Hot 38+P loads produce some perceptible recoil but aren't terrible. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, State Agency: Editor Dan Shideler. There are versions with either a red ramp, fiber-optic, or tritium night sight; all use the gutter-style rear sight. This makes continual, daily carry a breeze for those who will not carry a larger handgun and provides a discreet option for those who need deep concealment. This is a carry pistol by nature. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. My bet is that the failure crack originated from a tool mark left over from broaching the cylinder recess in the frame. The it in question involved lighting off five reasonably quick rounds of .357 Magnum from a J-Frame S&W snubbie with a minimal curb weight specifically, the lightweight 340 PD. That revolver, while insanely light, is true misery to fire. Joined: Aug 2003. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Perry's Gun Shop is an owner operated family business with a long . Front: Orange Outline / Green Tritium, Rear: Black Outline / Green Tritium Retail: $170.00. revolver will never be practical for self-defense purposes. Technical Specifications: Caliber: .357. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Front Sight for Smith and Wesson J-Frame Barrel 2.1 inch or Less Except 38 Bodyguard $ 49.03. Report a problem. Re: Smith & Wesson 340/340PD Revolver-Thoughts, Comments, Cuggestions, etc. There was a time that I recommended the J frames for backup guns. Buy whichever you like. JavaScript is disabled. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. This internal hammer design led to the semantically incorrect but ever-since-enduring hammerless designation. Meanwhile, my all-stainless Model 60 .357 is 22 ounces, much less painful to shoot than either of the lightweights, and about $250 cheaper than the 340PD. You remember the way old-timers used to describe these kinda guns? I asked. My goad of self defense is to live. Those years were painful ones at the range. Probable stress corrosion cracking initiated by notch sensitivity. Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield 45 ACP Conceal Carry Handgun with Night Sights and 3 . Specifications: Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson. The other was SIGs 125-gr. Check the attached site and check your revolvers for this issue. I think its ridiculous gun makers ever went to a 5-shot revolver, what did they save an 1/8 th of an inch on cylinder width? I spent a number of years carrying the S&W 340PD as a jogging/backup gun. It's an excellent sight. I am comparing the S&W 340PD with the M&P 340. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. By contrast, this M&P340 has now gone a full decade of frequent 50- to 100-round qualifications with +P ammo, and some full-power Magnum shooting, and has not had to be touched by an armorer yet. A 12 ounce 357? In production since 1899, the Model 10 is a six-shot, .38 Special, double-action revolver with fixed sights. My favorite of the J-Frame breed is the M&P340, which was introduced in the first decade of the 21st century. Total lock-up. The Smith and Wesson 340PD is no ordinary J-Frame revolver, it is the lightest weight .357 Magnum revolver on the planet. I vote it crack due to the crush fit barrel, I like the old pinned system better. The matte finish is durable in wet environments and I didn't hesitate to take it out in the rain. As I mentioned earlier, J-Frames in general are great for pocket carry, but due to the lightweight materials, youll forget youre even carrying with the 340PD. Five-shot groups from sandbags ranged from an outstanding 1.75 (Speer 135s) to 2.25 (Black Hills 148s) to 3-3.5 for the remaining .38s. The reason for wanting a powerful sixgun when wandering off the beaten path is sound, especially in bear country. So S&W uses mim parts. For almost everyone, the lightweight series of J frame S&W revolvers, even in .38 spl., are difficult to control. California Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: We reserve the right to edit as appropriate, delete profane, harassing, abusive and spam comments or posts, and block repeat offenders. The Smith & Wesson Model 640 Centennial is easily the most recommended variant of the J-frame line if the Internet counts for anything in gun selection. It Carrys high and tight. 340PD. Physical characteristics. Contest void where prohibited by law. One aspect of working behind a gun counter that cuts both ways is looking at the guns all day. Scandium is a very expensive and hard to find rare earth element that is currently mined in small quantities in China, Russia, and Ukraine. But for my money, the Smith & Wesson M&P340 gets my vote for best of breed.. (I) Giveaway ends April 30, 2023. When tactical lights first came out, we all thought the 50 lumens they offered was astounding and could never get better. Recent improvements in magnesium alloys which contain silicon carbide are showing great promise. Posts: 13,343. Another warning in the owners manual is recoil may pull the cases of unfired rounds in the cylinder rearward with enough force to unseat the (lighter and shorter) bullets, causing the cylinder to jam. If someone pulls a gun on you and says , Give me your money, you will never get your duty pistol out in time. