M&p 340
- Thread starter DAdams
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AStone
Member
Speech! We want a speech from the founder, DA!
wuchak
Member
psyopspec said:
No need to wait for dedicated space. I mounted my lee turret press on a 2x6 and I clamp it to my Black and Decker Workmate. I've even taken the press to gun club and used it clamped to the top of a picnic table when fine tuning a load. It's nice to load in the sunshine. My whole setup (minus the table) with all supplies fits in a backpack and a small tool box and can be setup in 5 minutes.
OP
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DAdams
Member
Congrats
to altitude 19 for nailing that highly coveted 1000 post.
I was out of town or I would have been camping/lurking for that august position.
I'll quote one of my wife's favorite lines when it comes to guns and other "things".
"What you want and what you are going to get, are two entirely different things".
It did surprise me somewhat when I went back and looked and discovered the first post was June 2007. On one hand I would have thought that the M&P 340 might have gained more popularity than it has with the snub afficianados, but on the other hand it takes someone with snub experience (and a few extra $$) to make the leap and garner the appreciation that which this revolver brings as a hybrid bridging the steel, Al, Sc/Ti and a .38 and a .357. Particularly to the pocket carry genre. I could go on but then I would be preaching to the choir.
I am fortunate that where I live and typically where I travel threat levels are low to moderate. Hence I don't feel compelled to carry the uberroundagebottomfeeder. Of the four pocket carry pistols I have, two revolvers and two SA the M&P 340 is always EDC carry number 1 or 2 appropriate to the occassion. It's within easy reach in my desk drawer as we speak.
My snub revolver roots are derived from the venerable 642 Club (thanks fiVe) and evolved accordingly.
The next milestone is the 100K view. With the momentum and recognition the 340 is gaining, it is safe to say that post 2000 won't take two more years.
Thanks to all of you who keep this post on The High Road.
Post On.
to altitude 19 for nailing that highly coveted 1000 post.
I was out of town or I would have been camping/lurking for that august position.
I'll quote one of my wife's favorite lines when it comes to guns and other "things".
"What you want and what you are going to get, are two entirely different things".
thanks for the opener Nem.
It did surprise me somewhat when I went back and looked and discovered the first post was June 2007. On one hand I would have thought that the M&P 340 might have gained more popularity than it has with the snub afficianados, but on the other hand it takes someone with snub experience (and a few extra $$) to make the leap and garner the appreciation that which this revolver brings as a hybrid bridging the steel, Al, Sc/Ti and a .38 and a .357. Particularly to the pocket carry genre. I could go on but then I would be preaching to the choir.
I am fortunate that where I live and typically where I travel threat levels are low to moderate. Hence I don't feel compelled to carry the uberroundagebottomfeeder. Of the four pocket carry pistols I have, two revolvers and two SA the M&P 340 is always EDC carry number 1 or 2 appropriate to the occassion. It's within easy reach in my desk drawer as we speak.
My snub revolver roots are derived from the venerable 642 Club (thanks fiVe) and evolved accordingly.
The next milestone is the 100K view. With the momentum and recognition the 340 is gaining, it is safe to say that post 2000 won't take two more years.
Thanks to all of you who keep this post on The High Road.
Post On.
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AStone
Member
<Crowd cheers inspirational speech>
Good points about the esoteric nature of this little super-mule.
Clearly this is a quality v quantity issue.
Nem the M&P340-less who still aspires to own one someday
Good points about the esoteric nature of this little super-mule.
Clearly this is a quality v quantity issue.
That shouldn't take long at all. It's already at 99,171.
Nem the M&P340-less who still aspires to own one someday
New 340 Owner
Well since I just applied for a CCP, and after many weeks of searching for the perfect pistol I purchased the little mule two days ago. So far about 50 rounds of 39+P and 50 rounds of 158 grain 357 wad cutters, I am really pleased. What a great weapon.
At 25 yards, I could keep the 357's in a five inch group. Slow fire, but great accuracy. The trigger is heavy and it doesn't stage well, but it feels smooth and seems to be breaking in. I have dry fired it several hundred times. (Man I hate doing that)
It does punch your hand pretty good with the magnums but I'm a trim carpenter and my hands are pretty tough. I didn't have any bruising or soreness the next day. I really didn't think is was as bad as some of the posts suggest. I suppose if you are a desk jockey and have soft hands it may seem pretty rough.
