OP
OP
DAdams
Member
I have a few other items that need attention. The 340 is just going to have to wait its turn.
M&p 340
- Thread starter DAdams
- Start date
- Status
AStone
Member
Laughs. Yeah, I hear you. I'm struggling just to stay afloat right now.
And my airweight snub? Can you say 'west coast'?
And my airweight snub? Can you say 'west coast'?
OldTman
Member
I felt the recoil from the Speer 135gr short barrel was excessive (at least it was for this old fart). First shot is good but I was getting almost 6" groups at 7 yards. I don't shoot as well as I used to but I'm not that bad. For a while I carried a 3" 629 and it SEEMS to me that this 340 has more perceived recoil than the 629. Anyway, I'm going to stick with Winchester 130gr +Ps. These are quite manageable. Nevertheless, I took out that lock. If bad comes to worst I don't want to be embarrassed by a gun that won't fire. Did much better today. However, these are very, very, very expensive to practice with, over a dollar a pop. I'm making up some comparable loads now.
Funny story about that 629. I went to the range one day and a young guy was a few feet down from me. He asked what I was shooting and I said my carry weapon. What's that he asked. Being the wise ^** that I am I replied a S&W snubbie. He shook his head sadly and said that I needed something like a 45. Well, we both stepped up to the line and I drew and fired just a little bit before he did. That 629 sounded like a 105 going off and in broad daylight made a fireball the size of a basketball. He didn't even get his shot off. He holstered and came running over asking if the gun had blown up. I tried to be as kewl as I could and said nahh, that's what it always sounds like. Then he asked me again what it was and I told him. He said that's not a snubbie. I said sure it is, look at the barrel. He had no more to say and moved over to the next range.
Funny story about that 629. I went to the range one day and a young guy was a few feet down from me. He asked what I was shooting and I said my carry weapon. What's that he asked. Being the wise ^** that I am I replied a S&W snubbie. He shook his head sadly and said that I needed something like a 45. Well, we both stepped up to the line and I drew and fired just a little bit before he did. That 629 sounded like a 105 going off and in broad daylight made a fireball the size of a basketball. He didn't even get his shot off. He holstered and came running over asking if the gun had blown up. I tried to be as kewl as I could and said nahh, that's what it always sounds like. Then he asked me again what it was and I told him. He said that's not a snubbie. I said sure it is, look at the barrel. He had no more to say and moved over to the next range.
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Mister_Smith
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2011
- Messages
- 33
That's a funny story OldTman
It's such simple pleasures that add great joy to the days of our lives. I don't have a big bore .44 Magnum snub, though I've been tempted to buy a Night Guard .44 Magnum snub, maybe one day. If you shoot .357 Magnum through your Smith 340 you may get the same reaction from shooters on either side of you at the range as you did with the .44 Mag, I did when I shot my 340!
One little pleasure I look forward is the good ol' switcheroo of shooting my .22 caliber 340, otherwise known as a 43C but IDENTICAL in nearly all respects to the 340 series, other than caliber. People will see a tiny little black nub of a gun in my hand as it goes pop pop pop while I practice with .22 ammunition. When they aren't looking, I'll sneak out the identical 340 M&P and make the switch, the resultant "BOOM" from that little monster firing .357 should make for some comical reactions when they scratch their heads wondering why the little black .22 pop gun I was firing suddenly begins thundering and roaring!
Another simple pleasure I've acquired, and I hate to admit this, (I feel so disloyal to the 340 M&P), is firing a sibling of the 340, a J framed all stainless model 60 in .357 that I have. My current hobby is using that diminutive snub for long and I mean looooong range shooting. I have only fired it out to 25 yards thus far and the range master says when I can keep all my shots in the black, in the bull's eye, he'll let me place the target out to 50 yards. My goal is to fire the gun on the rifle range out to 100 yards and beyond. Of course I shoot the gun single action at these distances.
The little all steel 22 ounce model 60 is, I'm also sorry to say, far more comfortable to shoot with .357 than the 340, AND I can shoot MONSTROUS Buffalo Bore Heavy .357 Mag ammo through it. Even out of the little snub I've read that they can achieve 1366 FPS with 140 grain ammo, and over 1200 FPS with 158 grain ammo, out of that snub barrel! I have not bought any of this hot stuff yet. I don't know why, but I thoroughly enjoy using this stubby little snub of a gun to shoot out to great distances. It's the challenge of it I guess.
