M&p 340

[Marvin KNox]

I just returned from the range where I shot a 50 rd/ box of Mag-Tech 158 gr. .357 ammo.

While they were more stout than my normal practice rounds of 130gr. American Eagle .38's - I found them quite managable.

That wasn't the case just a couple of months ago. I've been doing trigger finger/hand strengthening exercises for a while now. Perhaps they are paying off for me.

These rounds were also more substantial than the 135gr. Speer for short barrel's that I've shot before. Those Speers are no longer a handful for me and have become my carry rounds. I no longer even start the carry cylinder with the .38+p's.

I'm getting consistent 2" groups out to 7 yards with the powerful Mag-Tech's (which I don't intend to carry).

That's with slow fire shooting. Raising the gun quicklh from waist high and shooting fairly quickly yields 4" groups. If I fire multiple rounds rather quickly the groups expands to around 6".

I should do better with the milder Speer GDSB's when I get enough on hand to practice with.

Exercise and laser practice at home pays off. Shooting acceptably with the 340 m&P with magnums should be achievable for most everyone who is willing to practice with this little gun.

I'm very pleased with my choice of guns - and that after reconsidering it compared to several of my friends "concealed carry" choices (because of difficultly with the strong trigger).

After working with it enough to become at least a little proficient with it - I'm very glad that my weapon of choice has a trigger that takes a very concious effort to pull. (No accidental shots with the j-frame trigger. You have to "want" to fire it. I like that.)

I have a friend who carry's his 1911 around without one in the chamber because of concerns. I have another aquaintence who does the same with his Glock. No such concerns here.

MARV

 

[WildWeasel]

Great Price BocksCar.

I'm on Long Island and I'm happy with the price I paid out here!

 

[WildWeasel]

Went to the range and shot it for the first time today. Shot 50 rounds of CCI Blazer 38 +P, 50 rounds of Remington UMC 38 Special FMJ, 5 Rounds of Remington .357 JSP.

Then shot 50 ronds of WWB 9MM out of my Glock 19.

The M&P was not as bad as I expected, in fact I was a little hesitant with the .357's after reading many postings. I won't say my hand is not sore and a tad swollen. Overall it really was not as bad as I expected. I had 2 inch grouping at 7 yds with the 38 Specials and the 38 +P's. The .357's were another story! But hell you know your a live after shooting a few of them!

I'm planning to hit the range again tomorrow, but will be shooting my 686 4", and my S&W 1911. I might just bring the M&P but I won't be shooting the Magnum's if I do.

Everyone should experience a few .357 rounds, it hurts so good!

 

[Bockscar]

Great Price BocksCar.
I'm on Long Island and I'm happy with the price I paid out here!

Being able to find one at any price below MSRP is a pretty good deal. All of the local shops told me MSRP was what I'd need to pay. I ended up finding a great dealer in Columbus, OH and a local KTFFL who is doing the transfer free of charge.

I'm looking forward to getting the little handcannon in a week. I will be ordering a clipdraw and a RKBA pocket holster to give me different carry options too. I'm expecting this little revo to be the answer to all the problems I came across attempting to carry a P228.

 

[DAdams]

Bockscar

Welcome

I was going to buy a 442, but after reading this entire thread I ordered a new MP340. $610 OTD. I got a decent deal, but it was still over 50% more than a 442 would've been. I hate gun boards.

That is an excellent price!! So enjoy and don't beat yourself up. Look at it this way, if you would have purchased and X42 and then run into this you would have both items soon enough at $1000.

You can buy a bunch of ammo or holsters or grips with the leftover.

Magic

Don't forget to grip high and very tight.

 

[WildWeasel]

Holster Photos requested

Please post photos of your holsters for your M&P 340

I'm trying to decide and need photos and recomendations.

I can't pocket carry! Need some serious responses.



Thank you

 

[FranklyTodd]

I can't pocket carry! Need some serious responses.

Well my response is serious, but it's more of a question. I don't mean to seem like the wet blanket around here, but why would one want such a light revolver for belt carry?