I am not trying to sound macho, the thing kicks hard. I am just trying to give you my observations, and I do see myself using the 38's to practice and carry the full loads. I think you would anticipate the kick and start flinching if you practiced with full loads all the time.
The Little Mule is just really fun to shoot.
Fire65
Well since I just applied for a CCP, and after many weeks of searching for the perfect pistol I purchased the little mule two days ago. So far about 50 rounds of 39+P and 50 rounds of 158 grain 357 wad cutters, I am really pleased. What a great weapon.
At 25 yards, I could keep the 357's in a five inch group. Slow fire, but great accuracy. The trigger is heavy and it doesn't stage well, but it feels smooth and seems to be breaking in. I have dry fired it several hundred times. (Man I hate doing that)
It does punch your hand pretty good with the magnums but I'm a trim carpenter and my hands are pretty tough. I didn't have any bruising or soreness the next day. I really didn't think is was as bad as some of the posts suggest. I suppose if you are a desk jockey and have soft hands it may seem pretty rough.
I am not trying to sound macho, the thing kicks hard. I am just trying to give you my observations, and I do see myself using the 38's to practice and carry the full loads. I think you would anticipate the kick and start flinching if you practiced with full loads all the time.
The Little Mule is just really fun to shoot.
Fire65
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DAdams
Member
fire65, thanks for joining us and glad you like the 340. Like a fine wine the trigger gets smoother with pulling and age. It is nice to have the versatility of .38, plus P, and .357.
That's me alright. That is why I stick to the .38 +P.
Great news, the Brown Truck stopped by today and... After almost two months the Hornady LnL .38/.357 three piece dies arrived. Home rolled SGDFSB can't be too far off.
That's me alright. That is why I stick to the .38 +P. Great news, the Brown Truck stopped by today and... After almost two months the Hornady LnL .38/.357 three piece dies arrived. Home rolled SGDFSB can't be too far off.
gtmtnbiker98
Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2007
- Messages
- 320
I'll second the "soft hands" analogy, I must have them. To date, I have a grand total of 10 full-house .357 rounds through my 340 and let me tell you, it was an experience!! Ten rounds of Federal 125gr .357 "low recoil" Hydrashoks forced the cylinder release to gouge my right thumb during recoil and that was with a firm "white knuckled" grip. This is the first pistol that has ever made me actually bleed.
I'm carrying 125gr Federal HiShok .38+P at the moment and for now, that will be the carry round until I can get my hands on and try out some Speer short barrel .357 GDHPs.
I'm carrying 125gr Federal HiShok .38+P at the moment and for now, that will be the carry round until I can get my hands on and try out some Speer short barrel .357 GDHPs.
AStone
Member
So that's how they age wine. I never knew ...
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Alright wiseguy...so it's a reach. That is how they age taffy though, I'm sure of it. Just keep pullin on it.
AStone
Member
<grins>
Dustin4185
Member
New backup gun and glad I chose the M&P 340
I am the new owner of a Smith M&P 340. It's the first revolver I have purchased. Thanks to this group I made my decision to purchase this particular J frame over a 642/442 or one of the other similar models. The gun has already fired 250 rnds. with no problem (other than sore wrists). It will be put into service on Monday as a backup to a tupperware pistol.
I am the new owner of a Smith M&P 340. It's the first revolver I have purchased. Thanks to this group I made my decision to purchase this particular J frame over a 642/442 or one of the other similar models. The gun has already fired 250 rnds. with no problem (other than sore wrists). It will be put into service on Monday as a backup to a tupperware pistol.
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Dustin4185
Member
Carry load?
I am looking at carry loads for the new 340. Do you all have any suggestions? What about the Corbon 110 gr. .357 JHP? are they too light? I would like something heavier, but local gun shop only had 110 gr. jhp in stock. Please help
Thanks
Dustin
I am looking at carry loads for the new 340. Do you all have any suggestions? What about the Corbon 110 gr. .357 JHP? are they too light? I would like something heavier, but local gun shop only had 110 gr. jhp in stock. Please help
Thanks
Dustin
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DAdams
Member
Dustin
welcome and congrats on the 340. Thumbs up from one E TN, man to another.
