I bought this gun a couple of years ago and was money well spent. It is totally invisiable in the pocket parked in a holster. At the range, I'm good for about 20 rounds through it as my right hand is done for the day after that. Yes it has a massive bark!! I carry this as a backup for my XDM-45. I am having a little trouble picturing a small built woman operating this gun....That's what the 38 rounds are for.
You do note the little "J" steel insert at the front of the top strap. To prevent premature 'flame' cutting of the "Scandium" frame. Its funny you mention Scandium in aluminum baseball bats because for years I have described the sensation of running a cylinder of five full house 357 Magnums through these guns as best replicated by hitting a frozen fire hydrant barehanded with an aluminum baseball bat getting "Instant Carpal Tunnel Syndrome". Yours has the lock.
Insofar as the M&P 340 is concerned, there are a couple of comments I take issue with. First, the gun is not just a "close up" gun. It is mechanically capable of hitting the target at 25 yards regularly, and more with practice. That brings up my second comment. The idea of "carried a lot, shot a little" is not a good way to build confidence, familiarity and experience with a gun. This model, like any other carried for self defense, needs to practiced with on a regular basis. For the author's information, "M&P" is not a division within S&W, but rather a line of firearms that date back to the late 1800's - early 1900's and consists of guns that were originally designed primarily for military and police use.
Good job Tom. This is a perfect high quality conceal carry gun for close and personal self defense. This makes you carry this every day because of its light weight. Hope no one ever has to use this for self defense ,but you know you have a threat stopper if you need it. Again nice job as always...
I carry this piece 24/7 since I was robbed at gunpoint in 2012. Same frame. I dont have the laser, dont need it at close range. No b's. I hope I never need to use it. I believe I paid around 300 bucks back then. It's a mans gun. Trust me, you better wear a glove at the range.
@jstmo95 Great! I quote retail prices & I mentioned that there are lower cost options for the "J" frame. I'm glad you found one! Thank you for your input!
I too, cannot afford this either. Found a used Colt Lawman III for $380, in .357, with a 2" barrel. It is heavier, with an exposed hammer but it has 6 shots
You are correct that all the very cool, innovative guns today are due primarily to the new metallurgy advances that weren't available just 10-15 years ago. Smith is right in the mix in providing superb new weapons.
I really don't think this is a horrible first gun. Personally, it wouldn't be my recommendation to a new shooter. But the benefit of the .357 magnum is that you can dial it all the way back to a light .38 wadcutter. There is no law that says you have to load it up with Buffalo Bore magnum loads, but you have the option. The platform is light, easily concealed and reliable. If tomorrow, I knew that my life was on the line and I had one shot to stay alive, I would feel quite comfortable wielding a snubnose .357 Magnum at close range. Bare in mind that most of these type of defensive shootings are almost at arms length. I'm not trying to pick someone off at 50 yards while running.
The internal hammer is double action, so yes it is an issue. But this gun is to shoot the bad guy at 5-7 feet, so have her practice at close range, then move the target out. Good luck
@fire1777 I do not plan to shoot the "J " frame, unless my life is in danger, so I'm happy with it. The other "J" frames are all excellent choices in my opinion. I use this revolver as a back up to a .45 or 10 MM.
A beast of similar S+W ilk numbed my hand and brought blood blisters to my fingers within 10 shots... LOL! It takes a lot to master jframes. I shoot snubs in a Model 10 and a Model 640 for the range. Lots of different loads to choose from. I find it helps build accuracy and passes down when I shoot my 442/642... which is punishing enough. Taught my wife to shoot in part with K frames and easing her into Jframes. Very versatile choice. Many forget the Model 60/640 class of jframes that is about twice the weight but much more tolerable IMHO. Maybe I'm just a weenie. That 340 is a beast! Excellent review
funny how everyone says the same about these small frame revolvers that they kick to much they can't be enjoyed at the range ha I put 500 rounds of 38 through my smith back when I owned it. That was in one shooting session I've put many more rounds through it since and that was an air weight model. I missed it so much that I bought one again and now I'm in the 10 day waiting period.
