The Great New Titanium Snubs

[adk]

The 340PD is strengthened aluminum with a titanium cylinder. Mine only weighed about 11.5 ounces as it came from the factory. I put some heavier grips on it and now it weighs 15 ounces loaded with 125gr .357 rounds, same as the 442 empty.

With a gun this light, the .357 recoil is so sharp that in my opinion you could do some harm to your hand or wrist if you shoot the heavy loads very much - like John Taffin did shooting the big bore sixguns. The Thing smacks really hard, almost straight back. (Yes, the "Thing". That's what I call it.)

I read a post somewhere on the effectiveness of the Fed 125gr Hi-Shok from a snub, and it sounded like it's the round you would want to have. But it's no fun at all. Period.

 

[adk]

One problem with the titanium cylinder on the 340PD and similar is that it has an odd roughness that feels snaggy. In fact, it will drag a Mike's pocket holster right out of the pocket with the gun still in it all the way. The pocket holster has to be one that really grabs the pocket.

I contacted S&W about maybe waxing the cylinder and they said they do not recommend any sort of coating.

 

[VictorLouis]

Eric, you did a fine job

contrasting the K40 with the J-frame.

adk, I hope you will provide us a picture and input when the new boot grip arrives.

 

[adk]

Hey VL -- Roger on a picture and report when I get the new grips.

I heard back from Uncle Mike's about maybe making the cutoffs you developed. She said she passed it along to the boss. No word from Hogue on the subject.

I'm going back to check the gunshop where I could swear I saw soft boot grips that cover the backstrap that go on without a screw. Still have to try the Taurus grips, too. Right now I'm happy with these VL Specials:

 

[VictorLouis]

VL Specials:

Oh Heavens NO! My head will swell...