M&p 340

[Dollar An Hour]

After trying a Glock 26, 27, Sig P239, PX4 Storm SC, I have now settled on an HK P2000SK DA/SA 9mm.

I'm considering a HK P2000SK LEM in 9mm. My 340 M&P is a great pocket gun, but I like the idea of the LEM trigger and HK reliability in a belt gun.

What do you prefer about the HK over the G26 if I may ask?

 

[DAdams]

DAH

Quick short comment on the HK P2000SK. I did a survey (for my purposes and use) about a year ago on that very topic.

After trying a Glock 26, 27, Sig P239, PX4 Storm SC, I have now settled on an HK P2000SK DA/SA 9mm.

I'm considering a HK P2000SK LEM in 9mm

Make sure you really like the LEM trigger because it is a love/hate relationship. I have fired a .45 with that trigger for hundreds of rounds and I don't think its for me. I was able to use it but it provides lots of finger movement which allows one to come off target. Very non-traditional feel. Light, long and "squishy" and no appreciable feel for the impending break approach.

Of course the HG must be ergo for you. The HK out of all I tried turned out to be number three on the comfort and "handle-ability" scale for me so don't over look....

Number three 2000SK
Number two S&W M/P 9c
Number one Walther P99c Now if I could just find one.

Your results may vary, I'm curious as to what you end up with since when purchasing a 2000SK $$ can't be much of an object.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Funny thing DAdams, I sold my P99c A/S in 9mm recently. It was a good pistol, but my Glock 19 does everything better and holds 5 more rounds. I shoot the Glock better... go figure! The P99c was fairly snappy for a 9mm as well which meant quick follow ups were more of a challenge.

I was really enamored with my Kahr PM9 until it wouldn't feed JHP ammo, even after a trip to Kahr. I sold it, but may pick up another one day. It's a great pistol for carry if you find a good one. You have one, so you know that.

The M&P 340 is still my main carry gun though.

 

[FranklyTodd]

What do you prefer about the HK over the G26 if I may ask?

Grip angle on the Glock (point shooting was a foot high for me) and that the HK is DA/SA, and the external hammer that comes with that action! Riding the back of the hammer with a thumb as one reholsters is comforting.

Glocks are fine weapons, but striker fired is not for me (for carry). I think LEM is interesting, but not for me either. If you can shoot well and feel comfortable carrying a 340 DAO revolver, that first DA pull on an HK feels very familiar - it's not a throw-away shot to get to SA, as some knuckleheads treat DA/SA.

For me, I like the comparatively longer, heavier first pull from a safety standpoint, and the fact that at rest, there's no hammer or striker under spring tension hanging over a live round.

It's 2 parts personal preference, 1 part irrationality, I know, but that's where I settled for my CCW. Glocks are safe, etc., but just not for me. To me they make more sense for open carry of LEOs. In my world of IWB carry and even SmartCarry sometimes, Glocks just made me too nervous.

The Sig P239 was awfully sweet for carry (single stack), but I unfortunately pulled a lemon - seemingly rare for Sig, but mine wouldn't eat hollowpoints so I returned it.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Riding the back of the hammer with a thumb as one reholsters is comforting.

For me, I like the comparatively longer, heavier first pull from a safety standpoint, and the fact that at rest, there's no hammer or striker under spring tension hanging over a live round.

Both statements make sense from an emotional, if not logical, standpoint, and I agree.

I am *very* comfortable with my G19, I shoot it well and it carries nicely, but in the back of my mind I'd like a longer trigger pull. Hence my interest in a LEM HK, or comfort with a DAO snubby.

I do prefer a consistent trigger pull for each shot which is why I'd probably choose a V2 over V3 HK.

For now, it's a 340 or G19 fulfilling my carry needs. But I have a feeling I'll try a P2000SK one day and really like it.

 

[geo]

What an awesome thread this is! Thanks to all who have participated.

My 340 CT is on order at Cabela's. Being in Minnesota, I first have to get a "permit to purchase" which is basically just a way for the local cops to enforce a waiting period without calling it that.

About 8 years ago, while I was living in CA, my step-father passed away in Pennsylvania. He had a collection of 30-40 firearms of all kinds, and I got as many as I wanted. But knowing it was going to be (and it was) a total PITA to get those guns back into CA lawfully, I limited myself to guns that just had an emotional tie for one reason or another.

As a result, I let slip thru my fingers a very nice S&W hammerless .38 special snubbie. I figured, "Well, hell, I'll never be able to carry a handgun in CA anyway!". It was my step-father's carry gun in later years after I left home. It had some appeal, but I let it go to his brother who was surprised to get it.

