Anybody ever shot one of these? In particular, I'm curious about the Model 340 PD. Seems like it would have a beast of a kick to it. https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-340-pd
It is questionable which individual would experience more pain in a violent encounter when such a firearm is involved. The individual unfortunate enough to be in front of the muzzle, or the individual unfortunate enough to be holding it at the time.
I've shot it, and it kicks like a friggin mule. The only way to practice is with light 38 Special ammo. If you use full power 357 ammo to practice with, that little bad boy will beat you up right quick. It is worthwhile to fire a cylinder or two of 357 ammo through it just so you know what to expect, but you almost have to use the light stuff for any extended practice. I can shoot a full-size service pistol all day with no ill effect. Not this, though. This is not a gun for fun. This is a gun whose purpose is to be a reliable close-in fighting gun that is easy to carry and easy to conceal, and it fulfills its purpose well. But shoot something else for fun because this little badass isn't designed for that.
@Grey Matter In this video, the guy says he's going to shoot 38s first and then, as he loads it, he misspeaks and says it's 357. It is 38. He shoots 357 next, and even though he's a strong beefy guy, he says, "It hurts". Yup, he's right.
Thanks Seth Bullock. It's an interesting revolver. Somehow I think I first learned about these scandium frames because of some nerd scientific article I ran across.
I've owned one with the green Hi-Viz front sight for ten years or so; it's definitely not a range revolver. In fact, I call it my "11-oz. Grip-it & Rip-it Little Self Defense Hand Canon". I carry it as a BUG at times and during the hot summer as my primary. To me, it's strictly a CQC point and shoot self defense piece. I've never fired it with anything but 125-grain .357 Magnum Remington Golden Sabers. I always tell folks if they're looking at a 340PD and plan on loading it with 38+P rounds, they can save some dough by buying the slightly heavier 442. Bottom line: I love mine and have the utmost confidence in it from 6-12 feet (typical CQC center mass point & shoot distances).
Would you not prefer less recoil and therefore more shots on target out of a heavier revolver, or a less powerful caliber? Plenty of subcompacts out there. You tell me, CCW is illegal in my jursidiction so I wouldn't know.
I've shot something similar. Its an 'Oh ****!' gun. On the plus side, its going to prevent you from using it unless you really really need it
Too light for my liking. My SIL has a 642 .38 ultra light. I don't know that I want to carry the same size gun in a .357. I've always wanted a Ruger SP101 with Badger grips. Same size, but heavier and with more comfortable grips. They make bigger grips if you want to get a full 3 finger grip.
This thread is a little long in the tooth but the sp-101 is a neat little revolver. It’s my wife’s favorite gun. Hers doesn’t have the bobbed hammer but I put a set of hogue grips on it. It’s a powerhouse with full house loads. if hollow points are to be carried in it go with 125 grain to keep velocities high enough for good expansion with that short barrel.
Closest I come to that is a Chart Arms Off-Duty in .38 Special. Very much the size, but not the power. Even so practicing with it does leave the web of my hand sore. Not that I do it a lot or ever expect to need to shoot it a lot. It is a pocket piece, a backup to a full size Ruger SR9. I maintain competency with my .38 snubby, but that's all.
Just FYI... I may get myself one of these for Christmas - at a better price, of course. https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting...-412in-matte-black-revolver-6-rounds/p/318212
