The reason people ask YOU questions is because you are knowledgeable yet speak not over a beginners head, are articulate yet down to Earth, and have good skill with Top grade revolvers without being "Snobby"! Blue collar beginners or White collar prodigies or whatever can all learn something from you, That's why I watch!!!
In my LEO days I carried a Jframe all of the time as a backup. Loved my 44 and 357 magnums as well. No 357 in a J frame though! As much as I love shooting magnum loads, it is just darn painful after a cylinder of 357s. I have my 442 magna-ported to aide in recovery shots with my 38+p's.
I own the 340PD. It was a Christmas gift from my father last year. I know right? 😊. My father is an ABSOLUTE SAINT! 😇. I love the gun's Scandium frame. It's SOOOOOO LIGHT! It literally feels like it's not even there. You can throw the gun in your front pants pocket & go. The problem when running even the light 357 loads is felt recoil, & report. There are TONS of both! Shooting 357 out of this thing without hearing protection in is like igniting a flashbang in your hand. You are completely deaf, dumb, and blind for about 10 minutes after shooting a SINGLE ROUND! The recoil is equivalent to a mule on a bad day 🐴 Needless to say, it's 38+P for this one 😁
Great review! Thank you so much for being honest about the recoil with the 357s.... I don't know what it is like to shoot a 357 but i was seriously considering buying this guy for the 357. But your review really was a great help. "Don't do it.. it will hurt." lol
A GREAT review for a great revolver. This is my primary carry with the CT grips just like yours. My other ''carry'' is a PARA CARRY LDA .45, My vehicle gun is a RUGER ALASKAN with 454 Cor Bon. I keep this on the front seat next to me in a paper bag. All three pieces are very accurate up to 50 feet. All extremely accurate at 20 feet. My favorite is the 340 PD which is with me all the time. Right pocket in a pocket holster. I like the Federal .357 ammo in all 5 holes. I bought it for it's 357 capability and it's light weight. Feels like a big key chain. OVERKILL? YUP! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
Great video, I pocket & appendix the model 360, the hammer version of this revolver, It fits so easy & comfortable in daily life. Not bulky or heavy or a pain to have on you all day. With magnum power, can't get much better than this tiny get off me gun!!!
I bought one of these. I’ve gone through 19 Carry pistols trying very hard to make things work. I found that pocket carry worked best for me. I also found that a safety-free handgun was best because it takes too much fine-tuned motor skills to disengage a safety. Finally, a wimpy pocket semi-auto is not nearly as intimidating as a revolver. Finally, if I am convinced of pocket carry, out need something extremely light because anything semi-heavy will pull the pants or shorts down.So, I needed a lightweight revolver for pocket carry. My decision was to get a 340PD and buy Hogue rubber grips. This has been the absolute very best pocket carry package I’ve ever used. Thank you for the video.
I love watching your videos. I still haven't picked up a J-Frame. Wow I never knew there was a 357Mag in a J-Frame. I think I'd like that one better then a 637. Enjoying the vids!
Great video and ammo testing. The alloy J frames are nice carry guns especially in hot climates. .357 mag recoil is brutal but it gives you options. The critical defense looked like it could start people on fire at close range lol.
I have watched several of your videos because we seem to have similar taste when it comes to wheel guns :-) and I like 1911s too. I have two comments. First, I like how you do your videos. I find them funny and interesting with the right amount of depth when it comes to knowledge and personal experience sharing. Second, I am fairly impressed how well you manage those .357 mag loads out of the snubbies. I am no slouch myself but I need to keep on working to control the muzzle as well as you do. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Greg90731 wow, thanks for the kind words! Don't get me wrong - shooting .357mags out of a j-frame is no fun and I honestly feel unnecessary. Even those Gold Dot short barrels were "tough" on the hands for me which surprised me. Thanks again!
I recently picked up a 340PD as an upgrade from my 442. first I tried a cylinder of 38 +p ammo, it wasn't too bad. Not pleasurable but not bad. Then I tried what I now see as a mistake and threw in full house .357 just to try it out (all I had laying around ) and holy crap. I've never had a handgun actually hurt my hand until now. I'm going to find a better defensive load and get some good grips. All the hype you read about .357 recoil in this gun is true lol
I did the exact same thing - with the exact same results. First time I ever had a gun actually hurt my hand. Lost a little skin, and my thumb was numb for a couple hours. The factory grip is entirely unacceptable with 357.
I have a 340PD w/o crimson trace, after about 20 rds. of magnums it's time to lay it down, it does take a strong grip. I usually carry mine w/o a holster and just put in my pocket. My standard ammo carry is 125 gr. JHP +P .38 special Federal Hydro-Shok , much more control and I don't fill that I'm under armed.
If I owned that revolver, (and I'm seriously thinking about purchasing the single / double action 360PD) I would just run standard .38 Special rounds. For me it's more about the weight of the gun than anything else, and since I already own a standard snub nosed J-frame and am happy with it's power and performance, I really don't see a need to use either the Plus P or full house .357 ammo. My main goal is to reduce the carrying weight by more than half, while not suffering with too much additional recoil.
Glad to see the range visit went good with the 340. I picked up a 50 rd box of the gold dot 38+p in the video for 30 bucks at my local shop. Not a bad deal at all for 50 round boxes.
My 340M&P is a breeze to carry . I have the night sight version. I love it! Recoil is stiff but it's not a range gun. When I play with it I use wadcutter loads. At self defense ranges I practice point and shoot. My carry ammo is some old Super Vel 357 ammo. It prints a little low but is really consistent.
