M&p 340

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Thanks for the helpful info. With the current $50 rebate promotion, I could buy two 442's for $111 more than the price of one M&P340, though:what:

If you consider the cost of an XS ($60, uninstalled) it's $163 more for Scandium, .357, and better finish. However, I saw those pics of the burrs people were getting on their M&P inside of the frame near the rear of the cylinder. :confused: For a knock around working piece of a BUG, I'm not sure I can justify the expense but I will say that marketing has my wheels turning with those price points. Well done, fellas!

+1 on the XS, though. I was asked to check the sights on a PPS 9mm and my first shot was a fairly quick bullseye from 10 yds. I'd never shot the gun or big dots, before. I was impressed.
 
Entering 4 years of every day 340 carry, I cannot even remember the price difference I paid, must be down to about $.03 per day. And 2oz. extra every day for 3-4 years would be up to like 100lbs! :neener:

When I started carrying, I started with a steel Charter Arms Undercover .38 I inherited from my dad that weighs about 9lbs., and a Glock 26 I bought for dirt cheap with LEO discount. I still have the .38 for sentimental reasons, but never carry it, and the Glock I just hated to carry from the beginning.

Now that I have settled on my two carry pieces (340, HK P200SK and, rarely, an LCP), I don't even shop any more. How much you pay for a gun seems like it should be much more important to those who buy/sell/trade often. If gun buying/selling is a hobby, then buy low, sell high! I expect to be carrying one of these every day forever.

My experience has taught me I should have gotten what I wanted the first time. If you are sure you won't look at the x42 in 2 years and wish it was a 340, then of course it's a fine weapon that will serve you very well.

If you think you might buy it and later think to yourself, man that 2oz. does make a difference after a while, or you are going to tweak it with new sights, etc., I would just get the 340. If you can't swing it now, wait a couple months and save up - what you need a j-frame TODAY!?

Of course, only my $.02, YMMV.

Safe shooting,
FT
 
Pensive words, all. Thanks. Leaning away from my impulse for a quick 442 toward the M&P340 (which puts me square along side a PPS but that's another bag of worms)...

Anyone know about the current, stock rubber boot grip? http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...58003_757843_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N

It looks a lot less Houge-y than the one from earlier examples. I handled the current "goose pimply" grip at the shop and it was pretty well glazed over from all the sweaty pawing. It didn't feel much like the rubber you'd get from Hogue or CT. It felt low-density and tinny.

That got me thinking high-density and woody! Vanity is a terrible thing, though:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...750051_764627_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView_N

Anybody run this and have a pic to share?
 
dbjd

Thanks for visiting....

Thanks for the helpful info. With the current $50 rebate promotion, I could buy two 442's for $111 more than the price of one M&P340, though
Click to expand...

Yes, but then all you would have is two 442s and further out by $111.
Let's see two 442s one 340....a 442 and 642....let's see a Ruger LCR and an LCP.....Nope, still wouldn't do it.

Entering 4 years of every day 340 carry, I cannot even remember the price difference I paid, must be down to about $.03 per day. And 2oz. extra every day for 3-4 years would be up to like 100lbs!
Click to expand...

My experience has taught me I should have gotten what I wanted the first time. If you are sure you won't look at the x42 in 2 years and wish it was a 340, then of course it's a fine weapon that will serve you very well.
Click to expand...

So true, because if the 340s had been available when I bought my 642 I wouldn't have a 642.

Well put FT.

square along side a PPS but that's another bag of worms
Click to expand...
It certainly is...22oz worth. Good for IWB or OWB, but walk around with 22 ounces in your pocket for awhile....and they are not that small. Compare it with a Kahr PM9.
 
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Thanks for thanking me for stopping by, DAdams!

I was, mostly, trying to decide if the M&P340 was 36.74% "more gun" than the 442 for a .38+p-only shooter. For me, the answer is now "yes," thanks to the helpful folks, here.
 
Here is my thought on the issue:

If there was a shortage of ammo like say when Obama took office or the zombies were out of control and .357 ammo was the only option, the 442 is a paperweight. Better to have it and not need it. Granted .357 in the M&P is not for everyone and I would submit only a small percentage can proficiently handle it.

I also like the better sights on the M&P and the slightly lighter weight savings.

The lanyard option works for me while hiking in the mountains.

I like the fuller ejector shroud instead of having it exposed ala the 442 because at times, I would carry my now retired 442 in my back pocket. The fuller ejector shroud gives me the feeling that the ejector is more protected. YMMV.
 
Please trust that I am not - repeat, not - trying to talk anyone out of an M&P340. If that's what you want and you can afford it, then that's what you should buy, regardless what you're going to shoot in it.

I have zero doubt that they are fine revolvers.

But I think options are good.

If those extra 2 ounces are of relevance, I can do nothing about that.

But if it's a matter of quality control, then consider the 642 Pro series. .38 spl +p.

Probably not quite as fine as the M&P340, but a step up from the regular 642.

I'd replace my 642 with one of those in a heartbeat.
 
my 340MP has been constant carry either as backup to 686 or 60 (reason i went with the MP over 642 so the strips I carry for the 686/60 w/ mags could be used in the backup if needed even though I carry +P in the MP) or as my primary with a naa .22mag as a backup.

have gotten spoiled with that lightweight that now even my 60 seems heavy! now might even get the 3" 340MP w/exposed hammer to serve as a "kit" gun when out and about. about the same weight, same night sight but a bit extra barrel to gain some more performance from the +P or make shooting the mild magnums a bit less of an ordeal!

anyone have any experience with those yet? seems like one on your waist and one in your pocket for not much more weight then my 60 would be a nice combo
 
I had 3 co-workers shoot the gun the other day at the range. These guys shoot all the time; bottom-feeders that is. They had a challenging time shooting the revolver. I grew up shooting a wheel gun and they could not figger out how I out shot them with eyes that are about 20 yrs. older. Bottom line is that if you don't shoot one of these little gems like you think you are capable, stick with it!

p.s. The trigger is getting better with dry fires and the live fires. Staging the trigger helps.

