M&p 340

[Tuckerp229]

Thanks all for the encouragement.
I'm afraid I didn't know enough to ask which CT are coming on it. I didn't know one could specify. I simply ordered the factory MP340 with CT grips. I presume they have the SW logo and thought the 405's came standard.

I'll update with a range report after the first pass at he range. Most probably JFH will have to brave the cold to go with me .....

 

[jfh]

AFAIK, S&W sells only the 405 / boot grip version.

As for the cold--well, see you shoot your own new M&P 340 would be worthwhile, I think.

Jim H.

 

[Tuckerp229]

Its a deal. We can hit the coffee shop afterwards.

 

[Silver Wings]

I just wanted to that everyone that contributed to this thread. I learned a lot about the M&P 340 and just picked mine up yesterday. I love the size and weight of the gun, BUT the trigger has a 9lb 6oz pull! Man is it hard to pull the trigger! I'll dry fire it until I can get to the range. Hopefully after a few hundred rounds the trigger will soften up a bit.

I've been lurking around here for 2 years and just registered tonight to thank all of you for the great info.

Silver Wings

 

[DAdams]

Welcome

TuckerP229 and Silverwings.

TP229 I have a PM9 and can't say that I have carried it a day since I got a 642 and a 340. The only auto the makes pocket carry for me these days is a Seecamp .380.

When one hears the words "pocket carry" it conjures up images of a seemingly simple and straightforward approach.

In fact nothing could be further from the truth. I suspect it blends more potential variables than any other form of carry. There is no "right" or "wrong" way. It's a personal journey. Holsters, grips, pocket shape, type and depth are the primary variables. Seasonality may allow a jacket or even a bout with OWB carry.

A couple of my favorite holsters (inexpensive ones) are the Mika roundcut (a square cut is available just to further confound) and the DeSantis Nemesis. (TP if you have the DeSantis for your PM40 you will be amazed at how well your 340 will fit in it). Seasonal changes may dictate different carry strategies as you move from slacks to shorts. Where you may be able to use those longer grip CT 305s and Hogue Monogrips in the winter, you will probably go back to the Bantam or 405s during the summer. Have fun and experiment. I have the CT 405s back on after a love affair with the monogrips, but the exposure proved to be too much. I'm going to get a set of Bantams one of these days and try them out. In the meantime I reinstalled the CT 405s. The CT needs adjusting, the last time out I forgot to bring the wrench. :banghead:

Then there all those ammunition choices to try out. Oh what fun.
Anything you need to know about ammo ask JFH, he is our in-house resident expert when it comes to the snubs .38 through .357 including commercial and home brewed roundage.

I think you will come to find the M&P340 one of the most versatile handguns you will ever own. A great blending of a time tested form factor incorporating the latest in metals and materials technology. The 2 inch Centennial format can be very challenging. Remember the intent. Not a range gun, but an effective means of personal defense for close in work. Although it is amazing how lucky, er I mean good one can be on any given day at 8 yards.

Don't forget when you are taking grips on and off. There is a lanyard pin in the butt of the grip. Don't loose it.

JFH, no photos from me on my loading setup yet. I saw it (Hornady LnL) in the box and now it's on the bench in TN, and I am in FL. My son ordered some .45 and .223 plates. I might get a chance to work on things this spring, but then again it will be time to get the boat out. More like next fall.

 

[AStone]

DA,

Excellent image.
Good composition, placement,
enhancement, saturation, framing, etc.

A very respectful opinion here.

If I was a movie maker,
I'd replace that 642 w/
a 442 in that image.

It's about the color balance.

(And my 442,
like my 642 and mod 65,
would wear a set of full Hogues,
but that's not important in this issue ...)

 

[Tuckerp229]

Thanks for the insight DAdams. I'm counting the hours hoping for a bit of luck in shipping to bring the gun to my dealer tomorrow instead of after Christmas.

 

[Erik]

I ordered one which recently came in.

Price: I did well from the looks of things.
Holsters/carry methods: will carry appendix, pocket, and ankle as needed.
Range Reports: shoots like an airweight with .38+p.
Likes and Dislikes: the lock.

 

[Tuckerp229]

So, I went to the gun shop to pick up my spanky new MP340CT. After fondling it for several minutes it wound up back in the hands of the SW rep'...........
For a trigger/ action job. He is a retired SW rep' and quite well known for performing magic on Smith and Wesson actions.
So I won't know how this shoots until this Monday. The pain I love but hate...

Still can't keep my hands off the 625. Now someone started a new thread a self defense and moon clips. I don't think I'm going to escape.

 

[KB2MBC]

Ammonia? what ammonia?

