Agreed. This is what I carry. It's a little painful to shoot but I don't believe I would notice that in a life-or-death situation. I normally limit myself at the range to two cylinders of this ammo.
M&p 340
- Thread starter DAdams
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AStone
Member
67 pages, and still going.
am i impressed?
yeah.
at ease. smokem' if you've got 'em.
am i impressed?
yeah.
at ease. smokem' if you've got 'em.
OP
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DAdams
Member
I still really like my M&P 340 after 4 years. It is the only revolver I pocket carry and it covers a unique niche in my carry line-up.
My only regret? I didn't buy 10 of them as an investment for resale.
AStone
Member
DA, where are you these days with carry ammo for it?
Still stoked with .357 mag, or do you ever shoot .38 spl in it?
Still stoked with .357 mag, or do you ever shoot .38 spl in it?
OP
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DAdams
Member
I still keep it loaded with the SGDFSB 135 Plus P.
When I do go to the range, I usually run 3 cylinders of 38. spl then 3-4 plus P then a couple of cylinders with the GD. That's all the work out I need at that point.
I usually take something else along that needs some attention. I'm way behind in my range trips. All work and no play. Lately I have been keeping the Kahr PM9 with the CT grips around at night. It needs a workout too, but it was out last time.
When I go out it's either the Seecamp or the M&P (in the Mika RC) in the pocket.
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AStone
Member
SGDSB 135 gr Plus P is .38 spl, right?
wheelyfun66
Member
"SGDSB 135 gr Plus P is .38 spl, right?"....Yes, that is correct.
I still haven't given my 340 much of a workout, but do carry it often.
I am thinking of getting some VZ grips for it...they make some excellent looking grips in black...
wondering if anyone has experience with VZ grips (specifically on a J-frame)?
Here is a link to the grips: http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/smith-...-diamonds/j-frame-tactical-diamonds-black-g10
check em out!
Please post any experiences with VZ grips!
I still haven't given my 340 much of a workout, but do carry it often.
I am thinking of getting some VZ grips for it...they make some excellent looking grips in black...
wondering if anyone has experience with VZ grips (specifically on a J-frame)?
Here is a link to the grips: http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/smith-...-diamonds/j-frame-tactical-diamonds-black-g10
check em out!
Please post any experiences with VZ grips!
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Those VZ Grips look pretty good, but at $75 MSRP what do they offer as opposed to say the Hogue Bantams for much less? Neither cover the backstrap, which to me is key for comfort and some recoil mitigation. The Hogues are under $20.
http://www.getgrip.com/main/overview/revolvers.html
Bantam Grips - Ultra light and compact
Bantam grips are the lightest and most compact rubber grips available. In fact a J frame Bantam grip weights only 1.4 ounces making it at last .8 ounces less than the nearest competitive grip. Using a revolutionary Patented Hogue design, these ultra light grips simply snap onto the gun, requiring no screws, or metal parts.
http://www.getgrip.com/main/overview/revolvers.html
Bantam Grips - Ultra light and compact
Bantam grips are the lightest and most compact rubber grips available. In fact a J frame Bantam grip weights only 1.4 ounces making it at last .8 ounces less than the nearest competitive grip. Using a revolutionary Patented Hogue design, these ultra light grips simply snap onto the gun, requiring no screws, or metal parts.
Murcielago
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
- Messages
- 84
They look bitchin'. Never underestimate the draw of a bitchin' set of stocks on a gun.
That said I have a set of Hogue bantams on my 340.
AStone
Member
rock.
Mister_Smith
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2011
- Messages
- 33
Did somebody say 67 pages and still going?
Of course! The 340 series Smiths are wonderful revolvers! So wonderful I just bought yet another! Well, sort of, it's not a 340, it's the 43C, the same exact gun as the 340 but chambered in .22 so I can practice for a fraction of the cost of .38/.357 ammunition. The attached photo is one the dealer took of my exact gun to be sent to me, which I requested so I could see for myself that it had no cosmetic flaws. I have not yet picked up the gun at my local dealer, though. Sorry I have not gotten around to photos of my 340PD and 340 M&P, in time. I really would rather have put the money towards another 340 M&P but honestly, I did the math, the savings in ammo by having a 340 chambered in .22 is worth the stiff entry fee, and I must admit, it is a neat little gun and only 10 oz. Again, to DAdams and all those who contribute to this wonderful site, a sincere thank you!! I'm an ardent fan of both the 340 series and this site!!!
