The PD is equiped (as of a few months ago) with a light gathering sight which is amazingly bright in a gun shop but completely black in a dimly lit hallway or parking garage. I think the XS sight with the white ring and glowing center is much better, though I have not tried one in my dark hallway...
M&p 340
- Thread starter DAdams
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wingslevel
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- Jul 28, 2008
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am pretty certain ill opt for the M&P after reading all I have. my reasons are:
-have carried a 442 several hours at a time before on an ankle/pocket without any discomfort. have also carried a 60 on ankle/pocket and while maybe not comfortable it was comforting. so the 13.3 ounce M&P should prove both comforting and more comfortable then both
-have not read any issues with the M&P regarding ammunition crimp pull or finish wearing off like I have the PD
-not hearing anyone say the sight on the M&P not being an improvement.
so in my case, the benefit of the PD came down to lower weight (but as stated I think I can live with the 1.3 oz difference) corrosion resistance of the titanium cylinder (though if the protective coat wears off I am unsure how the porous material will be harmed if at all, cosmetic concerns are not an issue for me at all) and being a better "deal" since can get for the same price as the M&P. but that "deal" is based upon the MSRP not the value for me, so getting the sight, possibly less worry of problems and ability for it (now me perhaps a different story) to fire whatever .38/.357 I can feed it makes it a better deal for the same price.
thanks for all the information in this discussion
-have carried a 442 several hours at a time before on an ankle/pocket without any discomfort. have also carried a 60 on ankle/pocket and while maybe not comfortable it was comforting. so the 13.3 ounce M&P should prove both comforting and more comfortable then both
-have not read any issues with the M&P regarding ammunition crimp pull or finish wearing off like I have the PD
-not hearing anyone say the sight on the M&P not being an improvement.
so in my case, the benefit of the PD came down to lower weight (but as stated I think I can live with the 1.3 oz difference) corrosion resistance of the titanium cylinder (though if the protective coat wears off I am unsure how the porous material will be harmed if at all, cosmetic concerns are not an issue for me at all) and being a better "deal" since can get for the same price as the M&P. but that "deal" is based upon the MSRP not the value for me, so getting the sight, possibly less worry of problems and ability for it (now me perhaps a different story) to fire whatever .38/.357 I can feed it makes it a better deal for the same price.
thanks for all the information in this discussion
trackstar55
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- Oct 16, 2007
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I am sure this has been asked before, but please bear with me. I just got my M&P 340 today. I had some left over Federal Hydrashocks .38 special +P+'s
Is that ammo safe? I read the manual and it only talked about +P ammo not +P+.
Can anyone help a brother out?
Is that ammo safe? I read the manual and it only talked about +P ammo not +P+.
Can anyone help a brother out?
jfh
Member.
trackstar55: as you may know, "+P+" is a label, not a SAAMI standard for pressure. Since it is a load done by a major name-brand manufacture, you could call and see what it actually was loaded to.
My guess is that it still is loaded well under 357 Magnum pressures--e.g., 35,000 PSI or less. I wouldn't hesitate to at least try it.
Whether or not you want to shoot it is the next question--i.e., can you tolerate the recoil and still shoot well?
Jim H.
My guess is that it still is loaded well under 357 Magnum pressures--e.g., 35,000 PSI or less. I wouldn't hesitate to at least try it.
Whether or not you want to shoot it is the next question--i.e., can you tolerate the recoil and still shoot well?
Jim H.
My MP340 didn't go Bang!!!
I took my brand new MP340 to the range this morning, all excited to see how the .357 would feel after a few 38 Specials and +p were tried first. So I load up the pocket rocket with .38 Specials and pull the trigger, nothing happened, kept pulling the trigger and none of the other rounds went bang. Changed to +p ammo and again no bang, tried two different .357 and the same thing, no bang. You can imagine what I was thinking. Put the MP340 down for a while and shot my XD 45 for a few rounds. I tried the MP340 again and now it goes bang and I am happier than a pig in $%^&&. I load up another five and again it doesn't go bang. I keep pulling the trigger until one finally fires. This goes on for some time until I get convinced that this has to go back to SW Monday. It seems that the firing pin does not hit the primer in a consistent manner and the primers were not even touched.
