Spiff_P239
Member
I'd been looking to pick up a carry gun lately, due partly to the tragic events at Virginia Tech and had pretty much narrowed it down to either a Kahr MK9/PM9 or the Smith & Wesson M&P340/642. I rented the MK9 yesterday and although it was a decent pistol, I didn't quite think it was for me. At 24 oz, it was a little heavy for pocket carry (as I wanted a gun that could do IWB/pocket carry double duty) and the factory grips were cheaply made and slippery. It still shot well but it didn't sell me right then and there on it.
I went back to the range today and rented a 340Sc in .357 Magnum since it was the lightest J-frame they had available (lighter than both of the J-frames I was considering). I decided not to pull any punches so I bought a box of 135 grain Speer Gold Dot +P rounds in .38 special since I figured that would be my carry load. I also brought along some Remington UMC rounds in .38 special and .357 Magnum just in case the revolver didn't leave me hurting after the Speers were gone. While the sights on the 340Sc suck in comparison to those on the M&P 340, I found it to be a very manageable firearm and the recoil was no worse than the MK9 that I had shot yesterday with cheap 9mm range ammo. The rubber boot grip was a much better fit to my hand as well. Even at 12 oz, the 340Sc's recoil was tame even with the couple .357 rounds I put through it, although the shock wave, noise, and flame was mighty impressive (my girlfriend commented on it too even though she was shooting in the lane next to me). Keep in mind that I'm only 5'7, 145 pounds (rounding up). Posts on a number of forums regarding the recoil of these J-frames had me worried, but recoil is definitely a subjective quantity as I am no worse for the wear.
So the M&P will be on its way possibly Saturday and will definitely show up next week. At 13.3 oz it will be light enough for everyday carry and still be capable of firing a heavy duty cartridge. The XS front tritium night sight and U-groove rear sight make for a great sight picture. Those features more than justified the $220 premium over the 642 I was considering, plus it's evil and black. What's not to love? I'll post pics of it when it comes in next week.
I went back to the range today and rented a 340Sc in .357 Magnum since it was the lightest J-frame they had available (lighter than both of the J-frames I was considering). I decided not to pull any punches so I bought a box of 135 grain Speer Gold Dot +P rounds in .38 special since I figured that would be my carry load. I also brought along some Remington UMC rounds in .38 special and .357 Magnum just in case the revolver didn't leave me hurting after the Speers were gone. While the sights on the 340Sc suck in comparison to those on the M&P 340, I found it to be a very manageable firearm and the recoil was no worse than the MK9 that I had shot yesterday with cheap 9mm range ammo. The rubber boot grip was a much better fit to my hand as well. Even at 12 oz, the 340Sc's recoil was tame even with the couple .357 rounds I put through it, although the shock wave, noise, and flame was mighty impressive (my girlfriend commented on it too even though she was shooting in the lane next to me). Keep in mind that I'm only 5'7, 145 pounds (rounding up). Posts on a number of forums regarding the recoil of these J-frames had me worried, but recoil is definitely a subjective quantity as I am no worse for the wear.
So the M&P will be on its way possibly Saturday and will definitely show up next week. At 13.3 oz it will be light enough for everyday carry and still be capable of firing a heavy duty cartridge. The XS front tritium night sight and U-groove rear sight make for a great sight picture. Those features more than justified the $220 premium over the 642 I was considering, plus it's evil and black. What's not to love? I'll post pics of it when it comes in next week.
It will keep the 642 and PM9 company.
