AStone
Member
Ah, yes. Got it.
Well, you're still a crazy man, but at least you're a rational crazy man with a reasonable goal.
M&p 340
- Thread starter DAdams
- Start date
- Status
Well, you're still a crazy man, but at least you're a rational crazy man with a reasonable goal.
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Nem
Yes indeed, there is usually a method to my madness.
Blackhawk CQC
Megatronrules was seeking additional information on the Blackhawk CQC OWB Holster. I took some new photos (with a 340 of course) for details.
Yes indeed, there is usually a method to my madness.
Blackhawk CQC
Megatronrules was seeking additional information on the Blackhawk CQC OWB Holster. I took some new photos (with a 340 of course) for details.
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megatronrules
Member
DAdams thank I'll be ordering one of these holsters tomorrow.
altitude_19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2008
- Messages
- 650
Can't beat the value. It's arguable better quality could be had in a custom holster (Kramer, etc) but not for the ROCKIN' price Blackhawk slaps on 'em.
Dollar An Hour
Member
A good day...
Managed to get out to the range with a few of my guns, including the 340 M&P. 50 rounds of .38's and 20 rounds of my carry load .357 Golden Sabres. Gun is running smooth! My range won't let us shoot any closer than 10 yards, but at that range I have no problem rapid firing all five into a pie plate sized circle. Chances are, of course, any BG that needs shootin' is going to be much closer than 10 yds.
Here's a couple pics. Grips are Pachmayr Compac Pros, I love 'em. Best compromise I've found between concealability and comfort.
Managed to get out to the range with a few of my guns, including the 340 M&P.
50 rounds of .38's and 20 rounds of my carry load .357 Golden Sabres. Gun is running smooth! My range won't let us shoot any closer than 10 yards, but at that range I have no problem rapid firing all five into a pie plate sized circle. Chances are, of course, any BG that needs shootin' is going to be much closer than 10 yds. Here's a couple pics. Grips are Pachmayr Compac Pros, I love 'em. Best compromise I've found between concealability and comfort.
Marvin KNox
Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 244
I love my 340 M&P and I've put a thousand rounds or so through it as well as a few thousand practice squeezes. It smoothed out some for sure.
But I considered getting a K frame for my main carry and using the M&P as my back up. This, because of comfort in shooting at the range, my packing on the belt for my main carry, and because of the J-frane truggers, I took a chance and got an all steel 640 for my main belt carry gun instead of stepping up in size to the K frame model. I almost always carry the M&P as my back up.
I got premium trigger/spring/firing pin work done on both guns so they could be all they could be since these are my only guns to speak of. I sent them off to Randy Lee who I understand is one of the best, if not the best, revolver guys in the world.
They are both much better now than they were and I'm satisfied with both. They come in around 8# DA pull and perhaps 5+ SA pull. This is about as light as J-frames can be done and still remain dependable for carry IMO.
I had the SA "notch" minimized because I like to pull through in DA mode and not get into the habit of stopping at the notch because that makes it more instinctive for self defense and minimizes the chance of mistakes IMO. I was told that you don't want to make it a totally DA pull all the way through because they tend to go out of time more often if you do that.
I must say that the trigger on the heavier all steel 640 is so much better than the M&P back up gun that there is no comparison. The 640 approaches the trigger on a K frame IMO, although not quite as good. A K frame can be made to be smooth and dependable with as low as 5 or 6 #'s pull DA and 3#'s pull at the single action part.
That's not to disparage the 340M&P. I carry it back up all the time and still love it also in it's own way. It's just that the 640 trigger is so much better and it's so much nicer to shoot at the range that they aren't really even close to the same gun even though they are the same Centennial design.
Just for what it's worth!
But I considered getting a K frame for my main carry and using the M&P as my back up. This, because of comfort in shooting at the range, my packing on the belt for my main carry, and because of the J-frane truggers, I took a chance and got an all steel 640 for my main belt carry gun instead of stepping up in size to the K frame model. I almost always carry the M&P as my back up.
I got premium trigger/spring/firing pin work done on both guns so they could be all they could be since these are my only guns to speak of. I sent them off to Randy Lee who I understand is one of the best, if not the best, revolver guys in the world.
