M&P 340 question

[FloridaFlier]

I also own and shoot the M&P 340. I don't shoot the .357 loads, but I like knowing that the gun can handle them, because I reload. In over 20,000 rounds, I have never double-charged, but I suspect the gun would not come apart in my hand if I did, as long as I am loading .38's.
Shot placement wins matches or fights. Shoot a load you can manage and enjoy practice with. You might be fighting hurt, or opposite hand. A good .38 or .38+P will do the job if you do yours.
One man's opinion. YMMV.

 

[Packard]

...Now if Smith & Wesson would just make the 351 C California legal,
I would be a happy person.
11 ounces loaded with either the new
Gold Dot Short Barrel or Hornady Critical Defense 22 Magnum ammo,
at 1050 fps out of a 1 & 7/8th inch barrel, with almost no recoil,
it's like a pocket 380 that won't ever jam.

I've been thinking of adding one of these to my collection. But the ballistics work out to nearer a .32 than the .380. It does have the same ergonomics as the 340PD, and the same sights so it would be a good practice weapon. Rounds cost about $0.15 each and that is nice too.

 

[hdguy]

One of the things that attracted me to the M&P340 was the "ability" to shoot .357 if I wanted or needed to. I feel that the larger the variety of ammo you can use the better off you are. When you look at how ammo availability has dried up in the past for almost no reason, with some calibers almost unobtainable, this could be a big plus. I admit though that I bought mine used from another board member and would likely have gone with an LCR magnum rather than pay full price for the M&P.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Why would you buy an M&P 340 to shoot .38s? That is my question... Might as well get a 442 for half the price.
...

For me, the answers were:
1. Rustproof gun with black finish.
2. Can shoot .357 if that's the only available ammo.
3. Should last forever even with +P loads.

 

[allglock]

For me, the answers were:
1. Rustproof gun with black finish.
2. Can shoot .357 if that's the only available ammo.
3. Should last forever even with +P loads.

Well, a 442 can do number 1 and 3......and you can have 2 of them for the price of the 340.
Btw, no gun is rustproof... Rust resistant maybe.

 

[wheelyfun66]

After trying several .357 and .38+P loads...

I am sticking with Speer Gold Dot short barrel .357 magnum (135gr)
or Buffalo Bore .38+P LSWCHP (158gr)

I also liked the Winchester PDX .38+P (130gr)

I can get back on target very quickly with .357loads that are designed for short barrel (quicker burning powder), and all the .38+P loads are very manageable as well.

The Buffalo Bore .38+P loading is super hot for a .38...

For extended range work...the 340 hurts my hand, but for a few cylinders-full of practice with defensive loadings...it is fine.

For me, the 340 was worth the price (vs 442/642) for:
the tougher finish (DLC coating on the 340 looks the same as 442, but is a much tougher finish)
The .357 magnum chambering
And the X/S front sight!

I may be biased...but my 340 is one of the finest weapons I have ever owned!