Been looking at S&W 340PD and 360PD

[erikd65]

Anyone own one of these little beasts? The more I look at them the more I like them... small... lightweight. Is the recoil really that bad with .357? I mean, you may be able to stop someone with one shot, but with bad recoil, getting back on point for the second shot is crucial one would think. Just curious...

E

 

[41mag]

The recoil of a 340PD is horrendus!If you try to shoot one you'll likely have the front sight stuck in your forehead from the recoil!That is,if that self same recoil doesn't shatter the bones in your hand-turning your palm to jelly.The effect is equivalent to having a truck driven over your hand.Shooting .38s' are no better either.

As far as the gun itself goes,the sights are horrible,the finish starts to peel off after just a few dozen[painful c-above]rounds,they go "out of time" easily,& the trigger pull is nothing short of impossible.

Or not.

They recoil shooting .357s' is stout but not un-manageable.Shooting .38s' the 'lil bugger is a darn accurate pussycat.Mine has the old style red ramp sights solid & dead reliable.I've read here & on TFL where members have put thousands of trouble free rounds through theirs.As to the finish?So far indestructable.The front of the cylinder will develop a discolored buildup from firing.I understand that judicious use of a pencil eraser will remove that though.

A good little piece.Highly recommended.

 

[BigG]

Yes. I have the 360 "Chiefs Special" type. I prefer the hammerless 340 because I shoot the 360 DA anyway. They are better to carry in the pocket and don't have a hammer to snag. HTH

 

[Paco]

Dear erik65,

If you are at all considering a j-frame, grab for the 340pd. Here's the skinny:

-Since it's made to shoot .357, it'll be more durable that it's .38special counterpart. Use jacketed .38s to reduce fouling.

-Has a flame shield to avoid flame cutting on the top strap. Look closely, it's a little stainless thingy

-The aluminum alloy it's made of is stronger than the regular aluminum of the normal airweights.

-You have the option of .357. Your around-the-town gun becomes an around-the-woods gun. I'd recommend 158 grain seeing that these don't have as much snap in recoil which will reduce wear on you and the gun and keep the bullets from unseating. The lighter the .357 round, the snappier the recoil.

-Sights are slightly better that it's airweight counterpart.

***Recommend the hammerless, seeing that this is a close up gun, a scrapper-type gun. If the human or animal is on top of you, you want a hammerless revolver for the many reasons that will dawn upon you with a moment's thought.

-dry fire lots. It will condition you and let the piece smooth out a bit

-Clean it only with hoppes, then lightly oil especially in the grooved ejector rod tip

As for finish? Well, this would be simple a cosmetic thing seeing that titanium and aluminum are tough against the elements.

-This piece can and will follow you in just about 99% of the situations you'll find yourself in. It's not great at anything, except weight and concealment, but 'it'll do' in alot of situations.

-Lots of options for grips if you're uncomfortable shooting the heavy stuff through it. The recoil is bad in .357 but perfectly doable. If not you have a hell-for-stout .38 that weights in at 12oz and will follow you everywhere.

-paco

 

[migoi]

I have a 340pd

and like it alot. My preferred lounging around the house attire is a set of sweats. A belly band type holster from actiondirect.com keeps it handy in case the zombies show up at the door.

The recoil is enough that you definately know when you've pulled the trigger but not enough to deter me from bringing it to the range about every other week to run a box of 50 through it.

migoi

 

[P7]

I have the 340sc with the silver finish. It is accurate and recoil is manageable with regular pressure and +P loads. I have yet to try magnum rounds. It is very convenient and comfortable to carry. While I wouldn't use it for plinking, it is great for its intended purpose.

Jeff

 

[dwenslen]

love mine...i have a 340sc.
i've heard just don't scrub the cylinder face w/ abrasive stuff, as it can erode...
mine has not been shot alot, but carried much.
very handy and easy to carry.
id get it.
mine sports some hogue wooden bantam grips that fit my hand better and don't hang up in the pocket like rubber ones.
if you want black finish w/ red ramp sight, get the 340pd. if you want silver w/ a black front sight, get the 340sc.

cheers,
Derek