M&P 340 or 340 PD

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pesty3782

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In the market for a light weight 38/357 and it comes down to these two. I am torn because I love a night sight when camping because I know where the gun is (M&P) but my carry guns all have fiber optic night sights so the best of both worlds. The PD has fiber optic and I know the PD is 2 ounces less than the M&P.

So for those of you who have shot these revolvers let me know what you think of them. I currently have a 640-1 with a night sights but want something lighter.

Tony P
 
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Having had an opportunity to purchase both a number of years ago I chose the 340 M&P with CT grips. I carry it frequently to this day in a Mika pocket holster or during the winter OWB.
I like the sights, finish, weight, materials and now available W/O the lock.
 
I have both and I wouldn't part with either. The M&P340 gets carried more frequently than the 340PD. No preference as to why except the M&P340 was purchased very slightly used for substantially less than it's worth.

I am not able to feel the weight difference when they are loaded nor can I feel any difference when shooting them.

The front sights are equally easy for me to use. The M&P front sight is more of a white dot in daylight.

Not much help, but basically the differences boil down to cylinder material and front sight option. It depends on what makes a deal breaker for you.

Might not be what you want to hear, but I vote you get both. :D
 
I've shot both and have a M&P 340. I would recommend the M&P. No ammo restrictions. I prefer the look and the sights also but that's subjective.
 
I basically have both. Two M&P340's, one fitted with a Ti cylinder. The M&P340 has great workable sights and is at what I think is the very bottom of weight to trigger weight to be manageable from a trigger point (and mine both needed action work to get them functional to an accuracy standard I use). Just shot my daily pocket carry M&P 340 and it is not pleasant, but doable. The one with the to cylinder is really too light and simply hurts to shoot. I use it to carry around the house in basketball shorts or sweats where I have no belt. It is a rule one gun....have a gun. So, between the two the M&P 340 has gear sights for a snub, minimal weight, rugged and great for pocket carry 24/7.
 
Thanks for the information...Leaning towards the M&P because of the night sight and if later on I can send out the cylinder for moon clips which will help ejection.

Tony P.
 
M&P 340 no lock replaced my 640 for a lighter carry.
The trigger does smooth out with use. I load with 38+p ammo.
The sight works for me.
Only bad thing I found is I am afraid to scratch it.
 
340PD v. 340 M&P

I have an 11oz. 337 airlite in .38, (hammer, ) and an 11oz. 342 airlite in .38 (no hammer) and a 13oz. 360SS in .357 which is a 360 with a stainless cylinder. (I don't think there were many of these made).
These are all essentially the precursor to the present day 340PD and 340 M&P. The first 2 are no lock, the 360SS has one. These gems were made back when Smith was still putting out quality and craftsmanship and are really well made, well finished revolvers. I have hundreds of rounds if not several thousand thru the 3 of them combined. All .38.
I am one of the people that notices a big difference in the weight between the titanium/airlite guns and the 360SS. So for pocket carry its usually the 342 or the 337.
I enjoy shooting them all, notice almost no difference in shooting (keep in mind-all .38) and a noticeable difference in carrying them.
Therefore, I say 340PD-you will not find an easier gun to carry and if you can shoot a .38 j frame you will shoot it fine.
 
Well, I have the M&P 340, the 340 PD, and the 640-1 Pro Series. They are all No Lock versions. The 640 is a little heavy for pocket carry, but the other two are just about right. I have mostly carried the 340 PD for the last couple of years, but as noted above, it's hard to tell the difference in weight...about 2 oz., when carrying either the M&P or PD. I like having both, but then I'm sort of a shooting collector, so I'm not sure how far you want to rely on my advice. I'll tell you to get them all!!!

Best Regards, Les
 
I have owned a 340pd for years and it is very easy to carry. The 2oz is noticeable. I consider these to be point and shoot guns so sights are absolutely irrelevant. Especially night sights. If your target is so far away you can't clearly identify it properly, don't shoot.

Ammo restrictions on the Ti cylinder basically refer to light wt. .357 cartridges. I never shoot those anyway so again. a moot point.
Whichever you choose, it will most likely not be a range gun so go for the one that fits your carry needs best.
 
As mentioned in another post, the 340PD has been my carry gun for a long time, and for that I love it. Problem is, it's a BEAR to shoot with any load. I just bought a 640 Pro to practice with - a lot. In my opinion best of both worlds, the 340 to carry, the 640 (at 23 ozs) for every day shooting. I've put the same 3 finger wood mini combats on both so I have the same feel in the hand.

Don't think you can go wrong with either the M&P or the PD.
 
I have the 340pd. Crimson Trace grips on it, the ones with the padding on the back strap. No problem shooting magnums with it, set up like that.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the rear sight channel on the m&p is a u shape to match the big dot front.

I also have a 442, and like it a lot too, and it's a lot cheaper than either 340's. Then 442 has Barami hip grips. I'd rather have two 442's than one of the others. I carry both of mine frequently. They balance each other nicely in front jacket pockets.

Here are mine with their original grips.

comparison001_zps5bb22161.jpg
 
Last edited:
pesty3782 said:
Thanks for the information...Leaning towards the M&P because of the night sight and if later on I can send out the cylinder for moon clips which will help ejection.

Tony P.
Click to expand...

If you are going to have the cylinder cut for moon clips, the M&P340 is the direction I would go.
 
My M&P340 stings enough to shoot, couldn't imagine shooting a 340PD. The LG405s do help though. My 642 came cut for moonclips, can't say that I could recommend the whole moonclip experience though just for reliable ejection. Tilt the gun directly up and smack the rod with the other hand, they will all come out.
 
I run mine with LG405 lasergrips and I have no problem shooting P+ 38 loads. They tame recoil and allow accurate shot placement at incredible distances for a snubbie.

340pd.jpg
 
Was at a local shop here in San Diego and they have a 340DP used for 700. Not much of a turn line.

Tony P
 
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