Obviously, this is not what I expected from a Smith and Wesson and shudder to think if this had happened when I was in defense of myself or my family. Dead for sure. Right now I have no confidence in this new MP340 at all and will let SW know that I want a replacement.
Has anyone else out there had a similar experience???
I took my brand new MP340 to the range this morning, all excited to see how the .357 would feel after a few 38 Specials and +p were tried first. So I load up the pocket rocket with .38 Specials and pull the trigger, nothing happened, kept pulling the trigger and none of the other rounds went bang. Changed to +p ammo and again no bang, tried two different .357 and the same thing, no bang. You can imagine what I was thinking. Put the MP340 down for a while and shot my XD 45 for a few rounds. I tried the MP340 again and now it goes bang and I am happier than a pig in $%^&&. I load up another five and again it doesn't go bang. I keep pulling the trigger until one finally fires. This goes on for some time until I get convinced that this has to go back to SW Monday. It seems that the firing pin does not hit the primer in a consistent manner and the primers were not even touched.
Obviously, this is not what I expected from a Smith and Wesson and shudder to think if this had happened when I was in defense of myself or my family. Dead for sure. Right now I have no confidence in this new MP340 at all and will let SW know that I want a replacement.
Has anyone else out there had a similar experience???
gastonmellon
Member
Sign me up. Just got my 340. My wife is getting the 642 and her permit. So its 340 for me.
wingslevel
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- Jul 28, 2008
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ended up grabbing the 340MP over the PD and after getting home discovered the area around the pin for the front sight has a couple small pieces of the black finish chipped off. contacted s&w and theyve recomended sending it back to them for repair (hopefully they'll pick up the shipping tab too).
asked over at another forum and was advised by a couple it was no big deal and others that s&w will pick up the shipping tab and make it right. dealer that sold it NIB offering to replace with a NIB 340PD if I prefer.
so was in the club for a bit, hope to stay in it when its all worked out
asked over at another forum and was advised by a couple it was no big deal and others that s&w will pick up the shipping tab and make it right. dealer that sold it NIB offering to replace with a NIB 340PD if I prefer.
so was in the club for a bit, hope to stay in it when its all worked out
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
kkebs
Sorry to hear about the problem with your 340. I guess by now if you have been reading any Forum regarding any handgun you will know that even the best manufacturers have issues. If it is any consolation even S&W Performance Center products have to go back occassionally.
I had to send a brand new S&W 642-2 back for repair following dry fires and about 75 live fires.
Should it happen? No. Does it happen? More often than it should.
The good news. S&W will cover the shipping both ways and you should be back in business under two weeks.
We look forward to your "working" range report.
Sorry to hear about the problem with your 340. I guess by now if you have been reading any Forum regarding any handgun you will know that even the best manufacturers have issues. If it is any consolation even S&W Performance Center products have to go back occassionally.
I had to send a brand new S&W 642-2 back for repair following dry fires and about 75 live fires.
Should it happen? No. Does it happen? More often than it should.
The good news. S&W will cover the shipping both ways and you should be back in business under two weeks.
We look forward to your "working" range report.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
wingslevel
Typically S&W will pay shipping both ways. Usually they issue an RMA with a prepaid UPS label.
I would send it in myself. It should be perfect when purchased new and you should be able to beat it up on your own terms.
Typically S&W will pay shipping both ways. Usually they issue an RMA with a prepaid UPS label.
I would send it in myself. It should be perfect when purchased new and you should be able to beat it up on your own terms.
Tifosi
Member
I've had my 340PD for about 2 1/2 years now, its my usual daily carry. In the beginning I had issues with the titanium cylinder chipping on the front of the chambers, I was using 145 gr ammo (no 120 issue) The cylinder would chip, I would call S&W the prepaid label would appear then off it went and usually in about a week I would have it back this happened three or four times and it got old. The next time I called with the problem S&W offered to replace the cylinder this time with the black stainless steel one 1.3 oz penalty in weight over the titanium. So that what we did and they haven't seen the 340 since. As far as I'm concerned their service, treatment of the problem and turn around were great, they have a lifelong customer. If you have a problem they will solve it quickly and at their expense not yours.