Of course! The 340 series Smiths are wonderful revolvers! So wonderful I just bought yet another! Well, sort of, it's not a 340, it's the 43C, the same exact gun as the 340 but chambered in .22 so I can practice for a fraction of the cost of .38/.357 ammunition. The attached photo is one the dealer took of my exact gun to be sent to me, which I requested so I could see for myself that it had no cosmetic flaws. I have not yet picked up the gun at my local dealer, though. Sorry I have not gotten around to photos of my 340PD and 340 M&P, in time. I really would rather have put the money towards another 340 M&P but honestly, I did the math, the savings in ammo by having a 340 chambered in .22 is worth the stiff entry fee, and I must admit, it is a neat little gun and only 10 oz. Again, to DAdams and all those who contribute to this wonderful site, a sincere thank you!! I'm an ardent fan of both the 340 series and this site!!!
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wheelyfun66
Member
Forgive the K frame that snuck into this pic...
but here (finally) is pic of my new no/lock 340
will post more pics soon....
but here (finally) is pic of my new no/lock 340
will post more pics soon....
JTaylor340
Member
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2012
- Messages
- 2
Picked up an M&P340 to replace my PPK for a carry gun. Very impressed with it. Hope to get a few rounds through it soon. I ordered some 125 NyClad & 110 HydroShock to get started. I want to try some .357 loads, but have a few questions. I'm about halfway through this thread and need a spoiler somewhere around the 30 page mark there is talk of the 135 GD short barrel being just the +P with more powder and less reliable. Will I find a conclusion to this in the next 30 pages? Did Speer work this out? Are people avoiding this round and just using the 135 GD +P?
Thanks for the spoiler & great thread!
JT
somewhere around the 30 page mark there is talk of the 135 GD short barrel being just the +P with more powder and less reliable. Will I find a conclusion to this in the next 30 pages? Did Speer work this out? Are people avoiding this round and just using the 135 GD +P?Thanks for the spoiler & great thread!
JT
wheelyfun66
Member
Someone asked if, "there is talk of the 135 GD short barrel being just the +P with more powder and less reliable.?"
I have an M&P 34o, and shoot and carry the Speer 135gr .357 magnum short barrel load...and find it to be excellent for recoil control and quick times back on target.
Not sure what problems people were having with this load....?
I do know that many carry the .38+P loadings...and those are excellent too!
You will have to try out some different types of loads, and see what works for you.
Have fun!
I have an M&P 34o, and shoot and carry the Speer 135gr .357 magnum short barrel load...and find it to be excellent for recoil control and quick times back on target.
Not sure what problems people were having with this load....?
I do know that many carry the .38+P loadings...and those are excellent too!
You will have to try out some different types of loads, and see what works for you.
Have fun!
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Welcome aboard to
jp0319 and JTTaylor340.
Nice pic there wheelyfun66.
Mister Smith, that's a great idea getting the .22 I may have to look into one of those now that my K Frame quest is satiated. Would go along nicely with a Browning Buckmark for training new shooters in the operation of semi-auto and revolver with minimal recoil.
I checked out the .22Mag and upon research found that it was about as noisy as a .38spl. I may look into it again too.
I have been watching the success and high marks of the new Walther PPQ has been getting so it may be next in line. I need another 9mm. I don't think the price is going to stay where it is as they have gone up recently since their intro.
jp0319 and JTTaylor340.
Nice pic there wheelyfun66.
Mister Smith, that's a great idea getting the .22 I may have to look into one of those now that my K Frame quest is satiated. Would go along nicely with a Browning Buckmark for training new shooters in the operation of semi-auto and revolver with minimal recoil.
I checked out the .22Mag and upon research found that it was about as noisy as a .38spl. I may look into it again too.
I have been watching the success and high marks of the new Walther PPQ has been getting so it may be next in line. I need another 9mm.
I don't think the price is going to stay where it is as they have gone up recently since their intro.I purchased the M&P 340 with CT and realized that, with the sites that come with it, I never use the CT. I've always was a lousy shot with a snubbie but I have no problem shooting out the center of a target with this piece. And shooting 357's is just plain fun!
