New 340M&P owner here have what might be a dumb question

[GR1978]

Hi everyone I'm a new member here not new to guns or S&W revolvers. I've actually owned both a 340M&P and 340PD years ago. I got a deal on this one used that I couldn't pass up. It has the CT 405 laser grips with the S&W logo on them. I love these grips they fit my hand perfectly and the air pocket in back really helps with recoil,plus the laser is icing on the cake.

I was going to just buy another 340PD but came across this 340M&P. Which got me to thinking about why I had sold my PD model and kept the M&P back then. Yes it's a few ounces I think 2oz heavier due to the M&P's stainless cylinder. I also prefer the sights on the M&P as well. And no ammo use restrictions like the PD has because of it's titanium cylinder.

So my question(albeit a dumb one maybe)is what are the four gold dots on the left side of the frame? I'm just curious as other J frames like the 642 I used to own don't have these? Also what IWB would you recommend for appendix carry at the 1 O'clock position? I'm looking for an IWB holster that uses a clip as I can't/don't wear a blast due to having a bad lower back. Thank you all for any help and I'm glad I found these forums. I'm looking forward to being a member here.

 

[Sevens]

As the frame is titanium, those dots are likely steel -- those "dots" are steel pins (or shafts, as it were?) and the largest one is the pin that the hammer pivots on. The forward low one works with the cylinder lock. The one above the trigger is the pivot pin for the trigger.

Honestly, I can't think of what the upper rearmost one relates to...

I'm sure someone else has a better explanation!

 

[GR1978]

Sevens thank you for that reply,I learned something today����. This is one awesome snub nose indeed. I have to say I'm impressed with it's built quality too. Haven't owned one in 10 years so I kind of forgot these are even nicer than the usual airwieght guns,that are well made in their own right.

 

[hyena]

I really like my Lobo offset belt clip for AIWB carry.

 

[Alk8944]

Sevens is correct. They are the ends of the hammer, trigger, cylinder stop, and rebound slide studs.

 

[GR1978]

Alk8944 that's an interesting thing to know. Just put of sheer curiosity is there a particular reason that the scandium frame guns have this and not the Airwieght alluminum framed guns like the 442/642? It is a strength adding thing from a design standpoint because these guns can fire 357 magnum ammo?