M&p 340

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Doug S Congrads on you purchase. I too recently purchased a 340 and love it. I am not familar with Eezox, but the S&W book does not recommened any cleaners that contain ammonia, which the old Hoppes #9 does. I myself has moved to the Hoppies Elite, which I am told is safe. Good Luck
Scrrem
 
Hi, planning to buy a 340 this afternoon, already own 642. The reason for the purchase is the weight of the 340. I never plan on shooting led rounds, and it will be mostly a carry weapon, shot as a last resort, with either 38's+ p or a 125 gr 357 round.
For all those reasons does anyone have a reason I'm not seeing for purchasing the 340PD before a M & P 340. The PD is about $100 more here around the boynton/delray area.
Thanks and be safe
 
florida1098

I had my heart set on a 340PD when I purchased the M&P 340. My favorite gunstore didn't have any PD's in stock at the time. The guy behind the counter showed me the M&P and said the PD would be approximately 2 ounces lighter, but he also said I really should consider the weapon he had put in my hands. He said the weight was more, but could absorb recoil better and he also said the trigger on the piece he had just handed me was ideal for me. He knew that I love to stage the trigger on every shot I perform. I took it and have never looked back. It is in my pocket everyday, everywhere, except on school grounds where I teach. You can't go wrong with the M&P 340, especially since you already own the 642. My wife took mine for her carry piece, so that's the reason I was looking for something else. She loves the 642 and I love the M&P 340!:)
 
Welcome

Scrrem and Florida1098.

340PD and M&P340. You really need to go handle both. Ideally shoot both but it is not likely there is an M&P 340 in the rental fleet. I haven't seen one at any of the ranges I frequent.
I am surprised how many 340PDs there are at ranges though.

The sights alone on the MP sold me. The 2 oz decrease from the 642 was a plus. Stainless steel cylinder is a REAL big deal as most of the problems I have read about were cylinder issues with the PDs. I also haven't run into any crimp jump with the 2 ounce heavier MP with the .357 loads that is apparently prevalent with the PD in the lighter .357 loads.

I like the looks of the DLC coating and the logo execution on the MP better too.

$100 could go towards a nice set of CT grips. :D

Dollar an Hour-
Hogue Monogrips are just the greatest. They are prompting me to seriously consider a set of CT 305s. Laser with a full grip.

DougS-
Welcome and that's a very good price on the M&P340. I called S&W months ago and they recommend Hoppes Elite, no ammonia products. I have also been using CLP with no noticeable deleterious effects to the finish. The Eezox is recommended by Larry Seecamp as a prefered product on the Seecamp line.
Google Eezox. You will find details on the product and as long as there is no ammonia you should be fine.

http://www.thegunzone.com/rust.html
CLP and Eezox were the corrosion protection winners in this interesting test.

I am not so sure that the DLC coating wouldn't stand up to the ammonia. I think the ammonia deal is more relevant to the clear coats on the 642 and perhaps the blue/black on a 442. The DLC is tough stuff, but I'm not going to experiment.

Don't forget. Price of admission is 340 pics. Post em up when you have a chance.
 
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...planning to buy a 340 this afternoon, already own 642.
Click to expand...
My version of that statement is similar, but different.

Already own a 642, planning to buy an M&P 340 ... someday.

If I had disposable cash, I'd already own one.

Unfortunately, rent and truck repair have priority right now.

Still, it's on the list.

163072_large.jpg


Mine will wear a set of full Hogue Monogrips, however ...
just in case the .357 rnds are hot ...

attachment.php
 
I have shot the M & P 340 and the 642. both seemed very similiar, I guess becaus of the similiar weight. never shot the PD. The reason for thr PD would be the light weight, 3 oz's is a significant amount when you carry. The PD also has the green night ft sight (do not know the name or brand).
Again, don't plan on shooting anything but Speers of Corbon 135-158 grains JHP, 38 or 357 so bullet reastriction is not a factor. Just can't justify the MP for the 1/1.5 oz difference than the 642. Weight will be is my deciding factor. I've had centennials since I started as an LEO in NY about 25 yrs ago now. Would and have bet my life on them, the idea of a 12 oz one here in the south just seems the next step,
thanks
 
RE:Sc/Ti

ALL SCANDIUM REVOLVERS FIRING MAGNUM AMMUNITION
WARNING: DO NOT USE MAGNUM® LOADINGS WITH BULLET WEIGHTS OF LESS THAN 120 GR. THIS WILL REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF PREMATURE CYLINDER EROSION.
– S&W Manual of Modern-style Revolvers

This does not apply to the M&P 340 as the cylinder is SS.
 
