Talk me into a M&P 340

[Spikedog]

Long time listener, first time caller here. I have one of the 442 PC's with an Apex kit. I like it and carry it pretty often, but it's a bit blingy. Got it for a good price, so I can live with the chrome. Very good trigger!

I am thinking of getting another j-frame (not as flashy) and the 340 comes to mind. Mainly I like the front sight that is similar to my PM-9 and P380 big dots. The weight is not too much different than the 442 and I don't really plan to shoot .357.

I just wish the big dot install on the 442 was easier, or the air weights had a pinned front sight.

What are your thoughts on the 340 for an EDC with 38 +P?

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

If you want it, no one should have to talk you into it. I know that most of the things I was talked into, I regretted.
I have the M&P 340 and love it. I put the Apex stuff in it and that made it even better. I carry Remington HTP 125gr .357 in mine.

 

[Spikedog]

Maybe the title was a little incorrect. I'm wanting to know some of the advantages. The stock trigger pull is one of my concerns in the 340. How much did the Apex kit improve the trigger?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Not sure my thoughts will "Talk [you] into..." anything.

If you're only wanting the Tritium front sight, and you're trying to go "all black" (with apologies to the Kiwi rugby team), yes, by all means, get the M&P 340. If you're convinced you're only going to pack .38+P's, I guess I don't see the point.

I've been dragging my 340 around most of this year (till I replaced it with a 640 Pro), and now I only add the 340 to my kit when I'll be out in the dark and scary woods or in the tall sage. Both J's are full of Barnes 140gr lead-free .357 hps. I was out on the Oregon Trail with a friend last week about dusk and came across the biggest badger I've ever seen. I guess he wasn't up for a fight 'cause he waddled away, only occasionally looking back over his shoulder to make sure we didn't want to pick a fight either. We didn't.

After lots of live and dummy ammo, the stock triggers on both my J's are great. Heavy, yes, but butter smooth.

As regards your 442 PC's bling... Who besides you is going to see it (unless of course you have to use it for its intended purpose -- I doubt a bear, badger, or bg would notice)?

My 340 had Nill Centennial stocks and rode in a Lobo Enhanced Pancake. The 640 Pro stole those options. Now the 340 wears a Hogue Centennial Tamer and drops into a flannel shirt pocket (it was 31° this morning when the pups and I went out for our sunrise walk).

As regards picking up another J... do you really need a reason? There's no such thing as too many.

One guy's thoughts...

Bob

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

Maybe the title was a little incorrect. I'm wanting to know some of the advantages. The stock trigger pull is one of my concerns in the 340. How much did the Apex kit improve the trigger?

If you have a 442 with the Apex stuff, it's gonna feel the same. My wife has a 642 with the Apex and my 340 feels like hers. I think all of the internal parts (442 vs 340) are the same, so there shouldn't be much difference.

 

[quinn]

The 340PD has been my pocket gun for several years. Don't plan to change.

 

[Macinaw]

Do you like Batman? This is the gun he would carry.
It is my EDC with .38 Specials.

 

[packnrat]

my m&p 340 is a great little gun. weighs in at almost nothing.

but install the apex spring kit, (about 8 pound pull).
as the double action part of the trigger pull is a itch from the factory. (at 12+ pounds pull).

love it as a carry gun. or even better as a deep hidey hole second gun.
want to go back packing? less weight with this gun loaded and four speed loaders then even a m&p 9mm, with one extra mag.

.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

If the money isn't an issue go for it! You can't have to many J's. Granted I haven't been able to talk myself into spending the dough for the 340 M&P over my 642-1 on LCR.

 

[KalamazooKid]

I have the 340 PD as my EDC. Hi-Viz Green on this one as I have another option for the nightstand.

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[Usmc5811]

My M&P 340 is my favorite carry gun. Most times I forget it's even in my pocket.

 

[Mister X]

I had one, but sold it. I didn't care for the big dot night sight and felt it offered absolutely no advantage on a close-quarter personal defense weapon. Plus they are way overpriced IMO. However, If they came with a standard ramp sight and sold for a couple of hundred dollars less or so, I'd probably own two.

 

[31FordA]

I've owned a M&P 340 for going on two years. It's been carried almost everyday as either my primary on slow days, or as a back up to my SP-101 on busier days. I've been very pleased with it, light, accurate, reliable. No problems qualifying with it, shot 99% with it. I carry the .38 135gr GDHP in it, although the 125gr Golden Saber .357 also works well in it.

