(II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. However, if I wanted to load it with Magnums, I could. Operation: Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. At 50 feet we grouped the following .38 Special loads: Black Hills 148-gr. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if required) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. Having a tied-up CCW gun would be the nightmare of nightmares one from which you might not awaken. And retired the 2 of them anyway and replaced with Hellcat 9mm. And those factory The original Ruger LCR or "Light Compact Revolver" debuted just a few years ago in 2009. Total lock-up. Durability: The M&P340 brings to the table a well-crafted mix of metallurgy. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, State Agency: ***Personal sale via certified funds. It was smooth and consistent with a slight hitch tipping us off at the pause point. From the 340 PD the 158 was stout. but if it was not id go for the 360 in 357. Rebound Springs - Trigger rebound springs are common to all Smith & Wesson J, K, L and N frame revolvers. At least 8 of those rounds are from the 15 yard line and they all hit the man-size target with little effort, but I do practice often. On top of this, the scandium/titanium combo makes for a distinctive 2-tone silver/black effect. Have (3) J frame S&W revolvers. Minnesota. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Since 1950, Smith & Wessons snub-nose J-Frame revolver series has just about defined its own genre. W.C. Wolff company offers reduced power rebound springs rated from 12 to 16 pounds. self defense range than an external hammer model would be. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: No substitutions or transfers to third parties allowed. Purchase a new KelTec SUB2000 And Receive A $100 Check. Today 01:58 AM by outdoorsdad. (I) Giveaway ends September 30, 2021. They replaced the entire gun each time. In the years since, it has been by far my most-carried backup handgun. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, State Agency: 25 with my backup mag. But what sold it to a great many buyers was the sleek silhouette of the hammerless design. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. The demand of used SMITH WESSON 1066 pistol's has not changed over the past 12 months. 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. All came with the ILS. I agree that the internal hammer is a nice feature for pocket carry. Lately, its worn a set of Crimson Traces LG-350G Lasergrips. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State Agency: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, State Agency: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, State Agency: Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Similar to your standard Airweight revolvers. 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. Butif Im carrying a 357 its the M60. I do shoot .357 at the range (in addition to .38), and it is not pleasant, but it is not torture either. Although the gun is surprisingly accurate with hot 357 loads on a 7 yd self defense target, it is extremely punishing to shoot. I bought a 340pd and installed the XS big dot front sight for a M&P 340 onto it. Benello said: I am thinking about getting a Smith 340pd snubbie with the titanium cylinder and scandium frame. You better have a firm grip and proper technique if you hope to hit anything, especially with follow-up shots. Guns Listing ID: 54030The Smith Wesson 340PD is a small double-action only J-frame revolver popular for concealed carry and for use as a backup weapon for law enforcement. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. Details. Home Firearms Handguns Review: S&W 340PD The Lightest .357 Magnum Revolver. To address the restriction on bullets less than 120gr: There is a prohibition against using ammunition with bullet weight less than 120 grains due to the risk of frame erosion from powder that is still burning after too rapid exit of the light projectile. Firing ANY .357 Magnum load from a 12 oz. (I) Giveaway ends April 30, 2023. 1990: Steve Melvin had become CEO of Smith & Wesson, and had wisely reached out to a broad spectrum of gun experts. Theres also a flip-side to the Plus-Ps Plenty for Me argument and Ive heard it from very knowledgeable CCW types. Dont understand the 120gr min bullet weight stamp on the barrel and this wasnt explained in the article. S&Ws claim that its light weight revolvers are made with Scandium frames is a marketing gimmick. Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, State Agency: Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. Low round count, just carried a lot in an ankle rig. Required fields are marked *. Todays holsters can easily compensate for the heavier all steel J frame, but dont help with recoil management. I tried the Ruger LCR after if became available. It's a 357 magnum and weighs about 11.4 oz unloaded. And (not to whine too much) the 125 at 1,128 fps was brutal. One of the fun parts of revolvers is changing out the grips. For a while, the S&W Model 60 stood out as a great middle ground option between a compact and full size .357 magnum that could do almost everything the smaller or larger revolvers could do, without the downsides. My bet is that the failure crack originated from a tool mark left over from broaching the cylinder recess in the frame. Alaska Department of Fish & Game, State Agency: In January of 2005, I was on the range for the SHOT Show Media Day. I have seen several of these revolvers with this problem, mine included. I have a S&W model 36, from about 1969 and I love it, its my first wheel gun and I love it for carry but I really want one with an internal hammer for comfort. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. I just have a sweet spot for Smith snubbies and although I have a 638, I've always been intrigued by the 340pd. Deployed military should use stateside address. Easy as pie. This internal hammer design led to the semantically incorrect but ever-since-enduring hammerless designation. Im not about to engage a mall shooter with a 5 shot snubnose. JavaScript is disabled. Model . With the full-pop SIG 125-gr. Hot 38+P loads produce some perceptible recoil but aren't terrible. Today 02:49 AM by Toyman. The scandium frame 357 mag will kick your ass when you squeeze off 357 mag rounds. S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers. There are now 25 states with so-called Constitutional carry and Florida appears to be approaching permitless carry, which translates to more citizens S&W Set The Bar For Magnum Handgun Performance 50 Years Ago. That depends on the individual. Only time will tell if this newest allow will seriously challenge or supplant readily available and affordable aluminum alloys. 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. For almost everyone, the lightweight series of J frame S&W revolvers, even in .38 spl., are difficult to control. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. The little gun has very little end shake. I think you could follow-up with the unique cleaning and service recommendations from S&W regarding the Scandium Frame and Titanium cylinder I understand some have been ruined using cleaning brushes and solvent that is normally used on steel guns. 32 years as a deputy sheriff. 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. Today theres a J-Frame subset of these hammerless models exhibiting the same simplicity of operation making their predecessors so highly regarded. Despite all the damning evidence, the Smith & Wesson internal lock problem is likely not as bad as it appears. Weighing in at roughly double the weight of the 340PD, the Model 60 in Pro Series guise was introduced in 2007. The Smith & Wesson AirLite achieves its remarkable 9.9-oz. You just dont want to put it down. In both civilian and law enforcement circles, the Smith and Wesson double action J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special has long been a favorite since its introduction in the 1950s. My thoughts exactly. Just hope you hit target and can get back on target if you dont or if theres more than one perp. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Any one own one? The 38 is . Gold Dot +P at 1.75". Contest open to U.S. residents only. I selected the version with the red ramp front sight, because it does not have the internal lock. However, firing .357 Magnum rounds will rock your world. My wife's 642 Airweight .38 +P is 15 ounces. Contest void where prohibited by law. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. 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. These small revolvers were designed to fire a full power round and are as simple and easy to use as they are reliable. He will beat you. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. 0. Be weary of a summit that begins with sharing bread; for the sated man is at his weakest. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Specifications. posted by sshakrr 01-22-2023. The Shooter's Log, is to provide informationnot opinionsto our customers and the shooting community. These small revolvers were designed to fire a full power round and are as simple and easy to use as they are reliable. Re: Smith & Wesson 340PD revolver. The S&W 340PD can also be easily carried in the pocket. Following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, gun control advocates have taken the anti-gun narrative to a fever pitch. Photo: Joe Novelozo, Well, said my shooting buddy Thomas Mackie, massaging his right hand with only a slight grimace, now I can say Ive done it.. Physical characteristics. The result here is a pistol that tips the scales at only 26 ounces. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 340 for over 4 years now with the clip grip and LOVE it. 3,956. Over the years, my M&P340 has worn several different grips. Other than differences in sights and the weight (M&P is 1 oz heavier) they look to be the same gun. BLACK. I have added a set of laser grips. My favorite (and usual) carry load for the M&P340 is Speers 135-grain .38 Special Gold Dot +P. Best way to get away. Cylinder Not Locking: When you pull the trigger on the Smith and Wesson 327, you might sometimes hear a slight click. You must be 18 years of age or older to . No purchase necessary. But thats a 38 that weighs ~16 ounces. Smith & Wesson 340PD: The World's Lightest 357 Magnum! 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. Missouri Deptartment of Conservation, State Agency: The Smith and Wesson 340PD launches the revolver into the modern era with an incredible upgrade in construction and materials. Chunk that came off hit the instructor running the course (no injury). It's a stunning wrist punishing beast perfect for those who hate their hands/wrists with .44 Remington Magnum. S&W Set The Bar For Magnum Handgun Performance 50 Years Ago. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Featured-rich and enhanced for better performance, our firearms maintain production line integrity. I am not a fan. As already mentioned the M&P has a steel cylinder which is a positive aspect IMO. