Advice needed on Smith & Wesson M&P J frame Revolvers

Steven65

Steven65

Traditional Hog
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Hi Folks

I am going to add a S&W M&P J Frame Revolver to my edc carry rotation and the local distributer will import the model I want. So here are a few questions I would like answered by anyone who actually owns/owned or edc's these models.......

1. I am leaning towards the hammered M&P360. I like the idea of double and single action choice as I am an old school shooter.

However the M&P340(Concealed hammer model) is available without the internal lock (something I would prefer as the whole internal lock thing does not appeal)

I have never shot the concealed hammer gun. What are your thoughts about the comparison between the two models insofar as trigger pull and general shooting is concerned?

2. Has anyone ever had the internal lock engage on them accidentally? (apparently it has happened)
I see YouTube vids on how to remove/disable the internal locks. Has anyone tried it?

If you have any other practical advice on these models it is much appreciated.

Thanks..........Steven

Mods- I posted this in Gadgets and Gear as I am interested in specific technical advice on this item however if you feel it should go elsewhere please move it.
 
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Steven, I beleive Smith is doing away with the internal lock as a standard, you'll have the option of lock or no lock so you might be able to get one without. I'm not a fan of it either, I actually hate it. Very disapointed in Smith when they started doing it but was relieved when we had a Smith sales rep ask if we wanted our revolvers with or without locks. Apparetly they got the hint of hurt sales due to us.....traditionalists :D

As for internal hammers, never have shot one. But, I have shot a spurless Ruger SP101. Trigger is horrible in double action only and accuracy suffered from it. However Smith does a nice double action trigger for internal hammers.

Personally, I like hammers, but then again, a hammer poking you in the side isn't comfortable and poket carry with an internal or spurless is much easier.


Smith makes a fine revolver so I don't think you can really go wrong.
 
I'd skip the internal lock if possible, but I've bever seen one accidentally engage so it's really just a preference thing. As for the external hammer vs internal hammer it's also pretty much preference. You won't notice any real trigger pull difference in my opinion. I also prefer external hammers, so I like your choice as is. :)
 
I have two of the MP340's (concealed hammer). The trigger pull is identical to a MP 360 shot double-action.

Despite having a safe full of handguns, the MP's are the only guns I cary anymore. Weight is the primary factor...they are so light and small that I don't mind carrying them. They're also enough gun for personal protection, while being "under gunned" enough to make a person think long and hard before involving themselves in something that could go south.

The lock is a moot point. I've shot thousands of rounds, including hundreds of the hottest factory .357's, and there has never been an issue with the lock engaging. If it worried you, a drop of lock-tight would probably solve the problem.

The advantage of the concealed hammer is for actual pocket cary or for inside-the-waistband cary, as there is no hammer to snag or poke. As I cary mine in a pocket, I practiced with both models and decided the exposed hammer was unsuitable. Also, as a anti-personal weapon it's only going to be shot double action, so there's no point in an exposed hammer.

If you're going to cary in a holster and want to do some plinking, the exposed hammer is nicer. Being able to shoot single-action easily doubles the distance you can hit small targets. Contrary to popular belief, the little guns can be very accurate and shots on a beer-can out to 20 yards or so is very reasonable.

If you plan on regularly carrying the weapon in your pocket or pressed up against your tummy, I'd recommend the concealed hammer. Otherwise, the exposed hammer is a bit more versatile. Either way you can't go wrong. If I thought I needed more gun than the MP340 I'd also wear body armor...something nobody does for long unless they're really, really concerned.
 
Alfaholic said:
Hi Folks

I am going to add a S&W M&P J Frame Revolver to my edc carry rotation and the local distributer will import the model I want. So here are a few questions I would like answered by anyone who actually owns/owned or edc's these models.......
Click to expand...

What revolver experience do you have? What do carry today? How do you carry?

With the cylinder bulge, I opted for a compact 45ACP which is essentially the same thickness. Personally, the snub 38's I have fired really didn't impress me. The 357's are pretty harsh too. I have thought about a 5-shot 44 special a few times though.
 
