S&W 340pd or M&P 340 Experience?

[JERRY]

I have a 638 with lock that I bought new. That model is not available new without the lock. I have never engaged the lock, never plan to. I have never felt any effect in the action that would indicate the lock is even there, much less any interference from it.

Why wouldn't you carry one? Do you think the lock will accidentally engage itself or something? Has this EVER happened?

i will not carry a gun for defense that has anything added to it that doesnt enhance its shootability. the built in lock was designed to do one thing, stop the gun from firing. it takes a tool to deactivate it, unlike a thumb safety that is instinctively disenaged....

that said, i do have a LCR-22 and P22 which have built in locks, but those are range toys and training guns for my kid only, not something id deploy for defensive uses given the choice.

each to their own, i want my gun to fire when i need it to. can you name one agency that issues its cops guns with built in locks requiring a key to deactivate? there is a reason for that.

[Bawanna]

I think Smith has recovered from that fiasco with Clinton, new management too. More and more of the models are once again available without key start ignitions.

I think it won't be long till the 638 and others will have no key as well.

I have one too and just never activate it. There are kits available to remove it as well. I've not looked into them yet and don't feel the urgent need but maybe some day.
Right now I'm just glad the wife is carrying it all the time, that's a good start.

[JERRY]

S&W did the locked guns to play to clinton. ruger and other like them did it to sell in commie states that required it.

S&W offers the great 642 without a built in lock now. ruger on the other hand only offers locked guns, no thank you. i dont have a problem with a company doing this as an option for those who are unfortunate enough to live in oppressive locales....Glock and to a lesser extent Seecamp & Kahr (with added california safeties) which i am a fan of, offers this device as an option, but for those of us in free states we are not subjected to such things.

[ltxi]

Jut told the guy that I would take the M&P340, so I just need to meet him at some point soon. He said the trigger work was just a spring swap, so easy to recreate the factory trigger if I want...doubt it. I know that the .357s will be stout, but I can shoot .38 as needed. As with any recoil, it is subjective.

Have a nl M&P 340 that I bought specifically because of the front sight and it's ability to handle heavier loads than my older 442. The stock trigger is unnecessarily heavy. I fired a cylinder full of .357 Gold Dot just 'cause I could. Ain't going there again and I'm not recoil adverse. Just hurts and not combat practical past the first shot. Plus P .38 is quite manageable. Std pressure .38 even more so.

Good gun....enjoy.

[1911luver]

Hi I've owned both and my vote is for the M&P version cheaper and no special care of the titainum cylinder. I also liked the sights on the m&p better to.

I will add I now have a Ruger LCR in .357 that I like better than either of the smiths. It handles recoil better and has a much better trigger to.

[jeepster09]

I have a 340PD that is Magnaported. Has a definate kick to it. I prefer the 640 for less kick.

[Barth]

I have a 340PD that is Magnaported. Has a definate kick to it. I prefer the 640 for less kick.

I often carry both my J-Frames.
640-1 on the belt and 342 in my pocket.
Golden Saber 125 gr 357s are perfect in the 640-1.

[340pd]

I have a 340PD with crimson trace 405 laser grips, as well as my range version a 640. Nothing I have ever found will conceal or carry as well as my 340 given its power. Add an ounce or two of weight in the 442 or 642 and it does make the pockets in lightweight wool trousers droop a little bit more. I carry 38 sp. Speer 135 gr gold dots in it. If I need more than that I am in deep kimchee anyway. I do not fire it a lot. I figure it is a last resort gun and spending a lot of time with a snubbie I prefer the 640 for practice. I have had mine in the door panel of my car for years. keep a couple of holster options in the glovebox for the times I am not carrying my PM9 of Shield and need to slip something into my pocket. I love that gun for just such occasions.

[jocko]

u guys giveme a PIA , u keep showing those guns and it just makes me sick to think I peddled \my prelock 342, ported and lighter than a fart in the air with CT grips on it and for what. I can't remember what I even did with the money I got for it now. yup u guys piss me off big time and I am gonna get on my trusty Harley and hunt you'se down to. Keep an eye out for me I will be the fella on a harley with no helmet and drinking a milkshake. a$$holes.

[JERRY]

a non locked , magna-ported, CT grip wearing, S&W airweight J frame snubby?! and you sold it?! may the biker Gods let you run over a squirrel and get a flat tire on your Harley.

[jocko]

I can't believe it myself..

[JFootin]

Well, I have no regrets about the money I have spent customizing my 638 Airweight! Ported, Duracoated Gloss Black and a trigger job that is a work of fine art by a REAL gunsmith! This gun is sweet! And at 15.1 oz, it is not too heavy.