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM Old West 2023, PO Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Those who wanted that feature could get the shrouded-hammer Bodyguard design that came out shortly after the Centennial, which left a stubby hammer tip that could be thumb-cocked. Easy as pie. Smith & Wesson Model 642 38 Special J-Frame Revolver with No Internal Lock - 103810 $519.00. Although rated for the .357 Magnum cartridge, you might find the 360PD easier to handle with .38 Special or .38 Special +P rounds instead. Bullet etched on the bottom of the barrel sleeve. Tags: model 60, Pro Series, S&W, Smith and Wesson. However, if I wanted to load it with Magnums, I could. 5. The original Ruger LCR or "Light Compact Revolver" debuted just a few years ago in 2009. Recoil Control: Though its a tad lighter than the .38 Special Model 642 Centennial Airweight stainless, the M&P340 has nowhere near the kick of an 11-ounce .357 Magnum Model 340PD or the .38 Special AirLite Model 342. Compare. The 340PD is .357 Mag and 12 ozs. They can be more challenging to work with due to the risk of fire, but this same issue presents itself when shaping titanium products, so the risk can be mitigated. Neither is there on the knuckle of my middle finger where it rests under the trigger guard. From the 340 PD the 158 was stout. The more, I looked at and handled the Model 60, the more I liked it as an alternative to the 340PD. i would go for the .38 "J" vs a .357 "J" the .357's are a handfull as some have mentioned, probably the most unpleasant pistol i have ever fired and i have fired some pretty big stuff (ie 454 casull, 50 S&W & lots of 44 mag and 41 mag). With original case.Very low round count. Smith & Wesson. However, when I am in a city, in addition to my duty pistol I always carry the 360PD in my front pocket. I can pick one up for arround $700. An attempt to quickly draw in self-defense would often result in the spur of the exposed hammer catching on fabric and, perhaps fatally, stalling the draw. What 357 or 38 Special loads are you guys running in your 340's? Concessions to magnum force included a stainless steel J-shaped insert to combat This reduces muzzle rise. The world demand for scandium is expected to grow, which means the price will continue to rise. The 340 PD at $1,019 MSRP is obviously a premium offering, featuring a 2-piece sleeved barrel, scandium frame and a titanium cylinder. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. JavaScript is disabled. Durability: The M&P340 brings to the table a well-crafted mix of metallurgy. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. But there is a piece of knowledge id like to share that will benefit all. This ultralight Titanium cylinder revolver has seen some finish wear most noticeably around the muzzle but mechanically it is in excellent condition. I love the PD models. Basically, its give me all the power I can get! With the 340 PD, youre free to explore all ammo possibilities, but very few are going to want .357s for regular practice. The heavy double-action trigger and short sight radius are something you have to train to get used to. The green fiber-optic front speeds up sight acquisition. A hopeless attempt at child-proofing had been the designs raisondtre. Company honcho Daniel Baird Wesson, the legend says, became concerned about children accidentally getting hold of a parents revolver. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is the sixgun by which all other .44 Magnums are judged. This shell includes an underlug to protect the extractor rod. Barrel Length. Smith & Wesson Model 57 Classic 41 Magnum Revolver, 6Rd, 6 - 150481. They fit well and the seams blend together nicely. Smith & Wesson Model 340PD - AirLite Sc Centennial 357 Mag 103061. Minnesota. Im not outgunned with 13 rounds of 380. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Those years were painful ones at the range. The muzzle can be pressed against the attacker and the gun will still fire at contact range. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. This is one revolver in which .357 Mag is simply superfluous. There are no adjustments because they aren't needed. He will beat you. The 340 PD at $1,019 MSRP is obviously a premium offering, featuring a 2-piece sleeved barrel, scandium frame and a titanium cylinder. I bought a 340pd and installed the XS big dot front sight for a M&P 340 onto it. Hence the need to spend a considerable amount of time on the range learning to control shooting these lightweight revolvers. 25 with my backup mag. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. It's definitely pricey, especially now . For grouping purposes from a rest, carefully staging the DAO trigger is what we did. It incorporated a grip safety in the backstrap that supposedly would require an adult hand to span both that part of the handle and the trigger. That being said, these days the Model 60 is bested in many ways by the Kimber K6S 3. Make sure your search is . To subscribe, visitoutdoorgroupstore.com. Grips for Smith Wesson Model 340. Shopping with us is absolutely safe - you never have to worry about credit card safety when shopping here Share your latest AR build or photos from the range with #RangeDayFriday for a chance to win a new firearm! Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. It shoots great. Theres a small stainless steel insert in the topstrap right above the forcing cone, appearing to act as insurance against flame-cutting from the high pressures of magnum loads. They are both pinned sights so the installation is fairly easy. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. As this is written, S&Ws MSRP for the M&P340 is $869. At . I gravitate more towards the Slim-Tuk because it locks into place firmly and has minimal thickness. Action is quicker than reaction, every time. Id surmise this is to caution anyone from using short, lightweight screamers that could be more likely to jump the crimp. