Smith & Wesson M&P 340

About the Smith & Wesson M&P 340

The Smith & Wesson M&P 340 is an ultra-lightweight, five-shot, double-action-only revolver chambered for .357 Magnum, built on a J-frame with a scandium-enhanced aluminum alloy frame and titanium cylinder. Introduced in 2007 as part of the M&P (Military & Police) product line, the Model 340 represents one of the lightest .357 Magnum revolvers ever produced, weighing only 12 ounces (340g) unloaded. The revolver features an internal hammer design to prevent snagging during concealed carry, a 1.875-inch barrel with stainless steel liner, and a matte black finish. The scandium alloy frame combined with the titanium cylinder creates an extremely lightweight package while maintaining the structural strength necessary to handle the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge. The Model 340 can also fire .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition for reduced recoil during practice. HiViz green dot sights are standard equipment, providing excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.

The M&P 340 was designed for users who prioritize absolute minimum weight and maximum concealability, accepting the tradeoff of punishing recoil in exchange for a revolver that can be carried all day without notice.

Smith & Wesson M&P 340 specifications

The M&P 340 is one of the lightest centerfire defensive handguns available, making it extremely popular for deep concealment and backup gun applications. However, the ultra-light weight comes with significant tradeoffs in shootability. The combination of light weight and powerful .357 Magnum ammunition results in substantial recoil and muzzle blast, making the 340 challenging to shoot accurately, especially in rapid fire. Most users practice with .38 Special ammunition to reduce recoil and carry .357 Magnum for defensive purposes. The short 1.875-inch barrel significantly reduces the velocity potential of .357 Magnum ammunition compared to longer-barreled revolvers. The scandium-aluminum alloy frame was developed specifically for Smith & Wesson's ultra-light revolvers and provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The titanium cylinder is necessary to handle the pressures of .357 Magnum while keeping weight minimal. The internal hammer design means the revolver can only be fired in double-action mode with no single-action capability. The Model 340 is designed to be carried often and shot occasionally, prioritizing concealability over extended shooting comfort.