S&W M&P 340 or 386NG for Primary Carry

[10pacesmike]

Help me decide. I'm going to throw down on a new revolver for carry and I'm torn between the two.

I LOVE how easy it is to carry J-frames, but I'm giving up two shots to the 386, the control of the larger gun, and some velocity.

I've packed a 686 before without too much trouble so I think the 386 would be fairly easy to pack as well. But man, those J-frames just carry so nicely...

 

[jc650]

I have an MP340 and can carry that in just about any wardrobe from sweatpants and a t shirt to a suit.

I have 3 holsters 1 for iwb,1 for pocket carry and 1 for ankle carry. Tough to beat the concealability of this gun. In my situatation 5 plus a speed strip is fine.

 

[DAdams]

I Have

to throw in on the 340. I bought one soon after they became readily available.
It replaced my 642 and PM 9 as the primary pocket carry. The only time I don't carry it now is when I carry a Seecamp .380.

I really like the sighting system XS Tritium Dot. I like the durable finish and the fact I can run .38-.357.

I have CT 405s on it. Built for carry in a Mika Roundcut.

 

[symr00]

I love the xs front sight on the m&p 340! It's so much easier to get on target than the sights on my older 642.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Both are so different it's hard to compare them.

You have to decide if you want very light or bigger with more rounds. If small and light is most important and you can shoot a J frame well get the M&P M340. Since you said you have carried a M686 without much trouble a 27oz revolver shouldn't be a problem either.

One thing, if you decide you want the larger revolver because it holds 7 rounds why not go for the M327NG and carry 8 rounds? The weight and size are extremely close and price is within $50. If I were buying and decided to buy a NG it would be the M327NG instead of the M386NG.

 

[DAdams]

Good Analysis

AACD. I was blinded by my 340 devotion but a NG would be a good choice. 8 rounds is always good in a revolver.

 

[20nickels]

I went through this last year.

Ultimately the only answer is both as they fill different roles. I bought the 386 first as it's going into winter and concealing is easier.
AACD makes a good point, but it doesn't matter how much I wanted to carry the N frame, and I did, it was just too much for me to tote. The M-386 was pushing it, but the 325 or 327 was just that much thicker. Other's experiences will differ of course. I quite sure I'll end up with a J frame in the near futere. It never ends Mike, just dive in.