Nice piece man. My club also has that stupid rule that the targets must be a minimum of 21 feet, I break it all the time as long as nobody is there. Otherwise I'll shoot outside (weather permitting) and also practice CQB drills and what not. Eventually I also plan to get the crimson trace grips for my 642-2. The footage of you shooting the different loads is cool. I couldn't imagine shooting that 125 grain critical defense in .357 mag out of a J frame, especially this one. That muzzle flash was crazy lol. Holy shit! Even the short barrel formula id stick with the .38+p opposed to the .357 magnum. For say your former beefier 686 plus 2 1/2 inch barrel that's a little different but .357 mag in ANY J frame has to hurt. I've never tried it. While a .357 mag hollowpoint most definitely wouldn't over penetrate on the street, generally speaking it's risky. I stick to 9mm, .45acp, or my pocket carry short barreled .38+p Speer in the J frame. If I was outdoors hiking or camping that's a different story tho. Look forward to chatting again soon, good video.
I have a S&W 360PD. I was able to put two full cylinders of Gold Dot Maggie’s through it, the day I bought it. My hand hurt for a week! It felt like somebody had pounded on my palm with a rubber mallet. Never again. It’s 38’s now.
Would you mind doing an in depth cleaning video on the 340pd, including what brands of cleaners/lubes you personally use, especially for the titanium barrel. Thanks a lot!
@@theumpteenthtime8854 Several years ago, my EDC was a S&W model 60- 357 magnum. I carried Remington 110gr semi jacketed HP's in it. They are considered a 3/4 magnum - or kinda a 38 Plus P Plus. In that all steel revolver those rounds were very manageable. And a bonus - my local shop sold them for under $20 for a box of 50. I'm still kicking myself in the butt for letting me cousin talk me out of it. I'm currently carrying 2 S&W 642's. I figure the fastest reload is to just grab another loaded revolver.
I own 2 guns, a 40 cal Glock 23 and a Smith and Wesson 360P. It is the same gun as that one but it is also is single action and has a hammer. I was impressed at how accurate that tiny gun is. I loaded the gun with 4, 38 Special and 1, 357 mag. From 40 yards away I put a tight pattern around the Bullseye with all 5 shots. I did not think that the recoil was overwhelming when I shot 357 mag Critical Defense brand. I have not tried any other brand of 357 mag yet. When I carry it, I keep it loaded with 357 mag. I was going to buy a derringer that only held 2 rounds for the summer time when I have to wear lighter clothing. I am glad that I chose this option. It was a little pricey but a great gun that serves its purpose. I really don’t like guns but it is so dangerous now. Some guys tried to car jack me in my SS Camaro. I knew what they were up to and went against their plan. Fortunately there were two cars with 5 people talking to each other not far away. They also messed up there plans. I had the Glock with me. They were so cocky and assumed that I was stupid. I spent the greater part of my life in Houston, Texas and am street smart. People who do things like that are well organized and know that you may be carrying a gun. I avoid putting myself in that situation but I would have no problem killing somebody who robs and kills for money or carjacking. I live near St Louis Missouri. It is a very dangerous city and people there who get involved in crime, kill because they think it is fun and show it off to their sick friends.
5:31 A friend has one these. A cylinder of full house .357 Mags I always thought was like taking an aluminum baseball bat and going to the nearest fire hydrant and taking some mighty whacks at it. "No mas. No mas."
642-2 PC w/ gold dot 38spc+P is my way to go... I like to use a clip draw instead of a holster... 357 mag in that light of a gun, to me, is a little much when considering rapid follow up shots
I have a Kimber K6s, which also can shoot either 357 magnum or 38 specials. The Kimber weighs 23 ounces vs. the 11.8 ounces in the Smith 340PD. I shot 357 magnums out of the Kimber once and that was enough. It was painful. I can't even imagine a 357 out of a gun that only weighs 11.8 ounces. It must be like a M-80 going off in your hand.
Thanks for the good video showing the recoil differences. One small suggestion, when you hold something up to the camera for display, don't shake it around using it to gesture with, it makes it hard to see, just hold it very steady while you talk so people can focus on it.
GET A GRIP Great video. 340PD is the first time I ever had a gun actually hurt my hand. .357 Magnum loads out of an 11-ounce 340PD revolver. I knew it would not be gentle. I decided to try the puny factory grip - with the new Hogue Monogrip standing by for installation. Oh, the factory grip was coming off anyway, and the .38 recoil really wasn't all that bad. But with 125-grain defensive hollowpoint 357s in the 340PD.... First round: DAMN! Second round: Yes, it really does hurt. Third round: Not sure I really want to finish this cylinder out. Fourth round: My hand HURTS. Well, only one more round left. Last round: [PROFANITY] I'm done. I don't think I ever hit my intended target. And I didn't care. Skin was ripped from the web of my thumb and my thumb was numb. In .38, I had a 642 Magnaported to mitigate muzzle flip but the best fix for recoil is a larger grip. My favorite was machined out of beautiful Cocobolo. Fit my big hand perfectly, all three fingers had a secure home on the grip, and control was finally achieved! Pocket carry works far better with wood, as the rubber grip grabs the fabric in your pocket and will not slide out smoothly. The Hogue Monogrip is a great place to start. Crimson Trace (looks like one on the gun in the video) makes a great laser grip for this gun, and I have to say it does exceptionally well on the 642, but I'm not certain it will solve the recoil problem with .357.
