M&p 340

[DAdams]

Jim long time lurker .... Glad you stopped in. You doing alright?

Parker holster? Robert Mika of course. I have deep pockets.

I'll let you know on the Serpa. All is not lost. I can carry my 642 with the CT 405s and give my Wife the 340 ..... Well maybe.....not.

It's all plus p anyway.

 

[Narwhal]

Question:

The regular grips that come with the non-CT 340 are very difficult to use with speedloaders. The top of the grip blocks the speedloader from going directly in, you have to come in at a 10-20 degree angle with the loader and hope you're lined up perfectly, but it's not fast and about 25% of the time the loader just spills the rounds on the ground.

My question: Is the Crimson Trace grip any better in this regard, or is it just as bad with speedloaders?

 

[DAdams]

Greetings Narwhal

I'll check the Speedloader in a couple days. Out of town.
Have you considered the Bianchi Speedstrip?
2/2 split. Get four in and back in business.

 

[Narwhal]

Yeah, I've tried speed strips. However, the speed loader would be 2-3x faster than the speed strips if the grip wasn't in the way. Personally I have no problem carrying a couple of speed loaders in my pockets.

 

[FranklyTodd]

Speedloaders

I have a speed loader for the 340, and I think it works ok with the CT 405 grip. I also have a couple of the speed strips.

Which do I carry for a reload? Neither (well, a speed strip is in the car, but I never carry it). I am pathetically slow reloading the 340, and maybe someday that will come back to bite me, but it's a chance I'm ok with.

I do not practice re-loads with either my 340 or P2000SK. I know I may be in the minority, and some may criticize, but I have not posted for months and so throwing in my $.02 seems more fun than the work I brought home.

I carry the 340 loaded with Speer Short Barrel 357s. Related to re-loading, I never practice double-taps with the 340. I am no expert at pistol combat but with 5 shots double taps seem like a really bad strategy. A high (or even mid) capacity auto? Perfect. With 5: Every. Shot. Must. Count. My action plan: laser on center mass, shoot, get back on target (or move on to the next target) and re-evaluate.

Lastly in this kitchen sink post, I carry the 340 in a pocket holster and (much less often) the P2000SK in an MTAC which I love. But, for the 340 I recently picked up a pretty inexpensive IWB (or even appendix) cant-adjustable holster. I like it a lot so far and expect to use it much more this fall when cover garments are more plentiful. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DMCFT0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

Best to all - I will go back to lurking. I literally have not been on another thread on THR in probably 2 years, but I still have this thread set to e-mail me with every post and I read them all. Keep it up guys!

Safe shooting to all,
FT

 

[Mister_Smith]

Speed loaders...

Smith & Wesson makes an excellent speed loader for the 340 series...

 

[jfh]

My mindset and change in attitudes about my EDC routine mirrors DAdam's experiences. Perhaps I am too complacent, too used-to the not-noted quiet convenience of a pocket carry 340. But, it makes sense for me: I live a relentlessly low-profile lifestyle as I grow older and spend more time at home (dealing with recent health issues). That lifestyle is also extraordinarily low-threat. This is, after all, a very quiet exurban town.

I did upgrade the pocket holster to a hard plastic one from DoubleTap Holsters, and that works well--highly recommended.

And I did succeed in finding a new vest that works well for EDC. TIP: check out the "Guide Gear" Concealment vest--no. 218641-103-017--at Sportsman's Guide. I had an early vest from them that finally is somewhat worn out (and that I grew out of, so to speak)--so I looked around the Internet pretty completely for a "best value one" and came up with this. It's a good replacement, and appears to be the same vest I bought years ago that has been improved as the years pass. This new one is made from heavier cloth, better lined, with better zippers--really notably improved on the same pattern.

Just heed the reviews and get it at least two times bigger than your normal size. The 5xl worked for me as a normal 2xl buyer. And it was easy to remove the pseudo-american flag patch, as it was just rip-stitched on.

And I have another jacket. Both of these items work well for chest-vest carry, and I still have the other pockets available for a camera and phone, and a speed strip. I too believe I would not be able to reload successfully, so it is Make Every Shot Count.

The point is, whenever I go out, I shift from pocket carry on the strong side to vest-pocket carry on the off side for driving. The one time I did have to draw, that decision was some-sort-of-saver as the perp (attempted hijack w/o a drawn gun but with the lifted-shirt scenario) split when he saw the 340 muzzle pointed at his gut.

If I want more coverage, I will start doing a New York reload routine. There's Nightguard 386 DAO and a Nightguard 396 that can take on that routine.

Jim H.

 

[Mister_Smith]

My 340 M&P with speedloader

Here you see my 340 M&P with the excellent speed loader made by Smith & Wesson, very fast reload...

 

[Mister_Smith]

You can't beat the Glock 19

Here is my favorite, a modified Glock 19 with fifteen round magazine, in three wonderful bite sized pieces...