Worth a kilo-dollar, easy. And don't let anyone scare you on the recoil. I run 125 gr. Hornady FTX .357 mag X 50 rds per range visit. Worth the difference between a 380 Ruger LCP. I'm not scared. You won't be either. Try it. You'll love this gun. It is in my pocket. Along with two Bianchi speed load strips.
i have a similar revolver a centennial airweight rated 39 plus P. It is easy to clean I practice with 39 special cartridges. this is a revolver that should be used repeatedly for practice. female can handle recoil. It just takes practice.
look at the Taurus protector polymer 605. it is also a polymer 357 that I own and love. Cheap reliable and deadly accurate for a short barrel revolver. The up side to the protector poly is that is still has an exposed hammer which I love to shoot in single action. these double action only revolvers are tough to get good with. Just my .02
@thefamcnaj I would say see if you can find a used one, but people don't usually sell these things back. Don't know of of the quality of the lcr, but just a brief view of the specs and they do look comparable. Which ever one you choose I think a 357 Mag that's light enough and small enough to fit in your pocket is the correct answer to practical concealed carry.
@steathassassin2000 The revolver is simple & will shoot with never a worry of a jam, plus easy to safety check. Thank you for watching, tell your friends!
I love revolvers Tom!! That is a BEAUTY! I have a S&W mod 36 very old. Great vid.Gold vs. guns no contest. Very good points! Thanks. I do hate safeties on revolvers though.
been meaning to ask the gun comunity about revolvers and if there was any advantages over a auto ...never been a fan of the revolver mostly just personal taste wise but they just never apealed to me but as of lately and meeting alot of new people in the gun community i noticed alot of them carry a revolver ...so was kinda wondering if the was something im missing with them ....nice video too very informative as usual ...i love learning as much as i can
Love the video I bought the M&P 340 without the laser grips. But I really like the grips on your model but I cannot find them anywhere, I looked all over the Internet and can find laser grips for every make and model and color laser but cannot find these exact grips. Are these grips exclusively for this model is that why I cannot find them thank you
Ive been torn between this model and the 360pd. Only difference i can tell is a different sight and a titanium cylinder on the 360pd. titanium version is only 11 ozs. any thoughts?
Love the gun but here are some facts... The 340 m&p can crack a frame ( Just google it ) ... They can jam but less likely than an auto loader.... And this gun due to recoil would not be a good first time gun... For a very first time gun owner check out the Smith and Wesson 351c ( 22 Magnum ) The 351c has nearly no recoil ( great for first time shooters. ) Lighter than the 340 and has 7 rounds compared to 5 ... The best part is once your ready to step up to the 38 special or 357 the 531c would sell for very close to what you pay for it, if not more.... Am I putting down the 340 ? No way , great gun. I want one for myself.. It is the perfect concealed carry revolver for an EXPERIENCED shooter.. That is if you have a grand to spend on a gun.. If not the Smith 442 / 642 or Ruger LCR makes a great gun at nearly half price..
Im trying to decide on a .357 for cc some days and if need be a shtf revolver. I want something i can conceal when i need but be able to shoot alot of rounds through. Im going back and fourth between a Ruger lcr 357 or a Taurus 617. What are your thoughts? I would love the smith but cant afford it lol.
Masterofbates because a range gun is a fun gun. A gun you shoot a lot of ammo with. This is a carry gun, you shoot it, and get good with it, but it’s not so fun, and your not going to put extra rounds thru just for fun...
Do they all come with the overpriced built in laser? I've heard estimates of them ranging from $500 to $1300 bucks, with the most expensive model being the built in laser model.
Paul Dutton I think your talking about the 340pd. it has a titanium cylinder to get the 11oz. this is the m&p model with the steel or stainless steel cylinder. so it's 13oz.