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The exposed hammer can be a problem depending on how you wish to carry the gun. For concealed carry the hammerless is probably better, but you give up single action capability.

I have seen the lock engage on heavy recoiling scandium revolvers. Of course it can be completely removed if you wish.
 
M67 said:
Steven, I believe Smith is doing away with the internal lock as a standard, you'll have the option of lock or no lock so you might be able to get one without. I'm not a fan of it either, I actually hate it. Very disapointed in Smith when they started doing it but was relieved when we had a Smith sales rep ask if we wanted our revolvers with or without locks. Apparetly they got the hint of hurt sales due to us.....traditionalists :D
Click to expand...

That is really valuable info.......I will pass it on when I order.......Thanks bud:thumbup:
See ya in Atlanta in June.

IMightBeWrong said:
I'd skip the internal lock if possible, but I've bever seen one accidentally engage so it's really just a preference thing. As for the external hammer vs internal hammer it's also pretty much preference. You won't notice any real trigger pull difference in my opinion. I also prefer external hammers, so I like your choice as is. :)
Click to expand...

IMightBeWrong.....IthinkyouareRight! I thank you Sir!:)

sutured said:
I have two of the MP340's (concealed hammer). The trigger pull is identical to a MP 360 shot double-action.
If you plan on regularly carrying the weapon in your pocket or pressed up against your tummy, I'd recommend the concealed hammer. Otherwise, the exposed hammer is a bit more versatile. Either way you can't go wrong. If I thought I needed more gun than the MP340 I'd also wear body armor...something nobody does for long unless they're really, really concerned.
Click to expand...

Sir, your information is invaluable and I thank you for your time and effort in writing it. First hand practical experience cannot be beaten.
You have made up my mind for me and I am going to go with the MP340 as the gun will be pocket and appendix carried. So the concealed hammer is the more practical.

bdmicarta said:
The exposed hammer can be a problem depending on how you wish to carry the gun. For concealed carry the hammerless is probably better, but you give up single action capability.
I have seen the lock engage on heavy recoiling scandium revolvers. Of course it can be completely removed if you wish.
Click to expand...

Good advice.....thanks. Fortunately the MP340 is available without the lock so that will be what I go for.

Thanks again to all of you.........Steven
 
I'd definitely opt for the concealed hammer.

I have had several j frames over the years and now own a 442 and 642 and love them. Both had the lock.....notice I said "had" the lock. It was a simple process to remove the locks but if I had the option, I'd definitely choose the lock free version.
 
For concealed carry hammerless is better . It has the option of being able to fire through a jacket or vest pocket without catching on the hammer.
 
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You may want to check in to the Pro Series 640 also. There is no lock on it and its all stainless steel. It may be a little heavier but shooting full house 357's should be a little more comfortable to shoot. I currently carry a 442 but i'm going to give it to my daughter so i'm looking at the PS-640 pretty hard right now. Well good luck with your decision.
 
I have a 340 and a 360, but they are not the M&P models. Both have locks with which I have never had a problem. The exposed hammer model has a little flag that appears when the action is locked. Having an exposed hammer really helps when sighting in the laser grip. I like to carry the double action model in a Wilderness Store pouch. It is belt mounted, has a flap, and has a velcroed front seam. The gun is pulled forward out of the holder so there is no problem with hammer snag.
 
My old J-frame has a "dehorned" hammer. Operation was performed by a gunsmith so it's very professional looking.
You can still fire single-action by "starting" the hammer back with the DA trigger enough to catch the top with your thumb.
 
Alfaholic said:
Hi Folks

1. I am leaning towards the hammered M&P360. I like the idea of double and single action choice as I am an old school shooter.
Click to expand...

I have one of these; it's 13 ounces unloaded and a dream to carry. I also like the single action capability should I ever need to make a precise shot. I use Speer's 135 grain short barrel .38 Special +P rather than a .357 Mag load for carry. The fact that this snub-nosed revolver is built to handle a .357 mag is primarily a practice related plus for me. The sturdier .357 Mag construction allows me to practice a whole lot with .38 Special +P range ammo and not worry about shooting the light-framed gun loose.
 
