Forgive my ignorance here.... I want to buy a revolver for CC. I've checked out a few and so far, I'm pretty set on a S&W 640 stainless... But I'm a bit confused.

There are three of them on S&W site with different product numbers - 178043, 178044 and 163690. Two of them - 178043 and 178044 have cylinders cut for moon clips.

I would be much obliged if anybody can tell me which one to buy, with or without moon clip option? Is it true or not that if the cilinder is cut for moons, you can not shoot without ones?

The revolvers can be shot without clips regardless. In the case of a rimmed cartridge they are for loading speed only and serve no other function.

More confusion is the 640-1. Can be found (if lucky) used with no lock. They are .38 and/or .357 magnum ready.

I know the barrel is fluted and the sights are different on the pro (178044)

Are the internals in the 163690 any different than in the 178044?

And which iteration of the 640-x (1,2, or 3) is the 163690?

I personally don't think it makes a difference which of the models you pick up. I have a plain 640 w/lock and a 640 Pro Series cut for moonclips and fancy night sights.
After shooting both, I find the sights to be of little help over the stock 640's and as far as moonclips go, if you are planning to use them in a quick reload contest, you will probably lose. I find long cartridges don't like to line up properly for speed loading.

This post is five years old. Hope he got what he wanted.

Does anyone know the 6 digit # for the 640-1?


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103690

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Any Smith 357 revolver will serve you well.