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Thread: Another S&W 340 thread

  1. #1
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    Another S&W 340 thread

    I tried one of these yesterday at the local shop, just fingerbanging and dry firing, good heavens, I didn't know a real gun could be so light. I didn't find the factory trigger objectionable at all, I carried and practiced with an unmodified 642-1 for years which I sold in a moment of weakness.

    We all dig range toys and I have a few but I've been paring them down over the years, I like practical guns better. I have been on the fence for a new EDC for literally years, I waffle back and forth between another J frame and something sexier like the new P365 XL or even one of the Kahr mini 9mm's - that capacity thing always gets me. But I really like wheel guns and this may be the game changer, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

    Do people really fire .357s through these? I imagine some quality +P ammo is what the doctor ordered, how are the factory sights regulated? Lighter or heavier projectiles? I know there are many threads here which I will continue to dig into.

    The elephant in the room - price. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

  2. #2
    banana republican blues's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rm06 View Post

    The elephant in the room - price. Is the juice worth the squeeze?
    It's pretty much the only reason I don't own one.

    I'd be paying the premium simply for the better front sight versus the painted version on my 642-1...and for my limited use for the J, it's been enough to hold me back. If the J played a bigger role in my plans, perhaps the extra cost would be justifiable.
    There's nothing civil about this war.

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    Member 23JAZ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rm06 View Post
    I tried one of these yesterday at the local shop, just fingerbanging and dry firing, good heavens, I didn't know a real gun could be so light. I didn't find the factory trigger objectionable at all, I carried and practiced with an unmodified 642-1 for years which I sold in a moment of weakness.

    We all dig range toys and I have a few but I've been paring them down over the years, I like practical guns better. I have been on the fence for a new EDC for literally years, I waffle back and forth between another J frame and something sexier like the new P365 XL or even one of the Kahr mini 9mm's - that capacity thing always gets me. But I really like wheel guns and this may be the game changer, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

    Do people really fire .357s through these? I imagine some quality +P ammo is what the doctor ordered, how are the factory sights regulated? Lighter or heavier projectiles? I know there are many threads here which I will continue to dig into.

    The elephant in the room - price. Is the juice worth the squeeze?
    For me is was a hard yes. I love the front sight and the option to shoot 357. But I did look around for a year before I found a new one in the low $600 range before I could talk myself into spending the extra money. Also I do carry it often. It’s my NPE gun and I’m in an NPE Monday through Friday so it spends a lot of time with me.
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  4. #4
    Site Supporter LtDave's Avatar
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    There is no good reason to shoot .357 ammo through one of these super light J frames. The Ti cylindered guns are perfect for pocket carry and that is the best use case for one of these. If you want a general purpose J frame, I think you are better off with a 642 or 442 air weight for a whole lot less money. This is from a guy with a 342PD, a couple of 342Ti's and a whole slew of air weights of various models. The two J frames I keep loaded and ready to go are a 342Ti and a 642 Pro.
    The first indication a bad guy should have that I'm dangerous is when his
    disembodied soul is looking down at his own corpse wondering what happened.

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    Quote Originally Posted by rm06 View Post
    We all dig range toys and I have a few but I've been paring them down over the years, I like practical guns better.
    I want a .357 and am trying to decide between an S&W air weight or a 7 rounder or maybe an LCR?. I may never fire .357 out of an air weight but like the option if needed. Or forget it and buy a Gen 5 Glock 26.
    I'm trying to get practical guns but it's hard.
    --Jason--

  6. #6
    banana republican blues's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blades View Post
    I want a .357 and am trying to decide between an S&W air weight or a 7 rounder or maybe an LCR?. I may never fire .357 out of an air weight but like the option if needed. Or forget it and buy a Gen 5 Glock 26.
    I'm trying to get practical guns but it's hard.
    If you don't already have a 26, I'd highly recommend that "first" but it really depends on what you need.

    You can pretty much get a G26 and 642-1 for the price of an M&P 340. Food for thought.
    There's nothing civil about this war.

    Read: Harrison Bergeron

  7. #7
    Member GearFondler's Avatar
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    I've fired full power 125gr 357 from a 340 just to try it. I am not recoil sensitive and have a good grip and it was not painful so much as it was just brutal, if that makes sense... I could definitely deal with it but one handed splits could practically be timed with an hourglass.

  8. #8
    Site Supporter LtDave's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GearFondler View Post
    I've fired full power 125gr 357 from a 340 just to try it. I am not recoil sensitive and have a good grip and it was not painful so much as it was just brutal, if that makes sense... I could definitely deal with it but one handed splits could practically be timed with an hourglass.
    Brutal would be my description as well. I shot some 180 gr .357 magnum factory and reloads out of a 640 Pro trying to find a load that would regulate to the sights. They weren't intolerable in the steel framed gun.
    The first indication a bad guy should have that I'm dangerous is when his
    disembodied soul is looking down at his own corpse wondering what happened.

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    Quote Originally Posted by blues View Post
    If you don't already have a 26, I'd highly recommend that "first" but it really depends on what you need.

    You can pretty much get a G26 and 642-1 for the price of an M&P 340. Food for thought.
    I've been reading the G26 Gen 5 thread and it has me considering one. I don't need one but it may be useful when my G19 is a bit too big. I'm selling my G29 so I "need" something to replace it. I wanted a shotgun for 3 Gun but who knows if I'll ever be able to participate in 3 Gun again.
    --Jason--

  10. #10
    banana republican blues's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blades View Post
    I've been reading the G26 Gen 5 thread and it has me considering one. I don't need one but it may be useful when my G19 is a bit too big. I'm selling my G29 so I "need" something to replace it. I wanted a shotgun for 3 Gun but who knows if I'll ever be able to participate in 3 Gun again.
    I've had a G19 since 1988 but my G26 (since 1995) has been my most carried Glock by far, on and off duty, and especially since retirement. I don't think you'd be disappointed. And as I say, you can add a 642-1 and still not spend much more than the M&P. Not that I'd try to twist your arm.
    There's nothing civil about this war.

    Read: Harrison Bergeron

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