It seems on a good belt weight is not as big an issue, and I can't imagine I would have bought a 340 for that - lots of other options that would shoot a lot easier with a little more heft... Not to mention the weight advantage of the 340 comes at such a huge $$$ premium.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE mine, but when I carry OWB/IWB, it stays at home!!! [EDIT: or still in my pocket as a BUG ]

It's biggest virtue is pocket carry. Anyone else around here buy this lightweight beauty and then slap it on a gunbelt??

 

[Marvin KNox]

That’d be me, I guess.

Some of us only have one gun. Mine is a 340 M&P.

I usually don’t carry in my pants pocket, but I want the option. I do carry in a coat pocket or sweat pants at times. Weight matters there as well.

I carry in a belly-band quite often. Weight matters there. But I carry on the belt most times.

A better question would be – why would a guy spend money on a bunch of guns when one gun will do it all (at least for my particular lifestyle)?

I guess I go by the old adage to be prepared for every eventuality. For me that means a very reliable, smaller lighter gun, in a caliber that I feel is adequate to stop a bad guy. A four-inch heavyweight magnum would probably carry well for me most times. There’s no doubt that the .357’s would perform better out of the longer barrel. But what about the other times – even if they were few and far between?

I suppose that many would ask – why carry a 5 shot with an 18# trigger on your belt (heavy or lightweight) when there are well proven and fairly safe autos out there that shoot more times, with a nicer trigger, and perhaps even a better caliber?

WildWeasel may be a guy who KNOWS for absolute sure that he’s going to be a belt carrier every time out. He may KNOW that he’ll never want to shove the thing in a pair of sweat pants or put it in a belly-band. I don’t know for sure. But I do know that a guy who owns one big gun in a heavyweight format is just the guy who will leave it at home at the time he needs it most.

Nothing wrong with owning several guns of course (including automatics) –if that’s your financial status and if you have time to practice will all of them.

As for me, I have the financial status. Time is a bit limited though.

Just my opinion!

MARV

 

[FranklyTodd]

Marvin = good point!

A better question would be – why would a guy spend money on a bunch of guns when one gun will do it all

Yeah, I've been struggling with that one for a while now...

The M&P340 would satisfy my needs as my only gun, easily. Unfortunately my carry guns have evolved into a trio - Ruger LCP for teeny-tiny work, 340 for the bulk of the load, and a new, 4-day old Sig P239 for when I'm going to carry IWB.

Hopefully nobody thinks I'm attacking anyone's decision - nobody can go wrong buying the bestest, baddest j-frame around! But, if this whole thread is limited to patting each other on the back and praising the 340, it's kind of lost some of it's value...

For the benefit of those reading this deciding whether or not to buy one, I just want to offer a different perspective. It seems to me, if I were categorically never going to pocket carry, the 340 would be far down on my list of good weapons, even if a small revolver were my selection. The weight vs. shooting ease calculus changes immensely when one's chosen carry method makes weight less of an issue (of course it's always an issue to some degree).

Marvin, you said:

I usually don’t carry in my pants pocket, but I want the option.

while WildW said he will never pocket carry.

If I were to write more "frankly" I would challenge this statement:

I never pocket carry as I'm used to having my keys in my right pocket and could never get used to having them in the left pocket.

I am always the first to object when people say you need to dress around your gun and/or change your wardrobe to carry - wear a tacticool vest, or start carrying a fannypack when you never have before. However, the unwillingness to change the pocket where you put your keys is kinda stubborn IMO... I've had keys or a wallet in my right front pocket for 25yrs, yet somehow I was able to make the change... you can do it, WW!

Of course, and always, to each his own, but in my opinion the 340 is a terrible choice for 100% belt carry. It really shines for pocket carry, or I'm sure for some (not me) ankle carry.

As an unrelated side note - shooting the DAO 340 so much has made DA/SA auto the perfect action choice for those wanting an auto. My first DA shot is every bit as accurate as the rest - the Sig trigger feels just like a sweet S&W revolver in DA on the first pull, and a cocked revolver on the rest!

 

[buzz_knox]

while WildW said he will never pocket carry.

If I were to write more "frankly" I would challenge this statement:

Pocket carry doesn't work for everyone. I've never found any clothing that will allow me to pocket carry with my body type anything beyond a .22.