Cool, Tifosi, you have a MP340PD
I'm taking the M&P to the range tonight for the first time in a month or so. I've been working up some loads in my M27 that I want to try in the little bugger. Everything from a light target wadcutter to some more potent SD-like loads. Also taking a new 1911. Should be fun!
I'm taking the M&P to the range tonight for the first time in a month or so. I've been working up some loads in my M27 that I want to try in the little bugger. Everything from a light target wadcutter to some more potent SD-like loads. Also taking a new 1911. Should be fun!
wingslevel
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- Jul 28, 2008
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once again smith & wesson came through with great service. will pay shipping both ways to refinish 340MP. so now to decide to keep the MP and have refinished or just swap for new 340PD.
have had great service from S&W for my 60, 686, 629 and 625 so glad to hear it's still the same
have had great service from S&W for my 60, 686, 629 and 625 so glad to hear it's still the same
FranklyTodd
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- Nov 27, 2007
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- 517
You didn't directly ask for an opinion, but I'll throw my thoughts in...
You will soon forget this little hiccup with the M&P, if you get your second choice of gun, you will remember forever...
Being without the gun for awhile really sucks, but it will be worth it...
wingslevel
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- Jul 28, 2008
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- 25
youre right that ill soon forget about having to have it refinished, and am glad the service is still as i experienced before. was thinking more of have this chance again to swap out the M&P for the PD for same price so the PD would be a better "deal". but if at the counter I had no idea what the typical price was for the M&P or PD and just had to choose one of the two for the same price I'd opt for the M&P.
I really like the sighting system, and especially the rear notch being opened up so its not as easy as just replacing the front sight on the PD. I've experiemented with having my wife hand me the M&P empty and loaded to place in pocket, ankle and IWB and I can only tell a significant difference in suit pants and as I am previously used to carrying a stainless steel 60-14 all day in a pocket or IWB and I rarely use ankle carry the M&P is a great improvement.
I feel the finish blemish is just a hiccup versus just "waiting" for problems with the PD's cylinder whether rational or not and I am not one to "baby" my firearms.
So the M&P will take a trip to S&W for refinish and save me a 4 hour trip to exchange. May not be as good a "bargain" as the PD for the same price but for my needs think the M&P is a better deal. Though it will now need a big brother like my 686 is to the 60, so now looking for the 386 night gaurd (which I prefer over the 327PD due to L frame over N and using the same 7 shot speedloaders/holsters as my 686) so the M&P will end up costing more in the end afterall!
I really like the sighting system, and especially the rear notch being opened up so its not as easy as just replacing the front sight on the PD. I've experiemented with having my wife hand me the M&P empty and loaded to place in pocket, ankle and IWB and I can only tell a significant difference in suit pants and as I am previously used to carrying a stainless steel 60-14 all day in a pocket or IWB and I rarely use ankle carry the M&P is a great improvement.
I feel the finish blemish is just a hiccup versus just "waiting" for problems with the PD's cylinder whether rational or not and I am not one to "baby" my firearms.
So the M&P will take a trip to S&W for refinish and save me a 4 hour trip to exchange. May not be as good a "bargain" as the PD for the same price but for my needs think the M&P is a better deal. Though it will now need a big brother like my 686 is to the 60, so now looking for the 386 night gaurd (which I prefer over the 327PD due to L frame over N and using the same 7 shot speedloaders/holsters as my 686) so the M&P will end up costing more in the end afterall!
angel1216
Member
almost there!
I was able to trade in my 642 for a bargain price of $300. i bought it for $364 plus tax at a gun show not even a year ago. now, with $300 in my pocket and a $500 bonus from work and almost 18 hrs of overtime!, I will bring home the 340m&p. My only problem now is whether i should buy it W/ the CT grips? and what to do until aug 30-31 for the next fort worth gun show!