I had the 340 and it was a great little gun, I sold it however because i wanted one with a hammer. For self defense hammerless is ok , but i would go to the range and not having the option to pull the hammer back made the gun more inaccurate,(or made me more inaccurate). The plus of hammerless is i pocket carried the 340, its so light it didnt bother me to carry it in my pocket. That being said full house .357 loads in that little pistol were not fun and i recall having some skin missing in the webbing between my thumb and index finger. Overall it's a great gun but i do not regret selling mine 1 bit. i know carry the same gun as the 340 except its not scandium and its a .38 cant remember the model number off hand.
 
Regarding the steel versions of the J frame revolvers:

Purely my opinion here, but THE selling point of the MP series is their incredibly light weight. They are so light that you can actually tell if they are loaded by just picking them up, as the ammo weighs almost as much as the weapon. That feature is what makes them so easy to cary, day after day, regardless of what clothes you're wearing or what you're doing.

And despite that light weight, they provide an adequate level of protection...much more than the trendy .380 autos that recently came on scene.

But they are STILL a five-shot weapon which for all practical purposes is impossible to combat-reload and which does not have the ballistic performance of a .40 or .45 ACP.

If you're going to give up the weight benefit by going to a steel frame, it's silly not to just go to a compact Glock and double your firepower, benefit from combat reloads, and have a superior cartridge to boot.

I have several compact Glocks...great guns but much, much harder to cary around than the MP's, purely because of the weight. That's why I haven't carried anything but the MP 340 for years. It's absolutely NOT the gun I'd choose to get in a gunfight with, but it IS the gun I'll always have with me. Frankly, If I thought I was going to be in a gunfight I'd have full body armor, a Glock 35, a AR-15 and as many friends as I could find, but it's a huge pain in the ass to cary all that stuff around when nobody is really out to get me.

As far as shooting a 13oz gun with full-house .357's goes, it's not particularly fun but even my 105 lb wife can rapid fire five shots on target. I can do it about three times, then I'm pretty much uninterested in doing it again for a while. Each shot is about like catching a baseball bare handed.

Shooting regular .38's is a non-issue...you can shoot a thousand rounds in a day and not be bothered. The .38+P's have a bit more snap, but not much.

Every gun is a trade-off, but I for one see no point at all in the steel J-frame revolvers once the MP revolvers came out.
 
The 340 stages very well for a internal hammer gun, there by letting you "stack it" at the breaking point, hence giving you a very similiar pull to a single action. Go hammerless
 
Thank you all for your excellent comments and advice.

I currently carry a G17 all the time. It is my first choice for carry here in SA for a number of reasons and the M&P will not replace it, simply augment it.
I want a gun for reliable "local" carry. Around the home and when I go for a walk on the beachfront etc..........

Weight and reliability are my primary concern and I really want a gun that I can throw in my pocket easily and safely without issues. The recoil does not concern me and at the risk of being immodest I am an excellent handgun shot with either a revolver or pistol.

I like S&W revolvers and the idea of a super light 357mag that is strong enough to practice with really appeals to me. Whilst I would probably like a hammered version I can see that the hammerless gun will suit my daily edc carry needs better. Perhaps in the future I may buy a hammered 360 as well just for practice purposes.

The complications of importing the gun into South Africa and the fact that Cape Town has the second highest murder rate on the planet makes the decision a critical one.
I thank you all once again for your excellent practical advice which has re-assured me of my choice and helped me select the correct model for my needs.:)

Steven
 
Alfaholic said:
The complications of importing the gun into South Africa and the fact that Cape Town has the second highest murder rate on the planet makes the decision a critical one.
I thank you all once again for your excellent practical advice which has re-assured me of my choice and helped me select the correct model for my needs.:)

Steven
Click to expand...

Well, this maybe isn't practical advice, but an option. You live in Africa, and Cape Town has the 2nd highest murder rate on the planet, sounds like you need a snub nose 460 S&W :D ;)
 
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