M&p 340

[Prairiedog]

I took the 340 to the range for the first time on Monday and shot a variety of 38 spl and +P loads. I started with Win factory 38 Spl as sort of a baseline and then went to several +P reloads with Sierra and Hornady 125 gr. Finally I shot some Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr.
I tried to chronograph my loads but I couldn't get a single read so that was a bummer. I was pleasantly surprised at the 'comfort' of shooting the +P. I shot a total of about 200 rounds. From what I have read here and on other forums I expected more of a pounding. I never brought any 357's so couldn't check them out but I had my M29 loaded with Keith style 429421 and a stiff load of W296. These guys really pound the web of my hand as the gun doesn't roll due to the grip style. I can't imagine the 340 will ever go to that level but I have to wait and see with some 357 loads.
Not that I intend to shoot full bore 357 but I will develop a comfortable 357 load above the +P level for practice.
As far as the loads I took to the range, I had loaded with W231, Unique and Univ Clays. The Clays load was from the bottle and probably a little light at 5.2 gr. The Hornady manual show a much higher load for +P so I'm going to work this load up a little. They seemed to shoot good with clean powder burn. The Unique left unburned powder flakes. I'll also try AA#5 in the future.
The 'trigger' on the 340 is great. It's been a long time since I've shot any double-action as I've almost exclusively shot the 1911's for the past 20 years. I have to practice and learn this double-action thing.
Any suggestions besides dry-fire practice?

 

[DAdams]

Prairiedog welcome and thanks for the report.

Still hard to beat a 340 wish I had bought 10 back when they were still priced right.

I have to practice and learn this double-action thing.
Any suggestions besides dry-fire practice?

Point shooting and dry firing at the TV, unless your friends and family are around and think you have dropped off the deep end.

I still like my CT laser for point shooting.

 

[HJHMD]

Iwb holster for 340

Hello everyone,
Can anyone recommend an IWB holster for the 340 for use in the appendix position. I have a crossbreed supertuck and find it too wide in that position. I have tried a remora and it's ok, but I'm wondering if there is a better option. I know that some people rave about Dale Fricke's archangel, but they are using it primarily for glocks. I haven't seen any comments about it or pictures of it being used for a j frame. I use a mika and nemesis for pocket carry and am quite happy with those, but would like to try out the AIWB carry option. Appreciate your help !

Jim

 

[Hatufan]

Just got mine!!!

Also, looking for holster suggestions for dress clothes, tucked in shirt, etc.

 

[DAdams]

Welcome Hatufan and HJHMD.

From a holster standpoint for the 340 I primarily pocket carry and I still to this day (3+years) use the Mika Roundcut. I also have a DeSantis Nemesis which will work for the J Frame but I prefer the Mika. I may have to try an IWB from Robert one of these days.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://...tNjm_Q&usg=AFQjCNFm5Kdmsm28eqLr5KAd0bMHkJ1JQQ

I also have a Blackhawk Speedclassic Sized for S&W J Frames (accomodates a CT 405), but I have never worn it out and about. I got it JIC I ever wanted to OWB. I purchased it through Optics Planet.

I have an inexpensive Uncle Mikes IWB for JIC scenarious but again, haven't taken it out of the house.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Speed-Classic-Leather-Concealment-SW-J-Frame,809,1418.htm

Here is the J Frame "search" for J Frames.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/s/j+fra...526p+holster?gclid=COq_3q_u_KoCFZNV7AodeRvH1Q

Anything that is rated for a Smith and Wesson J Frame Centennial will work.

Let us know how you make out. With any luck you will get the holster right the first time with a great deal of research.....but probably not.

This looks like it may have potential....
http://www.opticsplanet.net/safariland-iwb-holster-plain-black-right-hand-18-01-61.html

Crossbreed gets very high ratings by users. This is something new and I think I am going to give it a try.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/Q...efault.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName
The QwikClip is also tuckable and adjustable for cant but not for ride height. It has 3 settings which are FBI, Straight Drop and a bit of a reverse cant. It is the holster we recommend for crossdraw or appendix IWB carry. It also works well with smaller guns up to medium frame guns but can tend to have some stability issues with heavier guns such as full size steel frame guns.

 

[hessy]

A few pics of my Smith 340 no IL revo. I practice at 25 yds and can hit a chest-size target consistently. The gun beats my thumb and draws blood sometimes after 50 rds of 38+P, so I started carrying a glove with me when I practice. Have not shot any magnum loads yet and actually have no desire to do so. A very nice revolver, the only one I have currently. It carries easily in Uncle Mike pocket holster. On the photos, nicer groups in the upper and lower corner of the target are from another more accurate gun, the rest is from the M&P340.