 

[AStone]

Just to keep it grounded ...

This.

 

[DAdams]

However, the speed loader would be 2-3x faster than the speed strips if the grip wasn't in the way. Personally I have no problem carrying a couple of speed loaders in my pockets

Narwhal, I don't have the original grips on my 642 or my 340. The 340 has the 405 grips. It seems it may be better with the CT grips. I can go in straight, but the hang up then (minor) is not the grip, but the cylinder release.

With a little jiggling (counter productive time wise) I could get the rounds about 3/4 of the way into the cylinder and release.

Faster is to come in on a slight angle with the revolver pointed down or nearly so (gravity works to the advantage), put the rounds in about half way, release close cylinder.

Just from your comment then, it sounds like the CT may have better clearance from a grip standpoint, because the grip is not in the way.

Are you right handed and carrying your Speedloader on your right side?

I still like the Speedstrip better, but don't fill it up all the way. Cut off the tab, put two on each end, leave the center two open and just load 4, this method makes for less fumbling and bending the strip.
Put two in, two fingers in the space, put in two more, don't rotate the strip, just move your hand, leaving the strip static. Yes, you are down 1 round, but you are back in action faster which means you must be in some serious stuff and speed is probably more important if than one extra round if you need more than 9.

 

[Mister_Smith]

I solved the recoil problem of the 340 M&P

As you've noticed, I tend to modify guns, you saw my slightly modified Glock 19 that comes in three ultra concealable bite sized pieces, well, I then modified another 340 M&P, again, "slightly", to handle the recoil problem and the problem has been solved, no more recoil issues.

This site is not allowing me to upload my photo because I've used the same photo elsewhere so here is the link to my photos:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8471620

On a different note, here is one of my favorite 340 M&P photos:

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/smith-wesson-mp-340-357-mag.jpg

 

[DAdams]

Holster For M&P 340

When I pocket carry my M&P 340 it's in a Mika Roundcut. Some time ago I purchased a Bianchi Speedclassic but have never actively carried with it. I more or less bought it for just in case and it was inexpensive.

Now living in TN where we have cool Falls, cold Winters and cool Springs and open carry I would try OWB since I wear jackets, sweat shirts and wear that covers an OWB format.

The Blackhawk Serpa always looked interesting so I thought it might be good way to OWB. There is a model that comes with both belt loop and paddle, the paddle (concept) was what I was most interested in. I got a good deal on one through Optics Planet. They had a 20% Anniverary Sale and Blackhawk had a $10 rebate, an offer I couldn't turn down.

When I received the Holster the package said S&W J Frame except .357.
Ooops. I must have missed the fine print somewhere along the line.

I have a S&W 642 so not a loss. I can use it for its intended purpose.

The reason I hesitated to use it on the 340 is that these holsters are very handgun specific in their fit (hard composite) and rely on fit to lock in and release effectively.

I decided to call Blackhawk Customer Service and get the "real" lowdown.
I spoke with a nice lady who told me that some .357 J Frames definitely wouldn't work and simply not fit or the locking mechanism wouldn't function.
Those aspects would be patently obvious.
She also indicated that these holsters due to their hard finish may wear a handguns finish over time.

The 340 fits. The locking/release mechanism functions properly. A couple of the operational aspects of the holster is A) Lubrication with Silicon spray.
B) Screw retention adjustment.

I have the Holster running like a champ with the 642 and there appears to be no reason why it shouldn't work with the M&P 340. I have put it in and out of the holster a few times and I don't see any scoring or marring. The DLC finish is a pretty tough finish. I bought the 340 to be used, not babied.

So I'll report back with some experential data and photos.

Any 340 users try this holster?

Here is a shot of the Holster and 642.

 

[DAdams]

Best Thanksgiving Wishes to the 340 Crew.

Dennis.

 

[Mister_Smith]

Thanks Dennis, and a Happy Thanksgiving back at ya' and to all our members in the 340 group whose posts make this place such an entertaining, interesting, and enjoyable learning experience!

 

[stowbilly357]

I have been lurking in the shadows here for a number of years soaking up the information and experiences. I picked up a 340CT for the wife back in February. I have wanted one for years as well, but was always hung up on capacity. This weekend I came across the elusive "no lock" 340, so I took the plunge. I was tired of lugging around my Robar custom Glock 27, so now the wife and I have a matching pair. They are a great compliment to our 686P "house" gun. Thanks to everyone for sharing so much great information.

 

[1 old 0311-1]

I prefer a hammer,360 PD, makes it more secure in an ankle holster.



For pocket, one of my Bodyguards gets the nod.

 

[Mister_Smith]

Welcome to the club!!