I love this handgun because of its size and weight. Personally, I only use .38 special +P loads. I use this as my primary personal protection weapon, in most cases. I do not venture into bad neighborhoods where there would be gangs hanging out. If you need more than 5 rounds to end a confrontation, your either a bad shot or in a bad area. Speed loaders, moon clips, speed strips, can help out for those situations. Anyway, this firearm is meant for up close and personal, not for long distance shooting. I don't think I would ever find myself in a long distance shootout with a perp. For one thing, they would need to come up close to rob me, if that is their intentions. If you have the type of personality that makes a lot of enemies, well god help ya!
Those flames are sick! She's got some kick! Every time I go there I still am amazed of the amount of holes that are almost straight up in the ceiling. Scary actually
I want this gun but a non-PD version with the night sight on it. I want is in 357 mag for my backpacking hip belt when I'm in the woods. Around town it will carry 38s. One day soon I'll get my paws on it.
I’m interested in the Federal HST in 38spl. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I’m using the Critical Defense right now, but I’m caught up in the hype over the HST.
I never realised there was so much leaked discharge from front of cylinder! Never saw any in old Lone Ranger serials! Any way of lessening it by extending case to shroud the bullet right up to back of barrel?
Nice review. I sold my 340 PD several years ago and I regret getting rid of it. 125 gr 357 mag corbon rounds were like having a Grizzly Bear slap your hand lol that bitch stung.
I shoot only .357s in mine. It's a peanut after shooting my S&W500 with 700 grain bullets. Just like when hunting, when you're shooting it when you need to, you don't feel anything. I wouldn't want to have to shoot either pistol while inside a car though. Would be real tough on the ears. But even tougher on the bad guy, especially with the 500.
Nice gun! Hopefully CT will make a green laser grip for j-frames soon. Did I hear you right that your range only allows shooting from 25 feet? That sucks. Be real hard to train new shooters.
That 340 PD sure looks like a little beast, but I think I'd prefer that 327 Pug a lot more. The Gold Dot .357's seemed like a lot better choice than the Hornady for carry in that 340.
Love shooting 38 special, key is the wife and I can shoot all day long...and you should load what you practical with (at least in most cases) Nothing against the 357...have a buddy who has a 357 S&W with a 6 inch barrel, nice gun but after 12 rounds I'm ready to put it down...Great vid. !
Get yourself the longer Crimson Trace grip with the third finger groove and the magnums are much more manageable. Still feels like hitting a baseball wrong, but not nearly as bad as with the smaller grip.
I am looking for a kydex holster exactly like the one on your table for my S&W Bodyguard. I like the fact that the belt clip is on the trigger guard because it makes the revolver feel slimmer iside your waist. What brand is it and where csn I find it?
harlistapr1 Hey there - please check out this video of the "older version" But its Garrett Industries - awesome little holster if you are looking for a IWB for a j-frame. czcams.com/video/C2WUpFy40Co/video.html The link to his website should be there. Expensive but worth the money!
I install recoil absorbing rubber grips on all my j frames this cushions the hand against recoil covers the back strap and in the case of the hogue monogrip gets all my fingers on the grip.. I can still fit this in my front jeans pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster... My 11 oz 342 ti .38 I can hit up to 45- 50 ft Target's accurately... My son has a crimson Trace rubber laser grip compact grips on his Smith & Wesson 642.
Hydra Shok 357 mag out of a snubbie hurt pretty bad lol. So I went with Hornady and its a faster round but I felt less recoil. That's just me though. I love snubbies.
nice balanced look at various loads in a fleaweight? Did you find the grip acceptable? I guess you did because youd didn't say anything negative about it.
Love the .357 loads, but for such a small barrel i'd go with the 38+p as well.Shot my buddies 640 and his father's airweight and that was very unpleasant.OUCH! That said, i have the Gold dots's 125g .357 loads for my 4" GP100 and for my bedside gun.It's a kick for sure but i can manage it well...now that is.;) I'm a semi auto guy for the record.Love that Ruger though, sweet shooter.
What's your thoughts on the sights and sight picture on the pd vs. Your older 340 m&p? I have been going back and forth on these two and need to land somewhere .. any other people have the same problems? I read about the laser screw backing out of the bodyguard 380 and didn't believe it.. but that nightmare came true and I dealt that pos.. any wisdom would be appreciated.
blinger76 If I could get it back the 340 M&P would probably be the better bet. Titanium cylinders are somewhat "fragile" it seems in the sense that if you use certain hot loads it could start eroding the face of the cylinder. But then again I don't plan on shooting much .357mag out of a j-frame... But the XS sight on the 340M&P is very helpful for sure. Plus the stainless cylinder is a good bet as you don't need to consider how you are cleaning it and what loads you are shooting out of it. So in a nut shell I like both but the stainless cylinder and XS front sight are very appealing. Plus the 340 M&P is a less money than the PD.
SweetWillyJonez yeah you always have that option to use .357mag. Just don't think its worth using any type of full house mag through this as I'm not sure you really get "that much more" out of it. plus it hurts like a B! LOL
Try Federal HST.38 +p 130 grain !! Federal achieves the plus p velocity by recessing the huge hollow point bullet deep in the case.. this builds up plus p velocity without adding more powder! The huge hollow point is flush with the case rim just like a wad cutter... This round feels like shooting a 22 Magnum in my 11 oz j frame recoil is the lightest of any load including Hornady critical defense light standard 90 grain
Have you tried the Underwood 158gr +P LSWCHP .38 spcl? That's probably the most potent load to date. 472 ft lbs of energy. More than that Gold Dot SB .357 mag load.