This gun is a horrible option for first time shooter and especially women who haven't shot anything. This is an strong intermediate to expert shooters gun. I love mine just picked it up this week.
If... you have never shot a J frame then no J frame is a good choice.. I would suggest you shoot full wad cutters out of it.. the gun is............capable of 2" groups at 25 yards.. you may not be. you can be. Once you learn to shoot? having 5 .357 mag loads is.......comforting. at this point... this is a .357 that is familiar to you and accurate and has the proven stopping power of a .357.. sooo.. booooo hooo. you shot someone and your hand stings for 5 minutes.. you better carry a 22 snowflake. what are the advantages? you can hit man sized targets with any load at 100 yards if you do your part (no.. barrel length has nothing to do with accuracy) and.. the best part besides power with .357? is that you can carry it in your front pocket and it is no harder to carry than your stupid phone.
Why do people think small revolvers are a good option for new shooters or untrained women? The smaller the gun is the harder it is to shoot and use effectively. And when you're talking 357 magnum, quite frankly it's a horrible option for new or inexperienced shooters. Small guns are good for concealment but horrible in every other aspect of shooting. If you gave this gun to a new shooter they would never want to shoot again lol. You need a balance between usable size, and concealability.
Of course this is a ccw gun. But it doesn't matter what the application is. A small light gun with a heavy caliber is not something someone should start with. Whatever caliber you want, but you should learn with a mid to full size gun or it will make the learning experience much more difficult and take longer to become proficient. Small guns are not better for anything but concealment.
I bought this gun a couple of years ago and was money well spent. It is totally invisiable in the pocket parked in a holster. At the range, I'm good for about 20 rounds through it as my right hand is done for the day after that. Yes it has a massive bark!! I carry this as a backup for my XDM-45. I am having a little trouble picturing a small built woman operating this gun....That's what the 38 rounds are for.
@GunSkinny You are the first one who mentioned the "material" Thanks!!
@MrShadowWang The pricing is outrageous, I agree, so is gas, food, etc... Thanks for your input!
You do note the little "J" steel insert at the front of the top strap. To prevent premature 'flame' cutting of the "Scandium" frame. Its funny you mention Scandium in aluminum baseball bats because for years I have described the sensation of running a cylinder of five full house 357 Magnums through these guns as best replicated by hitting a frozen fire hydrant barehanded with an aluminum baseball bat getting "Instant Carpal Tunnel Syndrome".
Yours has the lock.
Insofar as the M&P 340 is concerned, there are a couple of comments I take issue with. First, the gun is not just a "close up" gun. It is mechanically capable of hitting the target at 25 yards regularly, and more with practice. That brings up my second comment. The idea of "carried a lot, shot a little" is not a good way to build confidence, familiarity and experience with a gun. This model, like any other carried for self defense, needs to practiced with on a regular basis. For the author's information, "M&P" is not a division within S&W, but rather a line of firearms that date back to the late 1800's - early 1900's and consists of guns that were originally designed primarily for military and police use.
Good job Tom. This is a perfect high quality conceal carry gun for close and personal self defense. This makes you carry this every day because of its light weight. Hope no one ever has to use this for self defense ,but you know you have a threat stopper if you need it. Again nice job as always...
+mreddieotis I carry this in my suit jacket, thanks
@SireBigz7 I carry this as a backup, so small is good for me, thank you for your input.
I carry this piece 24/7 since I was robbed at gunpoint in 2012. Same frame. I dont have the laser, dont need it at close range. No b's. I hope I never need to use it. I believe I paid around 300 bucks back then. It's a mans gun. Trust me, you better wear a glove at the range.
All the "j" frames are a must have! Thank you
Just bought one. Price was high but it is reliable, small, light and powerful. Hope you can do an update review.
wow, in 2011/12, when this video was made, a 340PD was $1129... in March 2023, it's $1139... hmm
@jstmo95 Great! I quote retail prices & I mentioned that there are lower cost options for the "J" frame. I'm glad you found one! Thank you for your input!
