Do folks like their M&P 340 no lock?

American1776

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2014
Messages
1,770
Reaction score
4,269
I've never owned a scandium or alloy framed wheel gun. Always steel.

I'm thinking about the M&P 340 no lock for pocket carry. I used to pocket carry stainless J-frames, so this will be no problem size wise.

I'm a little hesitant about: 1) how's the QC on these lately? Are the barrels properly indexed? 2) How is the long term durability of the frame? Stronger than the plain aluminum frames?

I've heard about the frame cracking underneath where the barrel threads into the frame. Has this been addressed, or is it still a risk?

I *won't* be shooting .357's out of this often. But I like the idea of a .357 capable gun, since it translates in even greater strength for the .38 plus P loadings.

Do you folks like your scandium framed 340? Any problems?
 
Register to hide this ad
I'd like to find a no lock M&P 340, but all I see in stores is the version with the lock.

I hate to pay the same price for an inferior product.

Both the lock and no-lock version are available here in California, but the no lock versions are scarce in stores.

I suppose the Scandium guns can crack, but the addition of Scandium to the Aluminum used in the frame was to strengthen the gun and enable it to withstand 357 Magnum. Presumably less likely to crack than the old Airweights.
 
Last edited:
Mine is my daily carry, most of the time. I use Buffalo Bore 158gr. +P LSWCHP FBI load. At @1000 fps, it makes an impression.
 
I like mine a lot. It has seen about 700 rounds, with the majority of them being magnums. No problems yet.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
 
I picked up a "no lock" M&P340 earlier this year. I like it a lot, & really wouldn't want to do without it. It has replaced my (very nice) M640-1, for pocket carry - which is my preferred EDC method.

It currently wears a Hogue Bantam grip, & is hands down, the most natural pointing handgun I own.

The M640-1 still goes to town, but primarily in either a Sam Andrews Custom Leather "Saddle Style" pancake, or Monarch shoulder rig.

When new, the M&P340 action was a little heavy, & not quite as smooth as the steel M640. A good bit of dry firing, clean, lube, & a lighter rebound spring helped considerably.

The cylinder bolt was too short (sat slightly below flush), & was replaced under warranty.

Granted, it was a couple of hundred $ more then a M442, but even though I don't shoot or carry magnum ammo in it, for me - the "over built" aspect, made it worth the additional cost.
 
Last edited:
I suppose the Scandium guns can crack, but the addition of Scandium to the Aluminum used in the frame was to strengthen the gun and enable it to withstand 357 Magnum. Presumably less likely to crack than the old Airweights.

My thoughts exactly...
 
I have had the 340sc since they were first put out. I have only had one little issue and the factory replaced the frame for me under their warranty.

They are great to carry all day, every day. They are also a great source of amusement when seemingly big tough guys want to shoot 'that little sissy-gun'.

Go for it!
 
I picked up a no lock M&P340 in August. Had to go back for a canted shroud but it was returned fixed in less than 2 weeks though their test fire form said something like "within spec, no correction done" but windage is fixed.
I put in an apex kit, lightly stoned the rebound slide and a dab of white paint at the bottom of the u-notch. Only have ~300 rounds through it so far but no misfires or other issues. Primers have a nice deep hit.
 
I have 2. One came with a 'wire edge' in the forcing cone, a slight rim of metal that should have been removed during mfg. My gunsmith removed it with a chamfering tool. No further problems with either gun. I prefer this steel-cylinder model as it allows me to use the lighter-recoiling 110gr Magnum loads which are taboo in the Ti cylinder PD model.

They have become my EDC guns, a fact which distresses my 638 and 642s who never get to visit casinos anymore.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
Overall, I liked mine ok except for the the price and the night sight.

I found myself babying it and overly concerned with the finish due to the high cost. I don't need that in an EDC pocket gun. Most folks love that big dot, but I didn't think it necessary on a close-quarter defensive snub. I also found it a bit distracting in low light drills and think it could snag a little during pocket carry as mine did catch a little bit a time or two on my jacket pocket lining. I sold mine and picked up a 642 and am much happier with it.
 
Recently purchased one and have since shot several boxes of Remington 110gr and Remington Golden Saber 125gr .357 magnum rounds through it.

I'm extremely impressed with this weapon and find that pocket carrying it is extremely comfortable. It's likely that this will be my primary carry weapon with the addition of a CT laser grip. I only wish the compact one came with a green laser option.

It does kick like a mule compared to my Model 640 Pro and Model 60-15 Pro. That being said, the first 15-20 rounds don't present any sort of a comfort issue. Since it's for SD and not range shooting, it fits what I was looking for and worth the price.

I read a lot of the threads about this and how some people loved it and others hated it. I love mine and don't see it ever leaving my S&W stash.
 
Last edited:
I have been very happy with my 340 no lock, carry it almost everyday for work. Mine has the old Uncle Mikes boot grip on it, and is loaded with Speer 135gr GDHP +P. I have also fired a bunch of .357 Remington 125gr Golden Saber through it, and would have no problem switching over to that load in it. If I can't find more of the 135gr GDHP by qual time next year I may have to. The 340 is accurate, recoil is fine, doesn't weigh much, and the finish has held up better than had thought it would. The price was a little steep, but it's proven to be worth it.
 
I bought mine to replace my 640 no dash that has gotten heavy in its old age.
While I have not had it out to shoot yet, it looks great and I can actually see the sight. The action is very heavy but feeling better with a bit of dry fire. Remember I compare it to a 30 year old well worn companion.
 
Back
Top