They are both much better now than they were and I'm satisfied with both. They come in around 8# DA pull and perhaps 5+ SA pull. This is about as light as J-frames can be done and still remain dependable for carry IMO.
I had the SA "notch" minimized because I like to pull through in DA mode and not get into the habit of stopping at the notch because that makes it more instinctive for self defense and minimizes the chance of mistakes IMO. I was told that you don't want to make it a totally DA pull all the way through because they tend to go out of time more often if you do that.
I must say that the trigger on the heavier all steel 640 is so much better than the M&P back up gun that there is no comparison. The 640 approaches the trigger on a K frame IMO, although not quite as good. A K frame can be made to be smooth and dependable with as low as 5 or 6 #'s pull DA and 3#'s pull at the single action part.
That's not to disparage the 340M&P. I carry it back up all the time and still love it also in it's own way. It's just that the 640 trigger is so much better and it's so much nicer to shoot at the range that they aren't really even close to the same gun even though they are the same Centennial design.
Just for what it's worth!
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Dollar an Hour-
That 340 is looking very sharp in those Pachmayrs I must say.
Not bad, not bad at all.
Marvin Knox-
Thanks for sharing, I don't blame you on something just a tad heavier for a main carry. Having a 1/4 inch longer barrel certainly won't hurt. Are you carrying it with Plus P or .357?
I'll bet those are some smooth operators now having top of the line action jobs.
I like the K frames myself and hope to fill in between my Js and L someday.
If I every run across a 940 (9mm) I would scoop it just for novelty sake.
Thanks for your continued input.
That 340 is looking very sharp in those Pachmayrs I must say.
Not bad, not bad at all.
Marvin Knox-
Thanks for sharing, I don't blame you on something just a tad heavier for a main carry. Having a 1/4 inch longer barrel certainly won't hurt. Are you carrying it with Plus P or .357?
I'll bet those are some smooth operators now having top of the line action jobs.
I like the K frames myself and hope to fill in between my Js and L someday.
If I every run across a 940 (9mm) I would scoop it just for novelty sake.
Thanks for your continued input.
Marvin KNox
Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 244
DAdams
I carry the 125gr. .357 magnum DPX in both guns. I wanted to stay with the same ammo for both guns. They are reduced .357 loads compared to the full house stuff. They probably give me a little over 1100fps which is a pretty good step up from .38 +p's - enough to make it worthwhile IMO.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/can_less_be_more.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 357 Magnum 125 gr DPX Ammo.htm
It works out in the snubbies that I'm really packing about a 9mm performance gun. But it is a small revolver which is important to me.
To be perfectly honest with everyone, I just like the idea of packing .357 magnums even if mine aren't the hottest I could carry. Bragging rights with the boys I guess.
Expense doesn't bother me much since I use a nice cheap reload from Mastercast that replicates the POI and recoil of the DPX close enough for occasional practice with .357's.
http://www.mastercast.net/amo.htm
Once sighted in with the DPX, I don't have to fire many to keep current, as it were. I practice mostly with a low power .38 load and dry fire with the laser on the wall etc.
The replica load gets 1290 from a 6" barrel according to Mastercast. That's close to the DPX. 125gr. hollow points make them shoot pretty much like the expensive stuff IMO.
There's no doubt in my mind that a nice K frame would shoot better than the 640. But I carry concealed so I compromised. Still pretty smooth.
I carry a Ruger LCP in my jeans or shorts for casual use.
When I'm doing security, I carry the 640 strong side about 3:30ish. I wear a suit or sport coat often and when I do I carry the 340 in a Ken Null "City Slicker" rig. That allows me to access back up with my strong hand as well as draw while seated if need be. I have a belly band for the 340 as well. It sees use occasionally.
The 640 is definately my first choice for any action though.
I have the 305 CT's on the 640 and the 405's on the 340. I also have a laser on the LCP.
The LCP is carried a lot because of size. But obviously it is underpowered compared to what I really want to carry. I looked at a few very small 9mm's. But it seemed to me that they weren't enough better than the 340 to conceal. So it was drop back to the LCP or forget something smaller and flatter altogether.
Nice talking to you guys here in the 340 M&P thread again.