Aug. 2023 just wondering are you still carrying the 340PD? I picked up a 642 and find it very easy to carry appendix position, but looking at the 340PD for the better sight option with the fiber optic model.
In response to an older thread below in the comments...make sure you practice with the ammunition you carry. The California Highway Patrol lost 4 officers in 1970 in a gunfight. One of the main contributors to their deaths was the agency's policy for officers to practice with .38 Special ammo and carry full power .357 Magnum loads. Under life-threatening conditions, the officers scored ZERO hits on the 2 perpetrators. Train with the ammo you are going to be using for self defense period!
442 or 642 is the way to go, you can find them used in like new condition at a very reasonable prices because people by j frames and then can not hit the side of a barn with one and they don’t put the time and effort into learning how to use one properly. They blame the gun instead of taking a class on revolvers. Why pay crazy prices for a .357 j frame . If you do need to get a .357 I would suggest the smallest one being a Ruger SP101. What ever you buy , find a qualified revolver instructor and really learn how to use one. My favorite is an old 649 . I guess old guys like old guns.
Buffalo Bore makes a 125 grain JHP load that will still make close to 1400 FPS from the J-frame .357s, would be a good load for this as far as stopping power goes.
D5quared91 dang, that is impressive but how much pain!? I wonder if that is the load I use in the n-frame pug nose? Its a 125gr short barrel barnes bullet?
Looks like it might be a nice purse gun for the ladies, maybe even the now popular man-purses.. anyone with experience? Would be a good idea now with the dark parking lots in the winter months….
You want to check out zeta 6. CIRCULAR SPEED STRIPS.. ALLOWS YOU TO LOAD ALL FIVE (OR6) AT ONE TIME WITHOUT BULKY SPEED LOADERS.. PUT THE ROUNDS IN THE CYLINDER AND PEELED THE RUBBER STRIP OFF IT'S THAT EASY MUCH LESS BULKY IN THE POCKET THAN THE SPEED LOADER
just get some Hoppes Elite in the spray bottle. Use this on the Ti cylinder. Also can use a pencil eraser on the face if you are OCD but...really not a big deal.
For me I like how light the 340PD is and I only shoot 38spl+P though it...still stings a tad but doesn't bother me. But some might not like that. Both are good but majority of people I know like the M&P version more.
I've carried a number of different J frames, with a 638 my present choice. I have NO USE for a .357 Mag in a gun this size. The recoil and blast are horrendous and .357 in a J fame is hard to control, and .38 Special will do the job just fine with a lot less recoil and blast. A follow up shot with a .38 is a lot quicker with less recoil.
S&W 60LS is one of my favorites for 357 mag concealed carry... 642-2 PC is what I carry the most (38 spl+P is what I carry for either gun). If u have larger paws, you could of course buy a diff. grip for it.
I know this is an older video but have you ever given thought to a chiappa rhino? love mine carries and conceals so easy would love to hear your thoughts about em before and after shooting one
The object of the gun is to have a tool that will save lives in an emergency, one that is light and small enough to carry along without hassle. Or as a back up gun for those that need one, like police.
I used to enjoy taking this out to the range. The whole range would turn around, to see what the thunderous noise was.
The reason people ask YOU questions is because you are knowledgeable yet speak not over a beginners head, are articulate yet down to Earth, and have good skill with Top grade revolvers without being "Snobby"! Blue collar beginners or White collar prodigies or whatever can all learn something from you, That's why I watch!!!
In my LEO days I carried a Jframe all of the time as a backup. Loved my 44 and 357 magnums as well. No 357 in a J frame though! As much as I love shooting magnum loads, it is just darn painful after a cylinder of 357s. I have my 442 magna-ported to aide in recovery shots with my 38+p's.
I own the 340PD. It was a Christmas gift from my father last year. I know right? 😊. My father is an ABSOLUTE SAINT! 😇.
I love the gun's Scandium frame. It's SOOOOOO LIGHT! It literally feels like it's not even there. You can throw the gun in your front pants pocket & go.
The problem when running even the light 357 loads is felt recoil, & report. There are TONS of both! Shooting 357 out of this thing without hearing protection in is like igniting a flashbang in your hand. You are completely deaf, dumb, and blind for about 10 minutes after shooting a SINGLE ROUND!
The recoil is equivalent to a mule on a bad day 🐴 Needless to say, it's 38+P for this one 😁
Great review! Thank you so much for being honest about the recoil with the 357s.... I don't know what it is like to shoot a 357 but i was seriously considering buying this guy for the 357. But your review really was a great help. "Don't do it.. it will hurt." lol
A GREAT review for a great revolver. This is my primary carry with the CT grips just like yours. My other ''carry'' is a PARA CARRY LDA .45, My vehicle gun is a RUGER ALASKAN with 454 Cor Bon. I keep this on the front seat next to me in a paper bag. All three pieces are very accurate up to 50 feet. All extremely accurate at 20 feet.
My favorite is the 340 PD which is with me all the time. Right pocket in a pocket holster. I like the Federal .357 ammo in all 5 holes. I bought it for it's 357 capability and it's light weight. Feels like a big key chain. OVERKILL? YUP! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
Great video, I pocket & appendix the model 360, the hammer version of this revolver, It fits so easy & comfortable in daily life. Not bulky or heavy or a pain to have on you all day. With magnum power, can't get much better than this tiny get off me gun!!!
I bought one of these. I’ve gone through 19 Carry pistols trying very hard to make things work. I found that pocket carry worked best for me. I also found that a safety-free handgun was best because it takes too much fine-tuned motor skills to disengage a safety. Finally, a wimpy pocket semi-auto is not nearly as intimidating as a revolver. Finally, if I am convinced of pocket carry, out need something extremely light because anything semi-heavy will pull the pants or shorts down.So, I needed a lightweight revolver for pocket carry.
