S&W MP340 & Kimber K6XS

[@JimTempleman]

I have both revolvers. The Kimber K6XS is a fine 6-shot with a lighter trigger. But the M340 remains my favorite, simply because the trigger has the familiar trigger pull that I've gotten use to with all my other S&W revolvers. All of the clicks are in the right place.

[@HollyrockFarm]

The MP340 still has a better look…classic lines. Mine has an action job from the Performance Center…trigger is almost as good as the Kimber.

[@wbwills2]

@@HollyrockFarmit’s a good one. Harry’s is a good choice too. The 19 is a hunk of steel but its nice to shoot. I have a 66-2 with someVZ smooth grips and a Garrett Industries STX with straps & snaps. They are in Texas. That holster isn’t a 2.0 or even on the site. Plain stx. Mr garrets wife told me a bunch of people loved them though. Asked them to roll the muzzle end under.. they did it right. & fast on & off. The leather compressed & it could use a little adjustment.have the retention cranked all the way down .They are great people, I will call them soon and tell them what I need done and get it in the mail. I don’t want to mess it up. Going to have him make me a new pair of straps too. Double snaps. Probably 1 regular & just 1 pull dot. Check them out. You would like them out there on the side by side. & riding into town too. If it’s good for a k itll be great for a j. Fast on & off too. Hell , I use 2-3 holsters with 2-3 of my favorites. Depending on whats going on that day. Grips & holster are so rounded and smooth,doesn’t hang up on my shirts & rides just right. Once I got a kore belt to break in and take the shape of my waist after wearing it on & off for 2 or so years almost,because it was so uncomfortable and stiff and all(leather ones would be easier but glad I stuck with the nylon. Almost threw in the towel with that hola hoop.what really did the trick was wearing it with cutoffs,in the ocean and heat & all. It didn’t hurt. …That package rides nice with a Tshirt and it hits what I point it at. Live somewhere like you where I can shoot a few shots at a stump or whatever I want,when I want & did that a lot for over a year .mostly one handed and in all kinds of different positions.Unconventional training is what I guess u could call it. Anyhow,,that’s the one I would pick right now. Im looking at some lightweight revolvers now though. Had a 638 I liked but a good friend liked it more so I eventually gave in & let him get it. With the sweat and all , DAOs can take some neglect,good in a jacket pocket & all. That & so light, itll be carried. A lot. Will read up on that factory action job. Not putting any apex stuff in one or anything like that. Have tried some short barrel 357 bullets but not the buffalo bores. Have shot a few of their 9 & 10 .hits hard .sure like a recessed cylinder though. May be able to find one that would work.DK yet. Just starting the light weight thing again. Have tried a lot of different things and found some good ones.keeping what I have but almost come back full circle. Comfortable clothes need comfortable light guns ,jeans/shorts & belt days ,im still into the k frame .enough for now. Take care. Nice place.

[@wbwills2]

@@HollyrockFarmps. If I come across the right deal on a lightly used SS doa 6s. May need to get it. They are nice. & still small and fairly light. Saw a nice scandium s& w the other day. It wasn’t too awful pricey. Can’t remember exactly what model. Had the lockup leather case and a frame lock. Remember that much. Gotta snooze .

[@BertieW0oster]

The M&P 340 is my 'around the house' gun, it's in my pocket right now.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Glad I’m not the only one that does that…maybe I’m not crazy after all!

[@jackgreenstalk777]

​@@HollyrockFarmnot even a little crazy. Way better to have the tool on your person! Many break ins happen in seconds, even staged guns are often too far away to get in time!

[@01gater]

I’m the some guy who said I wanted to see you shoot the M340. Lol! Thanks!

[@HollyrockFarm]

Happy to oblige! The MP340 is awesome! I actually prefer the sights on the MP340 to the new Ultimate Carry sights…

[@hobo1452]

I have never had a problem with handgun recoil until I had the S&W 340PD. I fired one full cylinder of .357+P in it and never made that mistake again! I'm getting ready to buy the K6XS for occasional carry and have already picked out some low recoil snub nose optimized wadcutter ammo from Georgia Arms.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Those 357 Mag rounds from a light weight revolver can change your life! Seems like you’re onto something…those wadcutters don’t need to be pushed so hard to penetrate. Gel tests coming…

[@kylewood8327]

I 1:01 I backpocket carry my S&W Bodyguard +P .38 around the house everyday. I also installed Hogue grips for better hand control. The 340 works great too.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Glad I'm not the only one that carries around the house!

[@davidbarnes7711]

Thanks for the ammunition info. S&W 360PD and K6XS are in my EDC rotation- both are great. 360PD is not a range gun, for me, due to recoil (especially with .357 loads). I shoot the Kimber better but the 360PD is so light that it is carried more in warm weather. K6XS can be carried in my pocket- the 360PD cannot, due to exposed hammer. My wife has a 340 as her primary, off body carry, and loves it. Only negative to the scandium frame S&W revolvers is they have a barrell insert that can come loose- hers came loose after very few rounds. A special tool is required to tighten the insert and S&W would not sell to me- had to send to S&W to have the insert "tightened".

