M&P 340

[Nengland]

Hello everyone, I'm fairly new to the revolver scene. Being 22 years old my taste for firearms was shaped by the movies and media I consumed as a kid, therefore wheel guns weren't "as cool" to me as auto loaders. I've never had anything against them, the first handgun I shot was a revolver. However now I'm trying to branch out and see what else is out there besides Austrian tupperware. I am in need of a backup gun or deep concealment gun, I carry a Glock 19 as a primary and it's usually accompanied by a Glock 26 but the concept of pocket carry has intrigued me greatly. In comes the J Frame, it really seems like the perfect gun for this niche. I've looked at the 442, 642, 340 PD, and the M&P 340. I know there have been countless threads on the centennial series of air weights and scandiums, but I just had to ask this group and the collective knowledge and experience here. I know that there are older models that are better made and more proven, but I don't want to buy a nice older gun and jam it into a pocket holster to be P&R'd. I also don't want an older model that has too many miles on it or just isn't in good shape that I'd have to invest more into to get it to be serviceable. Are there any issues with this particular gun (M&P 340)? I have read a few threads on this site as well as others about issues with this model in the past. (Cylinders riding past the frame stud mostly) Are problems pretty isolated? I am looking at this model because it offers a few features I like quite a bit. The factory front tritium is nice, the ability to shoot 357 mag, the stainless cylinder vs the titanium (is that a plus?). What I need to know is this model ironed out now? Could I trust my life to it? Thanks for all the help.
-Nate

 

[eveled]

Buy new with confidence, you won't be disappointed. Also when buying new, the S&W warrantee is backing you.

The 340M&P, and the 340pd are the best of the best in terms of pocket carry guns IMHO. The 442 would be the budget choice, and 38+p is more then enough in these little guns.

FWIW. I would rather have two 442's than one of the more expensive options.

 

[SAFireman]

Nate,

I have had one of the 340sc guns since they first came out. Mine was one that rode over the cylinder stop, eventually wearing it enough to require a frame replacement. I also had the Remington Golden Sabers jump crimp and tie up the gun.

The factory took good care of me on the warranty issues. Remington sent me replacement shells, although a later iteration jumped crimp as well, and I am off of the Golden Saber brand for these air weight guns.

I have carried my 340 all over Texas and most of the South and I don't think that I could ask for a better pocket carry gun. It is light, reliable, and as powerful as you want in a pocket size piece.

If you follow the S&W directions about how to care for the Titanium cylinder, you will be fine. The 340 is a great gun for it's intended purpose, they are worth getting to know, but they are not a gun that just anybody can shoot well.

Good luck in your search.

 

[M29since14]

I wouldn't give it a second thought. If you want one, buy it, but as SAFireman says, it is not a gun everyone is going to enjoy shooting. These guns are pretty mean when loaded with full-charge .357s. I've always found the various 125-gr loads were manageable but by the time I got to Federal 158-gr Hydrashoks I was out of business. I can stand 145-gr Silvertips but that is my limit.

As to value, well, realistically, if you will only shoot .38 Specials, I'd say save the expense and buy a 442. If you have a little extra cash to throw at the project the M&P and PD models are very nice guns, IMO.

Worth the extra money... ? Probably not.

 

[kaaskop49]

Just bought a 340 M&P 2 weeks ago and have ordered a 2nd. I prefer this model over the PD variant with its titanium cylinder and its ammo restrictions. Have fired CCI Blazer 158gr .357 practice rounds with factory boot grips and find it controllable. YMMV. My object is to carry it with 110gr Magnum loads which are taboo in the PD.

I have an early 360Sc dating back to 2001 and have had difficulty with crimp jump. It has been an ordeal finding a suitable load. The lighter kicking 110gr load that should be perfect in this gun is a no-go and I've essentially retired it.

