S&W 640 Pro Series or M&P 340 - help me choose!!!

[jsferrazza]

Hey guys,

So I'm really stuck between buying a 640 Pro Series or a M&P 340 (w/o lock), and need some help deciding!

There's a lot of similarities between the two, but both of them have some distinct differences. Both have the internal hammer, no internal lock option, .357 mag, j frames, similar in price, and are both awesome guns!

The 640 Pro has the full night sights, moon clips, and upgraded looks (fluted barrel), but the M&P 340 is considerably lighter (13oz scandium-alloy vs 23oz stainless steel), has the nice black finish, and still has the big dot front sight.

Whichever I choose will be an EDC and will endure a lot of practice time at the range. I currently don't have a gun that allows pocket carry, so that would be a nice option to have with a j frame since I live in Florida and wear a suit and tie 5 days per week.

I was considering a 649, but think I have since ruled it out - now it's between the 640 Pro Series and M&P 340.

I'm stuck between the two - help me decide and tell me which one you would pick!

Does anybody have both? Any issues with jumping the crimp on the M&P 340? Trigger pull and any other comparisons on the two?

I guess the biggest question is if the lighter weight and slight bit of more concealability from the M&P 340 is worth a little more recoil, and giving up the extra features on the 640 Pro?

Thanks!

[2damnold4this]

For me, the lighter weight of the 340 is the draw. I'd get the 340.

[jsferrazza]

2damnold4this: Even in regards to long term durability and shoot ability during practice sessions? I plan to carry either one every day, and also plan on putting in a good amount of range time with whichever one I choose.

[2damnold4this]

If I'm going to carry something as heavy as the 640, it will be a more capable gun like a G26.

I carry a 342 and usually practice with light loads and try to dry fire as much as possible. The 640 will be more shootable but I found myself not carrying my model 60 because of the weight.

Give me an Airlite or Airweight with good stocks for everyday carry.

[849ACSO]

340. The mile count will far outnumber the round count, and lighter is better for that. I have a 360 (Sc frame and steel cylinder, 13ish ounces) with a high round count for the gun it is (probably 3-4k). Carry it everyday that I have long pants on (I'm LEO and it's my backup ankle gun). It looks like it's been used for a fence stretcher and drug down the blacktop behind a pickup, but it's been a good gun. Wouldn't trade it.

Anyway............ Half the weight to carry EVERY DAY vs. shooting it regularly? I will pick lighter weight every time in that scenario.

[lee n. field]

S&W 640 Pro Series or M&P 340 - help me choose!!!

My answer here is the same as my answer to the same question on the Defensive Carry forum. My 642, at 15oz empty, is the lightest revolver I think I would want to carry.

[mk70ss]

My 649 carries easily with any good holster and a decent belt. Shooting .38's is a breeze and the gun will definitely outlast me. .357's are stout, but a good grip will make them a little better.

[springer99]

you plan to practice alot with a 340 shooting ,357Mag? I think you"ll change your mind after 2-3 rounds,

you plan to practice alot with a 60 shooting .357Mag? I think you"ll change your mind after a cylinder or two,

I normally carry a 642 loaded with 38Spl 158gr. +P rounds, but use those +P rounds in my Model 60 as trainers and consider 50rounds as tops for the 60.

I'd like a 340 from the standpoint of carrying but would never consider it IF I planned to spend much range time with it. It's just too light for even IMHO 38Spl +P

Get a Model 60/640 to train with, a 642 /340 to carry and hope you never need to use either in ernest.

[jsferrazza]

Thanks for the input, Guys.

mk70ss: Do you pocket carry it? The 640 Pro is 23 oz which just seems a little heavy for me to pocket carry, especially in suit pants.

[mk70ss]

No, I carry it in an OWB holster with a good belt. I use the Minimalist holster by Safariland.

[redrick]

I agree with lee and springer . I had a M&P 340 and sold it after a couple trips to the range and bought a 642 . Of your choices I would go with the 640 .

[2damnold4this]

The 642 is a great revolver that is easy to carry and relatively inexpensive. The only reason I carry the 342 over the 642 is the front sight on the 342 is easy to change to something I can see.

[Glenn Dee]

if it's mostly for carry comfort, I'd go for the lighter, but if your going to shoot .357, carry as a fighting gun as opposed to a just in case gun I'd go for the 640..

[psyfly]

Got to agree with the carry comfort.

My 340PD weighs almost 4 oz. less than my Model 38 Airweight and, in the pocket, it makes a difference.

I've never fired a .357 mag through it and it's tame enough with standard-velocity 38s.

[Hook686]

I have the 640 (not the pro) and the M+P 340. I pocket carry the 340 with 158 grain .38 +P XTP/HP loads.

The heavier weight of the 640 is noticable to me with pocket carry, but not really noticable difference in recoil when shooting the 158 grain +P loads ... 900 fps with a 158 grain bullet is still a kick. The extra 1/4 inch barrel length of the 640 does not show any improved accuracy when shoot these .38 +P loads either.

[Deaf Smith]

you plan to practice alot with a 340 shooting ,357Mag? I think you"ll change your mind after 2-3 rounds,

you plan to practice alot with a 60 shooting .357Mag? I think you"ll change your mind after a cylinder or two,

100 percent agree! Hence I use (not often now days) a 642. See I've gone over to the dark side... Glock 42, 43, and 26.

But I still keep my S&W J frames handy.

Deaf