Who here has shot an S&W 340PD? (Airweight .357)
- Thread starter Joe Link
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Back from the gunsmith. It WAS THE LOCK THAT CAUSED MY GUN NOT TO FUNCTION, S&W 360 PD. Good news, it's easy to remove.
Compared recoil to larger guns is depending on what grips, and how well they fit your hand. With the bigger guns, grips to hands match is MUCH more important then lesser calibers. A 454, 475, or 500 will hurt you, and, be unshootable if the grips don't match your hands. The 360PD is in that category as well, with .357 loads.
I find the 360PD similar to heavy 454 loads in that it's snappy. The 454, and the bigger guns, have a lot more inertia going, since they are considerably heavier, and, this tames recoil. Maybe the same, or more force, but, it's over a longer time, and moving slower then the 360PD.
The problem with the bigger calibers is people try to wring every last bit of speed out of them, and, the added pressure to do that generates way more recoil then the increase in speed justifies.
The good news about the short barreled 454's is that with heavy bullets, they don't loose as much velocity as you would expect. As for buffalobore, I'd call, or email the owner, and see what he recommends in the short barreled version. My educated guess is with the heavy bullets, you'll loose about 100-200 fps a second, going from a 9.5 inch test barrel, to a 2 inch.
OH, I just noticed you have it chronoed, and, thats about right. Now, if you drop the speed to 900-1000 fps, you'll seriously drop your recoil, and increase your bullets ability to penetrate.
The Ruger Alaskan is actually a copy of the Jack Huntington SuperStreetHawk. The SSH was originally done in 454, but, really shines in .500 JRH. I've shot one with a 440 grain bullet going 950 fps, and, a 425 at 1300 fps.
The 440's are incredible, and, the recoil is slightly more then a 44 magnum.
The 425's are about double that, and, will go through about 5 feet of asian buffalo, but, so will the 440's.
That said, if I was going to buy a Ruger Alaskan, and, I since I can't afford
a .500 JRH SSH, right now, I'd look at a .480 Ruger Alaskan, if I could find one. These are VERY popular, and, will also shoot the 420 grain bullets near 1200 fps, all you'll ever need, or want. The 454 operates at 50-60k pressures, even though Tim usually loads to just 40k, because recoil is too much for increase in velocity. The .480 operates around 40k, and, has less snappy recoil, and, can use much bigger bullets then the 454.
Again, the grips have to match your hands, or, in this class of gun, you won't be able to control the gun.
S
Compared recoil to larger guns is depending on what grips, and how well they fit your hand. With the bigger guns, grips to hands match is MUCH more important then lesser calibers. A 454, 475, or 500 will hurt you, and, be unshootable if the grips don't match your hands. The 360PD is in that category as well, with .357 loads.
I find the 360PD similar to heavy 454 loads in that it's snappy. The 454, and the bigger guns, have a lot more inertia going, since they are considerably heavier, and, this tames recoil. Maybe the same, or more force, but, it's over a longer time, and moving slower then the 360PD.
The problem with the bigger calibers is people try to wring every last bit of speed out of them, and, the added pressure to do that generates way more recoil then the increase in speed justifies.
The good news about the short barreled 454's is that with heavy bullets, they don't loose as much velocity as you would expect. As for buffalobore, I'd call, or email the owner, and see what he recommends in the short barreled version. My educated guess is with the heavy bullets, you'll loose about 100-200 fps a second, going from a 9.5 inch test barrel, to a 2 inch.
OH, I just noticed you have it chronoed, and, thats about right. Now, if you drop the speed to 900-1000 fps, you'll seriously drop your recoil, and increase your bullets ability to penetrate.
The Ruger Alaskan is actually a copy of the Jack Huntington SuperStreetHawk. The SSH was originally done in 454, but, really shines in .500 JRH. I've shot one with a 440 grain bullet going 950 fps, and, a 425 at 1300 fps.
The 440's are incredible, and, the recoil is slightly more then a 44 magnum.
The 425's are about double that, and, will go through about 5 feet of asian buffalo, but, so will the 440's.
That said, if I was going to buy a Ruger Alaskan, and, I since I can't afford
a .500 JRH SSH, right now, I'd look at a .480 Ruger Alaskan, if I could find one. These are VERY popular, and, will also shoot the 420 grain bullets near 1200 fps, all you'll ever need, or want. The 454 operates at 50-60k pressures, even though Tim usually loads to just 40k, because recoil is too much for increase in velocity. The .480 operates around 40k, and, has less snappy recoil, and, can use much bigger bullets then the 454.
