The tale of the replacement XS front sight – pre-drilled, thanks very much – for the Smith & Wesson M&P340 revolver started here. As noted, the “Standard Dot for the S&W J-Frame” was obtained to replace the dying front sight from my mid-2000s issue S&W M&P340, a near-constant carry revolver.
Mike Rafferty did the installation and had to do a factory adjustment® to get everything lined up. It was minor and everything has worked out. Important to note: I’m wearing the gun now; it’s been fired on two range trips and the sight didn’t vacate the premises, a good thing.
I found that the original factory front sight (the example being repaired is an early issue sample of this gun) appears shorter than the replacement sight. Commentator Stephen Wenger, author and defense gun news aggregator (find information on his no-cost email digest here), noted that the replacement sight looks like it was meant to be used with the S&W/Lipsey’s UC revolver line with the higher rear sight.
I do believe he nailed it.
I’d mentioned that heavier bullets, with a longer dwell time – post-ignition before leaving the muzzle – would likely hit closer to the point of aim. Stephen agreed, but noted that the original Cor-Bon 110 grain DPX all-copper hollowpoints might have a similar point of impact.
This is because, in his words, “… CorBon's +P /38 Spl. load should have a longer dwell time than most other 110 gr. loads because of the added length of the all-copper bullet.” The greater length of the bullet implies more time before exiting the muzzle.
Could it be that easy?
None of the loads tried were abusive to shoot in the M&P340 – this is the Atlanta Arms Elite PPC Match 158 gr. SWC with more of a “push” than a jolt.
Why the new front sight at all? The “glow” from the tritium had expired. The new sight will show up in conditions of adverse light.
Why do you need to see the sight in the dark if you can’t see what you’re shooting at? The answer is you don’t – you first need to positively ID the perceived threat. I’ve not been in “gun” situations in complete darkness; there always seems to be some ambient light – a street light, porch light, night light, lights from a passing motor vehicle. I could be in darkness – along with my sights – and be able to plainly see what’s before me standing in a lighted location. Besides, if the gun is on a table or in a drawer and I see the glowing green, I know where the muzzle is directed.
This sight is “dual-illuminated” – there is a tritium vial and it’s surrounded by a photoluminescent ring. I can tell you the sight is easy to see.
My next trip to the range included the tiny (and elderly) revolver and a few loads to try. I was still shooting with “the ball out of the notch,” settling at 10 yards with heavier (and longer) bullets.
The Atlanta Arms Elite PPC Match 158 gr. SWC – tended left; I cut the 10-ring at 11 o’clock, at 10 o’clock and at 9 o’clock. There were two hits inside the 9-ring at around 7 o’clock, with the vertical string implying a grip issue.
While the shooter isn’t competent, we can see the “longer dwell time” along with holding the “ball over the bucket” XS Sights-style leads to hits in the bull.
The DoubleTap 110 DT Leadfree SC-HP +P features a long bullet. On a 5” circle target at 10 yards, I had two hits touching at 6 o’clock, one just over zero for elevation, slightly left of center crosshair line. The longer bullet makes a difference.
For a more commonly found (locally) load, I tried Federal Personal Defense 130gr. HydraShok DEEP +P – 3/5 hits were just at-or-above point of aim, with two at six o’clock, all well within the 5” circle.
None of these loads were at all uncomfortable to shoot in the little cannon – with the Crimson Trace LG-350 stocks. While those stocks are a bit large for some people, they have a nice recoil cushion. I can also recommend the Hogue Inc. J-Frame Centennial/Bodyguard “Tamer” stocks.
Again, a bit large for the gun, but they do “tame” the recoil. For me, the shootability is more important than concealability.
How will the loads tried work on “jello?” I have no idea. My concerns are that they have ignition reliability, functional reliability (chambering and unloading) and the rounds hit to the sights. After that, some penetration would be nice.
So far, we’re in good shape. I’ll try a few other loads, but I’m on the right track.
— Rich Grassi
