M&P 340 v. 340PD

[edkato]

I know this comparison has been visited before, BUT, I'm getting ready to buy either a M&P 340 or the 340PD. I shoot airweights regularly, but want something lighter for the pocket EDC. Nope, won't shoot magnums, but sorta cool having the ability. Is the 340PD worth the difference? I can get NO LOCK M&P for 693 and the NO LOCK PD for 808, both NIB. Thoughts? Pocket carry all the time and some belly band/IWB. I like my 642 and 442, but just would like something lighter. I have a LCR, but the J frame fits my hand better.

 

[Macinaw]

I carry the 340 PD in the pocket. The M&P 340 IWB. Lighter is better for pocket carry.

 

[M29since14]

If weight is important to you, you've got no choice - unless you can find a 342PD lying around somewhere.

 

[22hipower]

I pocket carry the 340PD and occasionally shoot magnums in it. An alternative you might consider, only two ounces heavier as I remember, and gives the single action option too is the 360J. I've had one for awhile but haven't carried it yet. A little less expensive too. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I have an M&P 340 in my pocket. I shoot and carry .357s because my chance of encountering a bad guy is far less than bumping into a bear or a badger. It's perfect.

A few weeks ago I was comparing notes with an LEO friend who pocket carries the PD. He said if he had it to do over he'd have gotten the M&P because .357s are brutal. He still has the original grips on his. My M&P sports a Hogue Bantam because it offers better protection for my middle knuckles (left and right).

If I hadn't been planning to shoot or carry .357s I sure wouldn't have paid the money for the 340; I would have gotten a 442 Pro.

Sometimes I switch the 340 with my 640 Pro (OWB at 4 o'clock). I can't say I notice the half-pound difference with the 640 in my pocket, but I do notice, and don't appreciate, the extra ¼" barrel length when I'm sitting.

My two bits. Best of luck with your decision.

Bob

 

[cleans up]

I have both a 340 and the 342. The ~2 oz (didn't look it up) makes a big. Difference in pocket carry. I much prefer the tritium sight on the 340. In fact i like it so much more I installed a tritium dot on my carry 342! So of the options you listed and your intended purpose go w/ the pd version. Shoot it and see how you like the sights

 

[edkato]

As point of reference, I did shoot a M&P 340 last week wearing Hogue Bantams...it felt just like my 442 shooting 135g Gold Dot +p. I shot a cylinder of Gold Dot 135g Short Bbl 357, and while I felt the difference, it wasn't horrible. I did notice the M&P felt considerably lighter weight than the 442 even though it's really only a little over an ounce less. Though I've seen specs saying the M&P is 13.3 oz while the Smith web site now says 13.8. And the 340PD by comparison is listed at 11.8 oz (and 11.3 oz in another spot on the same page).

 

[gnystrom]

I cant add a lot but I have owned and carried a 340PD for years. Never had any of the "internet problems" such as the lock failing, scandium frame problems, flame cutting, or finish coming off the cylinder. The dang thing is just a very light, reliable, carry gun that has been carried a lot and when not on me, resides in the drivers door pocket through MN winters and summers alike. I have shot a variety of ammo but prefer 135gr. Gold Dots as they shoot to POI and followup shots are easy. Lot's of them on the market because people can't deal with recoil or they believe in "internet problems".

 

[Mister X]

The only person that can answer the question is you since everyone will differ in what they consider a meaningful reduction in weight.

I'm fine with an airweight. I had a couple of 340 M&P's, but came to despise the front sight. I've yet to have much interest in the PD since I think it is way overpriced and would be concerned about the cylinder issues.

 

[KalamazooKid]

M&P 340 v. 340PD

I've pocket carried the 340 PD for 10 years plus. It does however share a little time with my 640 Pro. Both sport CT laser grips with the nicely padded backside making them very tolerable to shoot. And yes, the 640 sees a lot more magnums than the 340!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[edkato]

Update: ordered the M&P 340 No Lock, mainly owing to the front sight and stainless cylinder. I also held a 340PD today, and while a bit lighter, it wasn't 150$ lighter...so, stay tuned. I will probably second guess myself, but we shall see. Should be picking up this week...

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have been carrying an M&P 340 for several years and really like it. It was a replacement for a scandium/alloy .38, may have been a 336, with a hammer that I had bobbed off. It was sent to the factory for a defect and could not be replaced. I wanted the hammerless for pocket carry and the big dot sight is nice to have as well.