 

[v84x4]

I'll talk you out of it.........

Just ordered my Apex Site today
Going to install it myself (Video Looks easy enough)

I bought the 340PD TODAY
I got it for a great price and whats an extra $200
to be able to shoot .357 if I ever want to

After I bought it I ran to the Range where I
ran some cheap MAGTECH .38SPL 158gr FMC-FLAT
OMG........... this gun ROCKS
I was firing round after round and even
ripping out 5 shots one handed super fast
Recoil was strong but not so bad that I didnt want More (Im a big guy)

I was tossed in my decisions about spending extra money and shooting .357
But I'm glad I purchased the 340PD

I will purchase some .357 next time and give it a try
who knows.......... maybe I'll like it

Many people do

Good Luck, Best Regards, Rick

 

[snowman.45]

I have an M&P 340. It's the second one I've had after foolishly letting the first one go. I find in retirement, I carry this gun more than any of my other concealed carry guns; revolver or semi auto. I usually carry it loaded with Buffalo Bore 158+P LSWCHP at 1025 FPS out of the short barrel. They are stout for .38 Spec. I also carry Speer Gold Dot 135 Short Barrel in .357 mag, if I'm in the mountains or on the road.

The 340 shoots great, and I like the small Big Dot front sight. I shoot in the high 90's with it during my annual retired qualifications. I can conceal it anywhere, and usually carry OWB at 3:00 with an untucked shirt. While the trigger started out a little heavy (about 12 lbs.), I did a little journal polishing and used a reduced weight rebound slide spring and got it down to a comfortable 9 lbs.

I have other J-frames, including a 640-1 and a 60 no-dash. Both are excellent little revolvers, but I prefer the 340 most of the time.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'll talk you out of it.........

Just ordered my Apex Site today
Going to install it myself (Video Looks easy enough)

I bought the 340PD TODAY
I got it for a great price and whats an extra $200
to be able to shoot .357 if I ever want to

After I bought it I ran to the Range where I
ran some cheap MAGTECH .38SPL 158gr FMC-FLAT
OMG........... this gun ROCKS
I was firing round after round and even
ripping out 5 shots one handed super fast
Recoil was strong but not so bad that I didnt want More (Im a big guy)

I was tossed in my decisions about spending extra money and shooting .357
But I'm glad I purchased the 340PD

I will purchase some .357 next time and give it a try
who knows.......... maybe I'll like it

Many people do

Good Luck, Best Regards, Rick

Whoa, Rick.

Your stream-of-consciousness reply is a bit more than I can grasp.

The OP is considering an EDC replacement for his 442 PC.

The M&P340 he's considering, unlike his 442, will accommodate .357 ammo. The basic difference between his desired M&P340 and your beloved 340PD is the cylinder. The one on your gun is titanium and the one he's interested in is stainless steel (about 2 ounces -- negligible -- in the overall weight of the gun).

According to your assessment, you haven't yet pushed .357s through your gun. You said, "who knows.......... maybe I'll like it" How can you suggest it's a great alternative?

As the boys on Sunday morning will ask, "C'mon Man."

 

[shutupdata113]

Check out the 360j....best bang for your buck. It's only .38 special. Scandium frame, pinned front sight and like $300 cheaper...

 

[v84x4]

Whoa, Rick.

Your stream-of-consciousness reply is a bit more than I can grasp.

The OP is considering an EDC replacement for his 442 PC.

The M&P340 he's considering, unlike his 442, will accommodate .357 ammo. The basic difference between his desired M&P340 and your beloved 340PD is the cylinder. The one on your gun is titanium and the one he's interested in is stainless steel (about 2 ounces -- negligible -- in the overall weight of the gun).

According to your assessment, you haven't yet pushed .357s through your gun. You said, "who knows.......... maybe I'll like it" How can you suggest it's a great alternative?

As the boys on Sunday morning will ask, "C'mon Man."

Sorry.... Your so right
Im just so excited about my gun
I want to tell the world to buy one [emoji6]

Kindest regards, rick

 

[Spikedog]

Thanks for all the information. I ordered (from Bud's) a 340 on Friday and it looks like it will ship today. I am now looking for some good carry ammo for my gun. I currently use Hornady Critical Defense in my 9mm and 45. I have been carrying Hornady CD in my 442 as well, but would like to see if there is anything better. One candidate would be the Buffalo Bore 38 short barrel.

Any suggestions?

 

[alexrex20]

Speer Gold Dot 135gr .357 Short Barrel

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