Who here has shot an S&W 340PD? (Airweight .357)

bofe thanks for posting that picture. Those are much nicer looking then mine.
I see what you mean about the size. Looks like they keep the trigger guard off your finger also.
The ones I have shoot great. I have to grip it low though.
my ring finger in the bottom groove. I think My hand is too thick to grab it high. I don'y mind the xtra rubber right now, but might try yours in the spring As these grips are a little too big for pocket carry.

I was a bit reticent to purchase the 340 $$ and felt I wouldn't want to deal with the .357 loads and hence purchased a 642.

The only reason now that I am glad I didn't is the MP 340 is out or out soon for at least $100 less and weighs only 2 oz more but less than the 642. The 642 is going to be my wife's bedside. The 686 is a bit much.

I was pleasantly underwhelmed with anything in +P in the 642 as far as control and displeasure goes.

Anyone acquire a M&P 340 yet?

I had a friend who had this super light and I agree that something like a Hogue grip helps when one has bigger hands. That is my main complaint with any concealed carry handgun, the grip and finger distance is too small and it feels like I have to hold it with just my fingers and who can be accurate shooting that way, shucks I might drop it! I guess this is the one instance I prefer a pistol

I rented one last week at Scottsdale Gun Club and put a box of 50 MagTech .357s through it. It wasn't fun at all. I finished the box off with a bloody thumb knuckle, a blood blister on my trigger finger, a bruise on my right hand ring finger knuckle from the ring on my other hand, a throbbing wrist, and a pounding headache.

I went back for more today and bought a box of 38 special and a box of 357. The 38's were actually pretty enjoyable to shoot. I could see myself doing some extended range sessions with this gun with the 38's. The 357's still sucked big time (only managed to shoot 5 this time).

I think I'm going to buy one and try to work my way up to carrying .357s in it but I imagine It'll be a while.


btw, this is my first post on this site. I've been browsing and reading for a while so I figured it was about time to sign up for an account.

SNIP *** sorry - didn't realize thread was 9months old ***

I have read almost every thread on this topic of the 340PD. I have read of severe recoil and busted hands and being or not being recoil sensitive. Whether or not to carry .38+p or .357. Those who say you should never buy this gone or what not. Let me give you my thought on things. My life depends on this gun. My life and my ability to come home and see my two kids, depends on this gun. This gun is not a plinker, it is not a gun I take to the range for a good day of punching paper, it is not a gun that I introduce my friends to the world of pistol shooting. It is a gun, that I bank my life on.
I carry a Sig Sauer 226R with a streamlight trl-1 and 37 rounds of ammo on my side every day. I carry a Smith and Wesson M&P15T with Surefire M900 tac light and an Eotech on top. I have more 30-round mags thatn you can think of. And I still say that the 340PD is my get out of death for free card. For all of you out there that carry CCW, I am thankfull. For all of you that carry the 340 PD as back-up, I am gratefull. You see, I have worked as an undercover Narc for the past four years. When I enter the den of the devil, I can and will only carry one thing, the 340PD with the biggest meanest round that I can find. For most of you, this weapon is something that you carry to make you feel better as you go about your day in what ever ventures that you find. For me, it's not an option. I will come home every day, every night. I have heard people talk about the ability to produce an accurate second shot with this gun. For me, when this weapon has been deployed, things are so bad, that one has no choice. First shot or second shot, I am talking at distances that are so close that I will burn my brows with the muzzle flash, I will singe (sp?) my nose with burnt powder, and I will, without doubt, taste the gray matter in the air. I apologize in advance if this thought does not sit well with some. I am O.K. with that. I this gun is the last and first line of defense for me. I have a heavily armed rescue team that is 30 to 45 seconds away for when the **** hits the perverbial fan. I for one, am not willing to wait. You see, I have a 340PD.

meat424

I have the M&P340, but I still thank you for doing what you do. You take whatever you need to work with you, and be as safe as you possibly can.

340

When the Talo SS version appeared, it seemed like the answer to all snub prayers! Had to have one, of course...to add to the 60's, 640's, 642's, etc...