One of the nice things (amongst many) about the 340 (IMO) is the ability and diversity of rounds (just in case) you can run in it. Everything from standard .38 spl, plus P, and .357.
Quite frankly, most of the time I have mine loaded with .38 spl plus P for carry.
If you are only going to feel comfortable with 180 gr .357, go for it.
I would feel quite comfortable with the COR BON myself. Shoot a couple of cylinder's worth and see how it feels and if you can get acceptable (com) hits on paper. If so, I would put the rest of the box into carry service until you find something you and the 340 like (shoot better).
welcome and congrats on the 340. Thumbs up from one E TN, man to another.
One of the nice things (amongst many) about the 340 (IMO) is the ability and diversity of rounds (just in case) you can run in it. Everything from standard .38 spl, plus P, and .357.
Quite frankly, most of the time I have mine loaded with .38 spl plus P for carry.
If you are only going to feel comfortable with 180 gr .357, go for it.
I would feel quite comfortable with the COR BON myself. Shoot a couple of cylinder's worth and see how it feels and if you can get acceptable (com) hits on paper. If so, I would put the rest of the box into carry service until you find something you and the 340 like (shoot better).
Dustin4185
Member
Range report
Went to the range again today to shoot some more and get used to the little J. The .38s I had did not group that well, 2 out of 5 were fliers. Switched to the .357 corbon and 5 out of 5 hit where I put them. I would like to try different loads, but at the current time money is tight with a little one on the way (this is HIS gun). Recoil is not a concern with my big paws, so I am willing to try any good .38 +p or .357 loads out there.
Dustin
Went to the range again today to shoot some more and get used to the little J. The .38s I had did not group that well, 2 out of 5 were fliers. Switched to the .357 corbon and 5 out of 5 hit where I put them. I would like to try different loads, but at the current time money is tight with a little one on the way (this is HIS gun). Recoil is not a concern with my big paws, so I am willing to try any good .38 +p or .357 loads out there.
Dustin
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DAdams
Member
Dustin
Congratulations to you on the baby on the way.
You may want to spend some time on the Brass Fetcher website.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/.357 Magnum.html
There you can read about the relative merits of .38 vs .357 in various bullet configurations and barrell lenghts.
This page of .38 spl should keep you in interesting reading for awhile.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/38 Special.html
Here is a COR BON 110 gr test in .38.. I don't think you have much to worry about in a .357 round equivalent.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/110 grain Cor-Bon DPX.html
Congratulations to you on the baby on the way.
You may want to spend some time on the Brass Fetcher website.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/.357 Magnum.html
There you can read about the relative merits of .38 vs .357 in various bullet configurations and barrell lenghts.
This page of .38 spl should keep you in interesting reading for awhile.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/38 Special.html
Here is a COR BON 110 gr test in .38.. I don't think you have much to worry about in a .357 round equivalent.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/110 grain Cor-Bon DPX.html
My happy medium is the Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point/Short Barrel 125 grain loads (AKA 357 Medium). Faster followups and less painful than full house loads, but a touch above 38+P. I figure the cylinder space is there, might as well use it for something. Also, if you look on the barrel of the revolver or in the manual there is a warning about shooting too light (grainwise) .357 Magnum rounds. I don't have the pistol on me right now, but I believe it says not to go below 120 Gr.
OP
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DAdams
Member
If you indeed are talking about SGDFSB 357 MAG GDHP then they are 135 gr.
Part number 23917.
2 inch Barrel
990 FPS
294 Foot LBs
SGDFSB in 38 SPL +P GDHP are also 135 gr.
Part number 23921.
FBI Test in Gelatin:
865
11"
.576" Dia.
100%
The Personal Protection (non short barrel) is rated:
125 gr in .38 and 125 and 158 respectively in .357.
On an M&P 340 there is no restriction on bullet weight and there is nothing on the barrel that would indicate otherwise. The port side says "Smith and Wesson"
and the starboard side says, 357 S&W MAG.
On the 340 and 360PD Ti/Sc there is a 120 grain limit and it is imprinted on the barrel.
Material: Scandium Alloy/Titanium/Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 12 oz.
Another good round to consider for the 340.
Buffalo Bore
Heavy .38 Special +P Ammo - 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P. --G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.) - 20 Round Box, this is the "FBI" load.
Buffalo Bore has their version of ShortBarrel loads in both .38 and .357.