I carry the 125gr. .357 magnum DPX in both guns. I wanted to stay with the same ammo for both guns. They are reduced .357 loads compared to the full house stuff. They probably give me a little over 1100fps which is a pretty good step up from .38 +p's - enough to make it worthwhile IMO.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/can_less_be_more.htm
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 357 Magnum 125 gr DPX Ammo.htm
It works out in the snubbies that I'm really packing about a 9mm performance gun. But it is a small revolver which is important to me.
To be perfectly honest with everyone, I just like the idea of packing .357 magnums even if mine aren't the hottest I could carry. Bragging rights with the boys I guess.
Expense doesn't bother me much since I use a nice cheap reload from Mastercast that replicates the POI and recoil of the DPX close enough for occasional practice with .357's.
http://www.mastercast.net/amo.htm
Once sighted in with the DPX, I don't have to fire many to keep current, as it were. I practice mostly with a low power .38 load and dry fire with the laser on the wall etc.
The replica load gets 1290 from a 6" barrel according to Mastercast. That's close to the DPX. 125gr. hollow points make them shoot pretty much like the expensive stuff IMO.
There's no doubt in my mind that a nice K frame would shoot better than the 640. But I carry concealed so I compromised. Still pretty smooth.
I carry a Ruger LCP in my jeans or shorts for casual use.
When I'm doing security, I carry the 640 strong side about 3:30ish. I wear a suit or sport coat often and when I do I carry the 340 in a Ken Null "City Slicker" rig. That allows me to access back up with my strong hand as well as draw while seated if need be. I have a belly band for the 340 as well. It sees use occasionally.
The 640 is definately my first choice for any action though.
I have the 305 CT's on the 640 and the 405's on the 340. I also have a laser on the LCP.
The LCP is carried a lot because of size. But obviously it is underpowered compared to what I really want to carry. I looked at a few very small 9mm's. But it seemed to me that they weren't enough better than the 340 to conceal. So it was drop back to the LCP or forget something smaller and flatter altogether.
Nice talking to you guys here in the 340 M&P thread again.
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megatronrules
Member
Heres some more 340 M&P goodness
OP
OP
DAdams
Member
Marvin
You have come a long way. As have many of us, myself included. It is the journey not the destination.
Guess I am going to have to work on my technique.
I would have to vice grip, bench and lock to get this group, maybe I'll have to see if this is the magic boolet.
Thanks for the pics Megatron.
You have come a long way. As have many of us, myself included. It is the journey not the destination.
Guess I am going to have to work on my technique.
I would have to vice grip, bench and lock to get this group, maybe I'll have to see if this is the magic boolet.
Thanks for the pics Megatron.
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Dollar An Hour
Member
Marvin - I agree it's nice to carry .357 "milds" just because we can. Still trumps a .38 Spl load although Buffalo Bore has some screamers worth a look.
Megatron - nice pics!
Megatron - nice pics!
Marvin KNox
Member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 244
Dollar an Hour
Many have said that .38's expell easier than .357's because of our short cylinder rod. I thought about going +p (just thought about it a little) for that reason.
But I choose to carry a New York reload instead of trying to reload in the heat of stress with it's accompanying lack of fine motor skills. So the .357 extraction problem is a non problem for me.
I have shot "hot" +p's and found them to expell not much easier than the .357's if any easier anyway - no matter what they say.
Besides - it just seems right to pack a .357 instead of a .38. Machismo I suppose. But so be it.
Just a few thoughts!
Many have said that .38's expell easier than .357's because of our short cylinder rod. I thought about going +p (just thought about it a little) for that reason.
But I choose to carry a New York reload instead of trying to reload in the heat of stress with it's accompanying lack of fine motor skills. So the .357 extraction problem is a non problem for me.
I have shot "hot" +p's and found them to expell not much easier than the .357's if any easier anyway - no matter what they say.
Besides - it just seems right to pack a .357 instead of a .38. Machismo I suppose. But so be it.
