[M&PVolk]

I got to see one of these yesterday along with an M&P 360 and all I can say is wow! I could not believe how light this gun is and how well assembled and finished it was. I had wanted an M&P, but comparing the two, the PD model was much more appealing to me. For me, the issue was cost, almost as much as a decent 1911! It was selling for $868.00!

Is it worth it? Is the gun as reliable as it feels? It seems like the ultimate pocket carry or BUG, but is it even shootable with full .357 loads?

340 PD owners please share your experiences and insights!

[jfh]

You'll find commentary, including the questions you've asked, in the M&P340 thread.

Jim H.

[nonseven]

I've had mine for about 3 years. Great gun. I love the weight, and the sights. I carry mine with +P .38s. I've shot it 3 times with .357, and man, you don't want to do that very often. I've never felt such a fierce recoil as that.

[M&PVolk]

At 43 pages, digging through the M&P 340 thread isn't exceptionally practical at this point, especially for information on a gun the thread wasn't authored about.

[pps]

Perform a lockectomy and it makes a great little carry gun.

[jfh]

M&PVolk: Actually, it is simple and practical to dig through those 43 pages--use google to search the thread for comments on the 340PD. The advantage of looking at a thread like that is that it puts knowledge about these lightweights in one location--albeit unorganized. Further, since the only substantive difference in the two firearms is the titanium cylinder / weight, with careful reading you can gain insight into the 340PD v-a-v the M&P340.

The real issue between the two models rests, IMO, in the bullet-weight limitation for the 340PD. The weight different is noticable, but not substantial--although if I carried a 340 in an ankle holster as backup, I might feel differently. The other substantive issue is the 'temperamentality' of the PD's titanium cylinder for finish / cleaning issues.

I carefully considered both models before I bought my carry gun--and I decided to get the M&P340--for the reasons just cited. A third factor, of course, is the price premium on the PD because of that titanium cylinder.

So, IMHO, if you're considering the one, you ought to know its strengths and weaknesses--just as you might consider in buying a 1911 in the same price range.

Jim H.

[JWF III]

I have the M&P 360, and absolutely love it. The only thing that I wish I had thought out beforehand is the hammer. If I was to do it again (which I will someday), I would get the 340 to carry.

The weight makes it a breeze to carry. Fully loaded with 158 gr. .357 mags, it weighs in between 15 ounces and 1 pound.

I was concerned about the recoil factor before I got it. I couldn't find any range (with rentals) that had one I could try, so I got it anyway. My previously hardest recoiling handgun was a .357 Blackhawk. The recoil with the 360 (loaded with .357mags) is not horrendous. The power of the recoil is not that much of a factor, it's the speed at which it recoils. I routinely shoot 1-2 boxes of .38, then 1 box of .357 when at the range. It has a little sting, and after a session, my palm will be a little pink. But it's not too much to me.

If you're, at all, sensitive to recoil, I'd give one a try first. But it's not worth worrying about. And in a SD situation, with adrenaline pumping, it'll probably feel like a .22 going off.

BTW, I found mine at a gunshow, from a stockin S&W dealer. Listed as $850, with $100 off for the show only. Ended up getting it for $800 otd. And I have seen (at a local pawn shop), a 340 with Crimson Trace grips for $700. But I'm not sure if it was .38 +P, or .357. I'd guess the former, but I didn't ask.

Wyman

[M&PVolk]

Thanks for the information. I have fired the 637 Airweight several times with .38+p without issue. It kicks, but doesn't seem horrible to me. It sounds as though the 340PD has issues due to the titanium cylinder? I don't consider the limitation of 120gr .357 to be much of an issue. The 340PD is cool enough to make me want to sell a kidney!

[jad0110]

If you're, at all, sensitive to recoil, I'd give one a try first. But it's not worth worrying about. And in a SD situation, with adrenaline pumping, it'll probably feel like a .22 going off.

