Smith & Wesson Model 340PD

The Smith & Wesson 340PD is an ultra-light J-frame five shot snubnosed revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

Smith & Wesson Model 340PD
TypePersonal protection Revolver
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2000s-present
Production history
DesignerSmith & Wesson
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
Unit cost$1,019.00
Specifications
Mass11.4 oz (323.2 g) (340PD)
13.3 oz (377 g) (M&P340)[1]
Length6.31" (16.0 cm)
Barrel length1.875" (4.7 cm)
Caliber.357 Magnum
.38 Special
ActionDAO
Feed system5-round cylinder
Sightslow-profile channel and fixed front blade

Design

It has a frame constructed of scandium enhanced aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy cylinder, and a corrosion resistant steel barrel liner. Unloaded it weighs only 12 ounces (340 g) and when loaded remains under 1 pound (0.45 kg).[2]

With no external hammer it operates double action only.

M&P340

A variant of the Model 340 is the M&P340, part of Smith & Wesson's M&P line of handguns. It features a PVD coating and stainless steel cylinder.[3] It has XS Sights® 24/7 Tritium Night sights and weighs 13.3 ounces (377.8 g). It is available with or without an internal lock.[4]

Design limitations

There is a prohibition against using ammunition with bullet weight less than 120 grains (7.8 g) due to the risk of frame erosion from powder that is still burning after too rapid exit of the light projectile. Another warning in the owners manual is recoil may pull the cases of unfired rounds in the cylinder rearward with enough force to unseat the bullets, causing the cylinder to jam. It has also been said that accuracy is compromised in these types of ultra-light revolvers since the barrel is a steel sleeve liner rather than a single solid piece of steel.[5]

References
  1. "Model M&P340". Smith & Wesson. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016.
  2. Ramage, Ken (16 November 2006). Handguns 2007. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 185. ISBN 0-89689-415-0.
  3. Shideler, Dan (20 August 2010). Guns Illustrated 2011: The Latest Guns, Specs & Prices. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. p. 188. ISBN 978-1-4402-1624-4.
  4. "Product: Model M&P340". Smith & Wesson. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  5. Ayoob, Massad (2002). The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery (5th ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-485-7.

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