M&p 340

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hochung

Welcome to the 340 Thread and THR. We love it when post number one shows up here! Thanks for the great photos.

the white front sight. It's awesome.

It's a night sight too so have fun in dark places. That front tube in the sight contains a Trijicon® Tritium vial.

To learn more...

http://xssights.com/store/handgun.html

Q: What is Tritium? What is “Half Life”? Why do you have only the green color?

A: Welcome to XS Sight Systems Science 101.

Tritium is a trace element naturally present in the air your breath. Tritium is Hydrogen. Hydrogen plus two extra neutrons. Hydrogen as most people know it has 1 Hydrogen isotope, 1 proton, and no neutrons. By adding 2 neutrons to basic Hydrogen you create Hydrogen3 or Tritium. The molecular structure is unstable and decays. In this decay process it throws off Beta Particles. When these Beta Particles collide with the phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube the phosphor glows.

The term “half-life” refers to this decay process and how long the tritium vial will glow. The half-life time is how long it takes for the tritium to be half as bright as it was when new. After that point the speed of decay increases the vial brightness dies.

The color of the Tritium vial depends on the material used to coat the inside of the tube. Green Tritium vials are the brightest of all the Tritium colors. Even so they are rather weak light sources. Surprisingly small amounts of ambient light will overpower the Tritium creating a usage gap at the half to low light point of light levels. That is one of the reasons we have such a large white dot. The dot reflects any ambient present so you have full sighting ability under any light conditions.

We chose a bar and a dot because having three green Tritium fireflies out in front of you can slow your response while you decide which of them is the front sight.

Some companies try to solve this dilemma by using a different color Tritium for the front and rear sight. While this helps some, it creates addition difficulties since all the other Tritium colors are less bright than the green.

We retain the brightest Tritium color and by utilizing a vertical bar for the rear, the front sight is readily discernable from the rear so there is no loss of time in indexing the sights on the target.
 
Thanks for the welcome.

I am very happy with the M&P 340. In fact, I am more excited about this purchase than I was when I purchased my "service" pistol.

Now you are giving me ideas. I'll go lock myself in the dark bathroom with the snub and the camera. LOL
 
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I love my M&P 340! I shot it first with .38 special +P ammo and found it very controllable and accurate. I then loaded it up with some .357 magnum loads and found that obviously "stiffer" but reassuring that it had a little more horsepower if you wanted it. I carry it with .357 mags. I also own a Ruger SP101 snubby which I found to be very nice but too heavy to carry in a pocket. My little Smith is a constant companion. My wife even enjoyed shooting it with >38 special +P ammo.
 
atlasx

Welcome and glad you like the the 340. It is quite amazing the various "pain response" levels with lightweight J Frames and .357 loads.

WW-

Has anyone tried Speer Gold Dot .357 for short barrels?
Today 08:33 AM

I put two cylinders worth through. I keep a couple of boxes around but my carry round is the SGDFSB +P.

It's been a year or so since I tried it so I don't recall the recoil.
 
Has anyone tried Speer Gold Dot .357 for short barrels?

Yes, I bought a few boxes of those. Kind of what you'd expect. Significantly less recoil and blast as compared to a full-load .357. I would guesstimate 10-15% more recoil than the SB +P loads.

Very manageable.

I carry them, but if/when I run out, I would be just as happy with the +Ps.
 
I carry the .357 Speer SB's. They have a bit more kick than the .38+p's. But the extra 25% energy at the other end make it worthwhile - to me at least.

Actually, I've been trying some of the really hot stuff as well. I even have a box of Double Tap 125 gr.




gold Dot's on order. Should be here this week. There is perhaps 565 fps of energy to be had with them.

I'll give y'all a report in a couple of weeks to save everyone the pain.

I'll probably shoot a few and, if they are what I expect, I'll just take them to the range each time I go for those times when someone asks me if they can try the .357's.

Actually, I doubt that I'll go with anything hotter than the SB's. It seems that the Speer product is just the right choice of power for the light gun be it in +p's or the .357's.

We'll see! I didn't think I'd end up likely .357 recoil at all when I started out.

MARV
 
More koolaid, please ;)

I've wanted a second carry gun for a while, and as the one I have now is a Sigarms P228 I'd like something small enough for pocket carry. "J-frame," is the oft-repeated suggestion for this and I have to say I like the concept.

The M&P is one of my leading choices at the moment. I want to keep the ability to use .357s ammuntion, I love the sights, and the 'cool device' factor is pretty high.

I have a couple questions on things that have received little or no mention in this thread, though.

1. Can I use a ClipDraw with the CT grips? They look like they could be trying to occupy the same space.

2. Can anyone point to seemingly-substantial instances of integral lock failures on these weapons? I read the thread at smith-wessonforum.com and the M&P didn't seem to be mentioned as an offender, but...