The other day at the range, a fellow down the lane from me opined that the felt recoil of a S&W airlite 357 Magnum was in the same class of pain inducement as a 7.62 x 54r fired from a 20" Mosin-Nagant M38 or M44, or 3" 12 gauge shells from a 20" coach gun. That is to say, most people will say "owwww, that really hurt" with an audible whimper. My dad, who finds the recoil of a 15 oz 38 Special to be "hellacious", upon shooting a 357 340 PD would probably curl up in the fetal position and start sucking his thumb for the first time in nearly six decades :D .

Someone else on THR once posted that it was kinda like slamming your hand in the hood of a car with each shot. Think early 70's Pontiac Bonneville. Ouch. Other's have said that it is more vicious than a 500 S&W Magnum.

Others don't think it is a big deal, but they are likely the exception. Probably have fewer functioning nerve endings in their hands, or something.

Try before you buy, if it all possible. Maybe you can try someone else's at the range ... offer to pay for the ammo you shoot, if need be.

[JWF III]

fellow down the lane from me opined that the felt recoil of a S&W airlite 357 Magnum was in the same class of pain inducement as a 7.62 x 54r fired from a 20" Mosin-Nagant M38 or M44, or 3" 12 gauge shells from a 20" coach gun.

In a way, I can agree with that statement. I'm a pretty good sized boy. (5'10", 210 lbs, former power lifter) Each of those you listed are stout enough that I notice them. But at the same time my .300 WinMag is a pussy-cat, I can sit down at the bench (or lay prone) and go through several boxes of ammo at a session. (At least I could before the econ slowed, and the price of ammo skyrocketed.)

To me, recoil in a long gun starts to become great when you get to the Moss.835 with 3 1/2", 2 1/4oz. Turkey loads. I still shoot them, but I usually keep it to 5 rounds or less. The same shell in my Franchi 912, I've gone through 30-35 in an hour or so.

Wyman

[friscolatchi]

Recoil? Last week I brought two revolvers to the range. One was the M&P340 and the second was the 629-6 with the 61/2 barrel. To cut to the chase, the recoil in the 340 loaded with magnum FMJ factory target loads was WORSE then the 629 loaded with 44 magnums. I don't quite remember the bullet weight for either. I usually try to run at least 20 357 magnums through the little guy at each range session. For PD it's my firearm of choice and I load it with 38 sp +P corbons. I shot the 340 pd at the S&W shooting sports center in Mass. It shoots the same as the M&P. I opted for the M&P due to CT discount, SS cylinder, availability and price. For PD, and this is the only purpose for the gun, the hammerless is the way to go.

[DAdams]

I surmise that S&W may have thought they went off the deep end with the pds although they do endure. The cylinder issues and bullet weight are just something to be aware of. Felt recoil could be a deal breaker, as the M&P 340 is not a big deal with any round but more snap than a X42. Think 642 > M&P 340 > 340pd. Light, lighter, lightest. Recoil commesurate with each drop in weight/mass.
The big deal as far as I am concerned regarding the M&P 340 is the XS tritium (night) sight system; much superior to the blade or light pipe. With a set of Crimson Trace grips 305 or 405s, your choice and IMO it is the best pocket carry revolver combo there is. I have had mine for over two years and it is my most carried roscoe.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/dadams111/P2120038.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m22/dadams111/P5210024-1.jpg

[340PD]

It is three years old. It is not a daily shooter. I bought a 640 for that purpose. Recoil for me, is never been a problem. My Seecamp .380 is far more difficult to manage, but again, for it's purpose, that is also a fine firearm to carry. They are both intended to be a last ditch, self defense firearms. The 340 is currently loaded with gold dots. For me, this is the ultimate snubby to carry.

[jbrown50]

My M&P 360 is always in my pocket. I bobbed the hammer so the draw isn't hindered.

It's a beast with full magnums but with my carry loads, Speer SB 135 gr. .357 Gold Dots, it's very manageable . Plus-P and Standard pressure 38s are a breeze.