[megatronrules]

I noticed last night while cleaning my M&P 340 that where the barrel shround connects to the frame theres a very tiny gap. It like a half moon shape and very slight theres no movement of the barrel or shroud. The barrel and shroud appear to be fine and attached properly in every way.

I know its not a crack or split of any kind. I bought this gun brand new and hope this isn't a defect of any kind. So I checked out another M&P 340 at local gun shop and it was the same way as mine,what gives here? I've included a picture so you guys can see what I'm talking about.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd177/1911luver/SW340MPpics.jpg

[fire65]

Mine doesn't have any gap at all, tight as skin on a baloney!

[megatronrules]

Could this simply be a cosmetic issue then?

[RAM357]

I just picked mine up today. It's brand new (factory test round says 05-27-09)...

Mine does not have the gap you described/show. However... that piece is part of the frame and not truly "the barrel". Since the barrel is a separate and solid insert I am hoping that the gap you have is just a cosmetic issue.

But I always lean toward playing it safe. If I was you I would send that picture to Smith & Wesson and ask them about it.

[goodtime]

The gap is functional, and is there purposely.
There's a thread about it on this forum. In it, it's explained that if the gun is fired multiple times, heating up the barrel and other parts, that gap will allow for expansion and prevent the barrel from being forced slightly in one direction or another, affecting accuracy . . . or somethin like that.

[jfh]

I just checked my M&P340, and it does NOT have that gap. FWIW, this particular revolver was purchased (NIB) just over two years ago. If goodtime's comment is accurate, then a running change has been made in details.

Otherwise, I suspect that it may well be a CNC programming mistake that essentially is inconsequential.

If you're nervous about it, do as Ram357 suggested--i.e., e-mail the picture to S&W and see what they say. If it is an issue, their repair will be at no cost to you, including the shipping.

Jim H.

[goodtime]

I found it. Jim Keenen explains in his post.


http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=427362&highlight=barrel+shroud+gap

[jfh]

Thanks, goodtime. It sounds to me like megatronrules' M&P 340 gap is not a CNC error, and that is may be a running improvement.

Go shoot it. Practice with it. A lot.

Jim H.

[megatronrules]

Hi guys yes I emailed that same picture to S&W on Friday but haven't heard anything back yet.