A S&W 360 M&P snub is also in my future when cash permits and they resume production on those guns, but the gun will be too light for long range sessions with .357 the way the all steel 60 allows, not to mention I can't use ultra hot Buffalo Bore ammo through it. Still, I would like a 360 M&P at some point in time!
Okay, I'll finish this post with a great clip of the 340 M&P firing .357 that was recently posted to youtube, I LOVE WATCHING THIS CLIP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHVH8vgLXQM
It's such simple pleasures that add great joy to the days of our lives. I don't have a big bore .44 Magnum snub, though I've been tempted to buy a Night Guard .44 Magnum snub, maybe one day. If you shoot .357 Magnum through your Smith 340 you may get the same reaction from shooters on either side of you at the range as you did with the .44 Mag, I did when I shot my 340!
One little pleasure I look forward is the good ol' switcheroo of shooting my .22 caliber 340, otherwise known as a 43C but IDENTICAL in nearly all respects to the 340 series, other than caliber. People will see a tiny little black nub of a gun in my hand as it goes pop pop pop while I practice with .22 ammunition. When they aren't looking, I'll sneak out the identical 340 M&P and make the switch, the resultant "BOOM" from that little monster firing .357 should make for some comical reactions when they scratch their heads wondering why the little black .22 pop gun I was firing suddenly begins thundering and roaring!
Another simple pleasure I've acquired, and I hate to admit this, (I feel so disloyal to the 340 M&P), is firing a sibling of the 340, a J framed all stainless model 60 in .357 that I have. My current hobby is using that diminutive snub for long and I mean looooong range shooting. I have only fired it out to 25 yards thus far and the range master says when I can keep all my shots in the black, in the bull's eye, he'll let me place the target out to 50 yards. My goal is to fire the gun on the rifle range out to 100 yards and beyond. Of course I shoot the gun single action at these distances.
The little all steel 22 ounce model 60 is, I'm also sorry to say, far more comfortable to shoot with .357 than the 340, AND I can shoot MONSTROUS Buffalo Bore Heavy .357 Mag ammo through it. Even out of the little snub I've read that they can achieve 1366 FPS with 140 grain ammo, and over 1200 FPS with 158 grain ammo, out of that snub barrel! I have not bought any of this hot stuff yet. I don't know why, but I thoroughly enjoy using this stubby little snub of a gun to shoot out to great distances. It's the challenge of it I guess.
A S&W 360 M&P snub is also in my future when cash permits and they resume production on those guns, but the gun will be too light for long range sessions with .357 the way the all steel 60 allows, not to mention I can't use ultra hot Buffalo Bore ammo through it. Still, I would like a 360 M&P at some point in time!
Okay, I'll finish this post with a great clip of the 340 M&P firing .357 that was recently posted to youtube, I LOVE WATCHING THIS CLIP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHVH8vgLXQM
OldTman
Member
Mister Smith, you're a man after my own heart. What a hoot that must be when you switch. Wish I had one of those 43Cs. Just couldn't get one around here and I had to settle on a 317. Doesn't look much like a 340.
Hey guys,
I have been reading/researching for a 340 purchase for a little over a year. Have had a Glock 27 .40 for quite a while thinking it would be a decent daily carry since it was a "mini" Glock. Still a chunk of weight in your waist/back/pocket when carrying 9+1, no matter where you stick it.
Anyway, after reading lots of stuff here and on sites like THR, I was so convinced the 340 was for me that 9 months ago I bought a Mika round cut pocket holster, just in preparation!! I know, cart before the horse, right? Well, I bought a M&P340 this weekend with CT grips, and am headed to the range tomorrow to have some fun. After reading some of the detailed range reviews here, I picked up a few .38 options to try:
Winchester 125g JSP
Gold Dot 125g GDHP
Fed. Reserve 129g JHP +P
Hornaday 110g FTX+P
Figured I can move up from these loads, once I get a feel for the smaller/lighter frame. (but still doubt the .357 will find its way in the cylinder
)
Anyway, thanks to all of you who take the time to post here, especially the long time users. Nice to hear from owners who have had a weapon for years and still won't consider anything else for their SD daily carry. Sure helps those of us who might be on the fence about which way to jump. Lots of knowledge and information on this site across the board (caliber comparison, various grip techniques, etc)
Thanks again.