Just a few thoughts!
altitude_19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2008
- Messages
- 650
Regardless of cartridge length, it's been my experience any problems expelling spent cartridges is a result of user error. A "pump" on the end of the ejector will only push cartridges partially out of the cylinder (this is NOT a full-length ejector rod!). A more decisive "tap" however, will often send spent shells flying for a good couple feet. I'm a 38+P guy myself, but I don't use my incompetence with the ejector system of the revolver to justify it.
megatronrules
Member
Thanks DAdams and dollar an hour I just snapped them quick last night my photography skills aren't the best but I though you guys would like them. I had a question on ammo and my 340 M&P could holding the gun to loosely cause crimp jump issues? I ask as I has some Remington golden sabers 125gr'ers jump crimp in my gun a couple months ago,but I see others here have not reported this with the same ammo in their 340's. Thanks for any help.
Bodycamp13
Member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2008
- Messages
- 6
Newbie
After lugging around a larger XD-40 for several years, I made the plunge this week and traded. I looked at every option and ...
...ended up with the M&P 340 - so I guess I'm a member of the club.
The M&P 340 is simply the best package available. Liked the LCR but in my opinion they aren't very aesthetically pleasing. Couldn't make myself go that route.
Put some Dold Dot Short Barrel +P's in it. Picked up a box of CCI shot loads for field use and a box of 158 RNL's for wringing her in. Only box of DPX I've seen so far was $50!
Hope to hit the range this week.
Looking at a High Noon tuckable holster right now. Need to try a pocket holster. I don't like pocket carry without one because of the profile.
Can't believe how well this thing points for such a small gun.
After lugging around a larger XD-40 for several years, I made the plunge this week and traded. I looked at every option and ...
...ended up with the M&P 340 - so I guess I'm a member of the club.
The M&P 340 is simply the best package available. Liked the LCR but in my opinion they aren't very aesthetically pleasing. Couldn't make myself go that route.
Put some Dold Dot Short Barrel +P's in it. Picked up a box of CCI shot loads for field use and a box of 158 RNL's for wringing her in. Only box of DPX I've seen so far was $50!
Hope to hit the range this week.
Looking at a High Noon tuckable holster right now. Need to try a pocket holster. I don't like pocket carry without one because of the profile.
Can't believe how well this thing points for such a small gun.
megatronrules
Member
Bodycamp13 I'd suggest an uncle mikes pocket holster size #4,its what I carry my 340 M&P in and it works great. Its a very thing holster and add no bulk to the gun yest breaks up the outline nicely it looks like a wallet in your pocket and they are only like $20. I love my 340 M&P I'm going to add the LG-405 laser grips soon as well maybe,I especially like the XS big dot front sigh and rear grove gutter sight. I feel this is the best small carry option out there right now as well and your right it does point instinctively well for a snub nose revolver.
megatronrules
Member
Hey guys my Altamont silver black boot grips came today for my 340 M&P. I really love these grips they're awesome and the checkering is really nice as well. Also the wood grain is just to die for,these pictures do not do these grips justice,I think they're worth every penny of the $45 I spend on them. So my fellow 340 M&P club members here is some more M&P 340 porn enjoy.
angel1216
Member
Dollar An Hour
Member
Really sharp looking grips Megatronrules... I bet they work great in the pocket too.
Bodycamp13
Member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2008
- Messages
- 6
holster
Picked up a Blackhawk pocket holster for my 340 and wanted to let everyone know they should try before you buy. Mine doesn't stick in my pocket well at all. I tried drawing the gun both fast and slow and the holster would stay on the gun at least 50% of the time in Docker's Khakis. I wear them almost every day, so this holster will not work for me. Good thing it was only $14 or so.
Seems to be made relatively well and works with jeans ok.
YMMV.
Picked up a Blackhawk pocket holster for my 340 and wanted to let everyone know they should try before you buy. Mine doesn't stick in my pocket well at all. I tried drawing the gun both fast and slow and the holster would stay on the gun at least 50% of the time in Docker's Khakis. I wear them almost every day, so this holster will not work for me. Good thing it was only $14 or so.
Seems to be made relatively well and works with jeans ok.
YMMV.
megatronrules
Member
Dollar an hour I really like these grips a lot and yes they are great for pocket carry as well.
PAAiredale
Member
Holster Review: Safariland Model 25
On a previous post I commented on my search for a pocket holster. I recently received a Safariland Model 25 pocket holster, mostly due to the recommendation of Massad Ayoob in The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry.