I was able to trade in my 642 for a bargain price of $300. i bought it for $364 plus tax at a gun show not even a year ago. now, with $300 in my pocket and a $500 bonus from work and almost 18 hrs of overtime!, I will bring home the 340m&p. My only problem now is whether i should buy it W/ the CT grips? and what to do until aug 30-31 for the next fort worth gun show!
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baxtereyes
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- Apr 8, 2008
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- 12
Almost There - Reply
Great purchase, I had been taking a S&W Mod 38, that was older then dirt, with me for a number of years. It has been great.
The 340 M&P I purchased with the CT grips but have fired it with an without the laser grips. The laser grips are a real asset in both range and aquiring the taget quickly.
Before the 340 I was considering carrying my Sig 229, but the 340 M&P resolved that issue.
The fixed sites and CT's have helped my tired old eyes a lot.
Also "Roger" on the quality of horses.
Ric
Great purchase, I had been taking a S&W Mod 38, that was older then dirt, with me for a number of years. It has been great.
The 340 M&P I purchased with the CT grips but have fired it with an without the laser grips. The laser grips are a real asset in both range and aquiring the taget quickly.
Before the 340 I was considering carrying my Sig 229, but the 340 M&P resolved that issue.
The fixed sites and CT's have helped my tired old eyes a lot.
Also "Roger" on the quality of horses.
Ric
911Boss
Member
Another new THR member and M&P340CT owner...
Came across this thread while over on the Smith-Wessonforum.
Have browsed THR before, but never bothered registering. not really sure if I need yet another gun forum to spend time on, but seems like lots of love here for the 340.
I just picked up a NIB M&P340CT for $799 out the door, gotta love LE pricing!
No time for the range today, but am hoping to get there tomorrow. This is my first J-Frame, have always been more of an auto guy. They have a good reputation and for some reason they have just captured my interest. I shot a rental 642 the other day and was hooked. My wife has a Ruger SP101 which is a great gun, but always thought it was a bit heavy.
Looking forward to reading all 30-some pages, but need to get to bed, big plans for tomorrow!
Came across this thread while over on the Smith-Wessonforum.
Have browsed THR before, but never bothered registering. not really sure if I need yet another gun forum to spend time on, but seems like lots of love here for the 340.
I just picked up a NIB M&P340CT for $799 out the door, gotta love LE pricing!
No time for the range today, but am hoping to get there tomorrow. This is my first J-Frame, have always been more of an auto guy. They have a good reputation and for some reason they have just captured my interest. I shot a rental 642 the other day and was hooked. My wife has a Ruger SP101 which is a great gun, but always thought it was a bit heavy.
Looking forward to reading all 30-some pages, but need to get to bed, big plans for tomorrow!
wingslevel
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2008
- Messages
- 25
Tifosi, noticeable weight difference with SS cylinder?
Hey Tifosi, scanned back through this post and didn't see anything towards this. Since you've had both the titanium and SS cylinder have you noticed a big difference in weight for pocket carry and for shooting?
Thanks
Hey Tifosi, scanned back through this post and didn't see anything towards this. Since you've had both the titanium and SS cylinder have you noticed a big difference in weight for pocket carry and for shooting?
Thanks
911boss - Congratulations on the new weapon!
wingslevel - I have had both the 360 PD and the 360 M&P. Pocket carrying them both around, I really could not tell any difference between the 2. They are each just as comfortable. If you have them side by side comparing the weights, you can tell a slight difference. However, I definitely did not notice it in the pocket.
I did not notice much between the 2 at the range either. I put Crimson Trace 305's on both guns which helped controlling them big time. I will give the slight edge to the M&P. Overall I liked this gun much better than the PD. I really don't have a technical reason though. I just liked the finish, front site,and cylinder better on the M&P. Shooting it is a handful just like the PD. However, the larger grips really help!
wingslevel - I have had both the 360 PD and the 360 M&P. Pocket carrying them both around, I really could not tell any difference between the 2. They are each just as comfortable. If you have them side by side comparing the weights, you can tell a slight difference. However, I definitely did not notice it in the pocket.