I have been reading/researching for a 340 purchase for a little over a year. Have had a Glock 27 .40 for quite a while thinking it would be a decent daily carry since it was a "mini" Glock. Still a chunk of weight in your waist/back/pocket when carrying 9+1, no matter where you stick it.
Anyway, after reading lots of stuff here and on sites like THR, I was so convinced the 340 was for me that 9 months ago I bought a Mika round cut pocket holster, just in preparation!! I know, cart before the horse, right? Well, I bought a M&P340 this weekend with CT grips, and am headed to the range tomorrow to have some fun. After reading some of the detailed range reviews here, I picked up a few .38 options to try:
Winchester 125g JSP
Gold Dot 125g GDHP
Fed. Reserve 129g JHP +P
Hornaday 110g FTX+P
Figured I can move up from these loads, once I get a feel for the smaller/lighter frame. (but still doubt the .357 will find its way in the cylinder
)Anyway, thanks to all of you who take the time to post here, especially the long time users. Nice to hear from owners who have had a weapon for years and still won't consider anything else for their SD daily carry. Sure helps those of us who might be on the fence about which way to jump. Lots of knowledge and information on this site across the board (caliber comparison, various grip techniques, etc)
Thanks again.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
MWilson6
Welcome and thanks for joining us.
We look forward to your impressions and range report. Photos too are always welcome.
The Mika Roundcut is hard to beat.
Welcome and thanks for joining us.
We look forward to your impressions and range report. Photos too are always welcome.
The Mika Roundcut is hard to beat.
Hi all,
Here's a message I just sent to Dakota Ammo, explaining why I think the M&P 340 offers SUPER poor reliability. I am keeping my 340 because I think it is cute, but heed this if you are considering purchase. This weapon will jam in a very thorough way when firing .357 Mag rounds. If you just want a 38 Special, I suggest you save your money and pay less for a .38 Special. I bought this as a .357 Mag and am super disappointed.
Or, can anyone post about .357 Mag loads they have fired reliably?
"Dear Dakota Ammo,
I recently purchased a light-framed .357 Mag revolver, a S&W M&P 340. Bad idea, seems to me, but I hope you can help. The frame of this gun is so light, the rounds in the magazine suffer from “crimp creep”. That is, the bullet in the unfired cartridges in the cylinder are being pulled forward in the case as a result of the recoil they experience during firing. (Strictly speaking, it is probably more accurate to say that the bullet isn’t pulled forward, but rather it is not being pulled back with the rest of the cartridge during recoil.) The result is the cartridges in the cylinder become slightly longer than as they came from the factory. The additional length causes the front of the bullet to protrude out of the cylinder. The bullet rotating into the forcing cone jams against the cone/barre and the cylinder is prevented from rotating to a firing position. This completely locks up the gun.
I tried firing 158 grain rounds manufactured by one of your competitors and completely jammed up. I tried your 125 grain DPX rounds, hoping for better luck. After two rounds fired, one of the three remaining had visible crimp creep with about 1 mm movement from the bullet seating on fresh rounds. Given that this will jam the revolver and render it unfireable, is a serious concern. Can you recommend alternate ammunition that might be less susceptible to this problem? I realize the lighter loads like .38 Special are less likely to exhibit this problem. I am hoping you can recommend .357 Mag rounds.
Here's a message I just sent to Dakota Ammo, explaining why I think the M&P 340 offers SUPER poor reliability. I am keeping my 340 because I think it is cute, but heed this if you are considering purchase. This weapon will jam in a very thorough way when firing .357 Mag rounds. If you just want a 38 Special, I suggest you save your money and pay less for a .38 Special. I bought this as a .357 Mag and am super disappointed.
Or, can anyone post about .357 Mag loads they have fired reliably?
