Classic S&W 640 38 special

[scotty_MK9]

Any owners out there? Found one used but perfect condition for 450.00 so i snagged it before someone else did. It has the old school wooden boot grips and a 1 7/8 barrel.

Been lookin for a classic model 60 for a while so this will keep me occupied till i find that lol.

[ltxi]

What are old school wooden boot grips?

[Barth]

Any owners out there? Found one used but perfect condition for 450.00 so i snagged it before someone else did. It has the old school wooden boot grips and a 1 7/8 barrel.

Been lookin for a classic model 60 for a while so this will keep me occupied till i find that lol.

I almost bought one myself for $500 but held out for the 357 version ($489).
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but -
S&W 640 no dash 38
S&W 640-1 2.125" 357 Mag

Put a XS Big Dot on the nose and fall in love.
https://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/photos/photo35/42/de/54699ae86529__1323728985000.jpghttps://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/photos/photo36/68/44/88b1593f3dc5__1318975927000.jpghttps://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/photos/photo11/63/9f/01a5e7834de1__1322951252000.jpg

[Bawanna]

The dash is a design change of some sort. Sometimes not noticeable in anyway, sometimes so. Nothing to do with the caliber.

Most all Smiths start out with no dash and then add dashes as they make improvements, changes. Good or bad.

[scotty_MK9]

They are very skinny wood grips that came on the older models. Old school

[Barth]

The dash is a design change of some sort. Sometimes not noticeable in anyway, sometimes so. Nothing to do with the caliber.

Most all Smiths start out with no dash and then add dashes as they make improvements, changes. Good or bad.

I think your very wrong about that big guy.
The original 640s were no dash and 38 special only.
The -1 was strengthened and clamberer for 357 or 38.
This guy ran across the first edition, 38 only, 640 no dash version.

It's an all stainless centennial, and totally sweet, but 38 only baby...

I had a fun argument with a gun-shop guy about one in his gun case.
I won

UPDATE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Centennial
Smith & Wesson Model 640, 642, and 442
The Model 640 revolver has been in production since 1990 and was chambered for .38 Special. It was fitted with a standard barrel of 1-7/8 inch length. The second model had a slightly heavier and longer barrel of 2-1/8 inch length. The gun was constructed entirely of stainless steel until 1995, when models were made in aluminium and designated "airweight" along with a blued version designated as the Model 442. A 3" barreled version was offered until 1993, when it was dropped from production.[5] In 1996 S&W began chamberong the 640 in .357 Magnum. Because of the power of the .357 magnum cartridge, the frame is strengthened just in front of the cylinder release on those models.[6]

[scotty_MK9]

Barth-

Thanks for the info. Yes it is only 38 and not 357 do u know if its rated for +p?

[Barth]

Barth-

Thanks for the info. Yes it is only 38 and not 357 do u know if its rated for +p?

Nice.
I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to that question.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This whole +P thingy is a hot topic, on several forums, about many guns.
The safe stinky answer is call S&W (they will likely say no).
The truth is +P didn't exist when your gun was manufactured.

It is all stainless, but also 15+ years old?
You might get away with +P and experience accelerated wear.
Or you might blow your gun hand off.

Don't you want to practice with what you use for SD?
Don't you want your classic revolver to last a life time?

Personally, I'd get some high tech standard pressure bullets for SD
and stay away from +P.

That's really why I waited for a 640-1/357.
The old Magnums can run +P 38 all day long.

BTW My 2001 S&W 342 has 38 +P etched on the barrel...

UPDATE:
Further research to deal with the Big Dog Bawanna now leads me to believe
the 640 no dash may well be +P rated?
I really would call S&W to confirm.

[ltxi]

They are very skinny wood grips that came on the older models. Old school

Those aren't boot grips and they aren't as "old school" as you might think. They're still standard on many if not most of Smith's better revolvers, including the M36. A nice rosewood set came stock on my wife's M65 Ladysmith and she prefers them to anything else. As do many other shooters....myself not included.

