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Posted: 8/29/2005 6:28:46 AM EDT
[#1]
Don't know the exact model you are referring to. However I do have the airwight 340PD 5 shot 357 hammerless J-frame. I like it quite a bit, conceals easily and is very light.
Recoil is intense when using 357Mag rounds in an 11oz gun. I use it as a last chance backup gun, or for times when it is impractical to have my primary CCW with me (1911 Govt.) The gun is easy to carry, so for most people that means carrying it more often. |
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Posted: 8/29/2005 6:58:21 AM EDT
[#2]
Understatement of the century. It is the most brutal handgun I've ever fired, and I love the large caliber handguns. But the weight and design just make it brutal. As a CCW when nothing else will work, it is suitable. But I'm sure you'd prefer to ccw anything else if possible. So, if wearing clothing where only the 340PD will conceal, it's a great gun since you would be unarmed without it. But you will rarely practice with it, and it will mostly be useful to loan to other shooters and watch them endure the torture. In my opinion, the 340PD could be a good purchase if your clothing prevents CCW with a larger gun. But, have another gun for CCW to carry when possible. |
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Posted: 8/29/2005 8:02:35 AM EDT
[#3]
Clothing can be a problem in FL. Just muggy and hot beyond reason.
I fully agree that if the above wasn't such a big consideration, another choice in gun would be a good idea. That being said, the monster recoil doesn't really bother me. I'd practice with 38's and carry 357's. If the gun was pulled in a defensive situation, it seems to have what it would take to handle most problems. Granted, the muzzle flip would make follow up shots harder, but based on size, weight & caliber it's being strongly considered. P.S.- This is the exact model I'm thinking about.... 
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Posted: 8/29/2005 8:21:25 AM EDT
[#4]
Well, living in south Texas I can understand hot weather, but typically it isn't enough of a concern to avoid carrying a fullsize automatic, I just get lightwieght cotten shirts to cover everything up. I also do not give much consideration to the recoil in a self defense situation and have little doubts about its ability to handle the problem, but it is definatly a weapon of last resort, having extreme recoil, less than optimal sights, and low capacity - 5 shots with relatively slow relading. I would not recommend it as a primary CCW. But then again, I like mine and appreciate its ability to be concealed when nothing else really will. This is the exact modelI have, 340PD, 5 shots. Your statement of 6 shots threw me off as S&W now makes so many airwieght variations. |
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Posted: 8/29/2005 8:40:41 AM EDT
[#5]
+1 in the chamber 
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Posted: 8/30/2005 4:11:35 PM EDT
[#6]
I just picked one up last week. It is great to carry and real painful to shoot magnums to say the least. I was having problems with 125gr factory Remington SJHP's. It says right on the gun "No less than 120gr bullet" so I figured I'd be alright but the cylinder locked up on 3 out of 5 cylinders worth of ammo. I was going to buy some heavier ammo to try out but 20 magnum rounds out of this thing was enough for me.
I am going to buy some shooting gloves and shoot alot magnums to see which brand of ammo won't come unseated. I'm pretty sure that anything above 130gr will be fine but I'd rather find out on the range. I have a buddy that thinks the .357 magnum rounds can't be "too bad" to shoot through it, I can't wait to take him out to the range  .
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Posted: 8/31/2005 2:11:14 AM EDT
[#7]
I have one i have only shot maye 50 rounds of .357 out of it so far
Info i got from here said to use Speer Golddot .38 for short barrel and the recoil is a little better havent been home to try it yet |
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Posted: 8/31/2005 2:34:18 PM EDT
[#8]
I have heard good things about the Gold Dot for short barrel revolvers. They also have it in .357. I placed an order with Wholesale Hunter and they are out of stock. Havwen't looked else where for it.
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Posted: 8/31/2005 9:30:49 PM EDT
[#9]
yep, its the ultimate ccw.
i used hand loads to work myself up to being able to shoot the 357mag, which is what i carry in it. i started out with 38 loads, and gradually increased the load as i was able to shoot them well. |
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Posted: 9/4/2005 7:46:23 PM EDT
[#10]
+1 on ultimate carry when I carry it will be that gun. |
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Posted: 9/14/2005 5:18:05 PM EDT
[#11]
I would get the 642 or 442 in .38 Special and call it a day. The 340PD is about $250 more than the 642, and is only an ounce or two lighter.
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Posted: 9/17/2005 3:14:30 PM EDT
[#12]
6 Shots ? Am i missing something 
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Posted: 9/17/2005 5:13:15 PM EDT
[#13]
+1 Loaded with Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P GDHP |
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Posted: 9/18/2005 3:20:16 PM EDT
[#14]
Recoil on Airweights in .357 is more than intense. By the way, you should ALWAYS train with the Ammo you will be carrying in your weapon. Practicing with the .38 and carrying the .357 with no practice is asking for trouble. The Smith 640 is heavier but it is the best short barreled revolver for the .357 Mag. |
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Posted: 9/19/2005 3:10:27 PM EDT
[#15]
Go with the 642 .38 Airweight, +p rated, internal hammer and very lightweight, i just bought one and havent even fired it yet
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