But fast forward a few years and we're now living in Minnesota, where it is possible to get a permit to carry with a little hoop-jumping. Soooo, I asked my uncle if he still had that SW I let go past me? Nope, he gave it to my step-father's sister and now it is her home defense weapon in Florida.

Well, I wasn't going to try to push it any further than that. . . .and, so, this is how I ended up at Cabelas looking at carry weapons.

The 340 CT is gorgeous, hammerless, black (and not shiny --why would you want your carry gun "winking" at anybody until you're ready to show it to them intentionally?), stunningly light in my hand, with a comfortable grip. Add the laser and the option to go .357 and it was love at first sight.

My previous experience with .357 is a Ruger Security Six that my wife gave me from *her* collection (married well, I did) after we got married. Having read pretty much this entire thread, I certainly look forward to getting my new toy out to the range in a few weeks.

Anyway, thanks for an awesome and informative thread.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

There is a great review of the 340 over at this site

http://www.dayattherange.com

Neat little site and great review.

 

[DAdams]

Mr. Revolver Guy

Thanks for the review lead. Certainly a complimentary review.

Here is another that was listed awhile back.

http://averagejoeshandgunreviews.blogspot.com/

Average Joe does some great work and covers the waterfront on revolvers, pistols and most recently some HD rifles.

And of course the Gunblast review by Jeff Quinn.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW-340MP.htm

There is no doubt about it. The M&P 340 has developed a substantial following.

 

[TNCarters]

Used to shoot a Ruger SP101 and recently picked up a S&W 340 M&P to lighten up a little. Anyone put a set of Hogue wood grips on their J-frames. I was thinking I might like something just slightly longer than the short rubber that comes on the centennials. May just end up with the longer CT grip that is similar to the SP101. Love the Ruger but wanted to save the pound or so.

 

[DAdams]

Welcome

geo and TNCarters.

Love the Ruger but wanted to save the pound or so.

Weight is what drove my search for a lighter pocket carry.

geo says:

What an awesome thread this is! Thanks to all who have participated.

Nice write up and thanks for sharing. Great choice on the 340 CT from the factory you get the CT OEM cool factor. Plus XS night sights for backup.

The 340 CT is gorgeous, hammerless, black (and not shiny --why would you want your carry gun "winking" at anybody until you're ready to show it to them intentionally?), stunningly light in my hand, with a comfortable grip. Add the laser and the option to go .357 and it was love at first sight.

You are an astute study of the J Frame 340 Centennial art.

You are going to have some fun at the range. Take 25-50 .38 special. Same on plus P. You probably won't need many .357. a box or two of differing rounds. Go through each. 3, 5, 7, 10 yards etc. Not only will the moon not shine off the 340 but it is easier to clean. Can't see some of the crap that is left, and who cares.

 

[vkl]

Just joined the club. Now waiting my 10 days so I can pick her up. My first DAO revolver.

 

[DAdams]

vkl

Congrats on the 340. 10 days will seem like a month.

Look forward to your impressions.

Is it your first snub?

 

[vkl]

Thanks. I've owned a couple Detective Specials in the past.

 

[7mmSTW]

New member, hoping to receive my M&P 340 tomorrow...I have shot ~100rds from a 642 J but haven't got to play with the 340 yet. I have 400rds of 38spcl loaded and waiting for my toy to get here. Now to figure out what holsters to get? Being as I can't speak for the M&P yet I can at least throw into the ring for the HKp2ksk mentioned earlier in the thread. I LOVE that pistol. I have one in .40 with the light LEM installed, the LEM, once learned how to shoot is a very formidable trigger. I feel it's the best fighting trigger out there. If one uses the reset there isn't any more trigger stroke than most modern single actions... I carry a USP .40 on duty equipped with the combat competition version of the LEM as well. Any questions on an LEM I'm glad to help

Thanks

7

 

[DAdams]

7mmstw

Welcome.

Should be a good day for you today picking up the 340.

LEM trigger is a different animal that's for sure. Does take some getting used to. Long and smoooooooth.

 

[7mmSTW]

Fingers are crossed on the 340, found one in California and it's been a chore to get it out of that State.

LEM...only the first pull is long, alot of folks don't use the reset on the subsequent pulls and instead try to treat it like an LDA or DAK system...For me, the first pull on fast shots isn't noticed, if I'm at a distance and have time I can stack it up like a 2 stage AR trigger. As for the second and following shots, they're the same as a SA trigger as long as you use the reset (this is the part that gets most folks as the trigger will go all the way back out if you let it). I have considerable range time with the LEM and it all comes second nature. I have been through some pretty high stress training courses with it and it's just muscle memory at this point.

