| Smith & Wesson Model 340PD | |
|---|---|
Smith & Wesson Model 340PD |
|
| Type | Personal protection Revolver |
| Place of origin | U.S. |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2000s-Present |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Unit cost | $1,019.00 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 11.4 oz (323.2 g) |
| Length | 6.31" (16.0 cm) |
| Barrel length | 1.875" (4.7 cm) |
|
|
|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum .38 Special |
| Action | DAO |
| Feed system | 5-round cylinder |
The Smith and Wesson 340PD is an ultra-light, J-frame, five shot, short-barrel revolver chambered for .357 Magnum ammunition.
It has a frame constructed of scandium enhanced aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy cylinder, and a corrosion resistant steel barrel liner. Unloaded it weighs only 12 ounces (340 g) and when loaded remains under 1 pound (0.45 kg).
With no external hammer it operates double action only and is a popular choice for concealed carry.
There is a prohibition against using ammunition with bullet weight less than 120 grains (7.8 g) due to the risk of frame erosion from powder that is still burning after too rapid exit of the light projectile. Another warning in the owners manual is that recoil may pull the cases of unfired rounds in the cylinder rearward with enough force to unseat the bullets causing the cylinder to jam. It has also been said that accuracy is compromised in these types of ultra-light revolvers since the barrel is a steel sleeve liner rather than a single solid piece of steel.[1]