[Abner]

Fellows, regarding the 340, I have done a search here but was unable to find the answers I seek. Mainly, I am wondering:

1. Will standard pressure 38 spec ammo shoot to POA at 7 yards on this gun? Particularly interested in elevation. Not sure if the standard pressure load will hit where the sights are set...

2. I know that the barrel is posted no less than 120gr bullet but does that mean in .357Mag or both .357 and 38? I wouldn't think that the recoil of a 110gr standard pressure 38 round would unseat the other bullets but I wasn't sure.

Thanks,
Adam

[TX1911fan]

I've got a 340PD, and standard 38 special ammunition works just fine for me, especially at 7 yards. I just assumed the no les than 120 grain was for both, so I buy the heavier stuff.

This is a great gun, and I love carrying it. I bought a 3 inch barrel 1911 thinking I might like to carry a 45 instead, and although the weight wasn't that much more, I was not as accurate at 15 yards as I was with my 340 (less practice, however), so I don't think I'll be swapping any time soon.

[HighVelocity]

The reason SW doesn't want you shooting bullets lighter than 120gr is that it increases the likelyhood of the bullets jumping the crimp during recoil and jamming the gun.
It happened to me with 110gr +p+ 38spl. Whether it would happen with standard pressure loads I can't say.

I've found that standard pressure 130gr 38spl hits about an inch low at 7 yards, 125gr 357 mag hits dead on.

[Abner]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like I have a purpose for my tax return now!

Thanks again,
Adam

[MCgunner]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like I have a purpose for my tax return now!

Yeah, me too, pay off a credit card balance...:banghead:

[TX1911fan]

Some brands of 38 spl +P and .357 will jump the crimp even if they are heavier than 120 grain. CCI Blazer in .357 did it to me. S&W actually recommends, in the manual, that when you start shooting a new brand of ammunition that you fire 4, then pull the 5th out a see if it jumped the crimp. If so, don't use that brand. WWB for practice, and Speer Gold Dot for SD both work fine, in +P and .357.

[SAWBONES]

158gr+P .38 Special seems to hit to POA in these guns.

125gr+P .357 Magnum rounds may or may not. IME, they didn't consistently hit too low or too high, but just lacked precision, plus they weren't at all fun to shoot.

.38 Special rounds lighter than 158gr will typically hit low, but not always. It depends on your particular gun. Some folks have had good experience with .38 Special 125gr Federal Nyclad, and my experience with the new Gold Dot "short barrel" .38 Special 135gr+P JHP load has been uniformly positive in the 340PDs (I have two) and in several other 1 7/8 - 2 1/8" barrel J-frames; excellent precision and accuracy.

[Abner]

Mcgunner, I'm with you! Dang credit cards...

I'll be using the 135 gr +P GD assuming it shoots on when I test it.

Has anyone replaced the stock front sight with an XS tritium dot or other tritium replacement? If so, could you do it yourself and are you happy with the end results?

The easily replaced front sight along with the lighter weight are what's making me get the 340. As more info, I have a 642 and use the 135gr +P GD when I occationally carry. It goes in a Kramer pocket holster.

With all of the other junk that I also routinely carry I really want to save some weight so that I will be more willing to carry all the time.

Adam

[revo]

I've had good luck with the Speer 135gr 38+P Short Barrel ammo. Works great @ 7yds. Tried Cor-Bon but they all crimp-jumped. 357 Magnum out of that thing is a (insert sarcasm here) lovely joy to shoot. :)

I heard another fellow say something about flame cutting when using bullet weights of less than 120gr...??? Does this ring a bell with anyone? Not sure if he knew what he was talking about.

I hear you about the sights. It would be nice to get a night sight on it. My only concern is the "catchyness" of the sight. I got the 340PD with the red ramp. I looked at the HI-VIZ model, but that front sight looked like a draw-hangup/catch waiting to happen...but that's only personal opinion. I'm sure it's fine for most.

Only downside regarding the 340PD is that it doesn't fit many of the holsters I have for my 442. The 340 barrel is a bit bulkier and not tapered like 442/642.

Not to worry, it rides in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster just like the rest. It's a fine pocket gun if there ever was one. 100% unnoticeable after 2-3 minutes in the pocket. You'll forget you have it.

[Abner]

revo, I haven't read of flame cutting being a problem with the scandiums though I guess enough of the really high velocity loads will affect most guns?

Thanks for the tip on the holster, I was hoping that the 340would fit in my Kramer but I guess I'm going to have to get another one.

I don't think that the XS tritium standard dot would be a catch hazard but the Big Dot looks a little taller. I also think that someone maybe Meprolight or Trijicon offer a replacement front sight with a normal profile and tritium insert.
Have a good weekend,
Adam