M&p 340

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340CT or 642CT... that is the question... I can't make up my mind. The price difference is roughly $200-300 depending on where you end up purchasing either revolver. Someone want to help me out a little in the decision process? :)
 
Hmmm

pcmike. Part of it is an emotional, aeshetic decision, here are most of the objective points.

If you get the 340 do you think someone like a wife or significant other will want it upon inspection?

If so get the 642 set them up with it then get yourself a 340. ;)

If you are the only one who will be in possession of said revolver go for the 340, particularly if you are going to pocket carry. If you are going to carry IWB or OWB and don't have any urge to possibly shoot .357 (.38 spl +P is adequate for personal protection that is for sure) then go for the X42 since 2 ounces on your belt and hip is not significant and you won't feel the difference. In the pocket that's 10%+ less weight and noticeable.

The 340 is more $$ primarily due to exotic metal alloy frame to reduce weight, the DLC coating and cover the cost of the Trijicon night sight.
With a set of CTs the night site is really not necessary unless the CT switch is off, or batteries are dead at an inopportune time (low light or night).
 
I don't know... my wife liked my 360 better than my 638 because of the weight difference (and she knows she can shoot 38's in a 357) - - guess I trained her too well..

Edit to add: spend the extra money on the 357 IMO, you have more options and a lighter pistol. Arguably the 357 should hold up better to consistent firing of full house 38's if that's what you choose to shoot all of the time.
 
Well, I put in some emails last night on various models and it appears that the M&P 340CT is not available (so said one retailer) due to having issues with the finish. I don't know how true this is or not, but man that sucks as thats what I wanted. Anyone else here this?

Aside from that.. I was quoted $670 on 340PD HIVIZ and $550 on 642CT..
 
pcmike

DA is describing my situation. I had the 642 for about 2 and a half years. My wife got her CCW permit and said she wanted to carry that weapon in her purse. I was more than glad to let her, since the weapon would still be in the family and I got to purchase the M&P 340 for my pocket. Now everyone's happy...only cpirtle's wife seems to know more than my wife. I guess you are a good teacher....and that's what I do for a living.
 
340

it appears that the M&P 340CT is not available (so said one retailer) due to having issues with the finish.

I heard this from an moderately reliable source. A friend of mine was told that by one of his LGS. The also told him they were only shipping a limited number to LEOs. Which is totally not true.

I think they are having some quality issues with finish but not on every one they make. Mine is fine, the one I am referring to here was fine and I even rubbed the heck out of with my finger to see if I could force any flaking or make blemishes. The DLC finish is not the prettiest thing to begin with and its claim to fame is non glare and scratch resistance.

There was one at my LGS earlier this week and I scooped it for a friend of mine. It is headed for NC. $699.

The price on the 642CT is reasonable. Figure at least $200 minimum for new 405s and they are usually more. That puts the 642 at $350. I give that deal a very good rating.

$670 on the 340PD seems good, Bud's is at $705.
Bud's is at $390 on a 442. and $559 for a 642 with CTs. Verifies a good price on your deal.

No M&P 340s at Buds.
None on Guns America

None on Gun Broker,....
Check this out a 340SS Talo.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=79990266#PIC
You would have to add CTs at $240.

I called Randy's where I bought mine. He said the have 8000 on order just to move to the top of the allocation list. He said they are coming in, in dribs and drabs.

They are around I would be diligent and keep calling around. You will find one if that is what you want.
I just found something even more rare than a M&P 340 yesterday but it took me 3 hours of calling around. It's part of the challenge and fun.
 
Brassman

Yep, mine too.
DA is describing my situation.

I forced the 642CT on my wife so I could buy the 340. :D

"But honey that big ole 686 is just way too much gun for you. I got this one just for you":evil:.
 
Mind if I join the group? I carry my 340PD every day in either a Galco or Don Hume pocket holster. It is loaded with Speer, 135 grain .38spl +P Gold Dots. I bought mine used for $525.00. The original owner shot it only once and then promptly returned it for something less volatile. I was not sure of the "HI-Viz" front sight at first, but with my aging eyes, it sure stands out nicely for me. I have touched off exactly one cylinder load of full house .357 magnums out of her and, quite frankly, that was enough.....My hand was tingling for a while after that!!!

