If you want 357 performance from a 1 7/8" bbl, 14 oz snub. Buffalo Bore's 158+p lead semi wadcutter gas checked round. 1000+ fps from a 1 7/8" 642 bbl.
If you choose, no fun to shoot.
I chose the 642 as a pocket gun, I suggest you spend the 1000$ but buy 2 642/442s.
You won't want 357 in such a small gun but the Buffalo Bore's 158+p is about the same.
Life/death contact to 15 feet. For me its only job, not fun range guns. I have plenty more for enjoyable shooting.

 

If you have any intent to fire 357 out of the 340 buy the 640 instead. Trust me on this. I can describe the 340 firing sensation as a grenade going off in your hand. 11 ounces and 357 do not mix. Never Again. Never!!!

I'd also suggest the 638 over the 642/442 if you want a shrouded hammer. The single action ability is a big plus.

My opinion and worth what you paid for it.

 

The 640 Pro has long been on my list. Unfortunately it’s too large for my intended roll for the revolver.

Google Pic:

 

 

This is going to be my BUG. It needs to fit in the clothing options I already own. I should of been more clear. I almost always buy .357 mags because why not. However I’m leaning towards the .38+P being enough for my intended use. Here is the worse part. I used to own the m36, 637, 642 & 442 & traded or sold them over the years. 🙈

 

I used to own the m36, 637, 642 & 442 & traded or sold them over the years

So you know what you want! Dedicated gun for 1 job, 642/442 closed hammer, less lint. (I like the thin OEM grips due to small size)

 

If you currently have a 357 then get the 38 and change it up a bit!

 

I have both. Like more then I should.

 

I’d stick with the 442/642.

The buffalo bore or underwood +ps are plenty enough. My guess is even with those you’ll find it uncomfortable to shoot.

I’ve an older scandium frame airweight in .357. Shooting .357s out of it is like hitting your palm with a tack hammer. And a bunch of blast goes out the front.

I do carry a steel frame K6S from time to time which is heavier than the air weights. Shooting .357s out of it is unpleasant but manageable. It’s not painful like out of the air weight snubs. I shoot some copper .357 125s that I’ve found have reduced blast and recoil.

But I think the Buffalo Bore or underwood .38 158 gr LSWHP +Ps are plenty enough out of a snub.

 

Can highly(!) recommend these for the 340. Wider at the bottom and thinner around the frame. Goes a long way to "grip retention" 😁.
Diamond Pro Series Grips

ETA: And these....

Granted they're probably using a 6 inch barrel for the energy figure.

Snubby fun...

 

Can highly(!) recommend these for the 340. Wider at the bottom and thinner around the frame. Goes a long way to "grip retention" 😁.
Diamond Pro Series Grips
View attachment 308048

ETA: And these....
View attachment 308049

Granted they're probably using a 6 inch barrel for the energy figure.

Snubby fun...

I like wadcutters and reload them. 4 grains universal with a mbc 148 gr BBWC on top (I avoid the hollow base because as they get faster the skirts can blow). Crimping not flush but almost at the first crimp groove similar to what the underwood’s look like. Before expanding ammo worked well they were popular for self defense and still are because the sharp shoulder cuts holes well and seem to thwack things pretty good.

I do like the 158 LSWHP +P from underwood a little better. Even from a 2” barrel it seems to hit hard and get good expansion.

I also shoot the underwood 125 grain TAC-XPs in .357 in the K6S (which is steel framed and a fair bit heavier than the 642). It’s one of the better rounds in terms of blast and lower recoil for some reason. Their .357 XTPs are flame throwers out of a short barrel.

The bigger grips really help feel when shooting. The only issue I’ve personally had is depending on how one carries for me is they hang up with pocket carry. Had that problem with LCRs and replaced the OEM with the pachmyr guardians — they’re solid plastic and a bit of a gimmick but when you draw there’s a button that you hit as part of gripping them — quite sensitive — and a pinky extender pops out.

 

Lucian, just out of curiosity, what's your primary weapon?

 

Glock 19 like 90% of the time. Sometimes a g27.4 with a G33 .357 sig barrel. I put serious thought into the LCR 9mm, but the S&W 442/642 shape fits my needs better. My at home pistol is a Ruger Sp101 2.25” .357 mag & my bedside pistol is a g20 gen.3.

 

A 642 (no lock) would be my choice. I have an LCR 357 (tackle box gun) and I think the 642 would carry better.
I think I need a 642. 😁

 

My Wife edc’s the LCR .38 +P with a purple grip 😂

 

Sir, you did not need to mention the purple grip. It speaks for itself! Nice!

 

 

Google pic, but I like this combo & the badger boot grip on the sp101. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the 642 performance center.