I have just picked up a 640-3 revolver.

Not being very much of a revolver kind of guy, I thought I'd ask the experts here a few questions.

Serial Number is DAP 24XX. Anyone know when it was made?

It came with some ammo: Magtech Guardian Gold 38 Special +P 125 Grain JHP, Winchester 110 grain JHP .357 Magnum. Should I consider this to be "good" ammunition? Or should this be range fodder? What kind of ammo shold I consider for self defense?

I shot some 38, 38+p and .357 magnum through it yesterday, mabe 150 rounds total. While the .357 had a bit more recoil, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I figure the stainless frame has alot to do with that. The little bugger was surprisingly accurate for a weapon with such a small barrel.

The previous owner didn't clean it too much, and though it wasn't covered in crud or dirt, it definitly needed some cleaning and lubrication (the cylinder actually squeaked when turned by hand). Some Rem Oil (to clean), some Hoppes #9, a bore snake and a brush et voila. Feels much smoother. What kind of mantainance is recommended?

This gun has the dreaded lock. How worried should I be? From what little I know, it's more of a problem for the lighter model of guns (scandium, aluminum, etc.). Should I be equally worried? Is there a way to neutralize, or remove it? Should I even try? Or is this like the: "Glocks explode" myth? I would really like somone with first hand experience to chime in.

I plan to use it as a hiking/hunting backup gun for snakes or the occasional critter (4 or 2 legged).

BTW I got it in trade for a beater Para Ordnance with 3 mags. I got the Smith, case, 200 rounds, a Dun Hume IWB holster, a Galco IWB holster, 4 speed loaders, a set of Pachmayer grips, and an old school wood with medallion grips. I think I did ok.

Anyone with opinions or recommendations, please share.

Thanks

While not an expert, I did buy a 640-3 last year.
The ammo you got with the gun is OK, and you will enjoy using it at the range. For self-defense, I prefer the Speer GDSB. That is a 135grain load that is relatively easy to handle in a snub-nosed revolver, compared with other .357 loads.
The only maintenance you are likely to need is simply cleaning the bore, the chambers and the extractor mechanism after shooting.
Many collectors and critics deplore the internal lock. I have not had a problem with mine. They can be removed, and a search on this forum should turn up a number of related threads.
For woods use, I would load heavier bullets (158 grain LSWC or JSP, or 145 gr. Silvertips), with shot shells available as needed.
I think you got a great deal.

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A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

I have a 640-1.Tried out a new 640-3 at the local gunshop-best trigger i have ever pulled.Enjoy it!I shoot .357's out of mine.Very pleasant.

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WALSTIB

I have no information on date of manufacture. The ammo is certainly good practice ammo if nothing else. For self defense, I'm currently using .38 Speer 124 gr +P Gold Dots but I have the 135 gr. Gold Dots on backorder. I don't carry anything in .357 Magnum currently but I still have a couple of old guns with an ample supply of 125 gr. Federal and Remington JHP ammo from the late 80's and early 90's. I would use what you have for hiking in the woods unless you want to shoot heavier game in which case I would go with a heavier lead SWC.

As for maintenance and the internal lock--just shoot it and keep it clean and lightly lubed. The odds are in favor of the lock not being a problem and I'm a great believer in leaving well enough alone if the gun is functioning properly.

And, yeah, I think you got a helluva deal.

Thanks for the responses guys. I plan to shoot the ammo left thie weekend and look into some of the ammo resommended. Being a fan of Speer and Federal, I should have an easy time finding what I need. I am especially interested in the Speer "snub" ammo in 135 grain.