I thought about the 340PD in .357 but the owners of two gun shops convinced me to get the 342PD in .38 instead. (Great guys who sold both). Basically the argument centers around increased accuracy, (including the reality that you are not likely to practice much at all with the .357 because it hurts so much)!, ability to get more rounds down range quickly, you're not picking up much with the .357 beyond more muzzle flash and recoil in such a short barreled gun, etc. Who knows? But for a pocket carry gun I am glad I went with the .38. Should be more than enough if God forbid, I ever have a "close encounter."