Stowbilly and 1 old, welcome to the club! 360's are, from what I've read, also as welcomed here as the 340 series! 1 old you're making life tough for me with that photo of the Smith model 38 Bodyguard Airweight, I've wanted one of those for YEARS. Beautiful gun! Right now I'm at a point in my life, that, if I have wanted a gun for YEARS, then I do what I can to acquire that particular gun!!

It took me twenty years to pick up a Smith 60 in .38, which I bought some months ago, I've always wanted a 36 and a 60, at least I've got the 60 so far! The old Bodyguard series is one neat gun, and I'm working on getting myself one, or two. I had to pick up another 60 first, but this one in .357 Magnum. At TWICE the weight of the 340PD it's a dream to shoot even with .357 Magnum.

Stowbilly, you mentioned you had some misgivings the low capacity of the 340, have you seen my recent post about the wonderful speed loader made by S&W that effectively doubles the capacity? You can even triple the capacity if you want to!! I look forward to reading about both your shooting experiences with your respective guns, Stow and 1 old.

1 old, I have a 340PD also, which is basically the same exact gun as your 360 but with the enclosed hammer, and I'm very curious to hear how the different rounds treated you, .38, .38 +P, and .357 Magnum. I found .357 through mine to be severe but doable if my life depended on it. Severe though...

Again, congrats to both of you!

 

[DAdams]

Welcome 1 old and Stowbilly!!

1 Old, I like that shiny humpback. Despite their odd looks they always seemed to be a great compromise having SA capability if for some reason and the snag free design of a DAO.

See you are a fan of the CTs I agree.

For that 340 fast reload I would have to put my 642 in play. I had a nice 60 and gave it to my Son for a housewarming present a few years back.



This is exactly how my 642 is set up.




Not mine but I always get a kick out of this.

 

[AStone]

Can someone estimate the street price of a 340 m&p right now?

 

[stowbilly357]

In my area they are $700 without the laser, $930 with. When you consider that a 640 is over $600, the premium for the scandium frame and XS sight really isn't that bad (assuming that you really want 357 magnum capability - comparing with an x42 is a different story).

 

[AStone]

Thanks, Stow. $700 is a good price for this one.

 

[stowbilly357]

Can't believe it has been 5 mos since anyone has posted here. 340 still rides with me daily in a mika round cut. Been thinking about trading in my 405s for some 305s with the green laser. Anyone had any experience pocket carrying the 305s? Has anyone heard if they may introduce the 405s in green?

 

[jfh]

I have the 305s on my 640, and the 405s on my M&P340. Like you, I am keeping an eye out for when the green laser 405s are available. AFAIK, they are still ramping up production and they are not available yet.

While I consider the green to be far superior to the red in daylight, the fact remains that, short of bright noon sunlight, I can see the red at any distance I am liable to be shooting--e.g., under 15 yards with this particular handgun. Consequently, I will probably also wait until the price comes down a bit before I get serious about green lasers.

I have, on occasion, pocket carried the 640 with the 305s. It is doable with the brand jeans I typically wear--Duluth Trading, which on its 'better' jeans puts 12" deep front pockets. However, a 305 does not clear the pocket for me nearly as well as the 405. As I grow older, I am considering carrying the 640 more, simply because of the reduced recoil--and that may lead me to exchanging the laser grips on the guns.

Some time ago I also quit using my Mika round cut and sought out a holster with better pocket retension. I ended up buying a doubletap kydex for the 340, and I am completely satisfied with it. I will probably order one for the 640 as well.

Jim H.

 

[jfh]

Reload your ammo!

Keep in mind that buried in this thread, and the related M&P 340 thread are recipes for reloading ammo that is

1. "replica reload" rounds that duplicate the recoil of the GDSB 135-gr rounds in 38 Special and in 357 Magnum. Lead bullets--LRNs, LTCs--in 135-140gr. weights are readily available.

2. "factory duplicate" recipes for the GDSB 135-gr. and Rem 38S12 (158-gr.) rounds, using either standard LSWCs or the Speer / Hornady LSWC-HP bullets.

3. "Enhanced recipes" that are lower-powered 357 Magnum rounds--for example, a 158-gr. LSWC-HP round that runs about 900+fps from a nominal 2" barrel. (And, in my experience, that's about all you can run a swaged-lead LSWC-HP, or that your well-conditioned hand can handle in a lightweight like the M&P 340.)​

A search in either of these threads for the user names 'jfh,' or 'ArchangelCD' will get you started, and you will find a few other users, too. And, checkout the reloading forum as well--search on terms like "replica reloads," "GDSB-135 gr." and others.

Why do I recommend this? My practice ammo--e.g., the 135-gr. replica reloads in 38 Special or 357 Magnum, or the "factory duplicate" 158-gr. loads cost me about 12 cents a round to make, or $6.00 or so for a box of 50.

Contrast that to your current costs, or to not being able to practice at all....

Jim H.