My decision was to get a 340PD and buy Hogue rubber grips. This has been the absolute very best pocket carry package I’ve ever used.
Thank you for the video.
I just bought this gun , my 1st revolver .
Your video is very helpful.!!!
Thanks.. keep up the good work on the vids
I love watching your videos.
I still haven't picked up a J-Frame.
Wow I never knew there was a 357Mag in a J-Frame. I think I'd like that one better then a 637.
Enjoying the vids!
Alex9x19 thanks - appreciate it!
Great video and ammo testing. The alloy J frames are nice carry guns especially in hot climates. .357 mag recoil is brutal but it gives you options. The critical defense looked like it could start people on fire at close range lol.
I have watched several of your videos because we seem to have similar taste when it comes to wheel guns :-) and I like 1911s too.
I have two comments. First, I like how you do your videos. I find them funny and interesting with the right amount of depth when it comes to knowledge and personal experience sharing. Second, I am fairly impressed how well you manage those .357 mag loads out of the snubbies. I am no slouch myself but I need to keep on working to control the muzzle as well as you do.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Greg90731 wow, thanks for the kind words! Don't get me wrong - shooting .357mags out of a j-frame is no fun and I honestly feel unnecessary. Even those Gold Dot short barrels were "tough" on the hands for me which surprised me. Thanks again!
Thanks, great video, very informative
Using Wadcutters may be lower recoil, yet still effective in a snubby.
Like always my friend, thanks for sharing the Saturday morning second amendment wheel guns!
shooting 150 gr .357 out of this really does a number on your hand. i could feel it after 3 days after only 15 rounds.
I recently picked up a 340PD as an upgrade from my 442. first I tried a cylinder of 38 +p ammo, it wasn't too bad. Not pleasurable but not bad. Then I tried what I now see as a mistake and threw in full house .357 just to try it out (all I had laying around ) and holy crap. I've never had a handgun actually hurt my hand until now. I'm going to find a better defensive load and get some good grips. All the hype you read about .357 recoil in this gun is true lol
I did the exact same thing - with the exact same results.
First time I ever had a gun actually hurt my hand. Lost a little skin, and my thumb was numb for a couple hours.
The factory grip is entirely unacceptable with 357.
Thanks for the info. Like the videos.
I have a 340PD w/o crimson trace, after about 20 rds. of magnums it's time to lay it down, it does take a strong grip. I usually carry mine w/o a holster and just put in my pocket. My standard ammo carry is 125 gr. JHP +P .38 special Federal Hydro-Shok , much more control and I don't fill that I'm under armed.
If I owned that revolver, (and I'm seriously thinking about purchasing the single / double action 360PD) I would just run standard .38 Special rounds. For me it's more about the weight of the gun than anything else, and since I already own a standard snub nosed J-frame and am happy with it's power and performance, I really don't see a need to use either the Plus P or full house .357 ammo. My main goal is to reduce the carrying weight by more than half, while not suffering with too much additional recoil.
I just go a 360 pd and love it.
Glad to see the range visit went good with the 340. I picked up a 50 rd box of the gold dot 38+p in the video for 30 bucks at my local shop. Not a bad deal at all for 50 round boxes.
bprice1892 very good! I bought a bunch of it and I also bought a ton of the 357mag version. Its good stuff to have on hand!
My 340M&P is a breeze to carry . I have the night sight version. I love it! Recoil is stiff but it's not a range gun. When I play with it I use wadcutter loads. At self defense ranges I practice point and shoot. My carry ammo is some old Super Vel 357 ammo. It prints a little low but is really consistent.
Nice piece man. My club also has that stupid rule that the targets must be a minimum of 21 feet, I break it all the time as long as nobody is there. Otherwise I'll shoot outside (weather permitting) and also practice CQB drills and what not. Eventually I also plan to get the crimson trace grips for my 642-2. The footage of you shooting the different loads is cool. I couldn't imagine shooting that 125 grain critical defense in .357 mag out of a J frame, especially this one. That muzzle flash was crazy lol. Holy shit! Even the short barrel formula id stick with the .38+p opposed to the .357 magnum. For say your former beefier 686 plus 2 1/2 inch barrel that's a little different but .357 mag in ANY J frame has to hurt. I've never tried it. While a .357 mag hollowpoint most definitely wouldn't over penetrate on the street, generally speaking it's risky. I stick to 9mm, .45acp, or my pocket carry short barreled .38+p Speer in the J frame. If I was outdoors hiking or camping that's a different story tho. Look forward to chatting again soon, good video.
I have a S&W 360PD. I was able to put two full cylinders of Gold Dot Maggie’s through it, the day I bought it. My hand hurt for a week! It felt like somebody had pounded on my palm with a rubber mallet. Never again. It’s 38’s now.
Would you mind doing an in depth cleaning video on the 340pd, including what brands of cleaners/lubes you personally use, especially for the titanium barrel.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks for another good video.
thanks as always my friend
357 Magnum even in a snub nose barrel is extremely more effective than 38 Special
But much harder to wield. A tradeoff one must consider when deciding gun and ammunition.
