M&p 340

[gunguerrilla]

I'd appreciate feedback on ammo for the range and self-defense especially
in light of recent forum feedback on cylinder freezing up (if I got that right, lead stuff?).

Thanks in advance. I pick my M&P 340 up next week.

[jfh]

have turned up under these conditions:

1. Dirty--really dirty guns.
2. Some of us shooting reload recipes and experiencing issues with the lube on our particular-brand bullets.
3. The occasional hardware problem--possibly timing, etc.

AFAICT, the 3xx-series (scandium 357 j-frame, various cylinder metals) are typically assembled better, and to tighter specs, than the airweight / x4x-series guns.

Because I shoot reloads, I routinely remove the cylinder and clean it thoroughly after my range trips. I keep a clean gun for carry--period; I always clean after a range trip--and I carry either the GDSB 38+P 135-gr. round, the Rem 3812 (LSWC-HP), or the BB20 (38+P+ 158-gr. lead). With a clean gun, there are no issues with any of these rounds, even after 50 rounds. Overall, then, I think "problems" with lead bullets is largely a non-issue.

Jim H.

[megatronrules]

Is it ok to use Breakfree CLP to clean my 340M&P,will this hurt the DLC finish on the gun?

[jfh]

see post 1058

[megatronrules]

jfh thanks for the info gotta love these M&P's huh

[DAdams]

Welcome gunguerrilla.

megatronrules says:

gotta love these M&P's huh

I do. I still carry mine alternating it with my Seecamp LWS .380 when the weather is too warm and to eliminate some exposure or when attending dress events where I require major concealment, light weight in low threat environments.

[megatronrules]

I don't know if you guys here remember a post I out here a few weeks ago about a suspicious crack under the barrel. Long story short S&W decided to replace the gun and sent me a new M&P340 I received it last week. Funny thing is I disabled the lock by grinding the locking stud off the locking flag. Anyways I've decided to leave this M&P as is and not mess around with it.

I figure why try my luck a second time as S&W decided to replace my gun even though the lock had been disabled,so either they didn't notice or didn't care? Anyways /i really love this gun lock or no lock.

[DAdams]

That is indeed good news. Not surprising but still good news.

The lock, yeah I would leave it alone. I think that was my prior recommendation and I am sticking to my gun(s).

Was yours the one that fell apart and posted pics or just cracked? I forget?

[megatronrules]

DAdams mine was the one that had the crack under the barrel,and upon receiving the replacement gun it had a loose yoke that moved in and out of the frame. I called S&W and they Emailed me another return label I sent it back on a Friday,they got it the following Monday and it was back in my hands 100% perfect that Friday. I also received a letter from them stating how sorry they were for my troubles and telling me to contact them if I ever had any issues at all.

I've gotta say their customer service is top notch I wish more companies had CS like S&W I'll defiantly be buying more of their products in the future.

[DAdams]

I'm glad to hear things worked out. I agree with your assessment of S&W service it is top notch.
Fortunately I have only had to use it once with a brand new 642.

Enjoy the 340.

[10pacesmike]

Hey 340 Club. I have two, I'm selling one to fund a custom single-action project. I have exactly two cylinders worth of 158gr Gold Dot factory ammo through the M&P 340. I'll sell it for $625 shipped to your FFL with a DeSantis Nemesis.

PM me if you're interested.

Mike

p.s. spotless feedback on ebay, GB.com, and AR15.com.

Thanks,

Mike

[FranklyTodd]

Just wanted to drop a line - I was a frequent poster earlier in the life of this club/thread, but work and family commitments have increased and, frankly, the 340 bores me - and I mean that as the HIGHEST possible compliment! No more hand-wringing about what the best carry gun is - found it!

I carry it 98% of the time in a Nemesis with .357 SBGDs (1% goes to a Ruger LCP in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster on those odd times I need something smaller, 1% to an HK P2000SK in an MTAC just for variety). I am so happy with that carry trio, I don't get on the boards much any more, but I do have this ONE thread set to e-mail me if anyone posts - good stuff, and WELCOME to the new club members!

[DAdams]

frankly, the 340 bores me - and I mean that as the HIGHEST possible compliment! No more hand-wringing about what the best carry gun is - found it!

Outstanding observation. I do agree that it just about covers all the bases.
That's why it is probably the "if I could only have one snub" snub.

My Combo:

340
Seecamp 380
Kahr PM9

[milspecnsn]

Well I did it....I bought an M&P 340 today.....after having gotten a no lock 642 last month! I'm fortunate and grateful in that I'm able to do this as this hasn't always been the case in my life with $$$....Anyway, after getting the 642, I stated to read about and lust after the 340 until it got to a severe case of JGTHI. I debated in my mind trading in the 642 for the 340 and finally decided "Naaahhh".

