Thinking about getting the S&W 340PD but have questions please.

[Roger S&W]

Hey guys, brand new here. I've been thinking about getting the S&W 340PD with the HIVIZ but I'm concerned about two things and wondering if you could help me.

1) I've read that sometimes with recoil the rounds/casings can back out a little bit while firing and actually cause a jam? Preventing the cylinder from rotating? Is this true with the 340PD? Especially because it's such a lightweight revolver?

2) Is the recoil with this revolver really outrageous with .357 rounds?

I appeciate any and all replies as I look forward to learning about this revolver.

 

[Snowbandit]

I have the 340 M&P and, yes, some bullets can dislodge and tie this gun up. Recoil with magnum ammunition can only be described as vicious. These little guns are among the best S&W has ever made for carrying a lot and shooting a little. They are not for inexperienced shooters. I do the majority of training and practice with a model 640.

 

[Roger S&W]

Does this apply to all the smaller J-frame models? (possibility of bullets dislodging) or just the 340 models?
The reason I'm looking into revolvers is that I'm tired of jams with some smaller semi-autos. Find it surprising and ironic that revolvers can jam too!
Do these kind of "tie ups" happen with specific types or brands of ammo? And other brands, no problems?

 

[M29since14]

The answer to both questions is yes.

The owner's manual cautions you to test your cartridges for signs of bullet pull. Of course you would want to test your ammo anyway, so no big deal. The only problem is testing with .357s is not a lot of fun.

The gun has to be used with jacketed 120-gr or heavier ammo in .357.

I have never seen similar warnings associated with the other J-frames - just the Titanium .357s.

Recoil is subjective, but I don't know anyone who wouldn't say the 340PD's recoil is pretty severe. Winchester Silvertips are about all I can handle. I read about people using 180-gr ammunition in 340s. I would not call them a liar, but it seems incomprehensible to me. My impression is that most .357 125-gr loads are "tolerable," the Silvertips less so, but not out of the question. Federal 158-gr Hydra-shoks: "intolerable." Anything heavier: "absolutely intolerable." Just my $0.02.

 

[roundgunner]

I carry my 340 SC with Speer Gold Dot 135 gr short barrel.

I don't think the recoil is fun but it is tolerable with the CT grips (air pocket to reduce felt recoil)
I practice with 135 SWC lead +p+ crimped real tight!

 

[Roger S&W]

That was very helpful, thank you..perhaps I should consider carrying and practicing with .38 Special +P instead...do you have any advice as far as best ammo brand or bullet weight to use? Is this caliber less likely to cause the rounds to dislodge as I'd imagine there's less pressure...

 

[Fuego]

I have a 340PD and carry it constantly.
It is easy to carry. I use a DeSantis front pocket holster, and the gun just disappears.
As for shooting, it is not a pleasant pistol to shoot with 158 Gn FMJ full power magnum loads.
I carry with Federal factory 125 Gr. JHP .357 Mags, and have never had a bullet pull problem. I don't think anyone will unless they are shooting taper crimp handloads.
A factory load with the case crimped into the bullet ferrule is not going anywhere.

 

[Roger S&W]

Very nice looking pistol sir and Happy Veteran's Day.

 

[Roger S&W]

I have a 340PD and carry it constantly.
It is easy to carry. I use a DeSantis front pocket holster, and the gun just disappears.
As for shooting, it is not a pleasant pistol to shoot with 158 Gn FMJ full power magnum loads.
I carry with Federal factory 125 Gr. JHP .357 Mags, and have never had a bullet pull problem. I don't think anyone will unless they are shooting taper crimp handloads.
A factory load with the case crimped into the bullet ferrule is not going anywhere.

Oh wow, that's good to hear, you just gave me a sense of relief, cause I just had a bad day at the range with 2 of my semi-autos jamming and I finally said, hey, it's revolver time...so it's good to know the revolver bullet pull problem pretty much just happens with certain types of reloads (I don't reload)
Fuego, thank you. Very helpful indeed.

 

[Snowbandit]

In reality having the option of using magnum ammo is an okay idea for situations when nothing else is available. Most people that carry these guns regularly load them with 38 Special +P's. It's a very effective round and makes a second aimed shot possible within a reasonable time frame. I often carry a model 28 with magnum ammo and the 340 goes into back up role. The ammo is interchangeable between them if either should go down.

 

[Roger S&W]

Good points, I understand the .38 +P is a very effective SD load and the lower recoil/blast compared to .357 would be a major positive factor, as you said, for rapid target acquisition if needed.

 

[Roger S&W]

I carry my 340 SC with Speer Gold Dot 135 gr short barrel.

I don't think the recoil is fun but it is tolerable with the CT grips (air pocket to reduce felt recoil)
I practice with 135 SWC lead +p+ crimped real tight!

One of the main reasons I'm considering the 340PD is because it comes with rubber grips. Are those CT grips rubber? If not, perhaps I should get these instead. What do you guys think? Rubber or CT? The traditional rubber grips more concealable?

The other main reason I'm looking at tis particular model is the HIVIZ front site. Is it nice?

 

[Roger S&W]

Wow guys, the best price I can find is at Buds, $791.00 That's one of the reasons I appreciate your input.

 

[roundgunner]

These CT grips are soft rubber. This gun conceals very well.

 

[Snowbandit]

The CT grips are considerably larger, likely much more comfortable to shoot, than the concealable standard boot grip style. I wouldn't care for the CT grips at all. Sights too are a personal thing and selection depends on intended use. I went with the M&P model because it comes with night sights and mine is mostly used at night.

 

[Roger S&W]

Appreciate the facts (didn't know about the night sights on the M&P) and your differing perspectives and preferences.

 

[P&R Fan]

I carry my 340PD almost all the time, front pocket, left side. I'm right handed. It just disappears, I literally forget it's there sometimes.
I carry it with Federal 125 grn JHPs. These recoil more severely than anything else I've tried, but everything I've read about them indicates they are one of the most effective self defense loads available. I also replaced the rubber grips with a pair of Eagle Secret Service boot grip stocks. These stocks are not made for shooting comfort, they are made to make the revolver more concealable, and they accomplish that very well.
Since I carry it on my non-dominant side, I shoot at least a couple cylinders left handed only every time I take it out. Do I enjoy it? Absolutely not. But I'm not shooting this gun for enjoyment. I'm training. I'll be honest with you, it's not fun shooting this thing with these loads, but I feel pretty good about my abilities with it, and that takes practice.

 

[Roger S&W]

I hear ya, this pistol has a specific purpose and that's why I was concerned about the issue raised earlier--the bullet pull problem where the rounds back out a little while firing effectively causing the revolver to jam!

Another member generously contributed saying this only happens with certain kinds of reloads, do you guys agree?

 

[P&R Fan]

I've never had it happen.
That doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I could see with reloads without a good crimp it could be a strong possibility.

 

[Roger S&W]

I guess a good "crimp" allows the round to stay flush within the individual cylinders? Please pardon a revolver newbie, Glock and CZ guy

And that's why S&W recommends a certain bullet weight to be used in this model?