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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 02-20-2011, 08:45 AM
billyray billyray is offline
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Default 640 3inch Centennial-- 2 questions

Hello am new to the forum and am looking for some help. Just bought a 640 Centennial in .38, SS with a 3 inch barrel (think it is an early 1990's model) in excellent condition with the box and manuals for $450. Very pleased with the gun so far, took it to the range and was surprised how accurate the groups were at 25 yards. 1) Was this too much to pay?

It is marked "38 special" on the barrel, 640 in the yoke cut with no additional stampings in the frame. The manual has a chart that indicates 640's can shoot .38 or .38+P but with a long warning description page. 2) Is it OK to shoot +P or +P+ in this gun?

Thank you
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Old 02-20-2011, 09:31 AM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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Welcome to the Forum. You did well on the price. The 3" version was only made from 1989 to 1993. It is rated for +P ammo but frequent use of heavier loads of any kind will accelerate wear. You will probably run out of money for such ammo before this happens . Hope this is helpful.
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Old 02-20-2011, 09:32 AM
billyray billyray is offline
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Thank you for the information.
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Old 02-20-2011, 09:58 AM
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Geronimo Jim Geronimo Jim is offline
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Welcome and congrats on a great gun. Love those 3 inch barrels.
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Old 02-20-2011, 10:36 AM
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H Richard H Richard is offline
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You never pay too much for a S&W, but I have bought a couple a little "too soon".
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Old 02-20-2011, 07:36 PM
tekarra tekarra is offline
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Hello and welcome to the forum. That is a sweet revolver you acquired.
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Old 02-20-2011, 08:00 PM
billyray billyray is offline
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Am very excited about it--it shoots awesome!! It does not look like there are a lot of holster options for a 3 inch barrel. Do you have a recommendation? Will I have to get a custom one made?
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Old 02-20-2011, 09:51 PM
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Allen-frame Allen-frame is offline
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Shado holsters/ a.k.a. Rays holsters in Largo Florida makes a great pancake for the 3" J frame and are reasonably priced.
You can order online.

I will see him at the Fort Lauderdale show this weekend.

Great little gun. Don't let your friends see it or they will
talk you out of it.

Good luck and Welcome!

Allen Frame
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Old 02-20-2011, 10:03 PM
PMRet PMRet is offline
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You got a good deal. As for holster options, try Ray at lobogunleather.com Excellent quality at a reasonable price with a fairly short turnaround time. Ray is a great guy to deal with, and is a member of this forum to boot.
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