Opinions of S&W 340PD

[dwenslen]

Was looking to get an airlight snubbie-either the 40 or 48 variety, when i came upon a good deal on a like new, shot 5 times and traded smith 340pd.
i have been out of the revolver scene for a while, and scandium frames and titanium cylinders are new to me...anything I should look out for in the 340PD, aside from a hellacious recoil?
I don't want to plunk down the cash on something that does not have the kinks out of it yet. It would be shot occasionally, maybe 50 times every 2 months. probably carried w/ 38 special.

any opinions are appreciated.
cheers,
Derek

 

[41mag]

I like mine.Alot.

I've put about 500 rnds of .38sp & between 100 & 150 rounds of .357 through it.IMO,the recoil issue is a bit overblown.Yes,the recoil with 357s'is sharp.My best analogy was that it felt like catching a hot fastball w/o a mitt.The more I shoot it though the less it bothers me.Must be getting used to it.I've seen others post that they have shot thousands or rounds through theirs.I expect the same.

Oh yeah,it's suprisingly accurate too.

 

[dwenslen]

cool. got a chance to pick one up from a dealer friend for about $425...i think i'm gonna jump on it.
cheers,
Derek

 

[Super Trucker]

If you don't buy it at that price please PM me the sellers number. I recently bought a 642 in .38 but would love to have the 340pd just don't want to pay 600.00 + for it.

 

[Jim4003]

I purchased one of the 342PD's before the 357 models came out. The workmanship was good and the gun shot pretty well. I did like the gun but it never grew on me like some others I own. No complaints other than the recoil was a bit stiff but a good gun. If a airlite is what you want you will get a good gun but an airweight will save you money andd the weight difference is minor.

 

[TK73]

If you think you really like the S&W M340PD and the price is right don't hesitate and purchase it.

Personally, I agree with the last comment Jim4003 made. I'd rather have the more proven "Centennial Airweight" (= S&W 442 and 642) or the "Bodyguard Airweight" (= S&W 38 or 638) with the steel barrel and cylinder in combination with an aluminium alloy frame at lower price instead. I neither trust the "new" materials used completely, nor the lightweight barrel shroud arrangement of the newer J Frames.

 

[stiletto raggio]

I have one listed in the Handguns section for $550 shipped, including two holsters, a ClipDraw, an extra set of grips, and XS Big Dot Tritium sight and all factory packaging/papers. It has had exactly 30 rounds (half .38s) out of it.

I got it for my dad, but he couldn't deal with the recoil. I thought it was a blast to shoot, and on the two occasions I carried it, found it to be really easy on the hip. Great gun, but I can't justify keeping it around when I have a G23 and a Kahr already.

Sorry to make a sales pitch, but I honestly do think it is a sweet gun. I like it enough that it has taken my six months to get serious about selling it.

 

[Greybeard]

I've had 340 since they came out. Quite pleased with it after getting Crimson Trace overmoulded grip to dampen recoil. IMHO, a less expensive griip that covers the backstrap is essential to make the 340s shootable (with 357s) without the pain.

 

[bnormal2]

All I can say is practice with 38's and carry 357's. Takes the bite out of mine

 

[22luvr]

I did not like my 340 SC.....

I didn't like it! Mine is the model that is metallic, not in black finish and does not have the Hi-vis sights.

First, it was ammo sensitive in that certain ammo types would come unseated, jam up against the forcing cone and lock up the cylinder.

I had to send it back to S & W because of cylinder face erosion (they replaced it under their warranty and it came back fairly quickly)

I have never been recoil sensitive but after shooting about 25 .357 mag loads per session, the web of my shooting hand would ache for a couple of days.

I personally had a more difficult time shooting this particular specimen accurately, compared to the dozen other snubbies I have owned previously.

I know it was only cosmetic but the titanium cylinder showed black scorch marks that would not clean off.

For the $610 I paid, it was just too fussy for me and I never could get used to the fact that I could only shoot ammo 120 gr and up.

I eventually sold it, licked my wounds, and moved on.......

so, what was the best all around snubby I owned for pocket carry? My smith model 638 Bodyguard......one sweet shooter and a dream to carry.