S&W 340 vs 360
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earlthegoat2
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One is a Chiefs Special with an exposed hammer. This can be fired double or single action.(360)
One is a Centennial with the enclosed hammer or sometimes inappropriately called the hammerless. This is also double action only. (340)
Basically depending on your needs it is up to you. They are literally the same gun except for the above differences.
One is a Centennial with the enclosed hammer or sometimes inappropriately called the hammerless. This is also double action only. (340)
Basically depending on your needs it is up to you. They are literally the same gun except for the above differences.
earlthegoat2
Member
With the M&P 340, it is a "scandium" frame with a steel cylinder. The 340 PD is the same but with a Titanium cylinder to save weight.
If it was up to me I would get the M&P as it is at what many would consider the lowest allowable weight for 38 +Ps even. They are both totally impractical for 357s although some neanderthals might like to argue that.
If it was up to me I would get the M&P as it is at what many would consider the lowest allowable weight for 38 +Ps even. They are both totally impractical for 357s although some neanderthals might like to argue that.
jfh
Member.
And, there are (currently) two 360s
one is 38+P only, the other is 38/357.
Discussions of the two's differences can be found here, in the M&P 340 thread.
The primary difference, then, between the 360s and the 340s is the type of action--SA/DA, with a hammer exposed, and DAO, with no exposed hammer. Personally, I prefer DAO for carry.
I assume you will want to carry your 'snub nose'--and if you have already committed to the idea of pocket carry, then that capability is the forte of these particular j-frames. If you are NOT committed to pocket carry, then there are innumerable other short-barrel revolvers to consider. For example, check out various S&W Night Guard revolvers--these have the Scandium frames, short(er) barrels, but in other frame sizes.
added on edit: The 340PD, with its titanium cylinder, has had some problems, I understand. Apparently, the coating on the chamber walls of the cylinder can be scratched, leading to (at least) hard extraction. S&W has serviced these with no problems, but for at least one owner, recommended installing the M&P 340 (steel) cylinder.
The real plus of the 340PD--with its 2oz lighter weight, might show up for people needing a BUG in ankle carry. I know of no one who routinely shoots 357 factory rounds from the PD, and there are few who shoot them in the M&P340 / 360 Chief's Special. A j-frame in this weight range is really a 38+P handgun, IMO.
Jim H.
one is 38+P only, the other is 38/357.
Discussions of the two's differences can be found here, in the M&P 340 thread.
The primary difference, then, between the 360s and the 340s is the type of action--SA/DA, with a hammer exposed, and DAO, with no exposed hammer. Personally, I prefer DAO for carry.
I assume you will want to carry your 'snub nose'--and if you have already committed to the idea of pocket carry, then that capability is the forte of these particular j-frames. If you are NOT committed to pocket carry, then there are innumerable other short-barrel revolvers to consider. For example, check out various S&W Night Guard revolvers--these have the Scandium frames, short(er) barrels, but in other frame sizes.
added on edit: The 340PD, with its titanium cylinder, has had some problems, I understand. Apparently, the coating on the chamber walls of the cylinder can be scratched, leading to (at least) hard extraction. S&W has serviced these with no problems, but for at least one owner, recommended installing the M&P 340 (steel) cylinder.
The real plus of the 340PD--with its 2oz lighter weight, might show up for people needing a BUG in ankle carry. I know of no one who routinely shoots 357 factory rounds from the PD, and there are few who shoot them in the M&P340 / 360 Chief's Special. A j-frame in this weight range is really a 38+P handgun, IMO.
Jim H.
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earlthegoat2
Member
Apparently from Smiths website the 360 is 38 and the 360 PD is 357. Then there is also the 342 PD which is 38 only with the Titanium cylinder.
jfh
Member.
I'm completely satisfied with mine, I know. Consider getting the version with the Crimson Trace (laser) grip--really a wonderful combination.
Take some time to read the M&P 340 thread. Depending on how obsessive you are, you can start with the opening post--or, to get a take of the "current" opinions--read perhaps the last five-ten pages.
Any other questions, feel free to ask.
Jim H.
Take some time to read the M&P 340 thread. Depending on how obsessive you are, you can start with the opening post--or, to get a take of the "current" opinions--read perhaps the last five-ten pages.
Any other questions, feel free to ask.
Jim H.
DAdams
Member
JFH, thanks for your excellent analysis and objective opinion. You are a great resource.
CJC-
I have had a M&P 340 for a few years now. Bought one a few months after they came out following an evaluation of the marketplace offerings at the time. If I were in the market today and doing my homework as you are, I would come to the same conclusion...again. M&P 340 with CT 405 grips.
If you plan to IWB or OWB, (inside or outside the belt) or wear pants with deep pockets, (ie Columbia Landers) you may wish to consider the slightly longer CT 305 grips.
The short path to personal protection satisfaction as researched by "many"...M&P 340 (with or without CT grips), Mika Pocket Holster Roundcut (assuming pocket carry), Bianchi Speedstrip for backup reload, Speer Gold Dot/Short Barrel (part number 23921) .38 spl +P 135 gr (my preference) or CORBON 110gr DPX +P, my second choice.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 340 Thread and best regards.
CJC-
I have had a M&P 340 for a few years now. Bought one a few months after they came out following an evaluation of the marketplace offerings at the time. If I were in the market today and doing my homework as you are, I would come to the same conclusion...again. M&P 340 with CT 405 grips.
If you plan to IWB or OWB, (inside or outside the belt) or wear pants with deep pockets, (ie Columbia Landers) you may wish to consider the slightly longer CT 305 grips.
The short path to personal protection satisfaction as researched by "many"...M&P 340 (with or without CT grips), Mika Pocket Holster Roundcut (assuming pocket carry), Bianchi Speedstrip for backup reload, Speer Gold Dot/Short Barrel (part number 23921) .38 spl +P 135 gr (my preference) or CORBON 110gr DPX +P, my second choice.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 340 Thread and best regards.
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