Again, the grips have to match your hands, or, in this class of gun, you won't be able to control the gun.
S
Thanks a bunch for the info Socrates! The .480 Alaskan would probably be my first choice if I could find it, but I'm probably going to have to settle for the .454 Alaskan.
However, a big bonus for the .454 is its ability to ingest .45 Colt loads, which should make it a fun range gun and I'll get more trigger/practice time with it.
While I'd probably be more comfortable with the stopping power and penetration of the .480 against pissed off game, I'll take which ever one I can find at a reasonable price.
However, a big bonus for the .454 is its ability to ingest .45 Colt loads, which should make it a fun range gun and I'll get more trigger/practice time with it.
While I'd probably be more comfortable with the stopping power and penetration of the .480 against pissed off game, I'll take which ever one I can find at a reasonable price.
MY pleasure.
Keep in mind the 45/454 is NOT the same as 38/357 or 44sp/44 magnum. Both of the last combinations function at max pressures of 37-40K. The 454 is often loaded to spec, 60K. That's a HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Also, Ruger is infamous for not changing drill bits often enough, and ending up with really big 45 Colt chambers. Don't know if this applies with the 454, but, it could be a problem.
Simply put, the 45 Colt will create a ring of unburned powder, and gunk. When you chamber a 454 load, if the chamber is big enough, the ring will be right around where the bullet is held by the cartridge. When the 454 load goes off, that ring will hold the bullet in place longer then it should, resulting in possible super high pressures. If you start at 60k loads, and, the ring holds the bullet too long, you can end up with bulged or blown cylinders.
With the 44, and 357, pressures are about 40k max. You have to go double, plus 10k to get to 90K, what a good 17-4 stainless cylinder proof tests at.
That's about 125% safety margin.
With the 454, you are already 2/3rds of the way to blowing the cylinder. Your safety margin is only 50%, or an increase of 30K, and you are at 90k, and blown cylinder. THAT'S A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Be very careful, clean your cylinder after firing 45 COLT VERY carefully...
S
Keep in mind the 45/454 is NOT the same as 38/357 or 44sp/44 magnum. Both of the last combinations function at max pressures of 37-40K. The 454 is often loaded to spec, 60K. That's a HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Also, Ruger is infamous for not changing drill bits often enough, and ending up with really big 45 Colt chambers. Don't know if this applies with the 454, but, it could be a problem.
Simply put, the 45 Colt will create a ring of unburned powder, and gunk. When you chamber a 454 load, if the chamber is big enough, the ring will be right around where the bullet is held by the cartridge. When the 454 load goes off, that ring will hold the bullet in place longer then it should, resulting in possible super high pressures. If you start at 60k loads, and, the ring holds the bullet too long, you can end up with bulged or blown cylinders.
With the 44, and 357, pressures are about 40k max. You have to go double, plus 10k to get to 90K, what a good 17-4 stainless cylinder proof tests at.
That's about 125% safety margin.
With the 454, you are already 2/3rds of the way to blowing the cylinder. Your safety margin is only 50%, or an increase of 30K, and you are at 90k, and blown cylinder. THAT'S A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Be very careful, clean your cylinder after firing 45 COLT VERY carefully...
S
Joey,
I've shot the lite-framed 38/357's , like others who have wrote in. They do
smart-a-bit when the hammer falls. Should this stop you from getting one?
Absolutly not! I said "ouch" the first time, grinned and kept shootin' !
The backstraps tend to be narrow, which compiles recoil into a smaller area.
These pistols are designed to be as light as posible, compact, and pack a
WHALLOP!
I like hand cannons, let me refrase that, I like things that go boom. From
the .357 up to the 500 S&W Mag , I shoot em' all and the scandium/air-lite
is on my short list!
I've shot the lite-framed 38/357's , like others who have wrote in. They do
smart-a-bit when the hammer falls. Should this stop you from getting one?
Absolutly not! I said "ouch" the first time, grinned and kept shootin' !
The backstraps tend to be narrow, which compiles recoil into a smaller area.
These pistols are designed to be as light as posible, compact, and pack a
WHALLOP!
I like hand cannons, let me refrase that, I like things that go boom. From
the .357 up to the 500 S&W Mag , I shoot em' all and the scandium/air-lite
is on my short list!
1st gun
I posted earlier in this thread saying that a 340pd isn't a good first gun.
