- Joined
- Aug 24, 2013
- Messages
- 514
It is a superb, potent, and very attractive revolver that shines as a hiking companion.
Stout, lightweight, full-power capable, and easily slips into a jacket or pants pocket.
Pocket carry is my plan
It is a superb, potent, and very attractive revolver that shines as a hiking companion.
Stout, lightweight, full-power capable, and easily slips into a jacket or pants pocket.
Please keep us posted. I always worry that I am being a sissy about that gun's recoil. I mean, I don't want you to die or anything, but it would make me feel better if you sprain a wrist or two.
Years ago I shot a T/C pistol chambered in 30-30. Once was enough. Later I shot a S&W 500mag and Ruger 454 Casull. Brutal...once was enough for both guns (I was surprised that the 500 mag recoil seems not as bad as the 454 Casull...). With this 340 PD, I won't be in a rush to fire hot .357 loads but I am confident it will happen
I had a 340 PD for several years. I don't think Smith ever offered a ported one. Mine was so miserable to shoot that I stopped carrying it with 158 grain hollow points and loaded .38 Special +Ps. I have several larger .357s and 2 .44s...S&W 629 3" and a Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5". Of course they are far heavier so they are pretty mild shooting....the 340 PD is the most miserable shooting gun I have ever shot. I paid a bit over $900 for it (pricey Scandium, I guess) and a neighbor offered me $750 for it after I had kept it for around 10 years. I sold it and I don't miss it. In a self defense encounter, with the adrenaline pumping, you may not notice the recoil but it is brutal. If you buy it, invest in some larger grips with something covering the back strap. It's marginally better if you can get another finger on it. You've been warned!Hey Guys,
I was at the local gunshop and noticed a 340 PD scandium frame 357. It's ported and is very clean.
I know shooting 357 loads will be no fun but I have been shopping for a j-frame revolver for CCW. My questions......
Did S&W produce a ported version of this snubby?
Is this rare and I should jump on it before it finds another home?
If you have one, do you like it? and have you compared ported vs not ported?
Is the 340 PD too crazy and I should just steer clear?
I have that one. It's a good gun to carry but not a good gun to train with and, although it would be better than nothing, it wouldn't be a good choice for a serious gun fight IMO. It's great for deep concealment and it's a decent left handed/BUG. The lack of a hammer is nice for pocket carry but it precludes the use of a belly band holster or at least my belly band holster. I actually had to pull it once and ever since then I have felt like I'd rather have a Glock if I needed to pull a gun. That being said, it's one gun that I would be very hesitant to get rid of because it does have a niche. I'm thinking about getting another one in fact but the 360 with the exposed hammer. I also want the 351 .22 Mag version.
I've been carrying a Glock 29 in a chest rig for trail running, which works well enough but is pretty heavy. A 340PD would be ideal, and could probably be carried in a hydration vest, whereas even the subcompact Glock doesn't fit. Lord knows I really don't need to go buying a 340PD, but...
I carry a kimber ultra carry in my belly band and an extra magazine. It comes in at 2.49 pounds total weight and it does get to flopping around when I run trails which I do frequently. The J frame would be ideal in this roll but, again, the lack of a hammer makes it undoable with my current belly band holster. My Glock 30 is just a little chunky in this holster but compatible and my 29 has a suppressor attachment device on it which would dig into my abdomen real bad so it's not a real good choice for running. That leaves the Kimber which I'm pretty fond of anyways but, ideally, the 360 or even the 351 would be a great choice for running with a belly band unless there's one that doesn't utilize a top strap to retain the weapon. I am 100% sold on the belly band concept now though and anticipate buying a few more of them. I run with a camel bak frequently and I dont like the idea of storing my sidearm in it. A sidearm belongs on your side, not on your back. But I'm curious about this chest rig you mentioned. What's that all about? And as far as buying a 340PD, I think there are worse things to spend your money on. It's a good gun with a very legitimate reason to exist. It's just very unpleasant to train with. But I have one and I'm talking about buying two more here and I am a Glock guy at heart.I've been carrying a Glock 29 in a chest rig for trail running, which works well enough but is pretty heavy. A 340PD would be ideal, and could probably be carried in a hydration vest, whereas even the subcompact Glock doesn't fit. Lord knows I really don't need to go buying a 340PD, but...
I greatly appreciate all the replies.
I decided to go for the 340PD but not the ported gun at the local shop. Got a pretty good deal for a very clean, like new example at $805
Looking forward to practice with various .38 handloads. Taking yall's advice (and warnings) about the .357 loads.
Got out to shoot the 340PD Saturday. Just shot light 38SPL handloads which had pretty stout recoil from this snappy little gun Accuracy was quite good at the distances was shooting the steel targets.
Yeah, full power 357s are gonna hurt....but I'm not in a hurry to experience that. Pulled out another box of 38 handloads for the next outing when I'll be shooting at paper targets to better check the accuracy/precision and grip.