[TarpleyG]

I had a local gun shop quote me ~$550 - $594 for a new one which is 10% above his costs based on what distributor he gets it from. This sounds like a great price from what I have been researching. Any comments or suggestions? Maybe someone knows of a lower price? He'll do an FFL transfer for $15 if I find it cheaper somewhere else.

GT

[ChristopherG]

I saw one about an hour ago for 650, at a shop that generally has the best prices for 30 or 40 miles around me; but different regions are bound to differ.

PS--It's a great gun; when I stopped at the shop, I was on my way back from the range, shooting mine

cg:)

[Mark IV Series 80]

I would take a look at the S&W Airweight series: The Model 637, M642, M442, and my personal favorite, the M638, Bodyguard Airweight.

These Airweights cost quite a bit less than the Titanium or Scanadium guns, and you will appreciate the additional 3 or 4 ounces when you shoot them.

The Airweights have been made since 1952, and have a good track record. The ones made in the last 5 years or so are rated for +P ammo.

[Kahr carrier]

Thats a good price for the 340PD in the Prk they usually ask $650-$729 in my area.:)

[TarpleyG]

Mark IV,

I looked at those but mine primary focus is weight. I carry a Kel-Tec P-11 now in a poket holster and it outweighs the 340 by a few ounces. The Airweight series outweighs that. I don't plan on trying to shoot bullseye with this thing, just practice enough to be able to stop an attacker if need be.

GT

[ChristopherG]

If the maximum balance of weight and power is your gig, you're on the right track. If you were comfortable with just a .38 (+P), I'd suggest you look at CDNN's latest catalog. They're selling the 342, at 10.8 ounces, for just 399--a steal, if I've got the details right.

cg

[22luvr]

It shoots .38 spcls like a dream. It also shoots .357's but the recoil is fierce indeed. Mine is easy to tote and the trigger, although a bit stiff, pulls predictably. If you're not concerned about shooting .357's, check out the 342.

[JCM298]

I bought my 340 because of its weight & caliber. The first time I took it to the range, I bled but the blood came off the Sc/Ti very easily. It'll be shot until I'm comfortable with it and it'll be carried a lot. I like it.
John

[sonny]

I Love mine
It's not for the recoil shy but I I find + P's a piece of cake in it but watch out for the 357 magnums .....ouch....but it hurts so good.
A great carry piece.....Like I would know living in NYC:mad:

[The Mayor]

My 340PD was had for $590, I went in with the intention of buying a 38 but decided that for $20 extra I could benefit from the advanced metalurgy of the scandium alloy frame.
38+P is all I've shot to date. Also, Gun Test just published a Best Defense Gun buyers guide in which it wrote very favorably on the lightweight Smith's

[Greybeard]

IIRC, had my 340PD for right at two years now. A dream to carry. BUT - the first thing I did was dump the hard little factory grip. Seems like 8 of 13 loads tested jumped the crimp to one extent or another. Loading these days is 3 Gold Dot +38Ps and 2 Federal Classic .357 125 grainers. Overmoulded CT grip takes out most of the bite, but not all of the flip. At minimum, ya may want to promptly get a grip that covers the backstrap. Mine needed some triggerwork - and is still not as good as 342 it replaced.

[Vern]

That sounds like a decent price. A couple of years ago a couple of buddies bought 342pd @ 530.00 out the door. I know prices have gone up a bit so 550 sounds good.

Unless you plan on shooting 357's - I like the suggestion of looking at the 342 line. I used to carry a 442 and switched to a 342. I've never shot a magnum out of a 340, but I did fire one out of my 17.5 ounce 386pd. I see no reason to do it again, much less out of a lighter gun.

I have Hogue grips (smooth Tulipwood or Kingwood w/finger grooves) on my 342. They keep the cylinder release from biting my thumb. :)