I too, cannot afford this either. Found a used Colt Lawman III for $380, in .357, with a 2" barrel. It is heavier, with an exposed hammer but it has 6 shots
I shaved two more ounces off mine by adding the titanium cylinder. It's a little tweak of Chemistry just like Walter White said! Nice video!
You are correct that all the very cool, innovative guns today are due primarily to the new metallurgy advances that weren't available just 10-15 years ago. Smith is right in the mix in providing superb new weapons.
I really don't think this is a horrible first gun. Personally, it wouldn't be my recommendation to a new shooter. But the benefit of the .357 magnum is that you can dial it all the way back to a light .38 wadcutter. There is no law that says you have to load it up with Buffalo Bore magnum loads, but you have the option. The platform is light, easily concealed and reliable. If tomorrow, I knew that my life was on the line and I had one shot to stay alive, I would feel quite comfortable wielding a snubnose .357 Magnum at close range. Bare in mind that most of these type of defensive shootings are almost at arms length. I'm not trying to pick someone off at 50 yards while running.
I must say...Sir, you are doing a very good job with your channel. I look forward to watching your upcoming videos. Thanks, keep up the good work!
I shot this with no issues, it is for very close range self defense, thanks
The internal hammer is double action, so yes it is an issue. But this gun is to shoot the bad guy at 5-7 feet, so have her practice at close range, then move the target out. Good luck
@fire1777 I do not plan to shoot the "J " frame, unless my life is in danger, so I'm happy with it. The other "J" frames are all excellent choices in my opinion. I use this revolver as a back up to a .45 or 10 MM.
@beaker126 The M & P division is pricey, I agree. Thanks for your input.
I recently picked up a S&W model 360 J-frame for only $488! Brand new. I love this as a CCW weapon. 12 oz.
A beast of similar S+W ilk numbed my hand and brought blood blisters to my fingers within 10 shots... LOL! It takes a lot to master jframes. I shoot snubs in a Model 10 and a Model 640 for the range. Lots of different loads to choose from. I find it helps build accuracy and passes down when I shoot my 442/642... which is punishing enough. Taught my wife to shoot in part with K frames and easing her into Jframes. Very versatile choice. Many forget the Model 60/640 class of jframes that is about twice the weight but much more tolerable IMHO. Maybe I'm just a weenie. That 340 is a beast! Excellent review
You are a positive 2nd Amendment person, That is is huge: Thanks
I want one just to throw on when I'm running to the store and back or not gonna be gone long. I would not make this my primary EDC. But I like it.
what is your primary EDC gun and what pocket gun do you use?
funny how everyone says the same about these small frame revolvers that they kick to much they can't be enjoyed at the range ha I put 500 rounds of 38 through my smith back when I owned it. That was in one shooting session I've put many more rounds through it since and that was an air weight model. I missed it so much that I bought one again and now I'm in the 10 day waiting period.
@kvready1 Thank you for the kind comment.
That is a beautiful gun Tom. I have the j-frame 642 s&w. I bought it last month for around $400 without the crimson trace. Nice vid.
Worth a kilo-dollar, easy. And don't let anyone scare you on the recoil. I run 125 gr. Hornady FTX .357 mag X 50 rds per range visit. Worth the difference between a 380 Ruger LCP. I'm not scared. You won't be either. Try it. You'll love this gun. It is in my pocket. Along with two Bianchi speed load strips.
The grips are the Crimson Trace LG-405 model for those who want to know.
Check S & W's website. You do not need the laser... Thanks for commenting
i have a similar revolver a centennial airweight rated 39 plus P. It is easy to clean
I practice with 39 special cartridges. this is a revolver that should be used
repeatedly for practice. female can handle recoil. It just takes practice.
