S&w 340pd

[Spicy McHaggis]

I was curious if anyone carries, owns, or has shot the S&W 340PD? It's a J-Frame .357 revolver. I have been thinking about getting one of these, but wanted to see what others had to say about it. I may or may not decide to put this in my "list of three" if I am approved for my permit. I would probably see this as very limited uses for carry since my primary would be my HK USPc 40.

I have read about this gun having problems with "crimp jumping", but that Speer makes a round (Gold Dot .38 135gr +p) that is supposed to resist that.

http://smithandwesson.com/webapp/wcs...04&isFirearm=Y

[45 ACP]

My 2 cents:

I've shot the 340 PD with both .38 Spl and full-power .357 Magnum ammo. While it certainly gets your attention shooting full power .38 Spl loads, it takes an insane person to shoot the .357 loads out of that Scandium gun. It just plain hurts!

With such light weight (12 oz empty! ), it's no surprise that factory loaded bullets "jump" their crimp. If the weight of the gun can't absorb some of the recoil, the unspent rounds come next. There's even specific instructions about how to test your ammo for "jump" Personally, no thanks.

If you're looking for a J-frame revolver capable of .38 +P, maybe consider an Airweight model (637/642) It's not much of a weight penalty (3 more ounces), but feels much better to shoot. They're also available in shrouded hammer (638) if that suits your fancy.

If you're dead-set on a .357, you can only choose between the Scandium frames and good 'ol stainless (Model 60 series) Hope this helps, good luck!

[1buba]

I just picked up a 360PD. I tried it w/ some +p. I don';t have the anatomy to try it with .357 rounds yet. It is VERY light. I'm w/ .45 ACP on the extra 3 oz's, i think it would help quite a bit. And i wouldn't specifically buy one that shoots .357's. I don't think I'll EVER carry it w/ .357's.

[X-ffdo]

Originally Posted by 45 ACP

My 2 cents:

I've shot the 340 PD with both .38 Spl and full-power .357 Magnum ammo. While it certainly gets your attention shooting full power .38 Spl loads, it takes an insane person to shoot the .357 loads out of that Scandium gun. It just plain hurts!

With such light weight (12 oz empty! ), it's no surprise that factory loaded bullets "jump" their crimp. If the weight of the gun can't absorb some of the recoil, the unspent rounds come next. There's even specific instructions about how to test your ammo for "jump" Personally, no thanks.

If you're looking for a J-frame revolver capable of .38 +P, maybe consider an Airweight model (637/642) It's not much of a weight penalty (3 more ounces), but feels much better to shoot. They're also available in shrouded A hammer (638) if that suits your fancy.

If you're dead-set on a .357, you can only choose between the Scandium frames and good 'ol stainless (Model 60 series) Hope this helps, good luck!

I vote for the S&W Model 638 Bodyguard.
The model 638 is a J frame, shrouded hammer .38 Spec. + P rated.
The shrouded hammer precludes this weapon from snagging your clothes during the drawing process. It also affords you the choice of a D/A, S/A trigger action. It has an excellent D/A trigger.

A .357 round out of a 2" barrel, simply does not have the ability to develop enough speed to perform within its maximum designed performance envelope.
Let alone the shooter having to deal with the recoil issue and controllability.

The S&W Model 638 Bodyguard has an impeccable service record. It was one of the many weapons issued by some of the well known US government intelligence agencies, at some point. I believe during late 60's and 70's.
Taurus came out with a Model 638 clone, called the "CIA" Model.....stands for "Carry It Anywhere".........Do I need to say more?

[1buba]

Joe has some very good points above... What i have found with my 360 (w/ hammer)....
1) I'm having trouble finding a smith that will work on the trigger and bob the hammer... this gun had to pass the drop test and therefore most smiths look at it as a liability issue.
2) it has the integral lock. i played with it the other day. I do NOT like it. It really kicks in and out to easy for my liking.

These two issues will be evident on any gun bought new. I would suggest looking for something used (already in CA) if you are going to use it concealed. Just my .02.

[More Cowbell]

My 640 hurts with .357 through it. With .38 spl it's very comfortable to shoot.

[45 ACP]

Originally Posted by 1buba

Joe has some very good points above... What i have found with my 360 (w/ hammer)....
1) I'm having trouble finding a smith that will work on the trigger and bob the hammer... this gun had to pass the drop test and therefore most smiths look at it as a liability issue.
2) it has the integral lock. i played with it the other day. I do NOT like it. It really kicks in and out to easy for my liking.

What about sending it to the Performance Center?

[tikifrei]

What are the thoughts on the M&P 340? My friend called S&W and was told it should be on the DOJ list in about 6 months. I wonder if any of the issues with the PD guns will be solved with the new model. I am sure it still would be a handful with .357mag loads.

The M&P 340 is 13.3oz and the 642 is 15oz. Anyhow just curious what people think.

[Glock32]

I have an old S&W M 37 on my ccw as my third gun. I carry it in my right front pocket whenever I can't carry a 'real' gun'.
I did a semi-bob on the hammer, rounded the edges of the hammer spur and top slightly and also took the sharp edges off the cylinder release.
A set of nice wooden boot grips compliment the gun nicely. I practice with .38 and carry .38+P in it. Cost is about half of a Scandium model.

If I would buy a j-frame new I would get the 442 with internal hammer and replace the rubber grips. They are too tacky for pocket carry and will stick to your shirt or jacket during holster carry. I would also degrease the internal lock and then use some lok-tite to disable it. Make sure to lok-tite it in the off position. Remember Murphy?

[1buba]

Originally Posted by 45 ACP

What about sending it to the Performance Center?

I haven't checked with them yet. I ASSUME they won't touch it... They are a part of the company that made the gun and paid for the drop test. It would be BAD in a liability sense for them to alter it... This is just my small businessman fear of the liability suit point of view though... lol

I'll check w/ them next week. And probably cylinder and slide.

[OCRancher]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I just picked up a 360PD. I tried it w/ some +p. I don';t have the anatomy to try it with .357 rounds yet. It is VERY light. I'm w/ .45 ACP on the extra 3 oz's, i think it would help quite a bit. And i wouldn't specifically buy one that shoots .357's. I don't think I'll EVER carry it w/ .357's.

How did you like it with the 38 special, vs the 38 sp +P?

[1buba]

Shot both today, but out of the 586. Couldn't hardly notice the difference in that gun. However, Anthony LOVED shooting the .38. He was bouncing cans off the ground at 30 yards with the red dot sight. He still likes the 10-22 the best though. lol

[Spicy McHaggis]

Thanks for all the great info everyone. It was very helpful. I chose this one mostly because it is lightweight and black. Shrouded hammer is a must. I couldn't even imagine how loud this thing would be shooting .357s. I'll have to check out the 638 too. It looks to be a lot cheaper too!

[ingber]

I really like my 340PD. I carry the new Speer .357 135 gr short-barrel ammo. Most of the ammo I shoot on the range is .38 Special 125 gr Federal BallistiClean. I also have LG-405 Crimson Trace grips which help a bit for recoil.

I wanted a gun light and small enough so I will carry it regularly, e.g., in my pocket or sling.

Yes, the .357 ammo hurts, but I figure that if I ever had to use my gun in self-defense I want it to work as planned.

Lester

[hbliam]

I have the 342PD which is 10.8 ounces unloaded. .38 is sufficient IMO for a pocket gun. It shoots well enough and is comfortable for about....5 rounds. But like others have said....if I need it I doubt I will notice my comfort.