[bdcremer]

I have the 340 M&P 357 magnum. You can't beat the power to weight ratio in this revolver. Also, I really like the sight set up on this model: XS Sight tritium front sight and U notch for rear.

[G27Chief]

I like my older 342.

[Chup]

Since my last post in February I have added a Ruger LCR 357. Nice gun handles 357 good. It is verry easy to carry and has taken over as my backup gun.

[beemerphile]

I have a 340 PD and a 342 PD. Since I don't shoot magnums in the little stingers, the 342 is everything a lightweight snub ought to be. Mine wears a Crimson Trace 405 grip and is not too uncomfortable to shoot. I also have the 642 and 442 and a gaggle of 36's but the 342 PD is to me the perfect snub. Mine is with me always in a Robert Mika pocket holster.

[MinervaDoe]

Originally Posted by Gunmeister

It's no secret to any of us--to be efficient with a 2" snubby you have to practice, practice and practice some more.
The ultra-lights are great to carry but can become a genuine bear to shoot. An ounce or two (or more) makes a lot of difference when it comes to practice shooting and can be a major factor in the amount of practice shooting that you actually do.
I once owned an 11.5 ounce S&W 340PD, the recoil was brutal, it was punishment to fire any .357MAG loads, much like getting smacked between your thumb and index finger with a baseball bat and not much better firing .38SPL +P. I sold it because I could not get proficient with it. It was great in my pocket but didn't work for me as a SD piece.
My advise to anyone considering a snubby is to shoot as many different types as you can find to help you decide. What might be a easy for one person could be impossible for another.
Remember that a concealed weapon may not always be comfortable but they are comforting. Weight is an important factor but please don't let it be the only consideration.

+1 I would not cary a gun that I don't shoot frequently and am proficient with. I've got a S&W Model 36 and an SP101. Both guns shoot well, but even the heavier SP101 can be brutal with a medium hot .357 load. That said, my wish list includes some sort of an alloy bodyguard (maybe a 638).

[Chup]

I have no problems with long shooting sessions and my SP101. The Factory Grip and weight of the gun are easy for me to handle. The LCR is much lighter but it has a good grip. My first practice session with it was 100 rounds. That was enough to find out that it was easy to be accurate with and it was controllable enough to get a good follow up shot. The LCR is my backup gun and won't be shot as much as the main carry gun.

[Ajon412]

S&W 640 38 spl. This Ruger LCP is starting to pique my curiosity....

[gdd363]

I've shot Smith J frames quite a bit but have owned 2 LCRs. I shoot the LCRs much better than Smiths in .38 and .357. The trigger is better, the grips are better and the recoil seems less snappy. The LCR is definately a better value.

[den888]

+1, agreed

Originally Posted by JK-linux

S&W 642 or 442. An American classic.

[tankermw]

I agree!

Originally Posted by JK-linux

S&W 642 or 442. An American classic.

[FM12]

I got me an old school Colt Cobra in .38 spl. Pretty sweet ride.

[fowler]

All that molded plastic on the LCR looks cheap and big. The 642 has cleaner lines and finer finish &fit. I like SW ,s design and performance.

[Twodog]

I traded in a Smith for the LCR and I'm not looking back. Better trigger and much better accuracy for me anyway. I could never shoot a J frame the way I can this Ruger.

[ar15ed]

if you are an experienced handgun shooter, and don't mind recoil, i honestly think the 340pd is the ultimate concealed carry gun. 357 provides stellar stopping power, and the gun is as light as, or lighter than anything else out there. the heavier trigger, and the recoil are probably a little unnerving for lots of folks, but it just isn't intended to be a target/plinking blaster. it is meant to be a very powerful, easily concealable, easily carried personal defense handgun!

my second choice (or my first choice for less experienced shooters) would be a model 38 (438, 638, etc.), loaded with 158 grain federal h-s .38. still a good stopper, lots less recoil, easier sa/da trigger. still very concealable, and still very light.

i will admit to being a s&w fan, and i will admit that i just haven't warmed to the new crop of plastic revolvers!

[Chup]

Nothing wrong with being a S & W fan. I may carry my Ruger 357s more but, that is because they are 357s. My favorite looking gun and my first love is the 442. I think that is the finest looking small Revolver there is. I still carry it when I have a small pocket that the Tamer Grip on my 357 LCR can't fit. The 442 fits my zipper pocket on my Leather Jacket. When I go to Weight Watchers and need to hang my Jacket on a chair, while I weigh in, it stays secure in the pocket while the Jacket is still in sight. Believe me I don't need that extra pound on me at that time.

[Ron3]

I (heart) my Ruger LCR357. Best revolver I've owned.

Not heavy, not so light you have to be uber concerned about bullet pull, nice trigger, easily changable front sight, frame and grip design tame recoil, and the price is right.

Just as accurate and reliable as a light J-frame, too.

Cons:

If you tilt it side to side right you can hear the transfer bar click side to side. Not a BFD to me.

I reccomend the LCR and LCR357. The LCR is noticably lighter, but has a little more recoil, too. Thats the trade off.

[denn1911]

I love my S&W 340PD. It carries great, provides great power and points well. It's a little pricey, but it is well worth it.

[Lawrence Keeney]

I'd get a 642. Theyre the best compromise between weight, stopping power and the ability to be able to tote it in your front pocket withtout worrying about snagging it. Also, every couple of months, if you have a Gander Mountain store in your area, they have them on sale.

[Shootinbil]

I have a 642, I carry all the time.