[IMTHDUKE]

Which of these should I get? I can't get both, but can spring for one. Help me decide.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/pix572081172.jpg
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/MP340.jpg

You will say, depends on what you going to use it for. Well, depends on which I get. I don't NEED another handgun, but most of us fall in that category. It's the obsession kicking in again to get another. It’s the old, “bet you can’t eat just one” syndrome.

The M&P 340, I would carry some. The 627 PC, I would house gun and range. The 627 is designed and has the weight to fire the 357mag without a problem. The 340 can fire 357, but your hand might hate you for that, so I would fire 38s and carry with either, 38+p or 357s.
The price is about the same for both, so guess the bottom line is, which would you rather have in your stable? Thanks for voting and helping me decide.

[iblong]

My vote is for the 627,more fire power in a more shootable revolver.

[jem375]

I would probably buy the 627 even though most S&W's are over priced like this one...

[Broker]

I voted 340, to me N frame caliber should begin with a "4". I would shoot 38's in the 340, not 357's.

[AllisonDT]

Ooooo, go with the 627. :)

That is one sexyass gun. I love the looks of the non-fluted cylinder.

[451 Detonics]

I would buy the 627 but then I would carry it as well, I currently carry a 325PD.

[hardluk1]

Buy a 340 with out the laser. spend the extra cash on better grips and ammo. There performance stuff ain't worth it.

[Old Fuff]

Having been around the block several times, I wouldn't buy either... :uhoh:

If I was looking for a pocket gun, one of Smith & Wesson's J-frames with an enclosed hammer might well be a pick, but I'd get it in .38 Special, not .357 Magnum. In my view the .357 cartridge is not a good choice for a J-frame platform, and I detest having to keep cleaning out the chambers after shooting any shorter rounds. I do vote in favor of the CT laser stocks, as often if the action is fast and close you may not have time, or be able to, get the sights up to eye level.

On the other hand, if I was going for an N-frame in .357 Magnum it would be all-steel, and have a 4 inch barrel. The last two shots wouldn't concern me. If you think you need more, carry some speed loaders or buy a pistol with a double-column magazine.

In both cases I would likely be shopping on the used market - to save money and get what in my opinion is better craftsmanship.

Oh, and one more thing... The last thing I'd do is make a selection based on whichever one had the "coolest" looks.

[postalnut25]

I would go with the 627 just because I dislike the laser grips on the J frame that much.

I never saw the point of the laser right where my finger was. I keep my finger off the trigger until I fire. I have to put my finger on the trigger to make the laser useful.

[Hanzo581]

627 hands down, especially if it is a "just because" gun that you are adding to your collection.

[David E]

The 627 is a far more versatile gun than the 340

[jon86]

I gotta ask, if you are considering the 627 for house and range and not for carry, then why the 2 inch barrel? You can get them with 4 or 5 inch barrels which will make it easier to shoot, longer sight radius, and will give you much better ballistics.

As to which one to choose, I can't make that decision for you because I don't know what you currently have or what you want. Myself? I'd get the 340 cuz j frames are awesome.

[Jed Carter]

If it takes batteries, you don't need it, now if the M&P had a camera with a USB port...I did vote for the 627 , I am not a fan of pocket carry, so a heavier pistol in a holster is fine with me. Again for range and HD a 4"+ barrel may be a better choice, just saying.

[PabloJ]

I would pick the top one. The bottom piece is too grunt-ish.

[orionengnr]

The Old Fuff has forgotten more about handguns in general, and S&W revolvers in particular, than most of us will ever know...

Read post #8 again, and (if you are a wise man) be guided accordingly.

[EVIL]

627...IN A 4" BARREL! ;) ... sorry to be a broken record....:banghead:

I would love to have a heavy N-frame, 8rd capacity, .357, as a range gun!:D you could push that to the limits of pistol range and accuracy IMHO.

[orionengnr]

The 627 PC, I would house gun and range.
Ever touch off a .357 indoors...sans hearing protection? You won't do it again.

[Uncle Peter]

Voted for the 340. Same thoughts as post #7.

[Jim Watson]

I'd get the 340... but only if necessary to replace my M38 if it went astray.

I have a 2.5" M19 that seldom gets shot, so have no interest in a 2" N frame.

[Tomcat47]

627 ! I just like hammers I can use! plus its a bad ass gun!

[HelterSkelter]

either gun you will have no problem shooting. unless you are shooting double tap ammo or some other absurdly hot load your hand will not hurt from the .357 in either gun. the 627 is a cooler gun though.