I ordered from OpticsPlanet, and the holster shipped in only a few days. Here is my opinion of the holster along with some photos (included since I couldn’t find any elsewhere on the web).
First, the holster is constructed of a rigid plastic shell that is approximately form fitted to the gun (on one side). This shell is covered with a suede-like, synthetic material. The suede-like covering is slightly larger than the rigid plastic shell and extends beyond the shell forming an open muzzle end in the holster. The outer side of the holster (away from the leg) covers all but the grip of the 340; whereas, the inner side (against the leg) is cut back a bit to expose part of the frame and the cylinder release. I should also note that the shape of the holster allows for a full grip before extraction from the holster, i.e. the holster does not interfere with my middle finger position on the grip. The M&P340CT slides in and out of the rigid holster easily, and the rough surface works well to keep the holster in the pocket.
Because the outer side of the holster is not formed to the shape of the gun, it hides rather well in the pocket, i.e. it does not “print”.
The gun sits at an angle inside the holster such that the muzzle is approximately centered in the open end of the holster, i.e. the front sight does not contact the shell of the holster. In fact there is quite a bit of clearance between the gun site and the shell of the holster (see photo below).
The angle of the holster inside my pocket is a bit of a problem (both in jeans and in Dockers). The holster rotates towards the grip so that the butt of the grip contacts the back edge of my pocket. This makes it difficult to grasp the grip inside the pocket for proper draw. I must either reposition the holster inside my pocket to get two fingers around the grip, or draw the gun and then establish the proper grip.
The other issue is that there is NO RETENTION of the gun inside the holster--tilt the holster over and the gun will fall out. I suspect that with any strenuous activity the gun may come out of my pocket. Retention of the gun inside the holster is determined only by gravity and friction of the grip (Crimson Trace LG-405) against the material of the pocket. Of course, the gun draws from the pocket with extreme ease and the holster stays in the pocket.
I suppose it’s possible that over time the rigid shell will collapse somewhat to establish some retention on the gun, but I doubt it. It’s also possible that another style of pants will have a pocket that works better with the Safariland 25, but I don’t own any.
The Safariland Model 25 is a pretty good, but not perfect. The biggest problem is maintaining the correct orientation in the pocket. Because I was not completely satisfied with the Safariland 25, I also ordered an RKBA pocket holster (which I already have) and a Mika holster (that I’m still waiting for). I’ll review these in later posts.
On a previous post I commented on my search for a pocket holster. I recently received a Safariland Model 25 pocket holster, mostly due to the recommendation of Massad Ayoob in The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry.
I ordered from OpticsPlanet, and the holster shipped in only a few days. Here is my opinion of the holster along with some photos (included since I couldn’t find any elsewhere on the web).
First, the holster is constructed of a rigid plastic shell that is approximately form fitted to the gun (on one side). This shell is covered with a suede-like, synthetic material. The suede-like covering is slightly larger than the rigid plastic shell and extends beyond the shell forming an open muzzle end in the holster. The outer side of the holster (away from the leg) covers all but the grip of the 340; whereas, the inner side (against the leg) is cut back a bit to expose part of the frame and the cylinder release. I should also note that the shape of the holster allows for a full grip before extraction from the holster, i.e. the holster does not interfere with my middle finger position on the grip. The M&P340CT slides in and out of the rigid holster easily, and the rough surface works well to keep the holster in the pocket.
Because the outer side of the holster is not formed to the shape of the gun, it hides rather well in the pocket, i.e. it does not “print”.
The gun sits at an angle inside the holster such that the muzzle is approximately centered in the open end of the holster, i.e. the front sight does not contact the shell of the holster. In fact there is quite a bit of clearance between the gun site and the shell of the holster (see photo below).
The angle of the holster inside my pocket is a bit of a problem (both in jeans and in Dockers). The holster rotates towards the grip so that the butt of the grip contacts the back edge of my pocket. This makes it difficult to grasp the grip inside the pocket for proper draw. I must either reposition the holster inside my pocket to get two fingers around the grip, or draw the gun and then establish the proper grip.