Here is an example:
Tactical Short Barrel Lower Recoil Low Flash 357 Magnum Ammo - 158 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point (1,100fps/M.E. 424 ft. lbs.) - 20 Round Box
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Dustin4185
Member
Thanks for the info, now something else
Now that I have ammo straightened up, I need help with speed loaders. I am carrying speed strips that I had from when I carried a freinds old model 642 when I was an intern in college up in the mountains. He also had some HKS speedloaders with it. I bought 2 speedloaders for the 340 and they hit the grip and the shells do not fall into the cylinder without some work. I noticed the package warned of such things happening, but the shop that had them (No names are going to be mentioned, but they are close to Lovell Rd.) would not allow me to try them in the store or on the indoor range. I bought them anyway and now they hit and they will not allow me to return them. SO, now I am looking for a set of grips that will allow them to work properly. By the way, my 340 has different grips than I have seen on some of them, they have small oval dots running horizontal on them instead of the checkered pattern.
Thanks
Dustin
Now that I have ammo straightened up, I need help with speed loaders. I am carrying speed strips that I had from when I carried a freinds old model 642 when I was an intern in college up in the mountains. He also had some HKS speedloaders with it. I bought 2 speedloaders for the 340 and they hit the grip and the shells do not fall into the cylinder without some work. I noticed the package warned of such things happening, but the shop that had them (No names are going to be mentioned, but they are close to Lovell Rd.) would not allow me to try them in the store or on the indoor range. I bought them anyway and now they hit and they will not allow me to return them. SO, now I am looking for a set of grips that will allow them to work properly. By the way, my 340 has different grips than I have seen on some of them, they have small oval dots running horizontal on them instead of the checkered pattern.
Thanks
Dustin
DAdams, the loads are 135 per your post on the Speer Short Barrel .357. And my pistol is the 340SC. I'd been under the impression since I started posting in this thread that the only difference was the finish. Does this mean I lose my membership in the club?
OP
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DAdams
Member
Psyopspec
The only thing you loose with your rig is about 1.2 ounces.
You are still in. Anyone crazy enough to fiddle with these light weight J Frames has to have a home.
The only thing you loose with your rig is about 1.2 ounces.
You are still in. Anyone crazy enough to fiddle with these light weight J Frames has to have a home.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Dustin4185
One alternative is the Safariland Speedloader.
http://www.safariland.com/duty/speedloaders.aspx
I'm not a big fan of cylindrical speedloaders, and only own a couple HKS for my J Frames and 686. For my money if I am going to pocket carry and then if I am going to carry BU ammunition (I seldom do) then it is going to be something unobtrusive aka the Bianchi Speedstrip. I do the two-two split. Four quick rounds. Two then two more, flexiblity with the Bianchi allows setting two, then two more then back in action. They carry flat.
Perhaps if I were in competetive shooting it would be something else from the belt.
I have seen photos of the grips, but not seen them in person. Be careful with the Dremel when you work the grips over for clearance.
Two Two split. SGDFSB alternated with Buffalo Bore.
About all I do at the place off Lovell Road is use their range occassionally. I stopped by Gunny's in Maryville this morning but they don't open until 9:30 and I didn't have the time to wait around until they flipped the sign. Guess they think gunners are night folks and not early risers...oh contrare at least in my case.
There is a local gun shop in Lenoir City where I have been trading, and I suspect that is where I will continue to do business. Support the locals.
One alternative is the Safariland Speedloader.
http://www.safariland.com/duty/speedloaders.aspx
I'm not a big fan of cylindrical speedloaders, and only own a couple HKS for my J Frames and 686. For my money if I am going to pocket carry and then if I am going to carry BU ammunition (I seldom do) then it is going to be something unobtrusive aka the Bianchi Speedstrip. I do the two-two split. Four quick rounds. Two then two more, flexiblity with the Bianchi allows setting two, then two more then back in action. They carry flat.
Perhaps if I were in competetive shooting it would be something else from the belt.
I have seen photos of the grips, but not seen them in person. Be careful with the Dremel when you work the grips over for clearance.
Two Two split. SGDFSB alternated with Buffalo Bore.
