Hammerless 357 snubbie: LCR or M&P 340?

rambutan316 · January 29, 2013, 11:48 PM

I am thinking about getting my first snub nose revolver, mainly as a backup gun for my full size M&P 9. I have not held or tested a M&P340, but I have rented a Ruger LCR chambered in 38 Special and found it to be really nice. I liked the ergonomics of it and the trigger was great. On the other hand, I find the looks of the M&P to be a little better (I love the dark appearance) and it's a little lighter so it might be better for carrying. Which one do you guys think would be the better choice? Would either one be good for a hiking gun for protection against wildlife?

shootniron · January 30, 2013, 12:01 AM

I much prefer the LCR as it is more comfortable for me to shoot and it is an overall great little revolver.JMO

Gaerek · January 30, 2013, 12:08 AM

I'll second the LCR. It's a pleasure to shoot. For my carry guns, I don't pick based on looks. You likely won't notice the extra weight (its only an ounce or two).

Hook686 · January 30, 2013, 12:36 AM

I decided on the M&P 340. The lighter weight is a real plus for me in a pocket revolver. I found the grip of the 340 smaller and less of a problem for me with pocket carry (I did try each in my pocket before deciding). Both are light weight and will be handguns one will most likely practice with using .38, or .38+P. Ruger is a fine handgun, and I have a .22 Super Single Six. I have found I prefer S&W and have two .357 magnum revolvers and two .44 magnum revolvers. Different strokes for different folks.

Viper225 · January 30, 2013, 02:18 AM

LCR 357 or M&P 340?

The 340 is a little lighter weight. Good for carrying, not so good for shooting it.
The grips are a little more compact on the 340. Again good for carry. The Tamer grips on the LCR are going to soak up more recoil. Again better for shooting it.
The M&P340 comes with an XS 24/7 Tritium Front Night sight. The LCR has a pinned on front sight and for around $50 you can have the same sight on the LCR.
The LCR357 is around $275 cheaper. With the same front sight that would be only about $220 cheaper.
The factory trigger on the LCR will probably be a little better out of the box.
The M&P340 may be chambered in 357 Magnum, however it will be no fun at all to shoot with 357 Magnum ammunition. The LCR 357 will likewise be a hand full, but way more manageable than the 340.
The M&P 340 is a better looking revolver than the LCR 357.
I was looking at both at one time. I went with the LCR 357, it was a better value, and a more shootable platform with the factory grips that came on both.
I could not convence myself that the M&P340 was worth $725, when the LCR 357 was $450

Bob

kutz · January 30, 2013, 08:24 AM

Got the .38 when they came out great gun, then got the .357 when it first came out. I switch back and forth now & like both. 8" @ 25 yards is really good with 1.8" barrel for me. Point & shoot @ 7yards it's easy & accurate.

Huskerguy · January 30, 2013, 08:45 AM

When she was looking for a CC firearm she handles nearly everything out there. She loves her LCR. It is well made, smooth to handle from her purse and it shoots well.

Nanuk · January 30, 2013, 02:01 PM

Opinions, opinions,opinions....... I like Smiths, I went with the 640 after being disappointed with the LCR.

January 29, 2013, 11:48 PM	#1
rambutan316 Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 18	Hammerless 357 snubbie: LCR or M&P 340? I am thinking about getting my first snub nose revolver, mainly as a backup gun for my full size M&P 9. I have not held or tested a M&P340, but I have rented a Ruger LCR chambered in 38 Special and found it to be really nice. I liked the ergonomics of it and the trigger was great. On the other hand, I find the looks of the M&P to be a little better (I love the dark appearance) and it's a little lighter so it might be better for carrying. Which one do you guys think would be the better choice? Would either one be good for a hiking gun for protection against wildlife?

January 30, 2013, 12:36 AM	#4
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	I decided on the M&P 340. The lighter weight is a real plus for me in a pocket revolver. I found the grip of the 340 smaller and less of a problem for me with pocket carry (I did try each in my pocket before deciding). Both are light weight and will be handguns one will most likely practice with using .38, or .38+P. Ruger is a fine handgun, and I have a .22 Super Single Six. I have found I prefer S&W and have two .357 magnum revolvers and two .44 magnum revolvers. Different strokes for different folks. __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

January 30, 2013, 08:24 AM	#6
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	LCR Got the .38 when they came out great gun, then got the .357 when it first came out. I switch back and forth now & like both. 8" @ 25 yards is really good with 1.8" barrel for me. Point & shoot @ 7yards it's easy & accurate.

January 30, 2013, 08:45 AM	#7
Huskerguy Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 348	My wife likes.. When she was looking for a CC firearm she handles nearly everything out there. She loves her LCR. It is well made, smooth to handle from her purse and it shoots well.

January 30, 2013, 02:01 PM	#8
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	Opinions, opinions,opinions....... I like Smiths, I went with the 640 after being disappointed with the LCR. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

January 30, 2013, 12:01 AM	#2
shootniron Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,599	I much prefer the LCR as it is more comfortable for me to shoot and it is an overall great little revolver.JMO

January 30, 2013, 12:08 AM	#3
Gaerek Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 939	I'll second the LCR. It's a pleasure to shoot. For my carry guns, I don't pick based on looks. You likely won't notice the extra weight (its only an ounce or two).

January 30, 2013, 02:18 AM	#5
Viper225 Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2009 Location: SC Missouri Posts: 663	LCR 357 or M&P 340? The 340 is a little lighter weight. Good for carrying, not so good for shooting it. The grips are a little more compact on the 340. Again good for carry. The Tamer grips on the LCR are going to soak up more recoil. Again better for shooting it. The M&P340 comes with an XS 24/7 Tritium Front Night sight. The LCR has a pinned on front sight and for around $50 you can have the same sight on the LCR. The LCR357 is around $275 cheaper. With the same front sight that would be only about $220 cheaper. The factory trigger on the LCR will probably be a little better out of the box. The M&P340 may be chambered in 357 Magnum, however it will be no fun at all to shoot with 357 Magnum ammunition. The LCR 357 will likewise be a hand full, but way more manageable than the 340. The M&P 340 is a better looking revolver than the LCR 357. I was looking at both at one time. I went with the LCR 357, it was a better value, and a more shootable platform with the factory grips that came on both. I could not convence myself that the M&P340 was worth $725, when the LCR 357 was $450 Bob