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Mister_Smith
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2011
- Messages
- 33
Smith and Wesson 340 .22 Magnum properly known as the 351C
I too considered the 351C which is pretty much the 340 M&P but chambered for .22 Magnum, but without any scandium added to the aluminum. I initially wanted the .22 Magnum version because I too liked the extra velocity of the Mag round, but what dissuaded me was a look at the cost difference. While .22 Magnum rounds are not as expensive as center fire ammo, the cost was substantially more than .22 LR ammo. The velocity gain from .22 LR to .22 Mag was enough, even out of the short 1-7/8 barrel that I would prefer the Mag. Here a kind fellow gives us .22 LR velocities out of his S&W J frame 317 snub:
http://www.sixguns.com/range/S&wpair.htm
Here is an article where .22 Mag velocity was measured out of a Smith J frame 351PD snub:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2_51/ai_n8591506/
You'll notice about a 100-250 FPS gain in velocity, depending upon brand tested. While the .22 Mag is no powerhouse out of the short barrel, it does give a significant enough gain in velocity over the .22 LR that I would want one. I have read that the .22 Mag out of the snub is loud, much louder than the .22 LR, and though I've never witnessed it for myself, I'm sure it is.
I nevertheless bought the Smith 43C chambered in .22 LR because my goal is cheap practice but of course if I have spare cash I will one day buy a Smith 351C in .22 Mag as well, just for kicks. For now I'm just happy to have what is essentially a 340 M&P/PD platform that fires the .22 LR and I'm sure I'll be putting many rounds through the gun, not to mention I have one neat little gun! It's about being able to enjoy the Smith 340 type gun and shoot forever and ever for basically pennies, or until the gun wears out, which is a concern with this little aluminum gun, but that's another story...
I too considered the 351C which is pretty much the 340 M&P but chambered for .22 Magnum, but without any scandium added to the aluminum. I initially wanted the .22 Magnum version because I too liked the extra velocity of the Mag round, but what dissuaded me was a look at the cost difference. While .22 Magnum rounds are not as expensive as center fire ammo, the cost was substantially more than .22 LR ammo. The velocity gain from .22 LR to .22 Mag was enough, even out of the short 1-7/8 barrel that I would prefer the Mag. Here a kind fellow gives us .22 LR velocities out of his S&W J frame 317 snub:
http://www.sixguns.com/range/S&wpair.htm
Here is an article where .22 Mag velocity was measured out of a Smith J frame 351PD snub:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2_51/ai_n8591506/
You'll notice about a 100-250 FPS gain in velocity, depending upon brand tested. While the .22 Mag is no powerhouse out of the short barrel, it does give a significant enough gain in velocity over the .22 LR that I would want one. I have read that the .22 Mag out of the snub is loud, much louder than the .22 LR, and though I've never witnessed it for myself, I'm sure it is.
I nevertheless bought the Smith 43C chambered in .22 LR because my goal is cheap practice but of course if I have spare cash I will one day buy a Smith 351C in .22 Mag as well, just for kicks. For now I'm just happy to have what is essentially a 340 M&P/PD platform that fires the .22 LR and I'm sure I'll be putting many rounds through the gun, not to mention I have one neat little gun! It's about being able to enjoy the Smith 340 type gun and shoot forever and ever for basically pennies, or until the gun wears out, which is a concern with this little aluminum gun, but that's another story...
Prairiedog
Member
reload
Shooting a 22 is great but nothing like the real thing. I mostly shoot 45Auto and don't like to change out my Dillon 650 to small primers so I added a Dillon 550 to load 38 Spl and 357. I have two tool heads, one for 38 and one for 357 so I can switch between either in a flash. The RL550 can be switched over, including to large primer, much faster than the 650 so it can more easily serve as a general loading machine whereas the 650 requires more time and adjustment. The 650 is faster to load since it has a case feeder but the 550 will kick out some serious reloads.
I added the 686 to practice my double action shooting and also some full 357 loads which are more comfortable in this heavy short bbl. I still love to shoot my M&P 340 and have lots of ammo for practice.
Reloading is not for everyone and a lot of learning and great care must be taken to keep safe but it's worth the effort if you shoot a lot. I've been reloading for 50+ years and sometimes I say I shoot so that I can reload!
Shooting a 22 is great but nothing like the real thing. I mostly shoot 45Auto and don't like to change out my Dillon 650 to small primers so I added a Dillon 550 to load 38 Spl and 357. I have two tool heads, one for 38 and one for 357 so I can switch between either in a flash. The RL550 can be switched over, including to large primer, much faster than the 650 so it can more easily serve as a general loading machine whereas the 650 requires more time and adjustment. The 650 is faster to load since it has a case feeder but the 550 will kick out some serious reloads.