 

[hessy]

a couple of more pics

 

[DAdams]

Thanks for sharing and glad to see your 340 finally reached you.

25 yards? Not bad. You going to use that thing for a game getter?
Nice pair you have there.

I don't recall what 50 rounds of Plus P would do to my hand?

 

[wheelyfun66]

Hey All,
Thanks to reading this entire thread...

I have picked up a brand-new NO LOCK 340 M&P!

No pics or range report yet...
but it is a fine companion to my 66 snub.

Can't believe the fit and finish of this j-frame, and am looking forward to giving it a workout soon.

I plan on carrying it with .38+P....probably the Buffalo Bore LSWCHP in 158gr, that seem to work so well in my 66 snub.

Don't really care to shoot too many .357's out of it...but bought it for the X/S front sight, tough finish, and high quality.

I bought a Remora holster for it...
but am looking for some other good IWB holsters...

Anyone ever try the Alabama Holster's Offside Kydex?

Full report to follow, ASAP.
(I joined this forum so that I could post about the 340!)

 

[FranklyTodd]

Welcome, and great to hear from you - congrats on the great gun. Can't wait to read your report! No IWB for me at this point - interested to see how you like carrying it...

 

[Murcielago]

I bought a Remora holster for it...
but am looking for some other good IWB holsters...

I'm a fan of the El Paso Saddlery C-Force.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Hey All,
Not really a range report, but I did finally shoot some rounds through the 340, because I have been carrying it without even test firing it! (not a very good idea...I know!)

With 158gr .38.....fun, fun, fun to shoot! felt like a .22 magnum.

With 130gr .38+P (Winchester PDX bonded)...felt just right..some snap to the recoil, but came back on target instantly.

Now for the big payoff: Speer Gold Dot (short barrel) 135gr .357 magnum.
I was dreading this round...as the light weight 340 is made for carry, not for magnums....BUT...I was surprised to find that the Speer round is totally controllable, and not painful at all.

Granted, this was not an accuracy test, or an extended range test, but just a function test. However, I now know that I can carry .357 caliber and can come back on target quickly and accurately.

I will follow up with an actual range report...one day soon.
I have been carrying in a Remora holster, just behind the hip, and this is the easiest weapon I have ever carried!

My carry weapons are down to a 66 snub and the 340...and I feel good!

 

[DAdams]

wheelyfun66, thanks for joining us and sharing your experiences. I guess you know that you are now a part of the most extensive M&P 340 thread on the World Wide Web....well maybe.

You guys with your no lock 340s, make me green. Although I have had no issues I just don't care for the aesthetics. No more ILS S&Wessons for me.

My last three have been lockless.

Somewhere there are some ammo reports on plus P vs .357 out of J Frames. IIRC there wasn't much gained with the .357.

Brassfetcher does some good reports.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/38 Special.html

http://www.ballistics101.com/357_magnum.php
This site is a compendium of manufacturers data all in one place.

 

[Mister_Smith]

Bought my second Smith and Wesson 340 yesterday, but this time I did not make the mistake of buying from on online source, only to be surprised when a new gun shows up with unacceptable flaws in fit and finish like my 340 M&P I bought last spring from an online dealer. At the local gun shop they had a no lock 340PD which I passed up months ago due to cash shortage. This was either the same gun or a different one, and after a thorough inspection I saw no unacceptable flaws, some extremely minor ones yes, but after seeing many new Smith and Wesson firearms with very poor fit and finish, this gun was certainly a gem.

I couldn't resist any longer, heck, I've been salivating over these guns for years but never bought one due to the internal lock. Now that the lockless versions are becoming more accessible I had to have one last spring (340 M&P), now two. I like the M&P for its versatility with ammo, and the PD due to the fact that it is SO LIGHT that it is like carrying an M&P without ammo! Truly, I weighed it out, a loaded 340PD weighs the same as a 340 M&P loaded with only one round.

Range report? Sorry, my original 340 was never tested because I intend to send it back to Smith and Wesson and hope they resolve the cosmetic defect and other issues. They have sent me a Fedex shipping label but the process is still an pain in the neck and I have yet to get it out, as there is NO Fedex terminal that allows me to bring the gun in to ship! I have to make a special appointment to get this thing shipped, according to Fedex. Hence, no more online purchases, I want to hold any new guns in my hand for a thorough inspection from now on, especially Smith and Wessons. I am endeared to the brand and own a few beaut Smiths, but their quality control these days definitely needs improvement.

Back to the bright side, I believe these 340's are among some of the most super pieces of firearm exotica, highly specialized and a prize for those who understand their purpose and are willing to train sufficiently with it. Bravo Smith and Wesson for producing what nobody else does, great gun, as long as you understand and accept it for what it is. If I didn't believe this I would not own two.