Hi everyone,
I've been enjoying my M&P 340 for a few months now, carry it all the time in a Don Hume H715-M S.O.O.T. Waistband Snap On, shirt untucked.
I can't figure out which cleaner, if any, has ammonia in it. None of the cleaners I use state their makeup. I have the Hoppes Elite stuff but I also have Shooters Choice, Hoppes Bench Rest 9 & Semi-Auto 9 and G96.
Would someone please enlighten me!

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Just got the Monogrips installed and a trigger job done - HUGE improvement over stock trigger - factory springs are still there, but it is amazing what a 'smith can do with polishing and de-burring of internals.

Trigger dropped from 12+lbs out of the box (off the scale of the Lyman gauge) to 9 lbs and much smoother.

Move over 442, there's a new EDC in town!

 

[DAdams]

Jenny Craig

DAH-

Trigger dropped from 12+lbs out of the box (off the scale of the Lyman gauge) to 9 lbs and much smoother.

That's quite a weight loss...25%. I must say I am surprised that with the factory springs intact that a fluff, buff and smoothing job would make that much difference.
Kind of like going to Dr. 90210 without going on a diet.

Now I just need to find someone I would trust cracking open the 340. Another 2000 rounds and a good hosing I may get the same results.

jfh do you have a strain gauge? With all the rounds through yours what's your poundage these days?

Erik-

You going to do a little work on the lock to "fix it"?

Tucker-

What does your 340 makeover consist of? Can you get us a reading on the trigger pull weight upon completion?

 

[jfh]

Action jobs on my guns:

1. DAdams, My trigger gauge is lighter--to 6 or 8 lbs, I think--I bought it when I was sorting out semiautos.

2. When my gunsmith did the trigger jobs on the 340 and 640, the guns were essentially new in box. When I had tried to measure the 640, it was off the top with my gauge--and when the 'smith tested it, it was over ten lbs--I think that's where his gauge stopped.

He replaced NO springs; didn't want ignition problems. After he did the job, it was much smoother, but still with the 'bumps,' so to speak, and it still checked out at just over 9 lbs. So, Dollar An Hour's report sounds about right to me.

The 640 now has about 4500-5000 rounds. It is MUCH smoother--and the pull has dropped a bit, but I am sure it is still over 8 lbs. Next time I go up to the 'smiths we'll check it again. I have noted that the used primer hits are noticably lighter than those from the 340, but ignition is totally reliable.

The 340, even after being smoothed initially, felt 'bumpier'--which I take to be the result of the lightweight gun in my then-little-conditioned hand. It too checked out at 9+ lbs after the work It has about 800 rounds shot through it now--and is definitely smoother, but with little perceived drop in pull.

Generally, both guns are getting shot with my 357-lite load--AA#5, 140LTC bullet, which replicates the Speer 38+P 135-gr. PD round. The 640 just feels wonderful; it's fully broken in, so to speak. The 340 I still group slightly bigger with, but I can do sustained rapid fire through 3 cylinders' full now. It still gets gummy on the ejector rod after as little as 60 reload rounds, resulting in cylinder binding and hard trigger pull. The 640 doesn't get dirty until at least 250 rounds with the same reload rounds.

The CT-405 grips on the 340 will again need to be replaced--the recoil pocket is slowly separating again along the left edge, starting at the lower left corner. I have no squawks about that wear--but I will be curious to see how long the 4th set lasts, now that I am gripping better with a well-conditioned hand.

For the record--the first set went about 75 rounds before tearing out; the second started tearing after ten rounds, and these have lasted about 700 rounds--the separating started after perhaps 600 rounds. Nobody else has reported this on the 'net, so I suspect it really my own peculiar problem with the way my hand grips the 340. The CT-305 grip on the 640 still looks / feels like new.

Couldn't be happier with either gun. At about the 1000-round mark or so--sometime this winter--I think I will send the 340 in for a checkup, and we'll see what S&W says. My impression right is that the lifetime of the scandium frame must be similar to the steel guns, maybe better. The finish still looks like new.

Jim H.

 

[FranklyTodd]

CT Warranty?

The CT-405 grips on the 340 will again need to be replaced--the recoil pocket is slowly separating again along the left edge, starting at the lower left corner.

I've got these on order from Smith (the one with their logo). This alarms me! Are your replacements under warranty? I can't imagine paying for 4 sets of CT grips!!!

Thanks,
FranklyTodd

 

[jfh]

FranklyTodd: Yes, all replacements have been under warranty. The second set was even sent in at CT's request, after I alerted them about the problem (which I saw as probably a faulty die for the grip molding process).

I even posted a query in this thread, or in the original 642 thread, to see if anyone else had seen this, and no one else has spoken up. So, I think it is my own unique issue with the grips, and I am perfectly satified with them for the obvious (laser) reasons.