 

[FranklyTodd]

Nice try Buzz.

I've never found any clothing that will allow me to pocket carry with my body type anything beyond a .22.

Your "body" preventing pocket carry is different than refusing to change where you put your keys! That's what I was challenging (do you see the colon at the end of your cut/paste of my post?).

Feel free to disagree with me, but cutting 1/2 dozen words from my post, out of context, simply isn't fair... :banghead:

Is it really your body, or is it your choice of pants?? My 10 year old could carry my LCP in his jeans pocket (no - I don't let him ). I'm all for not changing your wardrobe to carry, but can you fit a wallet in your pants? keys? a cell phone?

Not to mention, I think Buzz must have missed my point altogether. I'm not saying everyone should pocket carry. There are plenty of effective carry methods.

My longwinded post had two points, neither of which Buzz challenged: (1) not being willing to move your keys to another pocket is being too stubborn IMO; (2) if you choose not to pocket carry, there are much better gun options than an M&P340, IMO

Safe shooting (and carrying) to all!

FT

 

[buzz_knox]

FranklyTodd, I wasn't trying to challenge anything at all. I interpreted your statement to be challenge to the comment about never pocket carrying. I was explaining my own situation. That's it. I apologize for the apparently terrible mistake of mising the colon.

I wasn't trying to be confrontational, certainly not to the extent to warrant your rather empassioned response. As it is, I'll simply unsubscribe from this thread and leave you to your one-sided fight.

 

[FranklyTodd]

Sorry Buzz & Wild

I wasn't trying to be confrontational, certainly not to the extent to warrant your rather empassioned response. As it is, I'll simply unsubscribe from this thread and leave you to your one-sided fight.

C'mon, seriously? I wasn't mad, and didn't feel "empassioned." I was just correcting my earlier point, and I was laughing as I typed it - I know that doesn't come through well in "print." I thought my generous dose of little smiley guys would convey my lighthearted intention.

If you look at most of my posts, I'm not one of those that runs around and picks fights. I have made many mistakes, and developed opinions, and I try to share them so that others may learn from my idiocy.

I do not find that there is a fight going on, one sided or otherwise. I made two points, you paraphrased them in a way I thought was unfair, and so I corrected them.

I'm sorry if you feel I singled you out, or WildW either, for that matter.

I apologize for the apparently terrible mistake of mising the colon.

Ya know, there's a small 2nd Amendment Supreme Court case going on (opinion to be released tomorrow morning!) that appears to hinge on a comma, so punctution does matter!

note: the last bit was a joke - I don't expect people to parse my brilliant posts with the same precision as the Constitution

 

[Marvin KNox]

Holster photos

WildWeasel,

I got the FIST #19. I’m happy with it. Half the time I wear it OWB between the belt and pant. The belt pulls it in better than most strictly OWB holsters. I got the quick snap/velcro kit to go with it. I don’t have to thread the belt each time that way. I also find that it conceals very well for an OWB set up because the barrel is so short that it doesn’t hang much below the belt. Of course it hides the best IWB.

http://www.fist-inc.com/galeryholst.htm

I also carry in a belly band when I want the ultimate concealment. Most of the gun, except for the handle, is below belt level. A little loose t-shirt over the handle completes things – although the handle hides well without it. It seems that the shape of the handle doesn’t give that square automatic look that stands out. Cruise the net to find it for $29 elsewhere.

http://www.activeprogear.com/defender.html

Look here for ideas.

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbull...lets-see-pictures-your-snubnose-holsters.html
Sorry I don’t know how to post pictures of mine yet.

MARV

 

[WildWeasel]

Thank you Marv

Appreciate you spending the time to help out. I'm heading over to my shop later this afternoon.

Once I get settled I will post some pictures.

Thanks Again

 

[MADBMW]

Just purchased my M&P 340 (no laser) the other day. 699 was my price which I think is pretty good. I sold off an older model 642 a while back (never ever ever ever sell a J frame) so I am back in the fold. The XS sight was the deal maker for mee, as I feel the only thing these snubbies have lacked for a long time was a decent set of sights. I will probably add the CT 305 in the near future as I don't pocket carry. I carry in an Aker IWB clip on while off duty and the J frame rides in a Galco ankle glove while on duty, so I like the larger grip and control of the CT 305.