The other issue is that there is NO RETENTION of the gun inside the holster--tilt the holster over and the gun will fall out. I suspect that with any strenuous activity the gun may come out of my pocket. Retention of the gun inside the holster is determined only by gravity and friction of the grip (Crimson Trace LG-405) against the material of the pocket. Of course, the gun draws from the pocket with extreme ease and the holster stays in the pocket.
I suppose it’s possible that over time the rigid shell will collapse somewhat to establish some retention on the gun, but I doubt it. It’s also possible that another style of pants will have a pocket that works better with the Safariland 25, but I don’t own any.
The Safariland Model 25 is a pretty good, but not perfect. The biggest problem is maintaining the correct orientation in the pocket. Because I was not completely satisfied with the Safariland 25, I also ordered an RKBA pocket holster (which I already have) and a Mika holster (that I’m still waiting for). I’ll review these in later posts.
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PAAiredale
Member
Holster Review: RKBA S&W J-Frame
I previously reviewed the Safariland Model 25 pocket holster. Here is my review of the RKBA pocket holster for S&W J-Frame along with quite a few pictures.
The holster is leather and rather stiff all around. Mine is rough side out on both sides, and dyed black (natural against the gun). Both sides of the holster are cut evenly and cover just about to the back of the trigger guard of the M&P340. The factory Crimson Trace LG-405 does not interfere with the holster. The cut of the holster allows for a full grip before extraction from the holster, but it is rather tight. I have medium-large hands and my finger fits with little room to spare, so I suspect someone with large hands may have difficulty getting their finger between the leather and the grip. Grips other than the LG-405 may offer more clearance.
The bottom of the holster is open, but the leather partially covers the bore.
The leather provides good retention. In fact it was rather tight when I got it but I followed Stephen’s recommendation and used a plastic bag over the gun to stretch the leather. In fact I used a plastic grocery bag folded in quarters. After a day or too it was actually too loose, but it tightened up again to the point where there is sufficient retention without great difficulty in reholstering.
The holster maintains a good angle inside the pocket and works well with both jeans and Dockers. Even though it is not a square holster it is flat enough to maintain the correct angel in square cargo pockets. The one small problem with cargo pockets is that the holster can come out with the gun! That’s where the little “hooks” come into play. If I draw the gun with a little bit of a sweep so that it drags against the edge of the pocket the “hook” near the rear sight catches the fabric of the pocket and stays put.
The RKBA S&W J-Frame is a good holster at a reasonable price ($36). My only complaint is that there is minimal clearance between the leather and the grip making it a little slow to get a proper grip on the gun.
I previously reviewed the Safariland Model 25 pocket holster. Here is my review of the RKBA pocket holster for S&W J-Frame along with quite a few pictures.
The holster is leather and rather stiff all around. Mine is rough side out on both sides, and dyed black (natural against the gun). Both sides of the holster are cut evenly and cover just about to the back of the trigger guard of the M&P340. The factory Crimson Trace LG-405 does not interfere with the holster. The cut of the holster allows for a full grip before extraction from the holster, but it is rather tight. I have medium-large hands and my finger fits with little room to spare, so I suspect someone with large hands may have difficulty getting their finger between the leather and the grip. Grips other than the LG-405 may offer more clearance.
The bottom of the holster is open, but the leather partially covers the bore.
The leather provides good retention. In fact it was rather tight when I got it but I followed Stephen’s recommendation and used a plastic bag over the gun to stretch the leather. In fact I used a plastic grocery bag folded in quarters. After a day or too it was actually too loose, but it tightened up again to the point where there is sufficient retention without great difficulty in reholstering.
The holster maintains a good angle inside the pocket and works well with both jeans and Dockers. Even though it is not a square holster it is flat enough to maintain the correct angel in square cargo pockets. The one small problem with cargo pockets is that the holster can come out with the gun! That’s where the little “hooks” come into play. If I draw the gun with a little bit of a sweep so that it drags against the edge of the pocket the “hook” near the rear sight catches the fabric of the pocket and stays put.
The RKBA S&W J-Frame is a good holster at a reasonable price ($36). My only complaint is that there is minimal clearance between the leather and the grip making it a little slow to get a proper grip on the gun.
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