Yes, I carried it today at the beach
look at the Taurus protector polymer 605. it is also a polymer 357 that I own and love. Cheap reliable and deadly accurate for a short barrel revolver. The up side to the protector poly is that is still has an exposed hammer which I love to shoot in single action. these double action only revolvers are tough to get good with. Just my .02
ShitFromShinola this Double only trigger is much lightened by the factory. No long pull whatsoever. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s about 6#.
@thefamcnaj I would say see if you can find a used one, but people don't usually sell these things back. Don't know of of the quality of the lcr, but just a brief view of the specs and they do look comparable. Which ever one you choose I think a 357 Mag that's light enough and small enough to fit in your pocket is the correct answer to practical concealed carry.
@steathassassin2000 The revolver is simple & will shoot with never a worry of a jam, plus easy to safety check. Thank you for watching, tell your friends!
@wootfortoot Great answer , thanks for watching, tell your friends about my channel, please.
@cachamelion If you can not put this revolver on your body, you may consider a Glock 30 for home defense. (if that gun is legal to keep in your home)
looks nice Tom great vid. i had no idea they used that material on those revolvers keep up the good work buddy!
I love revolvers Tom!! That is a BEAUTY! I have a S&W mod 36 very old. Great vid.Gold vs. guns no contest. Very good points! Thanks. I do hate safeties on revolvers though.
@jstmo95 I agree, Thanks for input!
been meaning to ask the gun comunity about revolvers and if there was any advantages over a auto ...never been a fan of the revolver mostly just personal taste wise but they just never apealed to me but as of lately and meeting alot of new people in the gun community i noticed alot of them carry a revolver ...so was kinda wondering if the was something im missing with them ....nice video too very informative as usual ...i love learning as much as i can
Love the video I bought the M&P 340 without the laser grips. But I really like the grips on your model but I cannot find them anywhere, I looked all over the Internet and can find laser grips for every make and model and color laser but cannot find these exact grips. Are these grips exclusively for this model is that why I cannot find them thank you
I would guess they are for this model, you can always call Smith and ask them. Thanks
@jstmo95 Thanks for your input. You got a good deal!
@seagod1776 Wow, what a great comment, thank you. Watch my channel update this week, I speak from the heart...
@tawbrey863 Great deal & nice gun. Thanks for your input.
Ive been torn between this model and the 360pd. Only difference i can tell is a different sight and a titanium cylinder on the 360pd. titanium version is only 11 ozs. any thoughts?
@thefamcnaj look a S & W's website. There are a bunch of J frames you can buy for a reasonable cost. Contact me this summer when I have my FFL.
@jdawg54874 You can get a good deal on those, thanks for your input.
Tom, you are the expert, but I think the j-frame in a .38 would be ideal for Mrs. Straightshooter
Revolvers are awsome.
Lovely looking pocket .357 magnum what is your carry load
Precious. Preeeeescioussssssssss.....
13oz Revolver and a big ol' .357 round sounds like a real wrist twister
@makeshiftmethod420 Thanks for the comment, I may get an FFL license & sell them!
Good video. Very informative.
Love the gun but here are some facts... The 340 m&p can crack a frame ( Just google it ) ... They can jam but less likely than an auto loader.... And this gun due to recoil would not be a good first time gun... For a very first time gun owner check out the Smith and Wesson 351c ( 22 Magnum ) The 351c has nearly no recoil ( great for first time shooters. ) Lighter than the 340 and has 7 rounds compared to 5 ... The best part is once your ready to step up to the 38 special or 357 the 531c would sell for very close to what you pay for it, if not more.... Am I putting down the 340 ? No way , great gun. I want one for myself.. It is the perfect concealed carry revolver for an EXPERIENCED shooter.. That is if you have a grand to spend on a gun.. If not the Smith 442 / 642 or Ruger LCR makes a great gun at nearly half price..