I've had abdominal surgery recently and my usual IWB carry has become problematic, so I've gone to a more powerful pocket gun. However, I'm not selling my other J-frames.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Mister X]

If the price doesn't bother you, I'd say go for it. S&W would take care of any issues although it's unlikely you will have any problems. The stainless cylinder is an advantage over the titanium one in terms of what ammo and gun cleaning products you can use. I personally wouldn't own one with a titanium cylinder. I have owned the 340M&P and overall really liked it except for the night sight(and price), but seeing how you actually like the night sight, I think you'd be pleased and well served by it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

My good friend Kaaskop49 makes an excellent argument. Were I to carry a scandium model, it would be the stainless-cylinder type of the M&P line versus the titanium cylinder type.

I agree with him concerning ammo issues in the Airlight line, and will add that I am not interested in any gun that comes with a vague warning about not using certain types of "abrasives" to clean because the titanium cylinder will be ruined beyond repair. Now, I don't knowingly use "abrasives," but if the coating is that fragile, I am just not interested.

Now then comes the cost issue. To me, the extra cost of the M&P 340 is not worth it, and having experienced it, I have no no desire to again shoot .357 Magnums in a J frame.

If I really want Magnum power in a J frame, I just do what the FBI did in 1933 - use 38/44 ammo, which is just as hot as most of the down-loaded .357 Magnum ammo sold these days. Buffalo Bore duplicates the old 38/44 with its Outdoorsman load, which is 158 grain Keith semi at 1,150 fps, give or take. They really go off. And, they are completely safe in the Airweight models made of ordinary old aluminum.

So, given better 38 Special ammo, such as Gold Dot Short Barrel, and the Buffalo Bore load mentioned, I am ok with the 442/642 (without the internal lock, of course).

A 442/642 NL can be had much cheaper than the 340 M&P, and the difference can be used towards a spare. Always have a spare.

 

[Realgunner]

I've had abdominal surgery recently and my usual IWB carry has become problematic, so I've gone to a more powerful pocket gun.

Get well soon, partner. Be safe.

 

[Nengland]

Thanks for all the help and replies everyone. This has really made it easier for me on this journey to find a suitable J frame. As for my decision it seems like at the moment I'm going to spring on a deal I found for an M&P 340, but also purchase a 442/642 as well. I most likely will not carry .357 loads in the gun, I've already purchased some the the Gold Dot .38 +P short barrel in preparation as I've seen such good data and reviews of it. Once again thanks a lot everyone I appreciate it.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Welcome to the Forum!

I'd go for the M&P over the PD for reasons others have stated.

As a former G19 carrier the "hammerless" J's are quite nice for back up use and get the nod for deep carry and you will get more....

 

[ridgewalker]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your thoughts which have led you to choose the M&P 340. I find it to be excellent and just the right weight for pocket carry. Although the 442/642 are just a few ounces heavier, I find they weigh down my pants if pocket carried.
In regards to shooting, the few ounces makes enough of a difference to me that I am much more comfortable shooting a 442/642 than the 340. YMMV.
I agree with the posters above in regards to the superiority of the stainless steel cylinder vs the titanium for ease of care.

 

[nyeti]

My training partner and I both carry them as back ups to our Hk VP9's. Great guns, and we are doing well with them with the tough accuracy and shooting standards we use. The sights are a big help, but the light weight is a little tough. When you are pressing a DA trigger on a 13 ounce gun, small issues in your trigger press are amplified. We went with APEX kits and it was a huge help.
I live with mine daily and love the thing.

 

[Goblin]

Welcome to the forum! I have a Model 37, and since I dont carry a 340 at the same time, I never notice the extra ounces. I do notice the hard-to-see-in-low-light front sight, though. Sometimes it's pocket carry, mostly IWB at 3:30. Aside from a tritium sight, I wouldn't change anything. Recoil is plenty stout, and having shot the lightweight J's with magnums, I'd only carry specials anyway. Congrats on the new 340.

 

[HarrishMasher]

You should read my thread on the M&P 340:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/412684-m-p340-best-defensive-j-frame-ever-made.html