Well, i have been doing alot of research on small framed revolvers and the 340 m&p just really caught my attention. I was looking at the 642, but after finding the 340 m&p my decision was easy. I am 31 yrs old and my wife and i are expecting a baby boy in about 5 weeks, to be honest with you, i want to do everything i can to protect my family. I do lots of hunting, so i have multiple rifles and shotguns, but this is my first handgun.