Fact
@@theumpteenthtime8854 Several years ago, my EDC was a S&W model 60- 357 magnum. I carried Remington 110gr semi jacketed HP's in it. They are considered a 3/4 magnum - or kinda a 38 Plus P Plus. In that all steel revolver those rounds were very manageable. And a bonus - my local shop sold them for under $20 for a box of 50. I'm still kicking myself in the butt for letting me cousin talk me out of it. I'm currently carrying 2 S&W 642's. I figure the fastest reload is to just grab another loaded revolver.
Man all of those loads really throw some fire balls.Great video still looking at getting a j frame maybe as a back up gun.
caddilacjim i don't even realize that until I review the footage, its crazy.
I like that! I have a 642, but it's only +P rated. Nice video!
I own 2 guns, a 40 cal Glock 23 and a Smith and Wesson 360P. It is the same gun as that one but it is also is single action and has a hammer. I was impressed at how accurate that tiny gun is. I loaded the gun with 4, 38 Special and 1, 357 mag. From 40 yards away I put a tight pattern around the Bullseye with all 5 shots. I did not think that the recoil was overwhelming when I shot 357 mag Critical Defense brand. I have not tried any other brand of 357 mag yet. When I carry it, I keep it loaded with 357 mag. I was going to buy a derringer that only held 2 rounds for the summer time when I have to wear lighter clothing. I am glad that I chose this option. It was a little pricey but a great gun that serves its purpose. I really don’t like guns but it is so dangerous now. Some guys tried to car jack me in my SS Camaro. I knew what they were up to and went against their plan. Fortunately there were two cars with 5 people talking to each other not far away. They also messed up there plans. I had the Glock with me. They were so cocky and assumed that I was stupid. I spent the greater part of my life in Houston, Texas and am street smart. People who do things like that are well organized and know that you may be carrying a gun. I avoid putting myself in that situation but I would have no problem killing somebody who robs and kills for money or carjacking. I live near St Louis Missouri. It is a very dangerous city and people there who get involved in crime, kill because they think it is fun and show it off to their sick friends.
5:31 A friend has one these. A cylinder of full house .357 Mags I always thought was like taking an aluminum baseball bat and going to the nearest fire hydrant and taking some mighty whacks at it.
"No mas. No mas."
What a great description. SMACK. OUCH!
S&W air weight with 38+P are the best concealed carry for me, ie model 638
Great video
Awesome burnouts
DoubleDeltaHoundog thanks - for the comment!
642-2 PC w/ gold dot 38spc+P is my way to go... I like to use a clip draw instead of a holster... 357 mag in that light of a gun, to me, is a little much when considering rapid follow up shots
I have a Kimber K6s, which also can shoot either 357 magnum or 38 specials. The Kimber weighs 23 ounces vs. the 11.8 ounces in the Smith 340PD. I shot 357 magnums out of the Kimber once and that was enough. It was painful. I can't even imagine a 357 out of a gun that only weighs 11.8 ounces. It must be like a M-80 going off in your hand.
Thanks for the good video showing the recoil differences. One small suggestion, when you hold something up to the camera for display, don't shake it around using it to gesture with, it makes it hard to see, just hold it very steady while you talk so people can focus on it.
GET A GRIP
Great video.
340PD is the first time I ever had a gun actually hurt my hand.
.357 Magnum loads out of an 11-ounce 340PD revolver.
I knew it would not be gentle.
I decided to try the puny factory grip - with the new Hogue Monogrip standing by for installation. Oh, the factory grip was coming off anyway, and the .38 recoil really wasn't all that bad.
But with 125-grain defensive hollowpoint 357s in the 340PD....
First round: DAMN!
Second round: Yes, it really does hurt.
Third round: Not sure I really want to finish this cylinder out.
Fourth round: My hand HURTS. Well, only one more round left.
Last round: [PROFANITY] I'm done.
I don't think I ever hit my intended target. And I didn't care.
Skin was ripped from the web of my thumb and my thumb was numb.
In .38, I had a 642 Magnaported to mitigate muzzle flip but the best fix for recoil is a larger grip. My favorite was machined out of beautiful Cocobolo. Fit my big hand perfectly, all three fingers had a secure home on the grip, and control was finally achieved! Pocket carry works far better with wood, as the rubber grip grabs the fabric in your pocket and will not slide out smoothly.
The Hogue Monogrip is a great place to start. Crimson Trace (looks like one on the gun in the video) makes a great laser grip for this gun, and I have to say it does exceptionally well on the 642, but I'm not certain it will solve the recoil problem with .357.
Thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience with the Ruger LCR .357.
🔫 P e a c e 🔫
***** nice to hear!
l0l looked like thor's hammer when you paused it shooting the 357 rounds
Who makes that kydex holster on the table? I have a 638 and like how that looks.
I love this handgun because of its size and weight. Personally, I only use .38 special +P loads. I use this as my primary personal protection weapon, in most cases. I do not venture into bad neighborhoods where there would be gangs hanging out. If you need more than 5 rounds to end a confrontation, your either a bad shot or in a bad area. Speed loaders, moon clips, speed strips, can help out for those situations. Anyway, this firearm is meant for up close and personal, not for long distance shooting. I don't think I would ever find myself in a long distance shootout with a perp. For one thing, they would need to come up close to rob me, if that is their intentions. If you have the type of personality that makes a lot of enemies, well god help ya!
Those flames are sick! She's got some kick! Every time I go there I still am amazed of the amount of holes that are almost straight up in the ceiling. Scary actually
Musicalbullet Its funny I don't even notice them until I re-watch the footage. Thanks!
Serious flame cutting going on with the first two round types you used.
Buffalo bore makes a great 357 magnum load that has low flash and is made for short barreled revolvers.
