M&P340 v 340PD

[John Law]

I am planning on buying either the M&P340 or the 340PD hopefully without the locks. I know both have the Scandium frame, while the M&P has a SS cylinder and the PD has Titanium. Other than the 1.5 oz weight difference, does one have any advantage over the other because of the material used. My other concern has to do with cleaning, is there any special care needed when cleaning the Scandium and Titanium. I appreciate any help you can give .. JL

 

[mmncw]

Shot both & the 1.5 oz does seem to make a noticable difference in recoil (that is about a 10% wt difference). Neither is fun with magnums, but tolerable with the downloaded speer short barrel magnums. Corbon 38 specials seemed to have even more recoil than the speer short barrel magnums.

 

[dan-g]

The tritium big dot front sight on the M&P is a real bonus for me. Both need non ammonia cleaners, recommended break free. The stainless cylinder is supposedly a little more hardy but with the low round count for most of these guns that shouldn't be an issue.

The big dots are my favorite sight for a short range snubie.

 

[John Law]

One thing I liked on the M&P was the XS Tritium sight. Does anyone know what type of finish is on these guns, is it Melonite ?

 

[Dump1567]

I read in the past that for pocket carry, the PD is the way to go as the weight difference was noticeable to these posters. I've also read there is some issue with erosion with the PD cylinder.

I don't pocket carry and went with the M&P for the front sight.

 

[Broadside]

I am planning on buying either the M&P340 or the 340PD hopefully without the locks. I know both have the Scandium frame, while the M&P has a SS cylinder and the PD has Titanium. Other than the 1.5 oz weight difference, does one have any advantage over the other because of the material used. My other concern has to do with cleaning, is there any special care needed when cleaning the Scandium and Titanium. I appreciate any help you can give .. JL

Under the correct conditions Titanium can burn and burn rather violently. These conditions can be created when using certain types of ammunition.

Lighter weight .357 Magnum bullets use powder that burns faster (and hotter) than the powder used for standard .357 Magnum bullets. While your Titanium cylinder will not burn up in your hand, they will eventually start to eat away at the cylinder face. Several members have posted pictures of flame cutting on their Titanium cylinders.

If weight is the overriding issue for you (and it may very well be) then go ahead and get the 340PD. Just be sure to carefully read and follow all the warnings and instructions that S&W gives you regarding bullet weights and cleaning solvents.

If weight isn't that important of an issue to you, I think you will be better served with the M&P 340.

 

[Macinaw]

Just last week I was making the same choice.

The minute I saw the XS night sight the choice was clear.

I picked the M&P. Although, I may go back for the PD 340 for the New York reload!