Later I realized my first handgun was a model 37 airweight. Wanted it since
I was a teen. had older friends with alot of guns. And that was the First gun I wanted. Always loved it and still do. Maybe its not a bad first gun. It worked for me.
I posted earlier in this thread saying that a 340pd isn't a good first gun.
Later I realized my first handgun was a model 37 airweight. Wanted it since
I was a teen. had older friends with alot of guns. And that was the First gun I wanted. Always loved it and still do. Maybe its not a bad first gun. It worked for me.
[email protected]
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- Nov 19, 2006
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I bought one the day after Christmas
I have been carrying a Seecamp .32 for a year or more. I was going to get the 380 version of that gun. I read all the horror stories about the severe recoil from that gun and began to look for other options. My mod 60 is a bit heavy for pocket carry, so I left the house to buy a 642. I saw the 340PD and fell in love with the look. The 357 option was not in my mind at the time of purchase. The gun went home with me. I took it to the range today with some 158gr., 125gr. JHP, and some 158gr Nyclad HP. I am a 62 year old man that has shot a variety of handguns over the years. I felt the recoil was NOT nearly as sharp as my 32 Seecamp. The Nyclad +P rounds were the most noticeable. I liked the 125 gr. JHP. The other 158 gr remmington rounds were not that accurate in this gun. I will get some of the Gold Dots in 125gr and 135gr Short barrel versions to try. I feel this firearm gives me another option for lightweight pocket carry. On to more practice.
I have been carrying a Seecamp .32 for a year or more. I was going to get the 380 version of that gun. I read all the horror stories about the severe recoil from that gun and began to look for other options. My mod 60 is a bit heavy for pocket carry, so I left the house to buy a 642. I saw the 340PD and fell in love with the look. The 357 option was not in my mind at the time of purchase. The gun went home with me. I took it to the range today with some 158gr., 125gr. JHP, and some 158gr Nyclad HP. I am a 62 year old man that has shot a variety of handguns over the years. I felt the recoil was NOT nearly as sharp as my 32 Seecamp. The Nyclad +P rounds were the most noticeable. I liked the 125 gr. JHP. The other 158 gr remmington rounds were not that accurate in this gun. I will get some of the Gold Dots in 125gr and 135gr Short barrel versions to try. I feel this firearm gives me another option for lightweight pocket carry. On to more practice.
Super Trucker
Member
I just bought a 340SC and after 100 rounds of 158gr .357 rounds I was done for the day ( sore but not numb ). Do not listen to these people who say you can only shoot 5 or 10 rounds. I will say it isn't going to be your favorite target gun, but lets just come back to planet reality for a minute. This is basically a self defense, stick it in their belly and empty it type gun. Don't waste your money if you are only going to shoot .38 spl. just get a 642 which is about $300.00 cheaper and only 3 oz. heavier. Good luck whatever you decide.
Kymasabe
Member
BUY IT NOW...and never shoot .357 thru it!
I've shot one and loved it. Let me clarify...I'll NEVER shoot one with .357 again, just plain ole hurts. But, the gun wasn't bad to shoot with regular .38 special loads. +P is too hot I think, still a little rough shooting from a gun this light but seemed OK and controlable using a 158 grain LSWC and was pretty darn accurate. I also had some .38 special shorts from Magtech that barely recoiled, was like shooting a .32.
I've shot one and loved it. Let me clarify...I'll NEVER shoot one with .357 again, just plain ole hurts. But, the gun wasn't bad to shoot with regular .38 special loads. +P is too hot I think, still a little rough shooting from a gun this light but seemed OK and controlable using a 158 grain LSWC and was pretty darn accurate. I also had some .38 special shorts from Magtech that barely recoiled, was like shooting a .32.
kahr404life
Member
It hurt but it can be shot accurately.
rtrwv
Member
340pd LOVE IT!
New member here. First I would like to thank the members here for their posts. I have looked at many forums and find this to be the most enjoyable for my interests. Now as for the 340pd, I shoot it quite often and with Speer GDHP 157gr 357's. My good fortune having spent many years in my youth and adulthood digging ditches on a farm and shoveling manure, and generally doing all of the crap jobs on a farm (much to my fathers amusement) have made my hands hard. I can understand how most folks would shy away from the 12oz cannon. Not me, stoke it with SB or full house I'll shoot it again and again. And since I cannot fit my 500 smith in my front pocket I guess Ill have to settle.