I want this gun but a non-PD version with the night sight on it. I want is in 357 mag for my backpacking hip belt when I'm in the woods. Around town it will carry 38s. One day soon I'll get my paws on it.
I've been looking at those featherlights I have a Taurus solid stainless steel heavy and it recoils man I was surprised
Great video. What model of Crimson Trace is that? I just purchased the 340PD :)
People question everything. Your clearly better qualified to carry then most as you fully accept the responsibility.
I’m interested in the Federal HST in 38spl. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. I’m using the Critical Defense right now, but I’m caught up in the hype over the HST.
I never realised there was so much leaked discharge from front of cylinder!
Never saw any in old Lone Ranger serials!
Any way of lessening it by extending case to shroud the bullet right up to back of barrel?
Nice review. I sold my 340 PD several years ago and I regret getting rid of it. 125 gr 357 mag corbon rounds were like having a Grizzly Bear slap your hand lol that bitch stung.
Is that a Kydex holster you have for it? If so what kind and who makes it? Thanks.
That thang was barkin!
I shoot only .357s in mine. It's a peanut after shooting my S&W500 with 700 grain bullets. Just like when hunting, when you're shooting it when you need to, you don't feel anything. I wouldn't want to have to shoot either pistol while inside a car though. Would be real tough on the ears. But even tougher on the bad guy, especially with the 500.
Wise choices.
So is there any benefit to maybe having the final 5th round as a full house load 357? Just in case lol
Nice gun! Hopefully CT will make a green laser grip for j-frames soon. Did I hear you right that your range only allows shooting from 25 feet? That sucks. Be real hard to train new shooters.
That 340 PD sure looks like a little beast, but I think I'd prefer that 327 Pug a lot more. The Gold Dot .357's seemed like a lot better choice than the Hornady for carry in that 340.
Love shooting 38 special, key is the wife and I can shoot all day long...and you should load what you practical with (at least in most cases) Nothing against the 357...have a buddy who has a 357 S&W with a 6 inch barrel, nice gun but after 12 rounds I'm ready to put it down...Great vid. !
PART TIME PREPPERS thanks for the comment - makes sense!
Get yourself the longer Crimson Trace grip with the third finger groove and the magnums are much more manageable. Still feels like hitting a baseball wrong, but not nearly as bad as with the smaller grip.
I am looking for a kydex holster exactly like the one on your table for my S&W Bodyguard. I like the fact that the belt clip is on the trigger guard because it makes the revolver feel slimmer iside your waist. What brand is it and where csn I find it?
harlistapr1 Hey there - please check out this video of the "older version" But its Garrett Industries - awesome little holster if you are looking for a IWB for a j-frame. czcams.com/video/C2WUpFy40Co/video.html The link to his website should be there. Expensive but worth the money!
I install recoil absorbing rubber grips on all my j frames this cushions the hand against recoil covers the back strap and in the case of the hogue monogrip gets all my fingers on the grip.. I can still fit this in my front jeans pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster... My 11 oz 342 ti .38 I can hit up to 45- 50 ft Target's accurately... My son has a crimson Trace rubber laser grip compact grips on his Smith & Wesson 642.
Hydra Shok 357 mag out of a snubbie hurt pretty bad lol. So I went with Hornady and its a faster round but I felt less recoil. That's just me though. I love snubbies.
Nice video…I’m not a fan of lightweight J frames, I prefer the 640, 640 Pro (which is the one I carry) or model 60!
nice balanced look at various loads in a fleaweight? Did you find the grip acceptable? I guess you did because youd didn't say anything negative about it.
Oh baby boy😘
Love the .357 loads, but for such a small barrel i'd go with the 38+p as well.Shot my buddies 640 and his father's airweight and that was very unpleasant.OUCH! That said, i have the Gold dots's 125g .357 loads for my 4" GP100 and for my bedside gun.It's a kick for sure but i can manage it well...now that is.;) I'm a semi auto guy for the record.Love that Ruger though, sweet shooter.
CWB1863 thanks for the comment, makes total sense!
What's your thoughts on the sights and sight picture on the pd vs. Your older 340 m&p? I have been going back and forth on these two and need to land somewhere .. any other people have the same problems? I read about the laser screw backing out of the bodyguard 380 and didn't believe it.. but that nightmare came true and I dealt that pos.. any wisdom would be appreciated.
blinger76 If I could get it back the 340 M&P would probably be the better bet. Titanium cylinders are somewhat "fragile" it seems in the sense that if you use certain hot loads it could start eroding the face of the cylinder. But then again I don't plan on shooting much .357mag out of a j-frame... But the XS sight on the 340M&P is very helpful for sure. Plus the stainless cylinder is a good bet as you don't need to consider how you are cleaning it and what loads you are shooting out of it. So in a nut shell I like both but the stainless cylinder and XS front sight are very appealing. Plus the 340 M&P is a less money than the PD.
Did you try shifting your off-hand thumb over the backstrap of the grip?
I would consider thr 340PD the best option for a .38 and you get the added bonus of being able to shoot .357 as well...
SweetWillyJonez yeah you always have that option to use .357mag. Just don't think its worth using any type of full house mag through this as I'm not sure you really get "that much more" out of it. plus it hurts like a B! LOL
I’ve found the 125 grain Remington Golden saber in 357 magnum to be manageable in a j frame
Try Federal HST.38 +p 130 grain !! Federal achieves the plus p velocity by recessing the huge hollow point bullet deep in the case.. this builds up plus p velocity without adding more powder! The huge hollow point is flush with the case rim just like a wad cutter... This round feels like shooting a 22 Magnum in my 11 oz j frame recoil is the lightest of any load including Hornady critical defense light standard 90 grain
That gun Shooting it doesn;t look like fun.Nice Video.Thanks
thatspapsknife63 nah its no fun, LOL - but hey you gotta do what you gotta do.
