Revolvers: M&P only in 340, not in just .38?

[JohnnyScience]

So wanting the M&P version of a J frame pistol and also originally wanting to get .357 so the 340 M&P was perfect.

But now I'm considering not worrying about .357 for HD since I've just been told there is too much over penetration to worrya bout .357 for HD.

So I was looking for just the .38 +P version of the M&P J frame revolver & there doesn't seem to be?

So what would the choice be?

What are the real upgrades/differences when a gun is labled "M&P" compared to the regular guns? I've always thought they were of high quality than the normal guns?

 

[Old cop]

You would be well served by a J Frame Model 642 or 442 .38 +P. This is the Plain-Jane version of the M&P .357 you mention in your post and retails around $400. You can find them used for a considerable saving from the retail price. My EDC is a 442.

The only advantage of the M&P line is a slight saving in weight, about an ounce due to the titanium frame, and a big dot front sight. It brings with it severe recoil in .357 and a much higher retail cost, about $200 more. For my money the 642 (stainless) or 442 (blued) suits my needs just fine.

 

[luangtom]

Not necessarily better parts, but different parts. The cylinder on the M&P340 is a stainless versus the scandium-alloy of the 340PD.

I have both. There is a 1-ounce or so difference in weight. That is it. I keep both of mine stoked with Speer GDHP 135-gr .38-Spl +P rounds, for short-barrels.

 

[snubbyfan]

The M&P 340 is 13.3 ounces, has a tritium front night sight and a Scandium frame. An Airweight 442 or 642 weighs 15.5 ounces, has a serrated ramp front sight and an aluminum frame.
I wouldn't consider the M&P to necessarily be of a higher quality so much as having features some find desireable.
The M&P can not only fire .357 Magnums but can chamber .38+p's. The 442/642 Airweights can chamber .38+p's don't have the front night sight and weigh just 2.2 ounces more.
Either would make an excellent concealed carry self defense gun.
If you're getting a revolver for home protection capable of chambering .38+p however, I'd recommend a K frame like a model 64 or 67 in stainless or a model 10 with a blued finish or an L frame 686 in .357 magnum. The larger frame revolvers are easier to shoot accurately than the snubbies due to a longer sight radius and extra weight.
That being said my edc and hd is my 442.

 

[GoodMornin]

There was a M&P made in .38 special +p, made for LAPD, it was the M&P 342, I don't know if its still available. A search on here should give you some info.

 

[Imaposer]

Well, the 340 has a scandium alloy frame and is a slight amount lighter than the standard alloy frames like the 642. It is also chambered for .357, but if you're like most, you won't shoot .357's in it anyway. The real reason not to use .357 in it is that recoil of a .357 in a gun this small and light is fierce to sat the least. If you're not going to practice with your gun, with you're carry round, or something similar, then you shouldn't be carrying it with .357's anyway, IMO.

IMO, the only real advantage that I see, for me anyway, is the sights. The standard sights on the airweights are pretty useless to my eyes, whereas the 340 has the excellent, for close range quick defensive shooting, XS Big Dot Tritium front night sight. The 340 is considerably more expensive as well. Of course if money is no object... I'd take the 340 just for the sights.

 

[DAdams]

Lanyard post on the 340.

 

[rweeks]

I have both the m&p340 and the 638 and both are great choices. My 340 has the titanium cylinder versus the stainless version they catalog now. The sights are much better on the 340- of course. But one difference that I've noticed after carrying the 638 and the 340 daily for about four years now is the finish on the 340 seems to stand up to wear better than the 638. The adonization seems to flake off of the 638's frame. I've spoken to co-workers who have similar results with 642's, so I'm not alone. I could care less what the finish looks like but some might.
Also, the key to avoiding overpenetration in either caliber is bullet selection. Much more important than caliber in my opinion. Cheers!

 

[rweeks]

Here one can see the 340 is set up for zombie killing, you know just in case.