I've never owned a revolver, but have plenty of friends with them, from .22 to .44mag. I also had a chance to shoot a cylinder of .357s from one of the TiScan versions at a range once, which I recall as unpleasant but not necessarily unbearable. Should I get a steel one first? Pocket carry is a pretty important consideration; I'm also considering one of the 9mm Kel-Tecs but I like the modern badass/oldschool threat of the 340...


Finally, are daily users still pleased with the finish? Post #20 of this thread was a rare sour note:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=368918

Thanks,
PTD
 
Finally, are daily users still pleased with the finish?

Yep. No issues here. There's a couple of unavoidable wear points that really show up (silver) on a black finish, but the rest of the gun looks like new. [EDIT] To clarify, I don't mean wear from the holster, but rather where the cylinder closes. I don't notice any wear from the Nemesis pocket holster I use.

Can anyone point to seemingly-substantial instances of integral lock failures on these weapons?

I would assume the 340 is just as susceptable as any other S&W ILS revolver, which is to say, not very. There's no reason to think the 340 is immune to it, but it doesn't worry me.

Can I use a ClipDraw with the CT grips?

Absolutely no idea - must use a holster in Ohio.

Should I get a steel one first? Pocket carry is a pretty important consideration

I don't think so. The 340 carries very nicely in the pocket, while a steel gun just feels way too heavy to me. Now if you wanted a +P, you would have to seriously consider the 15oz jobbies - 642, 442, etc. They are light enough, and probably a better value if we are being honest, but the 340 is pretty awesome!

I'm also considering one of the 9mm Kel-Tecs

If you are looking at pocket autos as well, the PF9 would not be on my short list.

Hope to see a range report soon!

Best,
FT
 
Drink Deep

More koolaid, please

I have the same finish on two of my carry handguns.
M&P 340 and
Kahr PM9. Both still look good. There are some wear points that show up.
Besides wear adds character. :rolleyes: Definitely more durable than "blue".

No ILS issues for the two J Frames with locks I have. S&W has issues with virtually any model, on any given day. The good news is they stand behind the product 100%. Pay shipping both ways for authorized repairs. Do it with a smile :D, professionally and courteously and they don't jack you around. If it is wrong they make it right.

PF 9 won't ever make my short list. Go to various Forums and read up.
If I were going to get something in that form factor my considerations would be Kahr PM 9 or Walther PPS although I don't own a Walther.

DSC02413.jpg

Here are the three together. PF (bottom), PM (center), PPS.
Check the specifications on each. I didn't care for the PF when I handled it and the fit and finish didn't meet my criteria, although the price is attactive. I would rather a BERSA.

Can't help you on the clip conflicting with the CT.

Formerly from Kazoo and Traverse City myself. Have another Kool Aid on me. :scrutiny: I got my 340 from Randy's Hunting Center in MI.
 
You cannot use the Clip Draw with CT grips. The rear screw that attaches the Clip Draw sits partially under the grip. If you were to attached the laser would be pointing off to the side. Even if you could attach, the laser would be blocked by the Clip.
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Of the semi-autos you mentioned, my pick would be the Walther PPS
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It seem to large to me for pocket carry but is very slim for inside-the-waistband carry. You could order the Universal Clip Draw for semi-autos if you liked.

Here are a few targets at 21, 31, 50 and 75 feet:
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Colt and Porterdog

Thanks for the 340 clip/CT cabability (lack of).
Interesting looking PPS.

Personally I wasn't that impressed with the handling comfort (ergonomics) or weight of the PPS. A local dealer had one early on and I was able to handle it and put it in the pocket. Too heavy and I didn't find the grip comfortable or feeling like I would be in control. It does seem to shoot well as evidenced by your report and a recent range report and evaluation by Playboy Penguin. The fit and finish is top drawer. Since I consider it in the class of a IWB/OWB gun (not pocket carry), I would rather go with the Walther P99c to put in a holster. JMHO. Of all the compact autos I evaluated it came out on top in the high/moderate price range and the S&W M&P 9c in the moderate price category.

PD

Get a M&P 340 for certain if you decide on a revolver for pocket carry.
 
DAdams,

I orignally discarded the notion of the PPS when they were first introduced. My local dealer got a new batch in and encouraged me to take a closer look. With the curved backstrip it is a natural pointer in my hand. I am quiet happy with it and am comparing it to the S&W CS9, SIG 239, and Para PDA for an upcoming blog review.
 
I just shot a few dozen rounds of the hottest .357 ammo!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I just got back from the range where I fired the majority of rounds from a box of Double Tap 125gr. ammo.