The 340 leaves no doubt about when it went off, but it is manageable for most shooters used to recoil. My concerns are what might happen if you were wounded and lacked the usual function of limbs, etc.- might the recoil cause the gun to be torn from your weakened grip? Haven't decided on this one yet. At the expense of conealability, Pachmayr Compacs would help, or some similar rubber type grips.

My 125lb wife has shot my 340 w/ 357 125 Fed, and survived, though it's not something she wants to do often!

Those who feel that a good 38+P load like the Fed 38BP, etc. is a better choice might be right, due to less chance of losing your grip on the gun, and faster recoil recovery for follow up shots. I am leaning in that direction.

My second concern is the posts on the forums showing the barrel separated from the frame, and frame cracking in some guns. The lock is a concern also, though mine has never activated, nor has the one on my 386, but Mike Bane's experience with the 329 and lockups is unnerving.

Long story short, while I think the 340 is neat due to its weight and 357 capability, I am likely going back to my 640 and/or 642 as circumstances dictate.

Not sure whether this posts helps, confuses or just bores, but there it is!

Got one and love carrying it, but shooting it can be a little on the painful side.

They are truly a great gun for their intended purpose, which is to have a gun always on your body.

I don't know if I could see myself paying $700 for one, but my lightly used gun for $500 was well worth it.

now have two 340pd's one for me, other wifey, and dropped off my 642 for consignment at the local Delray gun shop. I agree it is the ultimate pocket carry but like everything it is a compromise. limited number of rounds, recoil, expense, harder to clean, but it is my pride and joy.
Right now carrying in an uncle mike's #36 IWB w/ 38 + p's.
Thinking about paying off a 386 sc for home.

In what way is it harder to clean?

In what way is it harder to clean?

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You can only use poly bristled brushes on the titanium cylinder, otherwise you risk destroying the protective coating.

That is the only special care for the 340PD.

My 342PD .38 Spec. with +P ammo was rather unpleasant to practice with, so I swapped it for a 642 Airweight. I'm in my 6th decade now--probably wouldn't have been an issue 10 yrs ago.

I know fierce recoil isn't necessarily an issue in a L&D situation, but I want to practice with my BUG regularly.

The thought of practicing with a full house .357 Ti is frightening. The thought of having one in my hand to save my life is comforting. Because I want to practice with mine, the Airweight wins over the Airlight.

I wouldn't criticize anyone for carrying the 340PD for life insurance even if they didn't practice with it.

You can only use poly bristled brushes on the titanium cylinder, otherwise you risk destroying the protective coating.
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What kind of protective coating? And how could that coating be so delicate as to not to withstand anything other than a poly bristled brush on the one hand, and withstand an exploding .357 magnum on the other? Where did you get that info from?

Anyway, I usually only clean my gun barrels with a soft piece of cloth and solvent.

I wouldn't criticize anyone for carrying the 340PD for life insurance even if they didn't practice with it.
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It's a gun you can trust.

Its in Smiths manual that cleaning the cylinders of the titanium models will destroy a protective coating on the TI what will lead to eventual erosion of the cylinders. I just use a good oil and patches on mine.

I have a 642 airweight with pachmayr compacs (which cover the backstrap) and even with +p loads it isnt very bad to shoot at all. My personal opinion though is that a .357 load out of a gun that size is too much. Im afraid that during snubby practice i would develop a flinch with shooting a gun of that recoil. All I know is that ive never had to pull a gun as of yet (knock on wood) but if I do i dont want to hesitate or flinch on the second shot if needed. I find myself carrying my ruger p345 around most of the time but when its nice outside and i cant hide that much gun i grab the 642 and feel plenty safe. But like they say theres an ass for every seat and if someone likes a small frame .357 im not going to knock them for it

There was a time when

I was fascinated (deer in the headlights like) by the Sc/Ti threads. Now I find them about as entertaining and controversial as the ILS discussions.

642/442, nice. The 340pd, don't know, don't own one, never shot one. (but I do shoot a Seecamp .380 knucklebuster, hence I can appreciate the "getting beat up" concept).