"Dear Dakota Ammo,
I recently purchased a light-framed .357 Mag revolver, a S&W M&P 340. Bad idea, seems to me, but I hope you can help. The frame of this gun is so light, the rounds in the magazine suffer from “crimp creep”. That is, the bullet in the unfired cartridges in the cylinder are being pulled forward in the case as a result of the recoil they experience during firing. (Strictly speaking, it is probably more accurate to say that the bullet isn’t pulled forward, but rather it is not being pulled back with the rest of the cartridge during recoil.) The result is the cartridges in the cylinder become slightly longer than as they came from the factory. The additional length causes the front of the bullet to protrude out of the cylinder. The bullet rotating into the forcing cone jams against the cone/barre and the cylinder is prevented from rotating to a firing position. This completely locks up the gun.
I tried firing 158 grain rounds manufactured by one of your competitors and completely jammed up. I tried your 125 grain DPX rounds, hoping for better luck. After two rounds fired, one of the three remaining had visible crimp creep with about 1 mm movement from the bullet seating on fresh rounds. Given that this will jam the revolver and render it unfireable, is a serious concern. Can you recommend alternate ammunition that might be less susceptible to this problem? I realize the lighter loads like .38 Special are less likely to exhibit this problem. I am hoping you can recommend .357 Mag rounds.
Hit the range today with the 340. Used all of the ammo identified in post 1733, so just over 100 rounds of mild .38 special and +P. To start with, much of the internet conversation about recoil had me a bit spooked I guess, as I had a death grip on that mother for quite a while. Still kept 8 out of 10 in a 7" target area at 7 yards, even with excessive grip pressure. As I rotated back to my Glock .40, I realized the excessive pressure was transferring to this pistol and compromising my normal pattern. Went back to 340, lightened up and started a much better placement pattern. The 340 does bark, but I way over estimated what I expected. By the time I got myself squared away, I was out of ammo, so back to the ammo shop tomorrow.
Anyway, nice weapon. Not as easy to get a tight grouping as my .40, but a 5lb trigger pull vs a 9-10 had its effect. When I pulled on number 6 with the 340 I could see the laser jump around from recoil anticipation or trigger tension, one of the two.....likely both. Gonna run another couple of hundred rounds through it before any trigger work.
Speaking of such, I hear APEX has a good product and reduces pull to 5.5. I will search THR site and see if there are any comments regarding such. I do have one issue regarding the CT laser on and off switch. A couple of times I noticed the laser bead not activated. After futzing around a bit, I realized the switch on the grip bottom was off. Apparently my shooting hand pinkie was disengaging the switch during firing. Probably as result of my excessive pressure early on, but with it being a recessed switch, I found that odd.
Any of you experience such an action?
Anyway, I like what I see so far, but got more shooting to do.
Later.
Anyway, nice weapon. Not as easy to get a tight grouping as my .40, but a 5lb trigger pull vs a 9-10 had its effect. When I pulled on number 6 with the 340 I could see the laser jump around from recoil anticipation or trigger tension, one of the two.....likely both. Gonna run another couple of hundred rounds through it before any trigger work.
Speaking of such, I hear APEX has a good product and reduces pull to 5.5. I will search THR site and see if there are any comments regarding such. I do have one issue regarding the CT laser on and off switch. A couple of times I noticed the laser bead not activated. After futzing around a bit, I realized the switch on the grip bottom was off. Apparently my shooting hand pinkie was disengaging the switch during firing. Probably as result of my excessive pressure early on, but with it being a recessed switch, I found that odd.
Any of you experience such an action?
Anyway, I like what I see so far, but got more shooting to do.
Later.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Dweebster
Welcome to the 340 thread.
Bullet jump or creep is a commonly experienced phenomenon with revolvers in calibers that can accomodate lighter and heavier loads and can be described as a power to weight, recoil, Operational, material and construction issue.
.45 Colt and .454 Cassul in a Ruger Alaskan as an extreme for example, or .38 spl, plus P and .357 magnum revolvers so rated as in 340/360 and PDs to name another.