 

[7mmSTW]

Finally got it on Wednesday...Fired 50 rounds through it in a matter of 20 minutes. Two hands, strong hand, weak hand drills. Most were fired at 7-10yds working on trigger manipulations and getting 5 down range fast but controlled. Like all J-frames I've fired, this thing shoots like a dream. With 38's the recoil was VERY manageable and the sights are amazing.

.357 Magnum... I fired a cylinder full and it kind of went like this: first shot...wow, second, third and fourth...stings...ok...just one more...bang!...ok back to .38's... Seriously, the revolver is manageable w/ .357's but from a practical standpoint I think it's much better loaded w/ 38's. I can fire 5 controlled as fast as 2 .357's. This is more of a BUG for me and it seems if I have to use it I'm having a bad day...It's pretty optomistic to think if it came to that I would have both hands and all my faculties...I think left handed and hurt .38's will be a much better tactical choice...

 

[Speedyfish]

7mm, congrats on getting one. I've been very happy with mine for the last year. I like the Speer 135 gr GDHP's for daily carry, as I agree with you about the .357 experience!

 

[FranklyTodd]

I can fire 5 controlled as fast as 2 .357's

I'm sure you are correct, but I have a slightly different view for me. It's extremely rare for me to carry the 340 as a BUG, it's usually the only thing I've got, with MAYBE a speed strip, but probably not. If I'm only carrying 5 shots total, which I admittedly often am, the thought of double taps, or getting 5 shots off quickly doesn't sit well.

If I've only got 5 shots, they are going to be one at a time, with hopefully no waste. If I have to stop an attacker (or a couple) I would rather put one 357 in each, reassess, and still have a couple shots left over if things didn't go well...

I'm no serious tactician, which should be obvious given that I often only have 5 shots but I never train double taps with the 340. Two targets with a quick transition, yes, but not double taps in the same target.

FWIW, I carry the SB 357s - those are much easier to control than standard 357s. More like stout 38+Ps in a longer case. Of course I train 95% with 38s...

 

[ordinaryguy]

PADDLE HOLSTER for 340?

Hi, guys - finally got my M&P340 - love it, I carry it everywhere, even when I have one of my other "big guns". Shooting 357's wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Definitely planning on the CT 305 grips for my large hands. I have the Nemesis holster, but few of my garments have pockets large enough to really use it (at least in Texas weather), so I'm looking for a most excellent paddle holster. Any experience you'd like to share? I'm especially wondering about the Blackhawk Serpa, or a good leather one that rides close to the bod. Thanks in advance!

 

[Speedyfish]

I have a Serpa for my Sig duty gun and an off duty Glock. I like them, but they ride out a bit far for concealed carry.

 

[friscolatchi]

Hello - great thread. It helped me confirm the purchase of a new M&P 340.. First was interested in the airlite, then took a drive over the the S&W range in Springfield ( about a 2 hour ride from home ) shot a 25 38's and 25 357's from the rental 340 pd ct, noted that it was reasonable manageable and surmised it would get easier with practice. I then bought the M&P 340 (likes it better) and a side order of CT 305 (the bigger one). Had it shipped to a local FFL in NY, put in on my CCL and viola! What a sweet gun. I am primarily using the gun for PP (work in a rough town) and backpacking/hiking carry (onery black bears ) I am retiring the 9c for the summer (and maybe the fall, winter and spring). I really appreciate the ammo info (new to shooting). What I need to do is to understand the letters after the grain bullet, ie gdhp - is that gold dot hollow point?. Thanks again and it's good to be part of this forum.

 

[friscolatchi]

PS... I ordered a Mica square cut holster the other day. What's the difference in how the round and square cut carry? I'd hate to wait 12 weeks and find that I made a mistake... Thanks. Frisco

 

[Capt. Cormorant]

Hey guy’s great thread! I had to join this forum for this thread. I've decided I want a 340 w/ct. I've been trying to track one down in Washington State for 3 weeks with out success. So now I'm going to the net for my search. Does anyone have suggestions on some sites? My searches have not mounted to much either way over priced or out of stock. I really want this pistol in my pocket.

Please Help!

 

[friscolatchi]

Capt - why don't you give the S&W shooting sports center a call 413-846-6404. I got a good deal on the M&P 340 (this years build) and ct separately the 305 at 20%off.
They shipped it to a FFL in my area. The rest was paperwork. They also will be able to tell you what time the gun was signed for. I was very pleased with the service. I hope that this helps. Frisco