[scotty_MK9]

ltxi-

Yes i have a ladysmith with thos rosewood grips. But the ones on my 640 are thinner and dont have finger grooves as they only cover the sides

[Bawanna]

I think your very wrong about that big guy.
The original 640s were no dash and 38 special only.
The -1 was strengthened and clamberer for 357 or 38.
This guy ran across the first edition, 38 only, 640 no dash version.

It's an all stainless centennial, and totally sweet, but 38 only baby...

I had a fun argument with a gun-shop guy about one in his gun case.
I won

UPDATE:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Centennial
Smith & Wesson Model 640, 642, and 442
The Model 640 revolver has been in production since 1990 and was chambered for .38 Special. It was fitted with a standard barrel of 1-7/8 inch length. The second model had a slightly heavier and longer barrel of 2-1/8 inch length. The gun was constructed entirely of stainless steel until 1995, when models were made in aluminium and designated "airweight" along with a blued version designated as the Model 442. A 3" barreled version was offered until 1993, when it was dropped from production.[5] In 1996 S&W began chamberong the 640 in .357 Magnum. Because of the power of the .357 magnum cartridge, the frame is strengthened just in front of the cylinder release on those models.[6]

https://store.bluebookinc.com/InstantAccess/Model.aspx?product=5&id=1589

Take a gander at this, all I could find. You can be the judge. If I'm wrong it certainly won't be the first time.

[Barth]

https://store.bluebookinc.com/InstantAccess/Model.aspx?product=5&id=1589

Take a gander at this, all I could find. You can be the judge. If I'm wrong it certainly won't be the first time.

What is this a reading test?
I'm dyslexic and can't find where this article disputes what I'm saying?
Can you enlighten me and point that out?

Thing is, I researched the 640s before I bought one.
Lots of folks don't know the first ones (640 no dash) were 38 only.
I had to be careful so when I bought mine it really was a 640-1 357 mag.

The kicker is, and this is how I dealt with the gun-shop guy;
If you open the cylinder and check the model number it says -
640 with no dash
then you look at what's etched on the barrel and it says -
38 S&W SPL (not 357 magnum - not anywhere)

the defense rests
no further questions

[Barth]

Exhibit (A)
http://jamesazacharyjr.blogspot.com/2009/06/smith-wesson-model-640-performance.html
Today when you talk about the S&W Model 640 many people immediately think .357 magnum; that wasn’t always the case. When S&W first came out with the Centennial line the 640 was a +P .38 Special revolver. For a short time S&W rated it for +P+ loads to satiate those trying in vain to milk magnum performance from the .38 Special. Ultimately, S&W reengineered the 640 as a .357 magnum.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh47/mazdaoffroad/DSC02621-1.jpg
Exhibit (B)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/jcelect/Paper/scan0001-1.jpg
Exhibit (C)
http://www.gunsamerica.com/987851574/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/S_W_640_NO_DASH.htm
S&W 640 NO DASH
EXCELLENT CONDITION, EARLY NO-DASH MODEL, PRE INTERNAL LOCK, .38SPL, 2" BARREL, STAINLESS STEEL, RUBBER BOOT GRIP, DOUBLE ACTION ONLY, HAMMERLESS. NO ORIGINAL BOX BUT WILL SHIP WITH A HARD CASE.
http://gastatic.com/UserImages/65120/987851574/pop_wm_2150657.jpg

Foot Notes:
http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m640.htm
In 1990, the Centennial was re-introduced but in stainless steel and without the grip safety as the Model 640. It was a .38 Special. In 1996 the 640-1 in .357 Magnum was offered.

[Bawanna]

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m640.htm

Ok I'll concede but we're both right. Your right in that the 640-1 was a revision to the 38 640 no dash when they made it a 357. But there are also a 640-2 and a 640-3 and I'm not sure if there are others.

So the dash number as I said is a revision to a particular model.

This is the first time I've heard of a revision to change to a larger caliber.