Have you tried the Underwood 158gr +P LSWCHP .38 spcl?
That's probably the most potent load to date. 472 ft lbs of energy. More than that Gold Dot SB .357 mag load.
J frames are an experts weapon and require on going practice to make sure your skills don’t erode over time.
Aug. 2023 just wondering are you still carrying the 340PD? I picked up a 642 and find it very easy to carry appendix position, but looking at the 340PD for the better sight option with the fiber optic model.
Idk what happened, but now when I shoot the 442, the weapon recoil causes the cylinder release to jam my thumb, and hurt like hell, any advice?
In response to an older thread below in the comments...make sure you practice with the ammunition you carry. The California Highway Patrol lost 4 officers in 1970 in a gunfight. One of the main contributors to their deaths was the agency's policy for officers to practice with .38 Special ammo and carry full power .357 Magnum loads. Under life-threatening conditions, the officers scored ZERO hits on the 2 perpetrators. Train with the ammo you are going to be using for self defense period!
I picked a used one up for 400 today. Is that an average or good deal? Thank you.
442 or 642 is the way to go, you can find them used in like new condition at a very reasonable prices because people by j frames and then can not hit the side of a barn with one and they don’t put the time and effort into learning how to use one properly. They blame the gun instead of taking a class on revolvers.
Why pay crazy prices for a .357 j frame . If you do need to get a
.357 I would suggest the smallest one being a Ruger SP101. What ever you buy , find a qualified revolver instructor and really learn how to use one.
My favorite is an old
649 . I guess old guys like old guns.
Buffalo Bore makes a 125 grain JHP load that will still make close to 1400 FPS from the J-frame .357s, would be a good load for this as far as stopping power goes.
D5quared91 dang, that is impressive but how much pain!? I wonder if that is the load I use in the n-frame pug nose? Its a 125gr short barrel barnes bullet?
I compared the numbers and they're similar to that load. I bet they aren't the most fun out of an 11 ounce revolver!
Looks like it might be a nice purse gun for the ladies, maybe even the now popular man-purses.. anyone with experience? Would be a good idea now with the dark parking lots in the winter months….
Is the weight difference with the 340 that noticeable compared to the average j frame like the 642?
bchdds yes by like 9 ounces
It hurts my hand too much any advice on how to handle it and I'm slower with it
You want to check out zeta 6. CIRCULAR SPEED STRIPS.. ALLOWS YOU TO LOAD ALL FIVE (OR6) AT ONE TIME WITHOUT BULKY SPEED LOADERS.. PUT THE ROUNDS IN THE CYLINDER AND PEELED THE RUBBER STRIP OFF IT'S THAT EASY MUCH LESS BULKY IN THE POCKET THAN THE SPEED LOADER
How do you take care of the titanium cylinder? I hear that you have to be particular in how you clean them.
just get some Hoppes Elite in the spray bottle. Use this on the Ti cylinder. Also can use a pencil eraser on the face if you are OCD but...really not a big deal.
TheOl1911 thanks!
Nice video. How do you do the slow motion shots?
davidgpo its just in iMovie you can slow things down..editing...thanks
***** How about doing a "how to" video on that? Thanks!
Which did you like better and why between the 340PD and 340 M&P?
For me I like how light the 340PD is and I only shoot 38spl+P though it...still stings a tad but doesn't bother me. But some might not like that. Both are good but majority of people I know like the M&P version more.
What kind of kydex holster is that on the table?
definatlly shoot 38 +p over the 357 , i shoot regular 38 special in my 637 and it's no joke but i do want get some +p to try
I can hit man-sized targets with my 340PD at 25 yards using Crimson Trace grips.
I've carried a number of different J frames, with a 638 my present choice. I have NO USE for a .357 Mag in a gun this size. The recoil and blast are horrendous and .357 in a J fame is hard to control, and .38 Special will do the job just fine with a lot less recoil and blast. A follow up shot with a .38 is a lot quicker with less recoil.
What brand holster is that
Why does S&W recommend "NOLESS THAN 120GR BULLET"??? And what does it have to do with having a titanium cylinder ???
there aren't a lot of people who talk about this but i'd really like to find a good concealed carry revolver chambered in 357, any ideas?
Model 60
S&W 60LS is one of my favorites for 357 mag concealed carry... 642-2 PC is what I carry the most (38 spl+P is what I carry for either gun). If u have larger paws, you could of course buy a diff. grip for it.
I rather shoot 357 in my LCR than shoot 38+P in my S&W 360. The LCR is just a much easier shooting gun
If your going to carry and want the ultimate protection should have 357's if you want to practice use 38's
You wouldn't feel a gunshot in a defensive situation most likely.
what's that holster on the table?
scandium is supposed to be twice as strong, thats 100% stronger ... as aluminum... is it true?
I know this is an older video but have you ever given thought to a chiappa rhino? love mine carries and conceals so easy would love to hear your thoughts about em before and after shooting one
It hurts?....I gotta get one
dude--you da man--
I would have to pass on that. would be way too much for me even though I like the looks of the gun and the light weight
The object of the gun is to have a tool that will save lives in an emergency, one that is light and small enough to carry along without hassle. Or as a back up gun for those that need one, like police.
The mp 340 is only 800$. A few ounces heavier with a steel cylinder. Still expensive but more reasonable.