or debris to get into the mechanism. I wipe mine down every day though, in the evening, because even one day in my pocket, inside the holster I showed above, leaves it with lint all over it, particularly when I'm wearing cotton jeans, which is most of the time. Synthetic fabrics generate less lint. This is not a big deal, but if left for a long time would build up. Maybe I'm a little OCD myself. I also usually push a clean patch through the bore and chambers while I'm at it, just to keep them dust and lint free. I think you will be happy with the M&P 340, but I wanted the 340 PD also, and then I just happened to see the 640-1 Pro Series at a LGS for a very attractive price, and that's how I ended up with all three. All "No Lock" versions. If I could only have one, I would probably choose the PD, with the titanium cylinder, but the M&P with the stainless cylinder is the same gun, plus the tritium front sight, and an extra two ounces.

I'll bet in a couple of years, you'll ended up with all three!

Best Regards, Les
Click to expand...


Thanks for all of your help, Les.

I stopped by a LGS today for ammo, and they had the .38spl model of the M&P 340 (not sure of the model #), and liked how it felt in the hand.

Although I love the added features of the 640 Pro, I'm starting to lean to the MP 340...

I know this is a bit off topic from this thread, and not trying to derail the focus between the 640 Pro vs M&P 340, but what's the advantage of the titanium cylinder on the PD- lighter weight?
 
You said you plan to practice a lot (which you should). You will find the
recoil from the 640 much more tolerable than the 340. Most guys I know
who have the 340 shoot .38s in it because of the punishing recoil. You
won't practice if you get punished when you do. Plan to carry on your
belt IWB or OWB. Good luck.
 
Jsferrazza said:
Thanks for all of your help, Les.

I stopped by a LGS today for ammo, and they had the .38spl model of the M&P 340 (not sure of the model #), and liked how it felt in the hand.

Although I love the added features of the 640 Pro, I'm starting to lean to the MP 340...

I know this is a bit off topic from this thread, and not trying to derail the focus between the 640 Pro vs M&P 340, but what's the advantage of the titanium cylinder on the PD- lighter weight?
Click to expand...

Yes, the only difference between the M&P and the PD is 2 oz, saved by the use of the titanium cylinder on the PD. The M&P also has a tritium front sight, and the PD doesn't.

Also, I don't like the internal lock guns, and all of these that we have been discussing are available without the lock. I don't trust the ILs, and I think that they detract from the looks of the firearm, and also give a place for debris to enter, and there is no way, just by looking at the gun to tell if it is on or off. Then you need to keep track of the tiny key. I had a 340 once with a lock, got it really cheap, ok gun, but the more that I thought about that darn hole in the side of the gun, and the little "scratch" mark around the hole, the more I didn't like it. Sold it to my son, who has little kids around the house, and might make sense for him. Bought the same gun without the lock, and lived happily ever after. Well, except I never have enough guns, so I am still buying them.

Also, as noted above, you can still shoot or carry 38 ammo in your 357 if the 357 recoil is too much, but not vise versa. I would get the 357 capable version, and then you have more versatility.

Just some more random thoughts for your consideration.

Best Regards, Les
 
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