I did not notice much between the 2 at the range either. I put Crimson Trace 305's on both guns which helped controlling them big time. I will give the slight edge to the M&P. Overall I liked this gun much better than the PD. I really don't have a technical reason though. I just liked the finish, front site,and cylinder better on the M&P. Shooting it is a handful just like the PD. However, the larger grips really help!
Tifosi
Member
I never felt a difference but I never had both configurations at one time together. Its the best pocket carry for me about 3 years now and I should say that the Mika pocket holster is amazing.
Thanks Robert,
I don't live in LA anymore either
Thanks Robert,
I don't live in LA anymore either
911Boss
Member
Got a chance to take my new lil hand cannon to the range, all I can say is WOW!
As expected, it kicks like a mule on PCP with .357 loads (Double Tap 125gr. GD - approx 1400+fps per DT website). Not painful, but not exactly pleasant either (ok, a little painful, but tolerable...)
Sights are dead on at 25', had to tweak the Crimson Trace a little to match it up, but now they are locked on as well.
I bought a pair of Hogue Mono-grips for range use, they help considerably for getting through a box of .38's and familiarizing myself with it. Afterwards I put the CTC laser back on for carry and to check adjustment with the last 5 rounds of .38. Laser held it's zero perfectly. Loaded it back up with the .357 Double Taps and slipped it back in my pocket.
I should have listened to all the J-Frame afficianados earlier, quite happy. Accurate as hell at SD distance and a hoot to shoot!
Following pic was WWB 130gr. .38 Special, 5 rounds at 21' using the Crimson Trace laser.
As expected, it kicks like a mule on PCP with .357 loads (Double Tap 125gr. GD - approx 1400+fps per DT website). Not painful, but not exactly pleasant either (ok, a little painful, but tolerable...)
Sights are dead on at 25', had to tweak the Crimson Trace a little to match it up, but now they are locked on as well.
I bought a pair of Hogue Mono-grips for range use, they help considerably for getting through a box of .38's and familiarizing myself with it. Afterwards I put the CTC laser back on for carry and to check adjustment with the last 5 rounds of .38. Laser held it's zero perfectly. Loaded it back up with the .357 Double Taps and slipped it back in my pocket.
I should have listened to all the J-Frame afficianados earlier, quite happy. Accurate as hell at SD distance and a hoot to shoot!
Following pic was WWB 130gr. .38 Special, 5 rounds at 21' using the Crimson Trace laser.
Nice post/pics 911Boss and welcome to THR. I still don't have a 340M&P yet but I keep up with this thread because it's the next gun I plan to buy. Maybe by Christmas 
I was just looking at your pics again and it almost looks like the side plate on your 340 is not sitting flush with the frame. Is it raised up some or is it just the picture?
I was just looking at your pics again and it almost looks like the side plate on your 340 is not sitting flush with the frame. Is it raised up some or is it just the picture?
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OP
OP
DAdams
Member
911 Boss
Welcome to the 340 owners group, where we talk about the S&W J Frame snub nosed exotic metal wonders.
Those are very striking photos and the shooting isn't too shabby either. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Welcome to Baxtereyes too.
Lop. Where is that range report?
Welcome to the 340 owners group, where we talk about the S&W J Frame snub nosed exotic metal wonders.
Those are very striking photos and the shooting isn't too shabby either. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Welcome to Baxtereyes too.
Lop. Where is that range report?
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911Boss
Member
It fits flush, it almost looks like it got buggered up by someone trying to open it. One of the screws is a bit grrrd as well. It was NIB, so not really sure. This thread has shown there are some "issues" on guns coming from the factory, I may give SW a call and see about it.
Part of me says, it is going to get worse riding in the pocket, but another part says, I would never pry a gun apart and a $740 gun should start off looking better.
911Boss
Member
DAdams - Thanks, I am really surprised how well it shoots. Even more surprised I wasn't fllinching more after a few rounds of .357.
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