"Hi everyone, my name is JD and I'm a snub-aholic"

[megatronrules]

"Hi JD" :-)

[lebowski]

Crap, I just bought a 642 ... this thread is makin me think I should have got a M&P 340.

[angel1216]

Hi JD, I must admit i went the same route. don't worry my friend, there are thousands like me and you. we are all "snub-aholic" and we all love it! LOL.

[DAdams]

JD and Lebowski-

The M&P 340 wasn't out when fiVe and Company convinced me on a 642.

Once it did come out I had a vision. His and Hers Snubs. Her's 642 His, Manly looking M&P 340, night sights, DLC Coating, .357 Magnum and Crimson Trace grips, and don't forget THE LANYARD RING. "Best Tim the Toolman Grunts".



Let's see what else....primary and backup, belt and suspenders, ebony and ivory....

[milspecnsn]

DAdams,

LOL!!! The "his" and "hers" rationalization was what helped me finalize my decision too!

[milspecnsn]

angel1216,

Thank you my friend, it's good to know I have company...I admit I felt a wee bit "guilty" for a second or two...and then I moved on quickly.

Lebowski:

It's contagious buddy. I "caught it" from others on these boards and now I'm afraid I've passed it on to you with my post...you'll feel a growing discomfort at onset and begin to question your 642 decision (whatever you decide, it's still an excellent choice). You may twist and turn for a while in your mind...you'll have a wee angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other whisperin' "Don't do it!" and "Do it!" respectively...you'll anguishly ask yourself: "should I????...." Obviously, only you can decide what you'll do. Let me say that for me, my struggle ended when I read (and re-read)these posts and those in the 642 Club, in addition to perusing other forums and online articles. Good luck with your decision!

[LoneStarWings]

Do you guys think it's safe to buy an M&P 340 right now or should I wait a few more months and let S&W iron out a few of the poblems? Some of the problems on this thread have me a bit worried, but I would like to have one eventually.

[megatronrules]

LoneStarWings I'd go ahead and buy that M&P now these guns are not typically known for problems normally. They are also have a higher build quality than than the other airweight J-frames (which are well built themselves) and are stronger due to their scandium reinforced aluminum alloy frames. Is it possible (but not likely) you could have an issue with a new 340 M&P,just like with any other gun. However the difference is that S&W stands behind their product like no other gun maker does bar none.

The first 340 M&P I bought developed a split under where the barrels meets the frame,I called S&W they paid shipping both ways. Within 3 weeks of calling them I had a brand new 340 M&P at my local FFL. S&W told me my gun's problem was most likely a manufacturing error/defect,it happens with anything mechanical from time to time. My point these guns are not known for any problems normally.

This has to be the most advanced revolver ever produced,an engineering marvel that just a generation ago wouldn't have been possible. Its truly a state of the art product. I love mine and its crazy light,my AT&T PDA phone weighs more than this thing is sick. Also believe me the recoil of .357's isn't nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I practice/carry with 125gr Remington golden sabers these are a mid-level .357 load and the recoil isn't much more than the +P .38's I put through it. I also practice/carry with 130gr. Federal hydrashocks,be warned though these .357's are full throttle loads.

I think its very misleading that federal puts "high energy-low recoil" on the package. They got the first part right,but trust me these things ARE NOT low recoil. Their recoil is snappy and a bit painful after a few cylinders. Another great .357 load for this gun is speer's Gold Dot JHP its a 135gr. specifically designed for snub nose .357's. The great thing about this little pocket rocket is it can also eat ANY .38 special ammo you want to feed it,so your ammo options are vast. I hope I've helped you out man now out and get that new 340 M&P and join us.

[LoneStarWings]

Thanks megatronrules.

I'm going to go ahead and start looking for a 340 to buy, I think I want one with the CT grip.

I've already been researching carry loads as well. I think I'd like to try the 135gr Short Barrel Gold Dots, 125gr Corbon DPX, and 125gr Remington Golden Sabres all in .357 mag and see what performs the best as far as not jumping crimp, having manageable recoil, and best ballistic performance.

[megatronrules]

Lonestar you'll find that most .357 load won't jump crimp but some will so just be sure to test them. Do this by firing 4 rounds and checking the 5th round for bullet pull. Good luck.

[LoneStarWings]

Is $1000 a decent price for a 340 CT or can they be had for closer to $800 new in box?