I understand that, I posted in two previous notes I have no intention of using them (bullets under 125 gr) I have not made a final decision yet, but why not buy the lightest possible, if it is only strictly carry. I have also always heard titanium is stronger (actually a stronger combination of steel). If you like a steel cylinder, why not just buy a 642 and save the extra money?
The looks and emblem are meaningless to me this is strictly a life saving tool, nothing more. Does anyone have actual documentation or knowledge (firsthand) of a ti cylender exploding. Is there a thread I can read,?
It's funny, when I had to buy my first snub from the NYPD equiptment section, it was 1982 and I think it cost $89. When I retired and traded it in the dealer offered me $25 due to the fact there were 4000 other cops retiring that month in NYC. I think I just left it in my locker with my model 10 and never even went back to my precinct to retrieve them, also left all my trade center rememberences and dirty soiled uniform I wore there the first three days straight. Wish I had them now. Rambling aside, never thought a 5 shot snub would cost in the $900 range. That's why I think I will just buy this last one and be done with it.
Sorry about the bad spelling in the previous post Iwas finishing up a night shift, and I think it was about 5AM
 
Florida:

I think you will be very happy with your 340PD. No offense, but you seem, just a bit, to be trying to justify an already-made decision to the thread contributors here.

Both models of 340 are terrific. You will not find many on this M&P thread that are going to encourage you to spend $100 for 1.3oz. in weight savings, and some concern about the durability of the ti cylinder. That's not because we are right, but by the thread's subject, we BOUGHT THE M&P! Some might have considered both and picked the M&P, some may not have. Either way you seem to want us to agree your choice is better than ours. Not likely to happen - but so what?? Neither is better, they are (a little) different - you've compared, and seem to have chosen the PD - sounds good to me!

I have an M&P with S&W branded lasers that I'm thrilled with (and simply had never even held a PD at the time of purchase). Having said that, if I had bought a PD instead, I have NO DOUBT I'd be equally thrilled. Just go for it already!!
 
There are posts and threads in S&W Forum that also describe the problem with cleaning the PD cylinder. Titanium is very tough but it is also very porous and with time acquires deposits that are impossible to clean and remove. Stainless with DLC or even without (in 340 SS) is much easier to clean.
Florida 1098 made up his mind and that is OK too but when you consider all pluses and minuses the only thing going for the PD is a lesser weight - and only by a couple of ounces. Everything else speaks in favor of M&P.
 
Again, I truly appreciate all responses, just trying to make an informed buy, I unfortunately, probably like most here, know what happens when you go to trade a firearm into a gunstore for something else. Usually a huge loss. On the same note I don't want to end up with a collection. As i get a little older, the motto "The less I have The more I gain" becomes more logical.
I think the best thing to do is take a few days and truly decide what my needs and want are. My current service weapon is a glock 23, and my wifes is a glock 19. she also has her original NYPD S&w 38 4 inch in the house, (she was smart enough not to leave it). That being said this 340 search might be something I just need to stop thinking about for a while. Hope all stay safe.
 
On the same note I don't want to end up with a collection.
As i get a little older, the motto "The less I have The more I gain" becomes more logical.
Click to expand...
Sig line material right there.

I've held to that line for the 2.5 years
that I've been walking these halls,
seeking gun education, and finding it.

I've cycled from a shotgun (870P) dominated kit with 9mm (K9)
to .30-30 (336A) with a .357 mag carbine (1894C) and revolver (65),
.38 snub (642) plus a fine lever .22 LR (39A).

That's it.
For now, that's enough.

Someday, I'll add an M&P x4x
(to match the .357 mag/.38 spl combo of the 1894C).

I'll likely upgrade the 65 to a 3" 686
(... .357 mag/.38 spl combo ...).

Might add a .45/70 (1895)
and perhaps a SxS in 20 ga.

But that's it.

If I know those tools well,
then my needs are met.
I need nothing else.

Less is sometimes more,
especially when I practice
more with each tool.

The less I have,
the more I gain.
 
1098

I think you will find the 340PD to your liking. Lightweight and for carry the lighter the better IMO, BUT, that is a diminishing return asset ie. weight vs felt recoil. Nuff said on that topic.
mecenas makes some good points on the cylinder but if you don't shoot it more that a few cylinders weekly to stay sharp you will probably never see the phenom. Perhaps in this thread, maybe not though I read where there are those who are sending their PD in to S&W for a SS cylinder. Go figure.

Here is the deal maker for me:

P5210024-1.jpg

This sighting system, XS Tritium in the gutter is dead nuts on. There is absolutely no ambiguity. Doesn't compare to a blade, might be close on a light pipe, but the fibre is not night site (no light) capable. That's why after the ability to point shoot, night sights and lasers are the unfair advantage and cover all the bases.