This is my set up:

DSC_0331.jpg

These are not my pics, but I can attest to the fact that this is what happens when you touch off a .357 magnum round out of one of these little blasters (Shooting gloves are a must!):

357_fire.jpg

357_big_fire.jpg

Somebody once referred to these babies as "12 ounces of pure Titanium & Scandium evil" (or words close to that).... I think that is a pretty fair description!
 
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mic214

Welcome to the Club. I like the light pipes they definitely gather and focus the light well.

Nothing like full house .357 out of a snub to let you know you are alive.

Speer has a 135 gr .357 for short barrels. I bought some but haven't tried it yet.

I just like the weight of these hybrid/form factors. I don't really care if I ever put .357 through it, but it's nice to know I can.

Nice holsters and good pics.

"12 ounces of pure Titanium & Scandium Hellfire"
Glad the M&P weighs 13.3. Just enough extra weight to take the edge off. Then again.
 
I finally brought the M&P 340 home with me from the range yesterday. It was on layaway for 90 days. I paid it off a little early, since I was getting embarassed to shoot it because it was so dirty. There was so much lead build-up under the cylinder that it felt like a 30 lb. trigger. It probably has had around 1000 rounds of 148gr. BBWC through it so far and just a few of my 158gr LSWC in .357mag. After having it home with me for about 30 minutes, it was clean and the trigger pull was about 1/3 the pull before I cleaned all the crud out. A good dose of Hoppes #9 and it got put to bed in its new K&D pocket defender. I really think I am going to like carrying it and my P3AT can stay at home, except when I'm riding my bike. It nearly disappears in a jersey pocket. LONG LIVE THE M&P 340!!
 
Long Live


Isn't it a sweet shooter! It's my favorite snub (except when I'm on the 642 Club Thread). :D Then, well you know.

I was at the range today. No revolvers, today was auto day. I was exploring the cases and they have, count them, not one, but two M&P NIB in stock.
That's the good news. The bad news is they have them at $799. and this store has a reputation for no negotiating.

I hooked a buddy of mine up to a new one last week for $699. :cool:
 
As far as the weight difference between my MP340 and 642 ...

I was a little surprised that the MP340 did, indeed, feel lighter in my pockets than my 642.

I expected less of a noticeable difference regarding the advertised approx 1.7 ounce weight difference, especially since I replaced the Bantam grips with a set of standard rubber Boot-type grips (w/screw).


I guess the sleeved barrel and light weight yoke assembly of my MP340 offers just enough less weight to actually be felt in my pants pockets.

Not so much of a felt difference when carried in jacket pockets, though.

I've decided to make this MP340 my frequent range training J-frame, and see if I can shoot it apart. ;)

I've noticed that after shooting my MP340, even with .38 +P, that shooting my other J-frames seems downright pleasant and enjoyable, by comparison. Sort of how my 3913 seems sort of mild after shooting my 4040PD, or my G26 feels light recoiling after shooting my G27.

Of course, I'm going to limit my use of Magnum ammunition in the little gun, since the 100+ rounds of Magnum loads I've fired through it have been less than pleasant ... and I'm having an increasingly difficult time getting any of the other instructors to shoot it when I give them Magnum ammunition to shoot in it.
 
I recently acquired a used 340pd Hi-Viz. Have not had a chance to shoot it yet. I just found out about steel cylinder 340MPs, which brought a question to my mind. Is it possible to buy a steel cylinder and swap it out with my Ti cylinder?
 
Fastbolt and Tejano

Fastbolt-
Regarding weight. That difference is only 10% and doesn't sound like much I know. Put a M&P 340 side by side with a X42 and heft the X42 then the 340 and you would swear it weighed 2 ounces or more less than the X42. A miracle of modern science? Nope just feels that way. Big deal in the pocket of the trousers or shorts for sure and certain.

I've decided to make this MP340 my frequent range training J-frame, and see if I can shoot it apart.
Good luck, what a worthwhile and challenging endeavor. How does the sacrificial flame piece look on yours with 1000+ rounds?
Any cutting noticeable?

Tejano-
Great question but I have no idea. That would be worthy of a call to S&W customer service and ask if it doable and if they would sell a 340 cylinder??
Get back with us if you find out.
 