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Description: Smith & Wesson Model 342PD Airlite, 38 Special +P, with 2 sets of grips and original factory box. In truth, we only have anecdotal evidence that some S&W locks have malfunctioned. This is accomplished by using a scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder. Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: I tried the Ruger LCR after if became available. Shooting 357s from my SP101 is enough fun for me, I don't even want to think about shooting them from a Scandium! Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. There are possibilities of changing a grip in the process of finding the right one. Smith & Wesson. IN STOCK $ 959.00 $ 929.99. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. The Model 340 PD NO INTERNAL LOCK is a variation of the Model 40 Centennial AirLite that integrates the time-tested features of the original with modern advancements. There are many different J-Frames on the market, but I believe the 340PD to be the most unique. Then recoil is very manageable. I have the 360PD version, which is the same scandium-alloy frame but exposed hammer. The Shooter's Log, is to provide informationnot opinionsto our customers and the shooting community. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. I own and carry a 340 on a regular basis, got mine when the model came out. Smith & Wesson Models 40, 42, 640, 940, 442, 642, 340Sc, 342Ti and 340PD. Hot 357 loads, like Cor Bons, are truly brutal. The dimensional rundown is cut-and-dried Smith snubbie: A 2 barrel, 6.3 overall length, 5-shot cylinder and synthetic grips. Is the difference worth it? (I) Giveaway ends December 31, 2022. No purchase necessary. Built on S&W's J-frame, it holds five rounds, and is rated for +P ammunition. ( Note: S&W also offers this gun with a titanium alloy cylinder, the Model 340PD.) Not my every day carry but great back up while hunting dangerous game and just a great feeling gun to hold. It would be chambered for a broad range of cartridges, including the .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .32 Magnum, .327 Federal, .356 TSW, 9mm, and of course, the .38 Special and .357 Magnum. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Most will carry this model inside the waistband. I selected the version with the red ramp front sight, because it does not have the internal lock. Alaska Department of Fish & Game, State Agency: New York Department of Environmental Conservation, State Agency: 253. Come join the discussion about collections, gear, DIY projects, hobbies, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 1974: In little more than 20 years, times had changed. Consider Becoming A Supporting Member. Mike said: I had my J frame 340pd lock up on me the other day when the "safety" lock was activated under fire. I dont have a problem shooting hot loads in lt guns but the 360 is not a lot of fun but can be shot double tap with practice. Using a Sticky Holster will help cover the trigger guard and prevent an accidental discharge. THink the cylinder is different too. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. Sadly, my Model 60 carries the dubious distinction of being the only revolver to have a total mechanical failure at the range: The top of the trigger sheared off at only about round #1200 through the gun, requiring a trip back to S&W, and downgrading my Model 60 from carry piece to range piece. The M&P340 measures 6.31 long, with a 1.875 steel barrel inserted within the encircling scandium barrel shell. Smith and Wesson S&W M340PD, 340pd M-340 - Airweight NO INTERNAL LOCK Used and carried from time-to-time, but unfired. Right front pocket holster and Im dressed for peace and armed for trouble. Buy Smith & Wesson 340 PD 357 Magnum Revolver 103061: GunBroker is the largest seller of Revolvers Pistols Guns & Firearms All: 970540754 . We head out to the range with the range with the Smith & Wesson 340PD J-Frame revolver, discuss its features, what it's like to fire it, and what I think of it overall . For outside-the-waistband carry, I prefer the DeSantis Mini Scabbard. COMPARE. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. S&W would be well advised to increase the filet radius as well as improving surface finish in the filet and/or shot peening. Do know anything about the M&P 340 but I've shot and carried my S&W std. 342PD is .38 Special and 10.8 ozs and discontinued. I wouldn't want more power to weight than an aluminum .38 with +P rounds. FMJ (648 fps). They are both Scandium/alumanium mix alloy frames and the M&P 340 has a stainless cylinder and the 340PD has a Titanium alloy cylinder. So I have been hooked on and obsessed with a Smith and Wesson model 340pd revolver in .357 Magnum with a Scandium frame, Titanium cylinder and the high Viz front sight. The fracture surface looks like corrosion, fatigue cracking, and brittle failure. Im not about to engage a mall shooter with a 5 shot snubnose. The Model 60 Pro Series trigger in double action is typical of the exposed hammer J-Frames: heavy but predictable. When I started looking for a j frame 357 airweight about 2 years ago I found a 340 m&p & a 340pd. You are using an out of date browser. We can ring steel plates off hand at 50 yards consistently. