M&P 340

[ctkenc]

From scanning the Web, looking at the S&W site to compare various Snubbys, I think I have settled on the M&P 340 .... although I don't really care much about the .357 capability, it is certainly not a negative to have it available.

What I really like are the sights .... I have a Nightguard 315 with that same front sight and like it.
Plus, the weight of the 340 is even less than the 642 or 442. I don't mind the extra recoil that may mean but really like the idea of the reduced carry weight.

Would really like to learn from you all, what do you like and not like about yours, and, which Pocket Holsters have you found work best for you?

Would also like to know if the Cylinder has "chamfered charge holes" to make it easier and faster to seat re-load rounds, AND, will the gun allow speed load "moon clips" (does that require "chamfering"?
Thanks

 

[Snowbandit]

It's the best go anywhere handgun on the market today although maybe not the most fun for long practice sessions with heavy loads. I usually carry mine in a Galco pocket holster but also have both IWB and OWB holsters from Bianchi. Did I mention I love mine? I carry it as backup when I'm working and often times as primary when I'm off. Magnum loads can be hurtful but +P is great for carry. You know you're going to try some magnums sometime.

 

[Butler]

I really like mine, the front site is the main reason, also the light weight. I put CT405's on mine and really like them too. There are many good pocket holsters out there, I found it mostly depends on the size of the pocket, I have a 32 inch waist and need smaller holsters, I mostly use a Mika and RKBA. No on the chamfered charge holes and not set up for moon clips. I carry the Speer GD SB 357 in mine.

 

[florida1098]

I recently bought two both brand new. Decided to test fire one keep the other new ( but carried ). I have been qualifying with J fames for 28 years now with various PDs. The 340 I shot 200 rounds through was not properly lined up. No matter what I did even at 5 yards the gun was off center. I could'nt even get the rounds in the black lines of the silohette. Brought it back to the seller, An authorized Smith store and the gunsmith advised the barrel was not aligned correctly. He suggested returning it to S&W. I was not happy about doing so and traded gun in for another brand, and caliber. The shop subsequently returned the gun to Smith. I know because I recieved a letter of repair. Anyway, all I'm saying is I lost alot of confidence in the S&W products with that weapon. Be sure to check the gun thoroughly in the shop before you sign any paperwork. Good luck and be safe.

 

[ctkenc]

I really like mine, the front site is the main reason, also the light weight. I put CT405's on mine and really like them too. There are many good pocket holsters out there, I found it mostly depends on the size of the pocket, I have a 32 inch waist and need smaller holsters, I mostly use a Mika and RKBA. No on the chamfered charge holes and not set up for moon clips. I carry the Speer GD SB 357 in mine.

"32 inch waist" ... well, that disqualifies you immediately as a legitimate counsellor ,,,, no way I'm listening to advise from any waif with that small a waist. I had a waist that size when I was 14.
Just kidding ,,,, I only wish I was still a "32".
Ken

 

[EvenStephen]

I love my 340PD. I carry it all the time in a DeSantis Nemesis or a DeSantis Superfly. LG105's on it too.

 

[Firehouse]

Mika pocket holster. Also have Crimson Trace grips. The LG105's.

 

[Writer_Ron]

I have settled on the M&P 340 .... although I don't really care much about the .357 capability, it is certainly not a negative to have it available...

Plus, the weight of the 340 is even less than the 642 or 442. I don't mind the extra recoil that may mean but really like the idea of the reduced carry weight.

... what do you like and not like about yours, and, which Pocket Holsters have you found work best for you?

I chose a 360PD rather than a 340 -- chiefly because I've grown used to the exposed hammer on my 351PD. I also like the option of single action fire, although I appreciate the virtues of the snagless Centennial design.

After trying eight or nine different cartridges, I found that Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special+P (110 grain FTX bullet) yields high accuracy and surprisingly mild felt recoil.

As for .357 rounds: a bit of range time convinced me that all 357 mags are not created (or loaded) equal. Speer Gold Dot "short barrel" 357s (135 grain GDHP bullet) isn't exactly fun to shoot in an AirLite, but neither is it the "brutal" kicker that full-house 357s are purported to be. One of these days, I may try a more potent round -- to say I did it.

Lastly ... pocket holsters. I prefer soft cloth holsters that protect the bore from pocket lint. I'm perfectly happy with a cheap Uncle Mikes.

Ron

 

[coach22]

Mine is a 340 PD. See my avatar. I bought it for the weight, not for 357's.
Although, if it's built strong enough for a 357, it should certainly be strong enough to last
a very long time with any 38.
Mine is loaded with Buffalo Bore 125 +P's, to avoid any lead issues I have read about
in the 2 piece barrels of Scandium guns. A close 2nd choice is the Corbon DPX +P.
Mine is carried in a Mika. A Mika feels a little stiff for the first couple of days,
but after that, for me, it's the best.
When I first got it, I loaded it with DPX +P as the first 2, followed by 3 Corbon DPX 357's.
Figuring I could get off a fast first 2 and be warmed up for the next 3.
But the Buffalo Bore numbers for the 125 +P's are so close to the DPX 357's,
I decided to keep all 5 the same. Plus, the recoil is less than the 357's.
The grips are the old Rogers/Safariland composite that I had cut to
just below the frame by the gunsmith at King's Gunworks in Glendale, CA.
They weigh nothing and can still be found at gun shows. They were made for J, K, & N Frames.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

...
Lastly ... pocket holsters. I prefer soft cloth holsters that protect the bore from pocket lint. I'm perfectly happy with a cheap Uncle Mikes.

Ron

I too like the Uncle Mikes pocket holster- very light, soft, cheap, a speedloader will rest under the barrel in front of the trigger guard very comfortably and not gouge my leg..

After about 6 months, they mold to the gun enough to occasionally come out with the gun. I wash and air dry, good for another 6 months and then discard.

 

[GDubya]

What goes bump, thunk, bump? Your Scadium-snubby in the dryer...
Yes, it's really that light and comfortable to carry.

I also bought the M&P340 particularly for that XS standard dot front sight; readily picked up under all lighting conditions, even by older eyes. You can now get same for other pinned-sight snubbies: XS part# RV-0001N-4, $60 MSRP.
I feed mine 135-gr SCPL+P GDHP-SB.
+1 for the Uncle Mike's #4 sleeve.
Lastly, apply smooth and thinner Eagle Secret Service grips.