I lucked up and got mine for $595. I get a 15% discount from the normal range store prices with my membership. I really feel lucky and I love shooting the M&P. For me, it seems to be more pointable. I guess it's just that the front sight comes into focus so much quicker than the sight on my 642. The factory grip fits my hand better than the factory grip on the 642. My wife is carrying the 642 in her purse with a monogrip. She really likes the feel of the monogrip and it give her a lot better contol than the old factory grip.

DA, what is the empty weight of that Seacamp and what kind of money does one run? I have always liked the look of those little autos and didn't even know that they made one in .380. That might be another possible purchase down the road if that mag release and I can get along after my being so used to the thumb release on all my other autos. Are you comfortable with it?
 
Brassman

That is an outstanding price for the 340. You did very well indeed.
The sighting "system" is dot on, pardon the pun. That big round circle in the ramp cutout is hard to miss and POI and POA for me at 6 yards is right where it should be.
Let's see some pics in the pocket KD holster please. Particularly since it's all cleaned up.
Did you notice any flame cutting to the tab in the frame after 1000 rounds?

The Seecamp is 11.45 ounces empty with magazine. I'm not enamoured at all with the magazine release at the bottom. I have not found a fast way to release, drop and reload. I think this thing falls into one of two scenario applications in a gun fight.

A) It's a bug to the 340 (or other favorite carry).
B) The "event" is over in 7 rounds or less because I don't see being able to reload it quickly and "on the fly".

This frame/weight in a 380 is a mutha and brings new meaning to power to weight/ratio. I have to say that it is not fun to shoot barehanded and not for the faint of heart. Following 24 rounds I was done. The trigger guard whacks the inside knuckle of the index finger. Many on the Seecamp forum recommend practicing with a bandaid on the trigger finger. It is going to take some time and practice to attain mastery of this bugger.

It definitely falls into the shoot little carry often category. If you want to wait a year you can get one for $795. There are a few used ones kicking around occassionally on the Seecamp forum. I found mine in stock at a dealer in KS and paid, $895. You may want to avoid the wait and perhaps the banged up finger and try the .32. They are about half the price and available in stock with some dealers or about 90 days direct from Seecamp or Seecamp resellers, Ghen or theirishguard (Tom).

Larry Seecamp owner operator is active on the Seecamp Forum and feels a gun should be ready to go right out of the box with no break-in required. Admits he doesn't have a life other than his family, product and company and even gives out his cell phone number to answer personal questions or address concerns. Warranty is stated as one year, but seems to be lifetime on workmanship and material. Now that is service!

A Seecamp is a pistol disguised as art, or is it a sculpture acting as a pistol?

Good investment I think, particularly the way stainless keeps going up.
 
Some practice and reloading information for 340 shooters--

(Note that this post is an edit of comments I just posted on the 640 thread.) I have an M&P 340 as my carry gun, a 640 as an alternate carry gun and for for reload development, and a Model 65 / 3" barrel for other carry and load development.

I want to add comments on a couple of issues us j-frame carry devotees can think about.

It makes sense to choose a given factory PD load and then do a training program to get good with that round. After extensive reading on the internet about 2"-barrel revolvers / j-frames / alloy frames, I decided the max load I would carry was the Speer 38+P 135-gr Short Barrel load, and that I would start with the FC 110-gr 38 Spl load. The FC 110-gr. standard-pressure load was a good choice--I could fire that round reasonably effectively from the get-go even though the 340 experience was a real eye-opener. (My other revolver at the time was an N-frame .357)

Practice ammo cost: The cost of factory ammo is $1.00 per round. I turned to my reloading interests. Speer had previously published data about duplicating that 38+P / 135-gr PD round with reloads.

Using the Speer 135-gr SBJHP bullet, you can build 'replica rounds' with the Speer data for about 25 cents each--or nominally 1/4 the cost of the factory ammo. I further explored the recipes, and I developed a variant using a 140-gr. LTC bullet. That round can be loaded for about 12 cents a round, if you buy your lead bullets from the right place.