Convergence of Technologies

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History will bear out the Sc/Ti format might now be considered an experiment gone too far or bad science. An extreme swing of the pendelum. Great idea at the time with state of the art materials, but as with many great ideas, theory is one thing practice is another.....then the developmental team got it right!!

M&P 340




All the good, none of the bad plus the XS night sight and trench are spot on. The IonBond finish on mine is holding up very well. The perfect balance.

There is another convergence that works to this formats favor. Speer and Buffalo Bore both recognized the special ammunition requirements for short barrel revolvers and addressed the need. Low flash powders and right sized load(s) have optimized this package to nothing short of amazing.
Add the Hogue Monogrip or CT 305 and it is concealed carry perfection. (Almost, 6 rounds and deep sixing the ILS, would be perfection).

S&W is so convinced this is an optimized materials package they developed the entire Night Guard line-up based on Sc/Ss, Ionbond, 38spl through .45.
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TO clarify my earlier post I meant to clean with anything abrasive or a strong solvent I believe was the warning.

Yes, I have fired one. OUCH.
I emptied one cylinder, kindly thanked the owner, and walked away.
I have nothing against it, I see the niche it fills. I think it's a wonderful idea, even. But for me it just wasn't what I would personally want to carry.

TO correct my self the manual actually says not to use a wire brush, steel wool, or scotch brite on the titanium cylinder. No restrictions on the type of cleaner.

I have carried differen't guns for different occasions, I just don't see the importance of buying a 357, if you are going to shoot 38's through it, I like the way the gun looks, but I have a titanium 38, that takes +p's, and that seems to be what most people are using in the 357's. As far as getting bloody ,sore blistered fingers, goes, I guess some folks like that, Me i'll stick with a gun like a 38 on a warm Florida day off, to a 1911, or a G30, if i'm carrying cash with a second and even a third weapon, when I used to load ATM's for a friend. The thought of having 11- 15 rounds in a pinch is more important to me than how cool the gun looks and standing there trying to reload that cannon while 2 or more jackoffs shoot at me. I know there are die hards on this subject, maybe after 37 years of carrying guns, has made me critical of guns that make follow up shots on moving targets more difficult, than they have to be.If someone is trying to shoot me I want less smoke and recoil, and more rounds to follow up in case the first five don't do the trick. It may be ok for a younger big guy who really practices a few times a week with it, or as a backup gun. Go ahead and cut loose nowI know I'm going to hear it from the 340 lovers.

I have a 642 airweight with pachmayr compacs (which cover the backstrap) and even with +p loads it isnt very bad to shoot at all. My personal opinion though is that a .357 load out of a gun that size is too much.

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Same here. I've never fired an airlite 357, and don't care to. And I'm not particularly recoil sensitive. 357s from a Model 66, 44 Mags from a Ruger Redhawk. All quite manageable. I sense my limits and no that a 340 firing 357s is beyond them. My hat is off to those of you that can handle them.

I carry a 2.5 lb + 1911 and don't find the weight bothersome at all. If I want to carry a 357 Magnum, I will do so in a heavier gun that I can control, such as a Ruger SP101, Security Six or S&W K Frame.

A revolver loaded with good 38 Special ammo is nothing to sneeze at. Shot placement and penetration are key. Ft-lbs of energy and muzzle velocity don't count for much, IMHO. There are plenty of 38 loadings that will meet and surpass the FBI's 12" minimum penetration depth requirement. The Corbon DPX is an excellent example that I am considering for my 642, as I've heard recoil is very manageable.

So don't feel like you are giving up much, if anything, with a 38 or 38 +P. It'll do the job if you do yours.

I think a 357 airweight is a very bad idea. Maybe there are some serious gorillas out there who can shoot them, but I prefer the 60. Those extra few ounces make a lot of difference in recoil, and are not that difficult to carry in comfort.

i think anyone concerned about recoil does not understand what it was built for. it's not for plinking and you can stay current with .38spcl. I carry my m&p340ct everyday with .357mag but shoot at least once a month with .38. I put a wheel full of .357 down range once. that was enough for me, it WAS unpleasant but i like to know the power is in my pocket to protect me and m ine.