New member here. First I would like to thank the members here for their posts. I have looked at many forums and find this to be the most enjoyable for my interests. Now as for the 340pd, I shoot it quite often and with Speer GDHP 157gr 357's. My good fortune having spent many years in my youth and adulthood digging ditches on a farm and shoveling manure, and generally doing all of the crap jobs on a farm (much to my fathers amusement) have made my hands hard. I can understand how most folks would shy away from the 12oz cannon. Not me, stoke it with SB or full house I'll shoot it again and again. And since I cannot fit my 500 smith in my front pocket I guess Ill have to settle.
357 snub
I shoot a Charter Mag Pug 357, it has a 2'' barrel, and is very managable due to the barrel porting. It weighs in at 24 oz., much more than my S&W 637 38 Cal. Air Weight, the weight difference and porting make my Pug 357 recoil less than the 38 Smith. I like both guns, but prefer to carry my Charter Bulldog 44 Mag.
I shoot a Charter Mag Pug 357, it has a 2'' barrel, and is very managable due to the barrel porting. It weighs in at 24 oz., much more than my S&W 637 38 Cal. Air Weight, the weight difference and porting make my Pug 357 recoil less than the 38 Smith. I like both guns, but prefer to carry my Charter Bulldog 44 Mag.
GREAT GUN... shoot little/CARRY LOT
Have 2... The 340PD (w/ HiViz sight) & 340Sc
Love 'em.... but, .357 is NO PICNIC 
suggest u first practice with "Sellier & Bellot .38spl Wad Cutter 148gr". It is a great light load to get used to it without ANY BITE.
Then move to a .38 +P (leave it there for someone recoil shy)...
Then move up to your choice of .357.
Shoot the .357 rounds just enough to get the feel while @ the range so u don't get shy. Shoot .357 little on the range but if you are comfortable use 'em for defense.
I carry the first 2 rounds CorBon .38 DPX and the next 3 in .357 CorBon DPX. IF THE 1st 2 DON'T STOP THE BG (great stoppers in their own right), THEN A LITTLE DISCOMFORT IS A VERY SMALL PRICE TO PAY.
THESE ARE NOT A WEAPON YOU SHOULD EVER USE TO INTRODUCE ANYONE NEW TO SHOOTING
PROS:
CARRY ANYWHERE IN ANY PLACE (LIGHT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT)
IN CQC IT GIVES TH BG NOTHING TO GRAB TO TAKE IT FROM U
.38 OR .357
CONS:
IT CAN BITE IN FULL POWER LOAD
NOT FOR BEGINNER
YA GOTTA PRACTICE... "WAIT THAT'S A PRO!!!"
Have 2... The 340PD (w/ HiViz sight) & 340Sc
Love 'em.... but, .357 is NO PICNIC suggest u first practice with "Sellier & Bellot .38spl Wad Cutter 148gr". It is a great light load to get used to it without ANY BITE.
Then move to a .38 +P (leave it there for someone recoil shy)...
Then move up to your choice of .357.
Shoot the .357 rounds just enough to get the feel while @ the range so u don't get shy. Shoot .357 little on the range but if you are comfortable use 'em for defense.
I carry the first 2 rounds CorBon .38 DPX and the next 3 in .357 CorBon DPX. IF THE 1st 2 DON'T STOP THE BG
(great stoppers in their own right), THEN A LITTLE DISCOMFORT IS A VERY SMALL PRICE TO PAY. THESE ARE NOT A WEAPON YOU SHOULD EVER USE TO INTRODUCE ANYONE NEW TO SHOOTING PROS:CARRY ANYWHERE IN ANY PLACE (LIGHT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT)
IN CQC IT GIVES TH BG NOTHING TO GRAB TO TAKE IT FROM U
.38 OR .357
CONS:IT CAN BITE IN FULL POWER LOAD
NOT FOR BEGINNER
YA GOTTA PRACTICE... "WAIT THAT'S A PRO!!!"
I went to the gun store to look around today... to see just how light the 340PD was and to compare it to the weight of the 642. In my opinion it was worth the extra $$$ to save the weight. I tried out both after hearing conflicting posts about the recoil. Shot 5 38 spl out of each. Recoil was not bad but you could tell the difference. The "gun store guy" said now try it (the 340PD) with these (.357s). I put one in the cylinder, shot it. Was not bad. I took the other four and put them down range.
Went in to look
Walked out with the 340PD "HiViz".
I was looking for the ultimate pocket gun and, from what I have seen, this might be it. If anyone is around College Station TX Champion firearms has both as rentals, a cheap $5 rental fee (for both, total) will help you make your decision.
