Carry

[michael_aos]

I just don't think I need a 12oz 357.

Kind of concentrating on the Model 640 (fully-enclosed hammer) or 649 (shrouded hammer).

Otherwise its between the Model 638 (shrouded hammer) and the Model 642 / 642CT (fully enclosed hammer).

Any thoughts on fully-enclosed hammer -vs- shrouded-hammer?

Mike

[KarlPMann]

I had a "Shrouded Hammer" S&W Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard that I carried for 19 years as my main (only) carry gun. I got tired of cleaning lint and crap out of the hammer area. That was a big part of the reason for the upgrade to the 340PD. And besides, you don't HAVE to load it with full power loads, I don't. But I do carry a speedloader with 5 of them so I have them if needed. Karl.

[michael_aos]

I got tired of cleaning lint and crap out of the hammer area.

That helps narrow it down to the Model 640 or Model 642CT.

My Micro-Compact is 29.55oz loaded, so the 23oz weight of the Model 640 sounds fine.

The 15oz weight of the 642CT sounds "interesting" though.

[The1andOnlyKC]

the 642 is not bad to shoot at all not even with the +P.

You could also look at the Taurus 85's if money is a issue it will save you about 50 bucks. I actually think the Taurus have better triggers than the 642s. JMO.

[KarlPMann]

You may want to try shooting my 340PD first, get an idea if you like it or not. I try to shoot a cylinder of magnums at every shoot, a few cylinders of +P 158gr's., and the rest are standard load 130gr's. I normally carry the Winchester Silvertip +P's and have a speedloader of magnums and 2 speedloaders of Silvertips. The standard loads are no problem at all, the +P 125-130gr's. are easy to handle as well. The +P 158gr's. are hot, but easily managed (I just wouldn't practice with them a whole lot). The magnums are near torture. :twisted:

I knew all of that when I bought the gun. Why I chose a 12oz. .357Mag.???

Let's face it, I just retired a gun I carried for 19 years. Reality is, I will probably carry for another 19. In that time, my gun will sit in its holster for 18 years, 364 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. And MAYBE spend 30 seconds being shot in what will be the worse 30 seconds of my life. I doubt I will notice RECOIL at all. :roll: If I'm gonna have to carry a gun that much, and for that long, I want comfort.

The difference in weight from even the 14oz. gun I had, to the 12oz. gun I got, is considerable. I like it a lot, I'm VERY pleased with my purchase. Karl.

[shrapmetal]

well said Karl. i have carried a few guns over the last 8 years. i carry everyday. weight does matter. the 340PD is nicer to wear than my derringer.

[michael_aos]

Anybody looked at the new M&P 340 CT?

[Obiwan]

Glock 19 or 26

[kwando]

my daily carry.

G23 in CTAC
extra mag in wilderness horizontal holster
2oz Fox labs OC in horizontal holster
Spyderco Delica wave
Spyderco Delica SS
8LED light
Surefire G2 with G&P 3W led module and G&P store tailcap
Wilderness CSM lined belt

[quivvy]

i've been eyeing a local 340PD but heard of multiple catastrophic failures of these guns due to manufacture defects - some found on google, and others on the S&W board. Also hesititant about the Lock especially and the MIM parts. I think I'm going to stick with an older pre-lock pre-mim J frame. bummer is the weight.... but damn the 340s look GOOD