Accuracy was as good as anything else I have shot.

Blast seemed to be no more than the standard .357 158 gr. MagTech's I've tried before.

The noise was no more than the MagTech's either. I did notice that the noise was of a different nature. I'll call it a "sharper" boom than the MagTech stuff. It was no louder, however IMO.

I noticed a residue of powder on my hand after shooting 30 rounds or so. However, I must add that I'd never shot that many .357's in a row before from my 340 with it's 1 & 7/8" barrel.

I don't believe that the recoil was greater than the MagTech's. It was just a little "different".

There was no sign or over pressure etc. such as swollen cases.

I shot some other ammo to compare it to. I started with my .38 130gr. from American Eagle. I followed with the Speer .38+p 135gr. for "short barrels". I followed those with Speer's matching .357 ammo. I followed those with the two kinds of magnums from MagTech and Double Tap.

I sot several cylinders loaded with those 5 rounds in order of expected recoil. It was as expected - except that I wouldn't say that the Double Tap recoil was much more (if at all) than the Mag Tech's recoil - as I have said.

If I'm not mistaken, the published data shows the fired rounds as follows as far as velocity goes in ascending order as expected from the cylinders full.

800 fps
880 fps
990 fps (all from 2" barrels)
1235 fps (from 4" barrels)

Double Tap (the 5th round in each cylinder full) claims 1600+ from 4" barrels and 1425 from 1 &7/8" barrels.

If their data is accurate, I consider the 125gr. rounds from Double Tap to be an excellent carry round for those who desire that their snubbie deliver the kind of performance that has made 125 gr. hp's legendary manstoppers when fired from a .357. I believe that the "legendary" velocities were even less than what I got from the Double Taps in a scandium snub nose.

That's 564 foot pounds of energy delivered with a "Gold Dot" hollow point bullet (argueably the best there is).

I have no chronograph so I am taking Double Tap's data at face value. Even if they fudged by 100 fps - it would still be equal to or greater than the major manufacturer's hollow point rounds that have made the .357 legendary over the years.

Whether a full blown .357 is overkill or not as far as "over" penetration goes - I haven't decided. Perhaps so! I'm thinking on it. I suppose that depends on the enviornment you find yourself in most of the time.

Nice to know that our weapon of choice can deliver the goods as well as if not better than anyone else's carry weapon if called upon to do so.

By the way - no sore hand, no bleeding, and no horror stories to tell. It was an enjoyable afternoon.

MARV
 
What's THR coming to when I have to come to the 340 club,
about a weapon that I don't even own, to find some action
on a Wednesday night?

Can't even get no action at the 642 club.

<Hrrrmmmpfff!!!!>

Just kidding, DA. Always good to drop by.

Long as I'm here, I'm wondering what some of you
would say to (yet) another thread debating
the virtues of .357 mag v . 45 ACP.

Start here. If you search the thread,
you'll find references to excessive noise
& blinding flashes of light from the .357 mag.

smiley-ren.gif
 
Neymatocyst

My chosen “platform” is the lightweight, snub nose, revolver. Like most here (and in the the 642 thread) there was a great deal of thought that went into the decision process. I’m happy with my choice of weapons. I chose it for a lot of reasons.

To my knowledge, it doesn’t come in .45 caliber. If it did, it would be too fat. I’ve already eliminated semi-automatics from consideration. That eliminates the .45 from my particular inerest – even though that debate is an interesting one and one I’ll follow along with if things go that way.

The S&W 340 M&P is thin, light weight, concealable, and EXTREMELY reliable.
It also offers a wide range of options for the one gun owner. I can shoot cast lightweights that hardly kick at all. I can shoot 200 gr. heavyweights that would shoot through a car door. A woman could carry it in her purse with very adequate low recoil ammo. I could carry it in grizzly country (if I was of a mind to) and (with well chosen ammo.) I could feel fairly well protected.

Like most here, I’ll probably pack low velocity .357’s or high velocity .38’s most of the time. Obviously I’ll only carry ammunition loaded with “low flash” powders – be they Speer “short barrel” rounds or Double Tap’s “full house” magnums.

I suspect that most here chose the .357 platform over the 642 at least partially because it was a stronger gun than the strictly .38 models. I’m convinced of that now, if there was any doubt before.

Still – one reads over and over again in articles, by professional people who should know about such things ,that the .357 magnum at velocities in the low to mid teens is the most proven “manstopper” in the history of the streets. I simply wanted to see what this little gun was like loaded to it’s full potential.

We own the legendary .357 magnum in a platform that can be very mild but adequate if we choose to go that way. It can also ballistically and effectively blow the paper and “street” statistics away compared to most other competing carry pieces – were we, per chance, wanting to talk a little trash.