Any one have ideas on a good pocket holster??
Went in to look
Walked out with the 340PD "HiViz".
I was looking for the ultimate pocket gun and, from what I have seen, this might be it. If anyone is around College Station TX Champion firearms has both as rentals, a cheap $5 rental fee (for both, total) will help you make your decision.
Any one have ideas on a good pocket holster??
Last edited:
I shot my 340pd again today. I put and old set of packmyr rubber grips on it.
They are a little on the big side. Alot to hold on to and even with mild carpel tunnel it didn't hurt my hand with 158gr hydroshock .357. But i have to say that I busted out laughing. Its absolutely Violent. Personally I'm not good enough to get an accurate 2nd shot off after that. I'm going to stick to plus p for now. Besides I don't wan't to go deaf if i ever have to shoot it indoors with no earmuffs.
As soon as i can find some spear or blazer 125gr .357 i will try that. Went to
3 places AHg*7LA!
They are a little on the big side. Alot to hold on to and even with mild carpel tunnel it didn't hurt my hand with 158gr hydroshock .357. But i have to say that I busted out laughing. Its absolutely Violent. Personally I'm not good enough to get an accurate 2nd shot off after that. I'm going to stick to plus p for now. Besides I don't wan't to go deaf if i ever have to shoot it indoors with no earmuffs.
As soon as i can find some spear or blazer 125gr .357 i will try that. Went to
3 places AHg*7LA!
RTFM
member
Gotta admit.
I was all set to lay a way a S&W 642 (.38 S&W only) with CT laser from the factory.
I think I'm talking my self out of the 642 and on to the M&P 340.
Heck, if I only fire it very occasionally with .357 it still CAN fire .357
Where as the 642 can NEVER fire .357
Might as well go with the big dog.
RTFM
I was all set to lay a way a S&W 642 (.38 S&W only) with CT laser from the factory.
I think I'm talking my self out of the 642 and on to the M&P 340.
Heck, if I only fire it very occasionally with .357 it still CAN fire .357
Where as the 642 can NEVER fire .357
Might as well go with the big dog.
RTFM
The pinned on front sight site is a pretty big advantage over the 642 as well.
These grips:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=882354
are what I use. They still have an open backstrap, they are very slightly larger than the hogues but are still small. I also prefer the slightly harder rubber for pocket carry.
edit- the link is for K+L frames but is the correct style/model of grip.
These grips:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=882354
are what I use. They still have an open backstrap, they are very slightly larger than the hogues but are still small. I also prefer the slightly harder rubber for pocket carry.
edit- the link is for K+L frames but is the correct style/model of grip.
Tifosi
Member
Way to go. If you want CT grips get the model LG-405, it covers the backstrap and has an aircushion built into it. I've using them on my 340pd and they are great. You will not be sorry with the 340!
Bofe They are the same grips I used. Ive had those grips laying around for over 10 years. Felt muck better to me than the crimson trace laser grips.
They ended up on my mod60
not to steal your link but here are the j frame grips.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=145531
They ended up on my mod60
not to steal your link but here are the j frame grips.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=145531
We have two in this household. No it is not fun to shoot. That does not make a bit of difference to me. Both are kept loaded with 145grain SILVERTIPS. Used for what they where made for, you will never notice the recoil. Make sure you wear a glove when you practice and watchout for your thumb as the cylinder latch will eat your thumb alive. As to the pocket holsters, go look at Galico website, they've got the perfect pocket holster for the 340 PD.
chipp- those actually are not the same grips. There are compac's and compac professionals. The compac professionals are smaller. They do not cover the backstrap.
They cover the bottom of the grip and creeate enough room for my little finger to engage the grip and that's about it. They are also a little harder rubber (like all pachmayr's) and lack finger grooves.
To me they don't sacrifice pocketability since they are a little smoother, although they are slightly larger.
They don't make the the 340 a wonder to shoot since they don't cover the backstrap and aren't huge, but they don't make the 340 much bigger and they improve the shooting some...
They cover the bottom of the grip and creeate enough room for my little finger to engage the grip and that's about it. They are also a little harder rubber (like all pachmayr's) and lack finger grooves.
To me they don't sacrifice pocketability since they are a little smoother, although they are slightly larger.
They don't make the the 340 a wonder to shoot since they don't cover the backstrap and aren't huge, but they don't make the 340 much bigger and they improve the shooting some...
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