New M&P 340 seeking speedloader/ holster ideas

[Bullshooter68]

Hello everyone, I'm quite new to the forum. I tried a search, but please forgive me if I've missed something. I recently purchased an M&P 340 357 5-shot revolver, for everyday carry. I'm curious if someone can recommend a speed loader to help keep some spare rounds organized. I've heard mixed reviews about how they work on these guns. I'm also open to hearing what good holsters I should be checking out. I have a sticky in the pocket type that also works well in my computer case. I appreciate any tips, Thanks.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

I really like my Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake holster. I bought it for my M&P 340, but I've since switched to a 640-1 Pro, and I've been wearing it for more than five years. Don't even know the Pro is there. I had 'em line it, too.

A bit pricier than some of the off-the-shelf rigs, and you'll wait a short time while they make it, but as the old adage suggests: you get what you pay for.

The Pro uses moon clips so I can't help with the speed loaders. Lots of others around here use 'em, and I'm sure they'll be along soon.

 

[MStarmer]

I'd get a single HKS speed loader and see if you like how it works. I keep a few around but for carry I use speed strips since they lay flat. I second the Lobo holster, I had one but included it when I sold a pistol. I truly miss that holster. I'm currently waiting on a AHolster backbone for my 340.

 

[Bullshooter68]

Thank you both. I like the speed strip idea also. Those look like well made holsters worth checking out

 

[just plain joe]

For about twelve years I have been running the Pocket Concealment Systems "No-See-Um" holster with my 340PD. I always carry a Safariland Comp 1 speedloader for an additional five rounds.

This low-profile rig works well for me with cargo shorts during the hot summer months.

HTH.

JPJ

 

[shawn mccarver]

Just my personal opinion, but the light J-frame is a pocket revolver. If you want a belt holster, use a bigger gun.

As to speed loaders, I have used HKS and Safariland interchangeably. They are not expensive. Try them both, and use the one you like best.

I recommend against using a Magnum load in that revolver. I recommend either the FBI Load (38 Spl +P, 158 grain lead HP) or the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel load.

Good luck.

 

[31FordA]

I generally use the HKS speedloader with my 340 M&P, although I’ve also used the Safariland Comp I at times also. It’s usually easier to find the HKS in the local gun shops. The key is to actually practice using them.

The holster I use most often with my 340 is a DeSantis Mini-Scabbard.

 

[HankB]

My "always" gun is a 340Sc which I keep in a Mika pocket holster (Mika's Pocket Holsters) which I've been happily using for years. I used to use an Uncle Mike's but when that wore out I found Uncle Mike's had switched manufacturing from USA to Vietnam so I switched to something else. I use a Safariland speed loader and load with Winchester 145gr .357 Silvertips. (Hard to find these days.) I fitted mine with Crimson Trace lasergrips that cover the backstrap with a little rubber - they add very little bulk and the cushioning makes that little gun merely unpleasant rather than painful to shoot. At least for the first couple of cylinders of .357s.

 

[Bullshooter68]

I truly appreciate the tips. My main reason for purchasing this gun was as a pocket gun, but I do plan to check out the holsters mentioned as well. I ordered a safariland loader and some speedstrips. I'll try the HKS as well to see what I prefer. I've shot this same gun before and will likely carry 36 +P, but I have also fired mag loads. Lately it seems more like you go with what you can get

 

[mikerjf]

A Sticky type holster is great because you can use it pocket or IWB. I tend to move mine from pocket to appendix when power-walking. IWB you can run any depth and cant you want. All-around great solution.

I do have an OWB crossdraw I like for hiking (sweaty) or driving. Mine is a Masters from ebay.

Reloads, take a look at the "speed-strips" that are round like a speed-loader, with a tab on the side. I like those a lot, faster than traditional speed-strips and no clearance issues like speed-loaders sometimes have. Traditional speed-strips work better in a pocket, of course. I have a dual belt pouch to carry a couple of the round kind.

 

[Bullshooter68]

I received the safariland loader yesterday. It's a no go with the M&P 340. I'm not to surprised since I'd heard it could have a clearance problem. Speed strops seem ok though

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I received the safariland loader yesterday. It's a no go with the M&P 340. I'm not to surprised since I'd heard it could have a clearance problem. Speed strips seem ok though

I use the 8 round speed strip with a International Handgun Leather strip belt carrier. (bought both from Dillon) I pocket carry a 49 no dash in a Nemesis by DeSantis. I tested dozens of types of 38 Special +P and standard velocity and found from those short S&W barrels at +P velocities you need 135 grain and above bullets to stabilize, So, I keep ten 20 round boxes on the shelf plus the loaded ammo of Speer Short Barrel 135gr. Gold Dot +P. Civilian CCW in Ohio has no qualifying but I use the State LEO guideline twice a year and that rotates my ammo twice a year. The short barrel ammo works fine in 4" and longer barrels, so you don't have to have different ammos for longer guns.

Ivan

 

[Eagle1*]

speed loaders are grip sensitive if you know what I mean. Some grips work great with them and others do not. The factory rubber from S&W does not work well with speed loaders which I am sure you just found out. I use the G10 Bantam hogue grips on my J frames and they feel the best and work fine with speed loaders, especially the HKS.

I have attached a few pics of my grips for you. These work fine and feel great too. They have the highest upper cut under the trigger guard I can find and this allows me almost all 3 of my fingers to get on the grip, plus they are pretty thin too which makes for a great concealment grip and they come in multiple colors with and without the piranha texturing.

 

[Yaworski]

I bought a couple pentagonal speed strips from Zeta6. A little fiddly to load but they fit nicely in my pocket.

 

[Sixgun100]

Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake Holster + Safariland Speedloader. Great combo.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I have a 340PD which I carry regularly, and have found that the J Clip is the bee’s knees . . .

 

[eb07]

Side guard holsters all the way.

?????????????????????????????

Speed loaders? Right here. Best there are



S.L. Variant Speedloader – Legend id back






Close runner up.



JetLoader SpeedLoaders



Note. Only 38s will load properly on j frame. If you want to load 357 get speed strips.

 

[Bullshooter68]

I have a 340PD which I carry regularly, and have found that the J Clip is the bee’s knees . . .

this looks very interesting, who makes these?

 

[Bullshooter68]

Thanks everyone for all the input. It's been fun setting up for a new gun