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. Recoil was another matter. For 10 yards or closer these 5 shots will be all I need or have time for Contest open to U.S. residents only. Contest open to U.S. residents only. The most notable problem I have encountered is shortly after I shot all that Remington Plus P in November 2011, I noticed the tritium front sight was out. Perhaps the greatest advantage over aluminum-scandium alloys is the ready availability of magnesium. I fell in love with it, mainly for its sights, and ordered one. .38 Special +P defense loads were noticeably more powerful, but still controllable. Rex approached S&W and asked the company to resurrect the Safety Hammerless in the format of the conventional outside-hammer, five-shot J-Frame in .38 Special, which the company had introduced two years before. South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, State Agency: I agree that the internal hammer is a nice feature for pocket carry. Shotshells are probably lighter than 120gr so can they be used? With a listed price of $849 (real world prices are closer to $750), this model is also one of the more affordable .44 Mag. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM May 2023, P.O. I chose the m&p because it did not have the ils but I really wanted a PD. If you want to carry one of these lightweight revolvers, understand that recoil management is a much bigger problem than having to carry the extra weight of an all steel J frame. Click HERE For The Benefits. Fast-Targeting Sights: The M&P340 has a tritium XS Sights Big Dot up front, and the rear notch is deep and wide as J-Frame fixed sights go. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. The .357 just doesn t make sense in anything shorter than a three inch barrel, which is still quite borderline. Of course, this model builds upon a decades-old tradition for lightweight, hammerless pocket revolvers, and I think the concept reached its apotheosis with the M&P340. Nothing wrong at all with a five shot revolver, just keep in mind its capacity and practice with it. Over the years, my M&P340 has worn several different grips. because of the difference in weight. Model 60; Stainless Painless (For the shooter, that is) I spent a number of years carrying the S&W 340PD as a jogging/backup gun. In January of 2005, I was on the range for the SHOT Show Media Day. Over its long production run it has been available with barrel . The demand of used SMITH WESSON 1066 pistol's has not changed over the past 12 months. America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter, Review: S&W 340PD The Lightest .357 Magnum Revolver, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Your discussions, feedback and comments are welcome here as long as they are relevant and insightful. I have the 360 PD, and I think that it is a great carry piece. With its 3 barrel, exposed hammer, adjustable rear and tritium front sight, and slightly larger grip, the Model 60 Pro Series sits comfortably in the middle ground between the smallest and largest .357 revolvers. He has received military, law enforcement, and private training in the use of firearms. My thoughts exactly. gun shop transfer on my dime in the Reading area. This gun will kick like a mule, if you arent ready for it, and follow up shots are not quick. If you want a shootable 357 go with a steel frame smith or the ruger sp 101. Be weary of a summit that begins with sharing bread; for the sated man is at his weakest. Not a great deal of flash and the bullet is designed for the short barrel velocity But thats a 38 that weighs ~16 ounces. It jumps right out at you when you look down the gun. Yes you can forget you are carrying its so light. May the force be with you: S&Ws ultralight 340 PD. Impressive the barrel didn't go downrange on the next round after the failure. Now, if you notice closely, the cylinder will not lock in position after pulling the trigger. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: charlie moore is right on . S&W Set The Bar For Magnum Handgun Performance 50 Years Ago. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Litewave H3 Express Tritium/Litepipe S&W M&P Shield, Shield Plus Go for it. These springs greatly influence the double action trigger pull which is a major concern of competitive shooters. Estimated Value *Using 80% condition for calculating used Values. Being such a light weight, compact revolver, there are a ton of carry options. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, State Agency: revolvers available. Heres why. Weighing just about two ounces more than my pocket gun, the 340 M&P comes with . The most important modification is to get it Mag-Na-Ported. Low round count, just carried a lot in an ankle rig. I have the 340pd. Why. The wooden round butt grips extend downwards from the frame about an inch, enough for me to just barely get all of my fingers on the grip. # 1187477 01/10/07. MODEL 340 PD $50 PREPAID CARD Buy Now MSRP: $1139.00 SKU: 163062 357 MAGNUM CALIBER 5 CAPACITY STAINLESS STEEL BARREL MATERIAL SYNTHETIC GRIP Product Features Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers have had your back since 1950. In those days, a great many good Americans carried concealed handguns when they were out and about, and most carried them in a pants or coat pocket. Check to compare Smith & Wesson 640 357 Mag Revolver 2.12" Barrel. Rebound Springs. Lately, its worn a set of Crimson Traces LG-350G Lasergrips. (Interesting side note: the 1965 Model 60s were the first stainless revolvers produced by S&W) The rear sight is also easily adjustable for windage and elevation. Im an old revolver guy and have a soft spot for snub nose revolvers. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM April 2023, P.O. But I sure wouldnt wanna make a career out of it.. All comments are held for moderation and will appear after approval.