It's a commonly found topic upon a search in lightweight revolvers and the 340 /360 and 340PD are mentioned frequently in the literature.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/20...ght-revolvers-and-the-dangers-of-bullet-jump/
You will ultimately be able to find rounds in .357 that will work in the 340 but you may have to try a few and or do some research.
IIRC I may have even had some plus P exhibit creep.
Best to observe each round as you rotate the cylinder when in doubt.
I haven't experienced it with the Speer God Dot in the short barrel 135 gr version magnum nor plus P.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/spe...remington-hollow-point-1000-rdbx-p-74636.html
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=CC23917
There isn't a handgun made that doesn't work best with a certain product or perform marginally or not at all with others.
Find one to three, stick with them and stock up.
That said, just because your .340 is rated for .357 doesn't mean you should feel compelled to use it only.
One of the reasons many purchase these lightweights is to find a compromise in comfort carry, concealibility and caliber.
Welcome to the 340 thread.
Bullet jump or creep is a commonly experienced phenomenon with revolvers in calibers that can accomodate lighter and heavier loads and can be described as a power to weight, recoil, Operational, material and construction issue.
.45 Colt and .454 Cassul in a Ruger Alaskan as an extreme for example, or .38 spl, plus P and .357 magnum revolvers so rated as in 340/360 and PDs to name another.
It's a commonly found topic upon a search in lightweight revolvers and the 340 /360 and 340PD are mentioned frequently in the literature.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/20...ght-revolvers-and-the-dangers-of-bullet-jump/
You will ultimately be able to find rounds in .357 that will work in the 340 but you may have to try a few and or do some research.
IIRC I may have even had some plus P exhibit creep.
Best to observe each round as you rotate the cylinder when in doubt.
I haven't experienced it with the Speer God Dot in the short barrel 135 gr version magnum nor plus P.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/spe...remington-hollow-point-1000-rdbx-p-74636.html
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=CC23917
There isn't a handgun made that doesn't work best with a certain product or perform marginally or not at all with others.
Find one to three, stick with them and stock up.
That said, just because your .340 is rated for .357 doesn't mean you should feel compelled to use it only.
One of the reasons many purchase these lightweights is to find a compromise in comfort carry, concealibility and caliber.
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OP
OP
DAdams
Member
MWilson
Thanks for the report.
Certainly all handguns have their peculiar aspects. Seems the smaller and larger and the lighter and heavier facets amplify the nuances.
I haven't experienced my CT grip switch activated by my particular handling on or off.
If that is a frequent occurrence (as in twice more) I would be tempted to speak with a customer service person with CT, there might be a switch issue. Their CS is excellent.
Thanks for the report.
Certainly all handguns have their peculiar aspects. Seems the smaller and larger and the lighter and heavier facets amplify the nuances.
I haven't experienced my CT grip switch activated by my particular handling on or off.
If that is a frequent occurrence (as in twice more) I would be tempted to speak with a customer service person with CT, there might be a switch issue. Their CS is excellent.
I took my 340 to the range today for one last try but it's just not for me. I really really wanted to love this little gun but I guess I'm just an auto guy.
I have put mine up for sale in the Buy Sell Trade forum if anyone is interested.
JP
I have put mine up for sale in the Buy Sell Trade forum if anyone is interested.
JP
DAdams
Thanks for your kind response to my little rant about my 340 jamming the first time I tried it. What you said made a lot of sense. I'm going to try some Speer Gold Dot rounds next, per your suggestion. And, just like you said, it will not be the end of the world if I end up trading power for better reliability and using +P loads. Experimenting with different loads gets me to the range, which I surely do need more of: I am quite the newbie. Next goal for me is to learn to hit the target! I am seeing posts from folks putting groups in black at 25 yards through that little 1.9" barrel... lots of range time before I am there.
Thanks for your kind response to my little rant about my 340 jamming the first time I tried it. What you said made a lot of sense. I'm going to try some Speer Gold Dot rounds next, per your suggestion. And, just like you said, it will not be the end of the world if I end up trading power for better reliability and using +P loads. Experimenting with different loads gets me to the range, which I surely do need more of: I am quite the newbie. Next goal for me is to learn to hit the target! I am seeing posts from folks putting groups in black at 25 yards through that little 1.9" barrel... lots of range time before I am there.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
If you get to the point where you can shoot your snub well and become proficient with it that's a significant accomplishment. Don't get hung up on being a long range snub shooter because its role in life is to provide personal defense in the range of 5-10 yards. I was forced to shoot a J Frame at 25 yards once (outdoor range limit) and yes it's an interesting endeavor and can be fun and done.