HAS ANYONE GOT THEIR REBATE YET? I AM NOT EVEN IN THAT FUNKY SYSTEM THAT SMITH DIRECTS YOU TO FOR YOUR REBATE STATUS...
 
I went to my favorite gun shop yesterday to take a look at the model 442, and they had an M&P 340 in the case. I compared both revolvers to each other, and of course they are very similar size wise. I really like both, but two things kept me from taking the 340 (at least for now). One, they wanted $300 more for it over the 442 ($750 versus $450), and two, the thought of shooting .357 mag rounds out of such a small and light pistol didn't sound too appealing. I have a Model 686+ and love it, but it's a much larger framed revolver.

So, I put the Model 442 on layaway and should have it in a couple of months. I may revisit the 340 down the line, but for now the 442 in .38 is perfect for me. It will likely share carry duty with my Seecamp .380. The J-frames are very appealing pistols.
 
:barf:

The real question is.... WHEN WILL THE NEW 340 M&P BE AVAILABLE WITHOUT THE LOCK???

Some are listed on the web but show out of stock. Any spy photos out there?
 
I've read good reviews, but I PERSONALLY handled the Rhino. The hammer is terrible to work, cylinder release is difficult at best, and the design lacks refinement. We've all been told otherwise, but I know this new gadget needs some work (despite its promise).
 
Nematocyst, "The days of the 340 M&P are numbered." why?

Ordered one last night after seeing whitecoyote's pictures.
Now I have to wait for the "come and get it" call from the FFL.

TS
 
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So, I put the Model 442 on layaway and should have it in a couple of months. I may revisit the 340 down the line, but for now the 442 in .38 is perfect for me.
Click to expand...

There are a couple of major differences between the X42 and 340. I have both a 642 and 340, both with CT 405s. I started with the 642 based on all the praises from the 642 Thread. The J Frame format is wonderful for pocket carry (most of the time). The problem I had with the 642 was the 16 ounces in the pocket. I hate to split hairs but 13.3 ounces and 16 (plus 5 rounds) is considerable, but that is just me....or is it?

Next, the sights. There are two aspects of the trench/gutter and XS Dot setup on the 340 vs the blade on the X42.

A) Night sight capability with the Tritium vials.
B) Superior sight picture and target acquisition with the trench and dot versus the blade. How many times have you seen on the 642 thread the topic of conversation regarding painting the blade, what color and so on to increase daytime visibility. Also how is the blade to be positioned for proper shot placement? With the Dot there is absolutely no doubt.

.357 capability. I'll bet that over half if not more 340 carriers load with .38spl Plus P. Is that a waste of money to get the capability? Maybe, but as I have stated numerous times I would rather be able to shoot 3 varients than two, ie 38spl, Plus P and .357 in times of trouble.

I am glad to see the 340 w/o the lock.

Welcome WhiteCoyote and thanks for those pictures. Nice job.
 
S&W 642 owner

I would like to know what the atom sigh on the side of some of the 340's is all about?
Not all have this sigh. The difference between the 340 and the 642 ( I have a 642) seems to be just the frame material. And 38 and 357. Full shroud and night sights don't mean much. The guns seem to be the same, Just the frames are different.
Any info from you guys would be helpful.
Thanks
 
The Differences

The difference between the 340 and the 642 ( I have a 642) seems to be just the frame material. And 38 and 357. Full shroud and night sights don't mean much. The guns seem to be the same, Just the frames are different.
Click to expand...

M&P 340

Scandium Alloy Frame
Stainless Steel Cylinder
13.3oz
Front Sight: XS Sights® 24/7 Tritium Night
Rear Sight: Integral U-Notch
Finish PVD cylinder
Matte Black DLC Frame
Lanyard Pin
38 spl, 38 spl Plus P and .357 Magnum

642

Aluminum Alloy Frame
Stainless Steel Cylinder
15oz
Ramp and Blade
38spl and 38spl plus P

340PD

Scandium Alloy Frame
Titanium Alloy Cylinder
Weight Empty: 11.4 oz / 323.2 g


I think the atomic symbol represents the use of Sc and Ti to produce one of the lightest snubs there is today.

Until you try the Dot and Ramp vs the ramp and blade you won't have an appreciation of the combination in eliminating any question at all where the two line up. Much faster target acquisition and POA accuracy.

P1270034-3.jpg

I have both.
One of each with Crimson Trace (laser) 405 grips.
 
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I can't remember being without a J frame (usually a 442) but it is almost never my primary carry. Having shot handguns both on and off the job for over 50 years I have had occasion for both autos and a revolver to fail on the range. As a result I usually follow the old rule of two guns is better than one (and a faster reload) Not long ago a friends daughter talked me out of my no-lock 442 leaving my PM9 as my only second gun. I usually carry it on the now rare occasions I carry a SIG as primary.

My favorite carry gun is this 396NG in .44 Special.

IMG_0756.gif

So when I first saw a posting of the new no lock M&P340 I had an excuse to replace the 442.

IMG_0752.gif

So, here now is my pair of carry guns. Guess I've got to read 61 pages of this thread. :eek:

IMG_0755.gif
 
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