[@HollyrockFarm]

Thankfully, I’ve not run into the barrel issue with my MP340. They’re great little guns…well, after reading my comments section, mine is great. It appears S&W is having some troubles with their. Newer production revolvers. I really like those K6 revolvers… You can briefly see the Buffalo Bore round I use in this one. Hydra-Shok Deep 38 Special Fail kzbin.infoeeLX-bhL2iE?feature=share

[@ssn711]

Revolvers are so often overlooked today by the capacity driven crowd. Bottom line, they are effective and easy carries.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Facts! A man much older and wiser than me told me, "My old 357 still works just as good as it ever did." The older guys used to put bad guys down without jacketed bullets...the old stuff still works just as well as it ever did!

[@AlbertoJorgeSoares]

And never has magazine spring fatigue.

[@randyreynolds1045]

The new Kimber is very accurate❤

[@HollyrockFarm]

It shoots better than I do!!

[@jasonashley4579]

Dont have a 340 but I pack a 442 that I've tuned up and chamfered and put crimson trace boot grips on, I'll pack it when I can't pack my model 15-3 combat masterpiece or my 2 3/4 inch police service six.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Sounds like a good plan! The XS big dot night sight on the MP340 got me…

[@jasonashley4579]

I put an XS big dot on my police service six, my only complaint about the alloy J frames is the cheap watercolor finish on them, for the price you pay you'd think they'd use something more durable.

[@HollyrockFarm]

@@jasonashley4579 No arguments on that here! We’ll see how the finish holds up on my 632-UC and (3) 432-UC revolvers…I’d bet my 432-UC ends up with a lot of silver…

[@DanielJohnson-ot8wj]

I know it’s been a minute since you uploaded anything so KZbin must like you because you just popped up in my feed today when looking at the Kimber K6XS. Hopefully you come back because I am actually enjoying your channel!

[@HollyrockFarm]

Thank you! My migraines have been going crazy. I’m planning on starting some ammo testing with gel. I’m running slow but not done!

[@DCavalcade]

I have a S&W 642. I’m carrying it right now. It’s +P rated but I have used defensive .38 Spcl ammo-lead nose hollow points-the old FBI preferred round. I’d appreciate your thoughts.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Those old FBI loads can vary a lot depending on the hardness of the lead used in the bullets. They’re likely not a bad choice. What brand are they? Maybe I’ll get around to gel testing them…

[@alananderson5929]

Was a Smith guy before I got a K6 shrouded hammer, 3” barrel, night sights and hogue grip. Like owning a deadly piece of art, perfect in every category, made my a better shooter. SF🇺🇸 thanks for your comparisons

[@HollyrockFarm]

The older S&W guns are great. The new ones are not worth the metal they're made of. it is very disappointing. Those Kimber K6 series revolvers really surprised me.

[@MCAS1924]

What are the grips you have on the Kimber? I find Hougue grips are "tacky" & make it harder to clear a shirt.

[@HollyrockFarm]

Altamont grips…I cannot recall exactly which ones. I agree on the tacky grips. I thought they felt good but presented a problem clearing the wife’s purse pocket.

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

Great video! I yse Buffalo Bore's 158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P. .38 Special round in my Model 60, I'll have to check out their .357 Magnum stuff now. I carry the .38 special round for a little more control, and it is still moving pretty fast out of a 2 inch barrel ar 1040 FPS.

[@HollyrockFarm]

I’ll have to add it to the list of the gel tests I want to do!

[@jackgreenstalk777]

I love s&w j frames as well. Own 2, both have gone back, both run like absolute tops now, couldn't be happier. Always carry it every where I go. If i'm dressed it is on me. Can't beat a j frame imho

[@HollyrockFarm]

The new production guns are just not built as well as the older ones based on my experiences. My experience with S&W in 2024 is much worse than my prior experiences in 2020, 2011, and 2005. I had nothing but great experiences with their guns until these 5 revolvers I bought in 2024. They used up all the good will credit they had built up and are now in the red. Inspect thoroughly to your satisfaction…I caution against buying online (like I did). I could have refused and paid more shipping costs and “restocking” fees. I counted on S&W making them right. Our definitions of right are no longer the same.

[@johnochicago8457]

I can't find a grip I like with the K6sx yet. The Hogue didn't fit me so I have the Control Core by Crimson Trace on now. Haven't shot it with those grips yet.

[@HollyrockFarm]

My wife primarily carries her gun in her purse. Smaller and slick grips were required so I went with the Altamont grips. She does not enjoy firing the gun with those grips. Anything more than a wadcutter has made her hand bleed. I cannot feel the sharp edge but she is 2 for 2 on bleeding with those grips.

[@johnochicago8457]

@@HollyrockFarm That's not good I have the crimson trace small rubber grips also. They are boot grips and seem great for pocket carry.

[@johnochicago8457]

www.kimberamerica.com/k6s-stainless-ns-ca

[@johnochicago8457]

check the link below for the rubber boot grips not the hogue

[@richardkluesek4301]

@@HollyrockFarm Just ordered a set from Hammre Forge in Maine, also they have a youtube channel. The Hogues oem are too big for pocket carry and Hickock 45 just sliced them off at the butt but that's sloppy. The OEM K6S small rubber grip is on my gun now but are blocky, not ergonomic.