This photo is a bit misleading in reality its better.... To be accurate the barrel would be tilted slightly forward (no gutter would be visible) to a perfect cradling and when the revolver is at arms length the dot does a better job of almost filling the gutter. This was the best I could do as a one handed photographer jockeying revolver and camera to grab a quick pic.

The giant atom on the side doesn't really bother me...;)

The simple life is a good life. Things don't define the man....the man and the good he does defines the man. DAdams.
 
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Fl1098

Thanks for the excellent link to Randy's blog. Randy has a fine collection of handguns to be sure. I am really liking that 386 Sc/S. Interesting that S&W could have used the titanium cylinder to lighten this model up just a bit and elected not to and went with stainless. Unfortunately they didn't carry the XS and gutter through on it. Guess that would have taken the classic look away.

This being the the the M&P 340 site I am going to post this giving Randy full credit. I hope he doesn't mind. This is his synopsis and up page are the more detailed tests.

"Concealed Carry Favorite
The Smith & Wesson M&P 340CT revolver has been my personal choice for concealed carry and this bias probably influenced my rating since it scored the highest of those reviewed. The straight lines of a semi-auto pistol seem to produce a square imprint in my pocket telegraphing that a handgun is inside. The rounded contour of the revolver along with the slight bulge provided by the cylinder does not give the same telltale imprint. The M&P 340 CT provides me with confidence that it is acceptably concealed in my pocket and has the power necessary to provide protection to myself and my family."

Review by Randy Ferris

http://randysrangereport.blogspot.com/2007/10/thoughts-on-concealed-carry-i-was.html
 
He said if I liked it keep it and pay him and if not give it away.
Nice holster for the price but I learned I dont care for pocket carry.
Click to expand...
Wow.

I continue to be impressed by Robert Mika. (Not to mention that I own one of his pocket holsters for an x42,
even though it has been pressed into a different use than what it was designed for, it's still great.)

Just imagine if most businesses were willing to do things that way. What a different world ...
 
W model 340 PD

As any reader of this blog knows, my favorite concealed carry piece is my Smith & Wesson model 340 PD which is a scandium framed 12 ounce revolver with a 1 7/8 inch barrel. Well, curiosity finally took hold and I decided to try some .357 Magnum rounds. The target below was fired at 21 feet with three rounds of 140 grain CorBon jacketed hollowpoint ammunition.

Now, you may be asking why I only fired three rounds. I would like to tell you that I was being thrifty to due the high cost of a 20 round box of CorBons. However, three rounds were really all I could take. I was impressed with the accuracy however. Maybe I should load the make the CorBon the first and last load separated by three +P cartridges
 
the above is from
Randy's Range Report & Handgun Reviews
This Blog is dedicated to the preservation of all shooting sports and our constitutional right to keep and bear arms. All information contained herein represents my experience in shooting the firearms mentioned in the range reports. This Range Report Blog does not advocate handling or carrying firearms in any manner which is unsafe or
 
Funny how only seleected entries make their way into this thread. If it is biased for the 340 mp then at least say so, don't make it seem as this is constructive review. A 646 can also shoot any weight bullet, but who wants to carry it around as a ccw. the criteria for ccw shuld be weight concealability reliability. A ccw is a specialty weapon, as such, before I purchase, I was trying to obtain fact, not selected review, to each their own, I really can't get an informed decision here, lets let this conversation end with this post.
 
I was trying to obtain fact, not selected review, to each their own, I really can't get an informed decision here, lets let this conversation end with this post.
Click to expand...

C'mon, lighten up. All the facts you need are on Smith's site and the previous 14 pages of this thread. These forums (and Randy what's-his-name's blog) are almost ALL opinion. DA's post was a direct cut and paste from that blog - I verified it.

Don't whine that the "M&P 340 Owners Thread" is biased toward the M&P 340. You said in an earlier post something about getting older, but you sound childish. The facts are all out there - go buy something, or don't, but I agree, you should let this drop!

I wouldn't be so annoyed, except this is (was) such a great thread I had it set to e-mail me with every new post. With this latest 3-post re-hash of some stupid blog, and a complaint, you are cluttering this thread (and my e-mail) unnecessarily!

Go buy one or the other, shoot it, and THEN come back and share... deal?
 
M&P 340 and 360

This thread was designed specifically for the sharing of information on the M&P 340 (360) revolvers as they are relatively new and have unique characteristics that set them apart from any previous S&W.

Thanks to all of you who have made valued, meaningful, intelligent contributions and please continue to do so.
 
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