Smith & Wesson Model M&P 340

by
posted on May 14, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
smith2015_fs.jpg

Between a time-tested company reputation that’s over 150 years strong and the classic J-Frame design, there’s plenty going for our very first Gun of the Week: The Smith & Wesson M&P 340.

This lightweight, five-shot, double-action-only revolver is perfect for concealment and comes with an internal hammer that’ll keep it from catching on the draw. It’s chambered in .38 Special +P and the heavier .357 Mag., providing shooters with some options when planning their personal defense.

Those traits were enough to make the M&P 340 the personal carry gun of one Mark Keefe. You may have heard of him: Noted gun geek, American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief and a guy that’s handled quite a few firearms in his life—and this is the one that he’s selected to be at his side.

Smith & Wesson has succeeded in helping to protect citizens around the world since 1852, and beauties like the M&P 340 leave no doubts as to how or why.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: .357 Magnum or .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1.875”
Overall Length: 6.31”
Action: Double Action Only
Weight: 13.3 ounces
Material: Scandium Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black
MSRP: $869

Note: The M&P 340 depicted below is equipped with a Crimson Trace lasergrip. This is not included on the out-of-the-box model.

Latest

Icarry DD H9 1
Icarry DD H9 1

I Carry: Daniel Defense H9 in an ANR Designs Holster

In our latest “I Carry” segment above, we’re taking a closer look at the Daniel Defense H9, a unique, striker-fired design that borrows popular features from several different handguns. 

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?

In a world of micro-compact handguns, does the venerable snub-nose revolver still have a place? Here are four reasons why you might still consider carrying a snubby.

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.