The article link shows a picture of a 640-3 and mentions the various changes from the old grip safety version.

[Barth]

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m640.htm

Ok I'll concede but we're both right. Your right in that the 640-1 was a revision to the 38 640 no dash when they made it a 357. But there are also a 640-2 and a 640-3 and I'm not sure if there are others.

So the dash number as I said is a revision to a particular model.

This is the first time I've heard of a revision to change to a larger caliber.

The article link shows a picture of a 640-3 and mentions the various changes from the old grip safety version.

I didn't want to talk about all the various models because I'm not completely
confident and it would take more research on my part.

Plus it almost doesn't make sense...

Without much confidence, and no reprisals, the rumor is:
I have a friend, that has a cousin, that told his girlfriend that -
640 no dash 38 (no lock)
640-1 357 (no lock)
640-2 38 (no lock) NYPD
640-3 357 (LOCK)
Don't know, or care, about further lock guns
Have heard that the newest 640 Pro Series has no lock now

This is why there's such a big deal made about specifically the 640-1 model.
that is all

[scotty_MK9]

That pic of the 640 with three inch barrel looks just like mine even the grips. Only difference is mine has a 1 7/8 barrel

[Barth]

That pic of the 640 with three inch barrel looks just like mine even the grips. Only difference is mine has a 1 7/8 barrel
Notice how that flyer mentions +P+ Ammo!


Dealing with The Big Dog Bawanna may have turned up a surprise!
Looks like the little monster is +P rated, maybe even +P+!

Verify with S&W and let us know.
Make sure you talk to a gunsmith/tech and not get blown off with a quick NO.
Sig customer service told me my P220 Sport barrel wouldn't fit.
It fits like a glove and shoots all Aces - LOL!

[muggsy]

That's a fine shootin' iron, lad. Had one myself and let it get away. Get a firm grip on it.

[Armybrat]

Nice find Scotty.

I keep my M38 Airweight J frame in my bedside table loaded with SD hollow points. Wish it had the original wood grips.

http://i522.photobucket.com/albums/w349/ScoPro/SWrevolver002.jpg

[JFootin]

Nice find Scotty.

I keep my M38 Airweight J frame in my bedside table loaded with SD hollow points. Wish it had the original wood grips.


I just got these today in rosewood. They are really beautiful and very precisely made using CNC machines. The price is great, too! Just $43!

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee486/John_England/Miscellanious%20Guns%20and%20Holsters/SWModel638wAltamontGrips.jpg

You can find them here: http://www.altamontco.com/products/pistol/smith_and_wesson/J-Frame/index.php

[jocko]

Nice find Scotty.

I keep my M38 Airweight J frame in my bedside table loaded with SD hollow points. Wish it had the original wood grips.

http://i522.photobucket.com/albums/w349/ScoPro/SWrevolver002.jpg

rubber pachmar style grips are the cats ass IMO. Nice gun,

[jocko]

looks like an early model 60???nice grips also.

[Armybrat]

I just got these today in rosewood. They are really beautiful and very precisely made using CNC machines. The price is great, too! Just $43!

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee486/John_England/Miscellanious%20Guns%20and%20Holsters/SWModel638wAltamontGrips.jpg

You can find them here: http://www.altamontco.com/products/pistol/smith_and_wesson/J-Frame/index.php

Thanks, I'll order a pair.

[scotty_MK9]

Jfootin-

Thats a sweet piece. Gotta wipe the drool off my keyboard now...

[JFootin]

Jfootin-

Thats a sweet piece. Gotta wipe the drool off my keyboard now...

That's not mine. It is a pic from the Altamont web page. Mine is in MN right now, but here is close to what it will look like when I get it back and put those rosewood grips on it. :D

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee486/John_England/Miscellanious%20Guns%20and%20Holsters/SWModel638RevolverwSpeedLoader.jpg

[Barth]

https://www.t-mobilepictures.com/myalbum/photos/photo05/ad/6a/48882277cde6__1313264906000.jpg