I find the weight (13.3 oz) and sights (XS) the strongest features of the 340.
Find some standard pressure .38spl range ammuntion; something that shoots close to POI at POA. Do the same with some Plus P and at your option some
.357. Then do the same with something you find that compliments you and the revolver in JHP.
I would do all this at a consistant range say 7 yards so you have a reference.
If you want to push it out to 10 again, if you don't keep track you won't know what's going on.
I actually keep records when I go to the range, especially with a new pistol.
Take a permanent marker and make notes on your targets. Date, Range, ammunition etc.
Take your time, be safe, have fun, experiment, it's the journey.
Try this grip. This is how the Master, Jerry Miculek holds a snub for best control and modulation.
I find the weight (13.3 oz) and sights (XS) the strongest features of the 340.
Find some standard pressure .38spl range ammuntion; something that shoots close to POI at POA. Do the same with some Plus P and at your option some
.357. Then do the same with something you find that compliments you and the revolver in JHP.
I would do all this at a consistant range say 7 yards so you have a reference.
If you want to push it out to 10 again, if you don't keep track you won't know what's going on.
I actually keep records when I go to the range, especially with a new pistol.
Take a permanent marker and make notes on your targets. Date, Range, ammunition etc.
Take your time, be safe, have fun, experiment, it's the journey.
Try this grip. This is how the Master, Jerry Miculek holds a snub for best control and modulation.
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OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Here are some skill drills after you get your ammunition to your satisfaction.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/HandgunDrills.pdf
Note the ranges, typically up to 10 yards maximum and starting at as little as 3 yards.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/HandgunDrills.pdf
Note the ranges, typically up to 10 yards maximum and starting at as little as 3 yards.
Mister_Smith
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2011
- Messages
- 33
jp0319 or anyone selling a 340 M&P "no lock"
Hi jp0319, I've posted recently that I was looking for a no lock 340 M&P but I missed yours because I've not checked this forum board in about 6 days, oops!!! Jp, if your sale does not go through for whatever reason, please contact me via private message and we'll discuss my taking it off your hands, or to the current buyer, if you decide you don't want the little monster, contact me.
If anybody else tires of their 340 M&P "no lock" and they don't have too many rounds through it, I'm interested!! You guys don't want me to live in a state of deprivation do you? ;-)
Hi jp0319, I've posted recently that I was looking for a no lock 340 M&P but I missed yours because I've not checked this forum board in about 6 days, oops!!! Jp, if your sale does not go through for whatever reason, please contact me via private message and we'll discuss my taking it off your hands, or to the current buyer, if you decide you don't want the little monster, contact me.
If anybody else tires of their 340 M&P "no lock" and they don't have too many rounds through it, I'm interested!! You guys don't want me to live in a state of deprivation do you? ;-)
AStone
Member
I confess, I'm behind on my reading here.
Please forgive me, DA, oh MSAA, for I have been on the road
and trying to float myself in a financial ocean.
As penance, I offer the following. One of my top five life goals
- from here to the end - is to own an M&P340.
(I'm 63, so I need to move fast on that goal. )
But to my point: Here's what I think this thread needs.
More cowbell !!!
Just kidding.
What it really needs is pics of M&P340's with Izulas.
Please forgive me, DA, oh MSAA, for I have been on the road
and trying to float myself in a financial ocean.
As penance, I offer the following. One of my top five life goals
- from here to the end - is to own an M&P340.
(I'm 63, so I need to move fast on that goal.
)But to my point: Here's what I think this thread needs.
More cowbell !!!
Just kidding.
What it really needs is pics of M&P340's with Izulas.
AStone
Member
PS: reading backwards from here,
posts 1742 and 1741 reflect the wisdom
for which THR is known and valued.
I mean, where else can you find
info about tools, skills and knowledge
necessary for survival in a world gone mad?