 

[DAdams]

Bravo Mr. Smith. Nice piece. I was about ready to buy a PD when S&W introduced the M&P. You are right about the weight, the best facet of that gun in my view.

So you found a PD with no lock and it is used?

Show us some pics when you get a chance.

 

[Mister_Smith]

Yes Mr. Adams, the 340PD is a nice piece. I did not find it used, I stumbled upon it at a local gun shop, new in the box, no internal lock, which is unusual. Most gun shops say they don't sell many of these. To an outsider it is a nothing gun, tiny, seems to be made of plastic, insubstantial in weight, only holds 5 slow to reload rounds, hurts to shoot, difficult to handle, limited life span under hard use, and for all this you get the privilege of paying over $1000 with tax! Who can blame anyone for feeling no love for the 340 series. Still there are those who see it's purpose and are willing to pay the price in all respects.

Truly, is there anything more powerful that can disappear in a pocket? I really like the Kimber RCP, a micro 1911 in .45 caliber. As .45's go, it's truly a mini to micro .45 and weighs around 25 oz. with its 3 inch barrel. That's still some two and a half times the weight of the 340PD and what I read from the trenches say it's not a true pocket gun so I believe nothing comes close to the J frame Smiths in .357 Magnum for the express purpose of concealment and power, somebody correct if I'm wrong but nothing comes close.

I'm not too savvy with digital cameras but when I pick up the gun after the waiting period I will see about taking some good photos! I tried once before for another gun but the photos were all of terrible quality. Needless to say, I'm very happy to own these wonderful little guns!

 

[wheelyfun66]

Hey Mr Smith,
I hear ya on the fact that the 340 series is so expensive..and it seems like all you get is a tiny 5 shot revolver...

but for those who understand the value of a lightweight, reliable, night sight, and .357 capable gun....they are outstanding!

I paid 735ish for mine, and have considered what other weapons I could have gotten for that price (Sig, low-end 1911, full size revolver)...but for me, the niche that the 340 fills is worth it.

(it still will not replace my S&W 66 snub as my favorite ccw gun)

 

[Mister_Smith]

Wheelyfun66, you hit on one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE guns, the Smith 19/66. To me it's one of the world's most beautiful guns, and I have been jonesin' for a snub Smith 19 or 66 and will eventually find the cash for one (better still, BOTH). I DO own a well used four inch 66 and admire it often. If I could have only one gun a Smith 19/66 would be right up there with a 1911, it would be a tough choice. I also have a four inch Smith 19, which for anyone who doesn't know, is a blued version of the 66, and I used to love shooting it. I don't remember full bore .357 rounds being at all painful to shoot. They are magnificent revolvers!

 

[DAdams]

Mister Smith you are a visionary of substance. Good call on a state of the art handgun that is pursued by many but enjoyed by few.

 

[DAdams]

Mister Smith you are a visionary of substance. Good call on a state of the art handgun that is pursued by many but enjoyed by few.

My latest acquisition is a model 19-2 NIB.

 

[Mister_Smith]

Beautiful two and a half inch Smith 19 Mr. DAdams! I'd feel envy but I did have a choice, snub 19... or 340PD, I chose the 340PD but sooner or later I'll have a snub 19 or 66. These guns are works of art!!

 

[wheelyfun66]

Hey DAdams,
Love the 19 snub!

I do still prefer to carry my 66 snub (vs the 340), only because...if I need a gun..I would rather defend myself with the 66 than the 340!

But..for all practical purposes..the 340 is going to see 80 percent of all carry duties.

 

[DAdams]

The recent 66 acquisition is going to spend most of its life in the safe I think. I am looking for a 90% 19 to carry on occasion. 340 and a Seecamp .380 see most carry duty for me.

 

[royal barnes]

I posted on this thread when I first acquired my 340M&P asking about .357 loads. I tried a few and decided to settle on the .38 158 grain LSWCHP+P round. I recently found some of the Speer GD 135 SB .357's and have now fired 60 rounds through my 340. The round is controllable, accurate and quick follow up shots are not difficult at combat distances. I'll relegate the .38's to my other J frames. I have a new carry round in the caliber for which the 340 was designed. It has become my daily carry gun.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Hey Royal Barnes,
Yes, that Speer Gold Dot short barrel 135gr .357 magnum round is a real winner in the 340!

For me, it is either that round or the Buffalo Bore 158gr .38+P LSWCHP.

Not for extended range sessions, but for a few cylinders at a time, the .357 magnum is very manageable...and I like loading my 340 with .357 for CCW purposes.

Thanks for sharing!