Smith & Wesson Model 340SS
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 2001
Also known as: 340 Stainless, 340 AirLite SS
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 340SS is a variant of the ultra-lightweight Model 340 J-frame revolver that substitutes a stainless steel cylinder for the standard titanium cylinder while retaining the scandium alloy frame. The SS designation indicates Stainless Steel, referring specifically to the cylinder material choice that distinguishes this model from its titanium-cylinder siblings. Introduced alongside the original 340 series in 2001, the 340SS provides an alternative for shooters who prefer the traditional appearance and characteristics of stainless steel over titanium. Weighing approximately 12.4 ounces empty (slightly heavier than the titanium-cylinder 340 due to steel's higher density), this five-shot .357 Magnum revolver still qualifies as ultra-lightweight by traditional revolver standards. Built on the compact J-frame platform with a 1.875-inch barrel, the 340SS features the same scandium alloy frame construction that revolutionized lightweight revolver design, combined with a conventional stainless steel cylinder that some users find more reassuring given their familiarity with steel's proven durability in revolvers. The revolver features fixed sights with a red ramp front sight, an exposed hammer allowing double-action and single-action operation, and synthetic grips. The stainless finish provides corrosion resistance and a classic appearance that matches traditional Smith & Wesson aesthetics. Like all 340 series revolvers, the 340SS chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition, offering users flexibility in selecting ammunition based on recoil tolerance and defensive requirements.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 350 g (12.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Barrel Length | 48 mm (1.89") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Width | 36 mm (1.42") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 50 N (11.2 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 585 J (431 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 483 mm (19.02") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Scandium Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Stainless |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar
- Features: J Frame, Fixed Sights, Scandium Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Cylinder, 5 Shot Cylinder, Exposed Hammer, Ultra Lightweight, Synthetic Grips
Base model
Production
Production years: 2001-present
Variant of the 340 series featuring stainless steel cylinder with scandium frame
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Model 340SS represents a middle ground in the 340 series lineup, offering lighter weight than traditional all-steel J-frames while avoiding the titanium cylinder's higher cost and unconventional appearance. The stainless steel cylinder adds approximately 0.4 ounces compared to the titanium-cylinder Model 340, a difference most carriers consider negligible while providing the psychological comfort of steel's century-long proven track record in revolver construction. The stainless cylinder exhibits superior resistance to flame cutting compared to titanium, particularly important for users who fire substantial quantities of .357 Magnum ammunition. Some shooters report preferring the stainless cylinder's slightly increased weight, claiming it reduces perceived muzzle flip during rapid double-action shooting. The 340SS shares the same scandium alloy frame technology that uses less than one percent scandium to dramatically improve aluminum's tensile strength. The combination of scandium frame and stainless cylinder creates a revolver that weighs roughly 40 percent less than traditional all-steel J-frames like the Model 60 (approximately 20 ounces) while maintaining comparable strength and durability. The 340SS is less commonly encountered than the titanium-cylinder 340 or hammerless 340PD, making it somewhat of a specialty model within the series. Trigger characteristics match the standard 340, with double-action pull around 11-12 pounds and single-action around 4-5 pounds.
Background
The 340SS was Smith & Wesson's answer to traditionalists who loved the idea of a 12-ounce .357 Magnum but weren't quite ready to trust their life to a titanium cylinder. It became known as 'the conservative choice' in the 340 lineup-still revolutionary in weight savings, but using time-tested stainless steel where it counted most.