CT provides a 3-year warranty on their brand; I don't know what S&W will do after one year--but I wouldn't worry about it. If this is a design flaw in the mold, I'll bet CT has it fixed long before my warranty is up. The benefit of the shorter boot grip for carry and the recoil pocket for lightweight shooting more than offsets the tearing problem I have had, IMO.

Jim H.

 

[FranklyTodd]

Damaged Hand?

At the risk of ridicule, and giving ammo to the knuckleheads that criticize ultralight magnums without ever having shot one, I think I might have hurt myself...

I posted a range report from first time out with the 340, probably 3 weeks ago - I won't rehash it (post 238), but I shot a bunch of .38s & +Ps, and a handful of full load magums - 3 to be exact (factory Hogue Bantams). http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3944723&postcount=238

Not much pain at the time, but my hand ached a little for several days (after the numbness wore off!). Well, yesterday I went and shot 100rds through my Glock 27 (checking out a new trigger spring). G27 has a snappy recoil itself (subcompact .40cal), but has never bothered me (or my hand) at all. NO shooting of the 340 yesterday.

Today my hand is very sore and tingling. It feels just like the day after the 340, but maybe even a little bit worse. I doubt anything could be broken, but maybe a bone bruise? I have no idea - I don't need a doctor or anything, but rather some ice, a few weeks off from shooting, and for my LG-405 backstrap-padded grips to come off backorder!!

As a side note, after shooting my G27 again, my M&P340 has cemented itself as my primary carry - I love it!! I will have to acknowledge, though, than an indiscriminate use of full-load .357s might lead to some problems for folks! This is not in any way a criticism of the gun or the genre (ultralight magnums), but just wanted to share to maybe help others avoid the same result...

BTW, this won't affect my decision of what to carry in the gun, I still want to try the Speer SB .357s after I heal, but can't find them... Sold out everywhere locally and online...

 

[Erik]

DA,
I have a decision to make and it involves my concerns vs my employer's policy mandating that I leave it "as is." If it were "just" up to me, I'd fix it.

 

[Tuckerp229]

Range report of sorts

Well I did it. Boy did I "did it". My gunsmith called. He finished the action job on my MP340 today two days early. I picked up the gun and dashed to the range. Unfortunately I met the gunsmith at the gun store which gave me just enough wait time to be overcome by the 625. I paid the gunsmith and again the gunshop owner, (for the 625) and dashed helter skelter to the range. Not enough ammo, not the right ammo and not enough moon clips. Happen to also have along a .44 magnum and a .454 casual as well.
I must say that the 340 perks a guy up with those 158 grainers and the Ranger 180's. Boy howdy that gun barks!
The weather didn't co-operate either. Full on temp drop up here in the northland made the outing much shorter.
I learned I have some testing to do to find the right load for practice and then for carry. I need to read up on the CT grips... not even close from the factory.
I did answer my carry question though. The gun has been in my front pocket all afternoon and evening and you guys were right, it just plain disappears.
The 625 was a dream for the 6 rounds I shot. I have some reading to do and equipment to buy before I bring it to the range again.

Question, does Hoppes have the dreaded ammonia in it? The label was no help.

 

[AZ PARD]

Magnaporting

Has anyone magnaported their M&P 340?

 

[mrty]

cleaning

I have been reading all the good posts for a long time finally joined. I have been cleaning my 340 M&P for the past 6 months with G96 with no problem. Anyone have a problem with G96 ?

 

[DAdams]

Greetings New Members

Happy New Year. Some Closing and final thoughts for the year.

Hope you all are enjoying the M&P 340.

I would just like to put this revolver/pistol (and like many) into perspective.
I just got into handguns in late 2006. I think I bought six this year and have my eye on a couple more for 2008. I have been a long gun rifle and shotgun shooter for years.

The good news.

If someone said you can only have one handgun, what would it be?? I would probably pick the M&P 340, due to low maintenance, shoot anything in the .38-.357 and easy to conceal.

Do I like my S&W 686 no dash with the 3 inch barrel, OMG yes. Is my Kahr PM 9 working out ok? Yes, I carry it too.

What do I carry most?? Seecamp .380, seven rounds of SGD 95 gr, one backer mag.
What do I carry second most? 340 with 135 gr SGD for short barrel and a Bianchi Speed Strip with 4 rounds.

What's in my truck? BERSA Thunder .380 with 10 rounds of Golden Sabre 102 gr. with a couple of backer mags.

What's next? Something in a .40 or .45. I have nothing that begins with a four. H&K P2000SK .40 most likely.

So add the 340 to our toolbox, enjoy, it is an awesome J Frame Centennial.

I just put another 50 rounds through mine this weekend. It cleaned up fine and I used a combo of CLP Breakfree, Hoppes Elite, and some Gunslick Foaming Bore Cleaner. Guess what? The finish is still intact!! Not a bit of the finish came off on the cleaning rag.