Over the last two months, I've shot about 3,000 rounds through the three guns; about 80% of them have come out of the 640. I have recipes for two calibers (38 and 357), three bullets (Speer 135gr-JHP, 140LTC, and a 140LRNFP) and four powders. All these recipes provide a cartridge that feels nominally identical to the Speer factory round.

If you're interested in pursuing practice ammo that will replicate the shooting experience of this Speer PD round, see this link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=304225

In the course of doing this load-development project, several things happened:

1. I simply became adept at using the DAO trigger. My gunsmith had done a smoothing job, but I had to learn the trigger--and a lot of 'thoughful' shooting enable me to do that.

2. My dominant shooting hand became stronger and appropriately calloused. I now can run 125-150 rounds through a test session, with no real soreness.

3. By doing the load development routine, I ended up shooting less-powerful rounds that allowed me to acclimate to the recoil in all the guns. Now I can shoot five of the replica loads, reload, and shoot five again in the 340 without undue discomfort.

4. I am feeling totally familiar with the j-frames, and I have gained personal confidence in their use.

Jim H.
 
Ti to steel cylinder swap

I called S&W Customer Support Center today concerning the cylinder swap. The first rep I spoke with (didn't catch his name) said it can be done. But it was not a part they had in stock yet. I forgot to ask him if a 640 cylinder assembly would work. So I called again and spoke with Jeff. He said a 640 cylinder would work, it would just require fitting to align the cylinders and the extractor.
 
Dadams; "Glad the M&P weighs 13.3. Just enough extra weight to take the edge off."

Soooo, Mr. rollyeye's. Post #3 in this thread (my query about the metallurgy , and extra carry weight of the cylinder) wasn't such a silly question after all? :neener:
 
20

Soooo, Mr. rollyeye's. Post #3 in this thread (my query about the metallurgy , and extra carry weight of the cylinder) wasn't such a silly question after all?

I never thought it was. An ounce makes a big difference in the pocket. In a holster on a belt around the waist, not so much.

:rolleyes: :D Two dynamics at work. 360 Durability/longevity on the cylinder: Scandium Alloy/Titanium/Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 12 oz.

And recoil management with full house 357 loads.

I was about ready to purchase one of these when I got word that the 340 was coming out. I had read enough regarding recoil, crimp jump and exotic metal failure to be a bit leary of the Ti/Sc but not leary enough to stop me from buying one. :rolleyes: I just wouldn't have frequently put any .357s through it.
My sole purpose was to find something light in the pocket with some heat. The M&P 340 with 135 Speer GoldDot or 148 gr BB for short barrels certain qualifies there for sure. I like the sighting system on the M&P also and the DLC coating.

It's the perfect blending of form, fit and function. It just took two interrations to get it right.
 
I considered at one time adding a steel cylinder and crane to one of these lightweights in order to add that much extra weight. Expensive proposition, yes. Worth it? I may still do it on a larger Scandium pistol.
 
I considered at one time adding a steel cylinder and crane to one of these lightweights in order to add that much extra weight. Expensive proposition, yes. Worth it?


The S&W rep I spoke with recently said the 640 cylinders were $129, the fitting of the cylinder was $60 and shipping was $14. I have seen new 640 cylinders for about $20 less. If you can do your own fitting and find a good used cylinder it might not be cost prohibitive.
 
I took the old M&P back to the range Thurs. armed with only my .357mags and a few factory versions. I sent 15 of mine downrange and only 5 of the factory rounds. I had to cut the session short after that. Guess why?.....the webbing of my right had began to feel funny. I'll be back for more later, just not 20 rounds in a row. The range officer asked me if I was done already. I told him I had somewhere to be...er, "that's all I can stand for one day"....something like that. Where are all those light wadcutters I made to practice with?:confused:
 
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Brassman

I took the old M&P back to the range Thurs. armed with only my .357mags.....Where are all those light wadcutters I made to practice with?

Some day I am going down that road and I suspect the results will be the same. I have this phantasy that if I hold the 340 in the "phat position" :scrutiny: I won't have any problems. :D I still have the SGD 135 357 for short barrel on deck for the next range session and the BB Standard Pressure 158s 20C.

I know my hand sure met its match with the LWS 380. Something about the power to weight ratio eventually catches up with all handguns as the envelope is pushed to its limit.

Thanks for the report. I hear weight lifting gloves help.
 
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