I have one handgun. Within the range of my lifestyle, it can do it all. This thread is about extolling the virtues of the 340 M&P and examining this particular gun from every angle we can.

That’s where I’m coming from at least.

(It's time to buy one for yourself - don't you think?)
 
To my knowledge, it doesn’t come in .45 caliber. If it did, it would be too fat. I’ve already eliminated semi-automatics from consideration. That eliminates the .45 from my particular inerest – even though that debate is an interesting one and one I’ll follow along with if things go that way.

They kind of do (but it probably is too fat, at least for a pocket):
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=67967&tabselected=over&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15702

As for the rest of what you said - amen!
 
You're right, of course. But I'm sure we agree that a 6 shot large frame with an extra inch of barrel and over twice the weight is a different critter.
 
Hey fellas. I'm still frequently carrying my M&P340, it's been just great for me. I have shot quite a few magnums out of it, but settled on the ubiquitous GDHPSB +P. Bought a case of them, practiced a lot, and I'm very comfortable with the snub.

As far as 45ACP, for me this is a big boomer in a revolver. I don't know why, really; I absolutely love the 45 in 1911's, and shoot them very well. But I picked up a Model 22 TRR sometime last year or thereabouts, and it really punishes me to shoot. It's accurate as heck... But tears up my hand a bit. I'm sure some Hogues would help, but those wood grips are so purdy! Maybe it's the light barrel, and a heavier lugged barrel would be better.

For comparison, my M27 with the same shape grips is much more comfortable to shoot, for me, even with Magnums. Dunno. It's odd.

Anyway, I've considered one of the Nightguard revolvers, as it's kinda like the "big daddy" to the M&P 340. I haven't settled on one yet. Maybe the 357. Definitely not the 44 mag. Maybe I need to get tougher, buy the 45, and stick with it :)

In any case, I don't think I'd like a j-frame 45ACP.
 
loplop

Thanks for stopping by. I guess I didn't recall you had a 340. I know you were a big fan of the X42 early on in the 642 thread. I think I see you around the Sig Thread too if I'm not mistaken.

I think at some point I would like a .45 revolver and the Night Guard has alot of the same features/construction/finish of the 340 in a scaled up format appropriate for the round.

Marv-

Thanks for the range report. Sounds like you are on your way to becoming "JFH" toughened. Wish I had the time to get out and exercise the 340.

Did get behind the barn on the 4th and try out my new Ruger 10/22. Open sights and CCI LR from 25 yards, first shot...bull, with nice 2 inch groups. Pretty darn accurate right out of the box. I was favorably impressed. 25 round Hot Lips magazine and a couple Ruger rotarys with no issues.
Ran a few magazines through the Bushmaster AR also.

By then it was almost dark and we lit up the sky with some Chinese Mortar fireworks.
 
DAdams

I looked back through a few pages of posts to the time when I asked about mastering the heavy trigger.

Amazingly - it's been less than a couple of months since I started exercising my grip and trigger finger as Jim suggested. I had a gripper already and started right away.

I excercise every other day just like they say for weight lifting/muscle building.

I'm still not a great shot with this thing. But the development of a consistent/strong grip has helped a great deal with mastering recoil.

While practicing quick shots with the laser/dot on the wall I can see that it moves much less than it did before I started. Quite amazing, really. I think that the grip (particularly stressing the individual finger strength) is so seldom exercised that increase comes rather rapidly.

I know it seems silly to some. But I'd recomend it to anyone who has trouble with the strong trigger and or the recoil issues.

I'm really enjoying the challenge of the 340.

The fact that it makes you feel like Humphrey Bogart and virtually disappears in the front pocket of a pair of Dockers is just icing on the cake.

MARV
 
A Big Brother Arrived Today:

First one sold in town, I think:

10xrorr.jpg
[/IMG]

The M&P 340 is on the bottom; the new Night Guard 386 is on the top, so to speak.

Basic specs for the NG 386:

K/L frame, 7 shots.
7 & 5/8" LOA ( 1.125" longer)
24.5 Oz. (11.2 oz. more)
2 & 1/2" barrel

It's not a pocket carry revolver, that's for sure. The front sight is the same, but the sight picture is totally different--that extra 1/2" barrel length makes the dot much smaller. The grips--a S&W-logo Pachmayr "compac" type (but custom-shaped, I think) are about the best I have felt on a K/L frame.

I loaded up some reloads that should match the GDSB 357 Magnum round (nom. 1000 fps, 135-gr. bullet) and will try it out tomorrow.

Look for a mini-review posted separately in this forum soon.

I am now sold on the Scandium-frame guns, as you can tell.

Jim H.
 
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