About all I do at the place off Lovell Road is use their range occassionally. I stopped by Gunny's in Maryville this morning but they don't open until 9:30 and I didn't have the time to wait around until they flipped the sign. Guess they think gunners are night folks and not early risers...oh contrare at least in my case.
There is a local gun shop in Lenoir City where I have been trading, and I suspect that is where I will continue to do business. Support the locals.
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Dustin4185
Member
DAdams
I used to go to Guns and More until they moved and went belly up. I grew up in east knox co. (4 way in - no way out) and have always used Parkers (The Pit) he is going out also, which is sad because he is the only one I know that still blues guns the RIGHT way, Bobby does wonderful work, I'm sad to see him go. I have been doing a lot of business with South Clinton Pawn or Frontier now that I live in Anderson Co. Being an LEO I also have the ability to use Craigs or GT Dist. in GA.. Do you ever shoot at Royal Blue WMA or Norris? If so I'm sure we will meet sometime.
Thanks for the help
Dustin
I used to go to Guns and More until they moved and went belly up. I grew up in east knox co. (4 way in - no way out) and have always used Parkers (The Pit) he is going out also, which is sad because he is the only one I know that still blues guns the RIGHT way, Bobby does wonderful work, I'm sad to see him go. I have been doing a lot of business with South Clinton Pawn or Frontier now that I live in Anderson Co. Being an LEO I also have the ability to use Craigs or GT Dist. in GA.. Do you ever shoot at Royal Blue WMA or Norris? If so I'm sure we will meet sometime.
Thanks for the help
Dustin
Please compare the S&W 340 PD and 340 M&P?
I was looking at buying a 340 PD but came across a good deal on a 340 M&P with Crimson Trace laser sight and bought it. I 'm now waiting for it to be shipped to me, did I do the right thing? I realize the PD is 1.3 ounces less in weight but I really like the night sights on the M&P, not to mention I like the look of the matching colored cylinder. Is the 1.3 ounces very noticeable, what are your thoughts? Here is a link to the one I bought from Bud's. Greg
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/654_774/products_id/411536583
I was looking at buying a 340 PD but came across a good deal on a 340 M&P with Crimson Trace laser sight and bought it. I 'm now waiting for it to be shipped to me, did I do the right thing? I realize the PD is 1.3 ounces less in weight but I really like the night sights on the M&P, not to mention I like the look of the matching colored cylinder. Is the 1.3 ounces very noticeable, what are your thoughts? Here is a link to the one I bought from Bud's. Greg
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/654_774/products_id/411536583
rm86
Member
spine60
You definitely did the right thing and I think most in this thread would agree. I've been a frequent lurker on THR and thought that I could answer your post well as I just purchased my M&P 340 two weeks ago. I originally intended to purchase a 340 PD and thought that it would be a great gun for pocket carry. While researching the PD I stumbled upon this thread and was unfamiliar with the M&P 340 at the time. After reading through practically the entire thread I knew that the M&P was the right choice. The steel cylinder has many advantages over the titanium from what I've read. Aside from being slightly heavier, it is more durable, easier to clean and does not have any restrictions on the the type of ammo you choose (PD "No less than 120 grain bullets"). I also feel that the finish is much nicer on the M&P, the cylinder matches the gun, it comes with a night sight and the logos just look cooler than that atom symbol on the PD that gets covered up when the CT grip is on it Just know that you made a great purchase at an awesome price. You will love your new gun. I've got mine in my pocket all day and barely even know it's there!
You definitely did the right thing and I think most in this thread would agree. I've been a frequent lurker on THR and thought that I could answer your post well as I just purchased my M&P 340 two weeks ago. I originally intended to purchase a 340 PD and thought that it would be a great gun for pocket carry. While researching the PD I stumbled upon this thread and was unfamiliar with the M&P 340 at the time. After reading through practically the entire thread I knew that the M&P was the right choice. The steel cylinder has many advantages over the titanium from what I've read. Aside from being slightly heavier, it is more durable, easier to clean and does not have any restrictions on the the type of ammo you choose (PD "No less than 120 grain bullets"). I also feel that the finish is much nicer on the M&P, the cylinder matches the gun, it comes with a night sight and the logos just look cooler than that atom symbol on the PD that gets covered up when the CT grip is on it
Just know that you made a great purchase at an awesome price. You will love your new gun. I've got mine in my pocket all day and barely even know it's there!- Status