Nem
posts 1742 and 1741 reflect the wisdom
for which THR is known and valued.
I mean, where else can you find
info about tools, skills and knowledge
necessary for survival in a world gone mad?
Nem
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
I agree about a world gone mad and certainly in an attempt to buoy the economy and at the same time prepare I am purchasing "gear".
Since I live in TN now and it is an "open carry" State, although I don't plan to open carry, it does eliminate the possibility of "brandishing" a concern I had when living in FL and carrying.
I thought this Winter I might carry OWB. The only time in the past that I have carried in such a way was hiking in the Smoky Mountain National Park System.
Traditionally I have carried the J Frame (340 and 642 prior to the 340) in a Mika Roundcut Pocket Holster.
I have a Blackhawk Speed Classic belt holster and haven't used it at all and may work with it this Winter.
I have been interested in the paddle holsters but never tried one. Shopping around and since they are rather inexpensive I thought I would try a
BlackHawk CQC SERPA Holster (Matte Finish w/Beltloop & Paddle) for use with a J Frame.
$37.99 less a $10 rebate from Serpa.
Guess I too am gradually falling into that box of holters syndrome I heard so much about early on in my handgun experiences.
While on Optics Planet I also bought a Bianchi AccuMold for a K Frame for a 19 or 66.. Nothing like needing a holster in these troubled times and not have one.
Bianchi 7500 AccuMold Paddle Holster - Black, Right Hand 18804
Oh, and a Gun Vault Nano Vault TSA approved safe for travel.
Since I live in TN now and it is an "open carry" State, although I don't plan to open carry, it does eliminate the possibility of "brandishing" a concern I had when living in FL and carrying.
I thought this Winter I might carry OWB. The only time in the past that I have carried in such a way was hiking in the Smoky Mountain National Park System.
Traditionally I have carried the J Frame (340 and 642 prior to the 340) in a Mika Roundcut Pocket Holster.
I have a Blackhawk Speed Classic belt holster and haven't used it at all and may work with it this Winter.
I have been interested in the paddle holsters but never tried one. Shopping around and since they are rather inexpensive I thought I would try a
BlackHawk CQC SERPA Holster (Matte Finish w/Beltloop & Paddle) for use with a J Frame.
$37.99 less a $10 rebate from Serpa.
Guess I too am gradually falling into that box of holters syndrome I heard so much about early on in my handgun experiences.
While on Optics Planet I also bought a Bianchi AccuMold for a K Frame for a 19 or 66.. Nothing like needing a holster in these troubled times and not have one.
Bianchi 7500 AccuMold Paddle Holster - Black, Right Hand 18804
Oh, and a Gun Vault Nano Vault TSA approved safe for travel.
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ugaarguy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
- Messages
- 13,828
DA, the Serpa is a poor choice for a concealment holster, but a very useful IWB holster. The lightweight of an airweight or airlite J Frame combined with the Serpa's wide, supportive, and pants gripping paddle makes for a combo that can be carried on something as light as a pair of gym shorts that have a drawstring or good elastic waist band.
It's quite nice for when the dog wants to go out in the middle of the night (or when I feel like having a cigar on the porch late at night), and I want something with a little more oomph than the KT P3AT in said gym shorts pocket.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
It hasn't arrived yet.
As indicated I want one for OWB and i don't care if it conceals that well and but for some of my dress styles the weight distribution attributes sound pretty good.
I'm getting holsters for everything I own that don!t have one.
The end is near.
Everyone needs something to carry.
I'll be able to sell this rig for 50 MREs.
As indicated I want one for OWB and i don't care if it conceals that well and but for some of my dress styles the weight distribution attributes sound pretty good.
I'm getting holsters for everything I own that don!t have one.
The end is near.
Everyone needs something to carry.
I'll be able to sell this rig for 50 MREs.
DAdams: I was also thinking about getting a SERPA for my 340, left handed of course, but the website said that it would not work for the .357 j-frames. I'm not sure what the difference is other than the shrouded barrel, and would think it would fit. You or any one else out there know for sure?
jfh
Member.
So, DAdams, who is making the holster for the Parker Over-and-Under?
Jim H.
Jim H.
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