S&W 340PD question

[cyclist]

Hi,

Went to a couple of semi-local gunshops yesterday afternoon to see what they had since I hadn't been to either of them in a few years.

One had a 642 (I think that's what it was) and a couple of model 36 revolvers. I asked if they had a 640 so the guy walks over to the back shelf where the employee guns are that they wear while in the store. The employee revolver was a 340PD model. I noticed something different about it, it had a little small bent of piece of metal stuffed in between the top strap and the barrel. Looked like some sort of flash-cutter protector of some sort that I recall reading about a bunch of years ago used by people shooting hot loads.

So, my question is, do you think that was something added by the employee/owner of the 340PD, or does that option come only on the PD versions of S&W lightweight revolvers. I think that if I get a lightweight snubbie I"m going to want the little protector as a feel-good feature. The clerk that handed it to me after unloading it had never noticed that feature before. Just curious how common it is and if it comes stock on any revolvers.

Thanks for any info, appreciate it.

 

[jfh]

It wasn't added by the employee--it is stock on the scandium-framed J-frames, for sure, and I would suspect on any of the scandium-framed revolvers.

Jim H.

 

[Tom Servo]

I've only seen it on the Scandium magnums. It's to prevent flame-cutting. I've seen two blow under full-house loads (a 340 and a 360), and in both cases, it broke right where that tab is.

 

[cyclist]

Interesting. Do you know if the blown ones had the tab shield or not?

I kind of lean towards steel frames, but the lightweight ones currently have me interested. Perhaps they're better suited to less shooting, or do they hold up as well as steel framed ones as long as one is using standard factory loads and ammo?

 

[Tom Servo]

Yeah, they had the shields, but they don't seem to have helped.

 

[SAWBONES]

I've shot lots of full power .357 Magnum loads from my two 340PDs, and no top strap blowout has occured.
That little metal tab is for preventing flame-cutting of the topstrap, but these little guns are seemingly strong enough, they're just fairly unpleasant to shoot with hot .357 loads. Mine are actually both more accurate and more precise with the Gold Dot .38 Special "short barrel" 135gr+P JHP than with any .357 Magnum load.

 

[1 old 0311]

My 340PD is my EVERYWHERE, ANYTIME, ALWAYS gun. It is so light I constantly have to 'bump' it with my arm to make sure it is still there.

 

[miko]

^^^ Me too - except at the range, that is.
It's not something I would willingly shoot unless my life was in mortal danger...

miko

 

[DAdams]

M&p 340

The metal tab is standard on the M&P 340. As indicated it is to prevent flame cutting. Has anyone seen the tab cut by flame cutting?

 

[Sir Aardvark]

While I do not have too many rounds through my 340PD, the "little metal tab" is still in perfect condition.

I wonder about the history of the 2 that were reported to have failed: round count?; .357MAG ammo only?....

 

[pinkymingeo]

I've seen a couple of posts on different forums about the shield burning-through in the neighborhood of 2500-3000 rounds. Other guys report no problems. If it goes, it's a factory replacement item but they'll do it for free, and pay shipping both ways.

 

[MickP1]

I also have it on my 360SS no problems so far!