It's nice to know the reliable level round count is getting up there. Thanks JFH.

You guys are getting to the point that I would like to have a easier trigger, although J Frames in general got me working out my grip and wrists, so I don't know if I really need it. I am a crusher now!! This came from exercise and working out.

My factory supplied 405 are at around 100 rounds (had the Hogue Monogrips on for a few hundred rounds) and hanging in there.
I did finally crap them up so they look like the Milky Way Galaxy, which is a drag. I am going back to read the cleaning thread. Pain in the ass.

Here is my thought on the CT grips and shooting in general> I am at the point after shooting regularly for a year that if I can't hit what I am aiming at even in pitch dark w/o CTs, W/O night sites, it is time to hang it up. I can now point and shoot revolvers, SA, and have spent enough time practicing that I am now where I wanted to be. It took a little over a year to get here with professional training, and countless hours at the range. I probably spent over 5K in guns, ammo, training etc this year, but this was a goal I set for myself in 2007 and mission accomplished.

Happy New Year. I'm headed for the Florida Keys for a week and New Years Eve.

Dennis

 

[JMFred]

With regards to the Crimson Trace grips...

I stick a small piece of duct tape over the lens before I clean my 642. The lens is recessed so it does not get any sticky on it, nor does it get any cleaning fluids on it

 

[Streamer 71]

Hello everyone

Gee wizz what a great thread. I have looked and looked for tid bits about the M&P 340 and happened to stumble across this, Very nice. I have yet to shoot my 340 M&P and I cant wait to take it for a ride, it can't be that bad. I bought a Don Hume clip on at a gun show this weekend to get by and also use untill my Kramer pocket holster arrives. I've never pocket carried before so we'll see how it goes. I wanted something small for a grab and go for quick store trips and such instead of strapping on the .45. This has been a very interesting read. Thanks Robert

 

[TSQUARE]

Awesome thread. VERY informative. I purchased my new M&P340CT yesterday. I went 2 weeks ago to buy it, and was talked into an XD45 compact by the devil dude that sits on my left shoulder. The angel was off looking at the Evil Black Rifles so I gave in to the devil. Well, after 2 weeks of regreting not getting the M&340 I went back. This gun store gave me exactly what I paid for my XD in trade towards the M&P. I came out okay. So I am now going to order a Mika pocket holster, and go to my local leather store to find the OWB holster I want. Right now it has 125gr+p magtech guardian gold series 38 spcl. in it. I am waiting until my normal round, the Corbon DPX in 357 is restocked at the store. I am carrying it in a cheap nylon iwb right now until I get my mika and the IWB and OWB of my preference. Probably go with a high noon IWB tuckable and a bianchi black widow OWB. I have fired one round through it (t midnight last night) and cant wait to get tom my land locally and snap off a few. I went ahead and got the CT model, and it was $838 before taxes. I have been carrying concealed for about 5 years now, and this is my first revolver. I have carried pretty much everything from full size full weight 1911 to the Kel-Tec P3AT. I must say that this is the perfect combination of firepower, weight, and stopping power (well, shot placement is stopping power, but a good 357 mag DPX round will go a long way). I have read this entire thread start to finish, and must commend each and every person that has posted here. Thank you all for your contribution. So without further wait, here are my pics:

 

[Brassman]

DA et al

I finally got to the range yesterday with my little beast again. I think I've found the perfect practice round for my weapon. Very light charge of Win231 with a 158g JSP bullet from Zero Bullets in .357 cases. The first 5 aimed slow shots at a B-27 target (North Carolina Justice Dept standard) set at 7 yds. went into the red center. That was scary enough, but the next 5 point shot (not aimed) at the same distance were all inside the first 2 inner rings. Next the target was moved to 30 ft. and all 10 were in the center with a spread of about 4 inches. Then 10 shots at 50 ft. were all inside about a 6 inch circle. The crowning came when I moved the target to the rear of the range (75 ft.) and the next 10 shots very slowly aimed were all inside a 12" diameter circle, except for one flyer which was about 20 inches low. I used up the rest of the rounds I had up close and personal with very good results. Seeing as how all these shots were off-hand, I think that kinda seals the deal on this round for just playing around.

I had been using 148g wadcutters and doing pretty well, but I kept reading that .38sp and .357mag had their teeth cut on 158g LSWC, so I opted for the 158g JSP loads to keep leading to a minimum. By the way, after over 100 test rounds so far, the cylinder is yet to start binding.

The last shot for the day was a full power .357 in the center of the head at 7 yds. There sure was a lot of difference on the shooting end of the weapon with that one.

I'll load them back up and see if I get some of the same results next time.

I still carry the FBI load as I'm not ready yet to carry full house .357 rounds in a very light weapon, but I'm working on it.