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. 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. 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. The bottom half, which holds the action, is polymer, and the upper half . Stay safe out there and at least carry something! UPC. I have owned and carried several J frames revolvers. The heavy double-action trigger and short sight radius are something you have to train to get used to. 1. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Once we passed the Manly Magnum Test, we thankfully returned to the .38 Specials. I bought one a few years ago just for the heck of it and to go with some new ultralight backpacking gear. California Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: Impressive the barrel didn't go downrange on the next round after the failure. Spydercos Squarehead. Right front pocket holster and Im dressed for peace and armed for trouble. With the more manageable Buffalo Bore 158-gr. The gun remained popular well into the 20th century, but many had switched to solid-frame, swing-out-cylinder Colts and S&Ws for their small revolver needs by WWII, and after the war, S&W did not renew production of the Safety Hammerless. FMJ (648 fps). I practice with wadcutters and semi-wadcutters, but carry Gold Dot Short Barrel PP .357 in the woods (which I also practice with, but not as much for obvious reasons). He learned that the discontinued Centennial had become a sought-after cult gun among those experts, including Wiley Clapp and many more. I carry the 360PD everyday in my jeans pocket, with a Blackhawk TecGrip size 4 sleeve covering the trigger. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. Nov 20, 2019. Nevada Department of Wildlife, State Agency: Smith & Wesson Models 40, 42, 640, 940, 442, 642, 340Sc, 342Ti and 340PD. 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. 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. New York Department of Environmental Conservation, State Agency: 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. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (when required) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, State Agency: It has to enable you a fast and easy draw at all times and conditions. Bullet etched on the bottom of the barrel sleeve. Most will carry this model inside the waistband. Please be respectful of others. So S&W uses mim parts. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The .357 just doesn t make sense in anything shorter than a three inch barrel, which is still quite borderline. But for my money, the Smith & Wesson M&P340 gets my vote for best of breed.. Check to compare Smith & Wesson 640 357 Mag Revolver 2.12" Barrel. Click HERE For The Benefits. From the left side it looks like a little silver horizontal J against the dark anodized scandium. Neither is there on the knuckle of my middle finger where it rests under the trigger guard. My carry loads are either standard-pressure Underwood .38 SPL Defenders or the Speer 135gr. Smith and Wesson J-Frame revolvers have been popular carry options for decades. Although, with practice, the 340PD can be an accurate and dependable firearm. I don't know whether that is true or not. I would love that for pocket carry! The Smith & Wesson 329PD revolver is something else. Contest void where prohibited by law. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM February 2023, P.O. Thinks for the heads up on keeping the older revolvers. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Lately, the .40 S&W has been awash in a stormy sea of unflattering ink. Case in point: American Outdoor Brands, which spun off from Smith & Wesson last year, reported sales up 60% over its first two fiscal quarters; Vista Outdoor reported a 41% increase in ammo sales . In production since 1899, the Model 10 is a six-shot, .38 Special, double-action revolver with fixed sights. In 2006, the best selling firearm offered by Smith & Wesson was the Model 642, the Airweight version of the 640. As a retired guy, I go back and forth from a S&W 340 to a Sig 365. Rebound Springs. During qual 5 rds of 38 +P 135 gr HP Gold Dot SB. At 13 ounces, it's a dream to carry. To subscribe, visitoutdoorgroupstore.com. 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. The 340PD is a great carry-a-lot-use-a-little gun and it is one of the best BUG guns for LEOs ever . 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. Mike said: I had my J frame 340pd lock up on me the other day when the "safety" lock was activated under fire. Contest void where prohibited by law. (I) Giveaway ends December 31, 2022. For outside-the-waistband carry, I prefer the DeSantis Mini Scabbard. Using a Sticky Holster will help cover the trigger guard and prevent an accidental discharge. Ankle carry is another good option, especially if you plan to use the snubby as a backup gun. Because 1952 was the year in which S&W celebrated its 100th birthday, the revolver was dubbed the Centennial. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com. I have a 360 M&P (.357 Mag scandium snub nose). 340PD. 1974: In little more than 20 years, times had changed. Ruger has been using MIM parts for more than 10 years. Make sure your search is . My 3 #60 in .357 is much easier to shoot than the 2 #638 in .38 spl. My particular model also introduced me personally to the notion that revolver can and do fail, however. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public.