[@hickoryridgefarms]

I ordered a K6xs but now hearing about all the rotation issues and firing pins breaking makes me think twice about it. Maybe they have fixed the issues

[@HollyrockFarm]

I haven’t heard of or experienced those issues. Then again, it gets more carry time than range time. Now you’ve got me questioning it..

[@hickoryridgefarms]

@ I ended up passing out and got a 442

[@HollyrockFarm]

@@hickoryridgefarms Solid choice!

[@traceyevans2757]

The k6s is superior simply because it’s a 6 shot and the trigger is far superior. The 340pd is awesome bc it’s light weight, but the k6s is just superior in capacity, trigger, ergonomics, manual of arms, and over all finish.

[@HollyrockFarm]

The K6S and the 340 both have their merits!

[@olebluedog6699]

Ruger LCR .357 mag in then the mix?

[@HollyrockFarm]

The LCR is objectively better than my j-frames. I have one hang up with the that keeps me from them; I think they’re ugly. It may be a stupid reason, but it is my reason. If I did buy an LCR, it would be in .327 Fed Mag…

[@olebluedog6699]

@@HollyrockFarm Fair enough! I will never own a Smith and Wesson model 38 for the same reason.

[@HollyrockFarm]

@@olebluedog6699 agreed on the model 38…just looks bad.

[@olebluedog6699]

@@HollyrockFarm BTW what has the turn around time been on your 632s,432s because I sent mine back to Smith and Wesson a month ago?

[@HollyrockFarm]

@@olebluedog6699 It seems like it has been around a month give or take a week.

[@michigunsanta8680]

That Kimber looks just like a slightly bigger version of my S&W 642 pro.

[@HollyrockFarm]

S&W J-frame cylinder was 1.3” wide…K6XS was 1.4”…

[@CarlosFernandez-ne1rs]

Was wondering if you have any experience with 135 grain critical duty with the 340

[@HollyrockFarm]

I don’t have any personal experience with the Hornady Critical Duty in .357 Mag. I can attest the Buffalo Bore item 19i is not too punishing and has great gel test results from the MP340.

[@CarlosFernandez-ne1rs]

Awesome

[@HollyrockFarm]

Thank you!

[@Gieszkanne]

Why dont you buy a rubber grip for your 340 that goes around the whole frame also on the back. I think the 357 would be less painfull with these. You had to send 5! revolvers back to S&W? That sounds terrible! Is the quality control gone so bad with S&W ?

[@HollyrockFarm]

I could get a large rubber grip and that would definitely help reduce the pain of full 357 Mag from the M&P 340. The trouble is it would also decrease how easily it conceals and might cause clothing to stick to it if it is a bit tacky like Hogue grips frequently are. My experience with S&W in 2024 with 5 (yes, five) revolvers has been bad. They take them back and return them with the same or new problems. After talking with two gunsmiths, it appears my definition of correct and S&W’s definition are no longer the same. My definition stems from my M&P340 from 2011 and my Model 19 Carry Comp from 2020. They let a lot more out the door than they used to. Barrel forcing cones should not come in contact with the cylinder face during opening/closing or rotation. All of the 5 had that problem at some point…even after coming back from the factory.

[@John-xo3gk]

I just had to return a 442 uc :(

[@HollyrockFarm]

Keep going at it with them. Once you're finished with them, if you want the action slicked, I recommend Nelson Ford out in Phoenix, AZ. He did my 432 UC up right!

[@AlbertoJorgeSoares]

That 13 oz S&W must be very unpleasant to train with... even with .38's.

[@HollyrockFarm]

It is an awesome little gun! Well, mine is an awesome little gun...the current productions may leave something to be desired given my recent experiences with their UC revolvers. The only way training is not terrible is with low power .38 wadcutters. They're dirty but will allow some trigger time. Dry fire with snap caps is really helpful. My little 340 will shoot straight if the shooter does their part!

[@AAB-127]

When I bought it, the 642 was brand new. So, give it take, almost 40 years ago. I carried it as a back up on duty almost my entire career. Ankle, in a renegade Ankle holster or, tucked under my armpit in my body armor. For all the reasons you listed. Revolvers don’t care if they are upside down. Crappy grip. Shoved into the threat. Retired now. I carry a Kimber K6xs the majority of the time. Appendix. In a self made leather holster. And, one or two speed strips. I can ring a 3/4 size IDPA plate at 25 yards. If I remember to aim at his belly button. I carry the plain lead SWC HP +P. I know it will penetrate deep enough. And. It “might” expand. That sixth round is kind of a big deal for me.

[@HollyrockFarm]

I just wish the K6XS had a tritium night sight or was at least replaceable. If it was, I'd go that route and call it a day. Not a bad call on the ammo choice! It seems a lot of folks get caught up on expansion, bullet diameter, or some other stopping power myth and forget about the most important part, penetration!