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

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.