I added the 686 to practice my double action shooting and also some full 357 loads which are more comfortable in this heavy short bbl. I still love to shoot my M&P 340 and have lots of ammo for practice.
Reloading is not for everyone and a lot of learning and great care must be taken to keep safe but it's worth the effort if you shoot a lot. I've been reloading for 50+ years and sometimes I say I shoot so that I can reload!
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JTaylor340
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- Jan 28, 2012
- Messages
- 2
I did the same thing! Actually got a pair of CT grips for it as well. Figured I could start my wife and son on the .22 and then move to .38Of course! The 340 series Smiths are wonderful revolvers! So wonderful I just bought yet another! Well, sort of, it's not a 340, it's the 43C, the same exact gun as the 340 but chambered in .22 so I can practice for a fraction of the cost of .38/.357 ammunition. The attached photo is one the dealer took of my exact gun to be sent to me, which I requested so I could see for myself that it had no cosmetic flaws. I have not yet picked up the gun at my local dealer, though. Sorry I have not gotten around to photos of my 340PD and 340 M&P, in time. I really would rather have put the money towards another 340 M&P but honestly, I did the math, the savings in ammo by having a 340 chambered in .22 is worth the stiff entry fee, and I must admit, it is a neat little gun and only 10 oz. Again, to DAdams and all those who contribute to this wonderful site, a sincere thank you!! I'm an ardent fan of both the 340 series and this site!!!
wheelyfun66
Member
Well...
I remember bragging awhile back, about how easy it was to shoot the Speer Gold Dot short barrel stuff through my 340...
Yesterday, while breaking in a new Glock, I put a few rounds downrange through the 340, and OUCH!! The stinging....the stinging.....
Must be I'm getting soft from shooting 9mm?
Accurate though...7 yards was hitting dead-on.
Bit of flinching going on by the 5th round of each cylinder full....
I have been carrying this gem more than any other gun I have..but it is definitely my "get off me", last resort gun.
I remember bragging awhile back, about how easy it was to shoot the Speer Gold Dot short barrel stuff through my 340...
Yesterday, while breaking in a new Glock, I put a few rounds downrange through the 340, and OUCH!! The stinging....the stinging.....
Must be I'm getting soft from shooting 9mm?
Accurate though...7 yards was hitting dead-on.
Bit of flinching going on by the 5th round of each cylinder full....
I have been carrying this gem more than any other gun I have..but it is definitely my "get off me", last resort gun.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Wheely I think that is true of most all lightweight handguns. My most carried is the most "brutal" to shoot. Its a trade off. If I had my druthers I would conceal as best I could my M&P 40c but not worry if it were seen in my open carryState.
Still can't beat a 340 IMO.
Still can't beat a 340 IMO.
Thanks DAdams. Cant wait to get home and get my 340 off layaway, a couple more weeks!
JP
wheelyfun66
Member
Just carried my 340 during a speed walk with my wife, in a Remora IWB...
no belt, just sweatpants.....
couldn't even feel that it was on me! Although my 340 is not my favorite to shoot at the range...it sure is the easiest gun to carry!
5 shots of Speer Gold Dot 135gr .357mag short barrel on tap isn't too shabby!
Got a new Glock 26 for my primary carry...and so the 340 will see a bit less use: probably be reserved for dressy dinners and events, as well as jogging, etc... and on summer nights..backup to my G26!
Hope it's not sacrilege to post pics of something other than a 340 here...
no belt, just sweatpants.....
couldn't even feel that it was on me! Although my 340 is not my favorite to shoot at the range...it sure is the easiest gun to carry!
5 shots of Speer Gold Dot 135gr .357mag short barrel on tap isn't too shabby!
Got a new Glock 26 for my primary carry...and so the 340 will see a bit less use: probably be reserved for dressy dinners and events, as well as jogging, etc... and on summer nights..backup to my G26!
Hope it's not sacrilege to post pics of something other than a 340 here...
AStone
Member
Someday, sooner than later, I'll own a 340 with full Hogue monogrips and feed it .38 spl +p rounds,
and be more than happy with it in the knowledge that in case of zombie apocalypse, I can use .357 mag in it, also.
But until the zombies walk, ever so slowly in their spastic gait, I'll be fine with .38 spl.
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