This brings me to me big question. I recently read about failure to fire issues with the recent J frames because of a short firing pin. Has anyone with an M&P 340 experience this problem. If I have it, I will be very pissed but I guess S&W will make it right in the end. I would be verry angry if this did occurr with a $700 gun though as my Glocks work all the time and I have never had any issues with J frame revolvers in the past. Any response would be welcome.

 

[FranklyTodd]

If I have it, I will be very pissed but I guess S&W will make it right in the end. I would be verry angry if this did occurr with a $700 gun though as my Glocks work all the time and I have never had any issues with J frame revolvers in the past. Any response would be welcome.

First, no I have not heard of a 340 firing pin problem. Having said that, problems can occur with any gun. My brand new (week old) Sig Sauer is back at the factory, and they have a pretty good reputation.

Problems that occur right from the beginning don't bother me that much, as they can be fixed, and don't leave you in a bad situation. When things start breaking after months and hundreds of rounds, that would shake my confidence in the gun, as those problems could have started just when you really needed the gun.

I planned to put 500rds through the Sig before counting on it, and the problem showed itself from the beginning (won't feed hollowpoints). Now if Sig returns it and it still has problems, I'll have a fit, but one time back to the factory to get something corrected is, while a huge bummer, not that big of a deal.

Good luck - I hope yours is perfect!

FT

 

[DAdams]

Madbmw

Welcome to the fold. Hope you like the 340, those sights are nice aren't they?

I haven't had any light strikes or fail to fire issues. I did have a 642 that had to go back early on in its life after about 500 dry fires and 75 live rounds. S&W service was professional, courteous and expeditious. They paid shipping both ways.

I would dry fire it 500 plus rounds (snap caps optional) and shoot the heck out of it with a variety of roundage. With a revolver I would feel comfortable carrying following 100 plus rounds down without an issue. I doubt you will want to stop at a hundred though.

 

[Bockscar]

My first impression of my new 340 is great. I'd previously shot a cylinder of 357s out of a friends 360PD and hoped this would be a more friendly experience. I can honestly say it was.

I ran a box of WWB 357JHP through it and a couple cylinders of Magtech 38s just to see the difference. With a high and tight grip I didn't think the recoil was too bad. Unfortunately I got lazy on the last cylinder of 38s and managed to bust my index finger open just behind my nail. Oh well. Chicks dig scars and it'll always remind me to hang on for the ride from now on.

Thus far, I've been carrying it in an UM#3 Pocket Holster, which I intend to replace with an RKBA when it gets here. I also ordered a clipdraw to use when my pockets aren't big enough.

So far, so good...

 

[WildWeasel]

Welcome Aboard Bockscar

Wild to say the least! I took mine to the range again on Saturday.
Really Nice!

Enjoy!

 

[sig228]

Here's mine!!!

Picked it up in a trade for a PM9. Installed CT LG-405 grips. Very pleased with the setup and highly recommended.

Here's a few photos. Enjoy!!!

 

[FranklyTodd]

Ok, Sig228 I have the EXACT same setup, and yours looks 100x better than mine...

Have you every shot it???!!!??? Are you a professional photographer?

Anyway, beautiful piece, and beautiful pics!!

 

[DAdams]

sig

Nice pics, must be the towel. 340 is looking good. That must have hurt getting rid of the PM 9?



That's one trade I would have a hard time pulling off. Maybe my BERSA...

 

[sig228]

Thanks for the comments. No, I'm not a professional. I'm surprised at how good the photos turned out. I do have a decent digital camera, a Lumix LX-1 with a Leica lens. Lighting (outside) was good too. I was sad to see the PM go. It's a very sweet pistol. However, for a carry gun, I believe a revolver is second to none. Plus, I reload .357 / .38 and .45 and have no desire to reload 9mm. That was a big factor also in my decision to trade the PM for the 340.

 

[hochung]

Hi everyone, total newbie here, and just picked up my M&P 340.

And I have to agree with DAdams on the white front sight. It's awesome.





Thank you all for the awesome thread.