Im trying to decide on a .357 for cc some days and if need be a shtf revolver. I want something i can conceal when i need but be able to shoot alot of rounds through. Im going back and fourth between a Ruger lcr 357 or a Taurus 617. What are your thoughts? I would love the smith but cant afford it lol.
@GothChristianPatriot Not that I am aware of.
@bengtsson45 Thank you for watching, please tell your friends!
@grovesac20 I was waiting for someone to tell me what an I phone weighs! Thanks!
@7runamuck I love my .357 J frame also!
i really need to pick one of these up...
Yeah the Ruger LCR
Wish the 442 had the replacement front site and this one had no key lock
Is this gun still your everyday carry? 9-3-12
@twolf422 You have a nice gun !
Winchester PDX1 Defender 125 Grain 1325 fps , thank you
Great vid. Nice gun but a little small for me
@702CitizenArmory Go ahead & get one!
cool gun
...just picked onr up at a local show - pre-owned - for $650!!!
Is it a Performance Center?
the iphone is only 4.8 ounces. Great video though man, I've been keeping up with your channel, watching every one of your videos.
@tonis1605 You are the man! First comment & a nice one at that! Thank you!
I hear the shit about It's not a range gun but a ccw gun and if you don't go out and practice with it then why carry it anyway!?
Masterofbates because a range gun is a fun gun. A gun you shoot a lot of ammo with. This is a carry gun, you shoot it, and get good with it, but it’s not so fun, and your not going to put extra rounds thru just for fun...
Do they all come with the overpriced built in laser? I've heard estimates of them ranging from $500 to $1300 bucks, with the most expensive model being the built in laser model.
11.4 ounces or do you mean loaded?
Paul Dutton I think your talking about the 340pd. it has a titanium cylinder to get the 11oz. this is the m&p model with the steel or stainless steel cylinder. so it's 13oz.
thatguy correct
try the Smith & Wesson 386 Night Guard
i want a 649
if you watch closely you will see an ant at 10:02 :)
@billsbulletsandbeans I love that gun!!!
sounds like christopher walken
Get the Ruger
This gun is a horrible option for first time shooter and especially women who haven't shot anything. This is an strong intermediate to expert shooters gun. I love mine just picked it up this week.
If... you have never shot a J frame then no J frame is a good choice.. I would suggest you shoot full wad cutters out of it.. the gun is............capable of 2" groups at 25 yards.. you may not be. you can be. Once you learn to shoot? having 5 .357 mag loads is.......comforting. at this point... this is a .357 that is familiar to you and accurate and has the proven stopping power of a .357.. sooo.. booooo hooo. you shot someone and your hand stings for 5 minutes.. you better carry a 22 snowflake. what are the advantages? you can hit man sized targets with any load at 100 yards if you do your part (no.. barrel length has nothing to do with accuracy) and.. the best part besides power with .357? is that you can carry it in your front pocket and it is no harder to carry than your stupid phone.
Why do people think small revolvers are a good option for new shooters or untrained women? The smaller the gun is the harder it is to shoot and use effectively. And when you're talking 357 magnum, quite frankly it's a horrible option for new or inexperienced shooters. Small guns are good for concealment but horrible in every other aspect of shooting. If you gave this gun to a new shooter they would never want to shoot again lol. You need a balance between usable size, and concealability.
Of course this is a ccw gun. But it doesn't matter what the application is. A small light gun with a heavy caliber is not something someone should start with. Whatever caliber you want, but you should learn with a mid to full size gun or it will make the learning experience much more difficult and take longer to become proficient. Small guns are not better for anything but concealment.
+DemocracyOfHypocrisy it also uses 38 special
Not much of a difference, thanks
Ruger LCR .357 is great alternative.
Why torture a lady with such a terrible revolver? The blast and recoil must be horrible with .357 magnum loads,
Mitchell Ota pink tip critical defense .38 lite might be fun
It's nice, but not $1,100 nice.