Thoughts on the 640 for carry?

[alphabrace]

I am interested in getting a 640 for carry, preferably a PC model with moons. Thoughts?

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[packingheat68]

I love mine, I don't have the PC model though.


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[rwsmith]

An all steel (or SS) J frame is plenty light. You can go with alloy guns, but when you pull the trigger with a defensive load, expect them to hurt. I have an alloy model 38 and I put Hogue monogrips on it and it feels better. I'm not sure what grip comes with the 640 but it should be comfortable with any standard load and shootable with +P loads. The monogrip would make them all feel better. I could make some light .357 loads for it, but I don't know how it would feel with full loads. Anywho, I think they are the epitome of 'J' frames.

[Amp]

Used the 640 no dash for over 25 years and I am still here.
I do not find recoil to be an issue.

[mj2008]

Carried my 640 no dash as my off duty/plain clothes weapon for 20 years. Still in my rotation in retirement. You can do a lot worse.

[BAM-BAM]

LOL bought a 640 the first year they were out......... my Dad a retired Police Capt (39 years) saw mine and asked me to get him one.......his first "new" carry gun in about 30 years.....became his daily carry for the next 10 years....replacing his 1950s Colt Detective Special.

Traded mine ...... but still have "his"

[Mister X]

I really like the 640. I've owned two, but ultimately found them a bit on the heavy side for pocket carry for my preferences and currently opt for the 642. I personally don't care much for the PC model.

[bigshep85]

Yes, yes, and...YES!

[Zebra War Wagon]

I do not have the PC model, but I do have a 640-3 and CCW it about 75% of the time. I carry it in a Galco should holster with 12 extra rounds in the opposite side carrier. Never feel under gunned or intimidated by the recoil; and I do stuff it with full house magnums.
The other 25% of the time, I either do not carry anything or occasionally my 642 with Buffalo Bore 158 grain +P's.
I am not a LEO, security professional or one with delusions of getting involved in a running gun battle with multiple offenders at the mall. I already did that many times in the US Army and there is no glory in those experiences. HIHI

[armorer951]

Recently purchased a used model 640-1. At around 22 ounces, it seems to be a very good stainless compromise between the larger K-series, short barrel revolvers and the very light alloy frame J-series.

[diyj98]

I picked up a 640-1 a couple weeks ago myself. I know it may be "outdated" and there are "better choices" according to many on the net, but it fits my preferences and lifestyle pretty darn well so far.

[osilva40]

I have one and its my #1 carry revolver... pachmayr grip with the pinky groove is the best. However, I don't carry with 357; 38+Ps BBs are plenty enough power for me.

[dubshooter]

I have a new model 640 (not PC). It's my BUG on duty and main off duty gun. Love it

[A.J.R.]

I picked up brand new 640pro a few weeks ago. I don't trust it quite yet as a carry piece so here are my thoughts. Right off the bat I had a tough time shooting it with the little boot grips it came with from S&W. I swapped out the S&W boot grips for a standard J frame rubber grips off my Model60 and have been happy with the feel. Will probably get a set of Altamont wood combat grips when I decide to carry it.

It shoots a little low for my taste and I have seen others with the same issue post about it online. More shooting is necessary to determine what is probably user error. Worst case scenario it may need to be sent off to S&W for a new barrel.

The Trijicon night sights are nice, a tad dimmer than I would have thought but much better sight picture than my other J frames.

The DAO trigger out of the box was pretty crunchy and stiff. It has gotten better after a few boxes of 38s, and a lot of snap cap firing.

Moon clips are a nice feature, though would probably have preferred a Performance Center trigger job over the cylinder cut outs for moon clips if given the choice.

[kthom]

When I finally bought my first M-640, a dash one, it quickly became the only one of my J Frames that I carry. And it still is, although the second one I found and bought sometimes gives it some time off! Simply put, these 640's retired the rest of my J Frames to the safe, except for occasional viewings. I still like 'em, but not as much as the 640. As far as I am concerned, for me, this is the best and dandiest J Frame available for daily carry. I just wish I could have found the first one a long earlier. I waited a long time, but it was well worth the wait!!

[TeaDub]

The 640 (no dash) is still my favorite J-frame. IMO, the perfect balance of heft, size, comfort in use, and ease of carry. I have gravitated to the 642 over the years for my carry choice. The Airweight is just easier to pocket carry without thought. It's not quite as fun at the range, but still quite tolerable.

IF I had to choose between the two? I'd keep the 640 all day, every day. I have a lot of history and memories of my 640. I trusted my life for many years as a LEO with it on my ankle. I still would, and do upon occasion.

I may pick up a Magnum 640 (or 649) in the future. An excellent weapon, but not quite the perfect balance for my uses. J-frames are like Lays potato chips to me. I can't have just one.

[HOUSTON RICK]

It do not have a 640 because I have a CS9 and a CS45, but I have fired my friend's 640 and I would not hesitate to make a 640 my carry if I had one.

[GerSan69]

Somehow I ended up with two 640s in two separate deals. I'm glad I did! They're my go-to revolvers for any time I don't feel like carrying a semi. The trigger pulls on both are what I'd call "just right." I have a Hogue boot grip on one and a nice smooth rosewood magna on the other. A modified DeSantis belt holster and a speedloader round out the kit. I don't seem to take the other Js out since acquiring these....

[Jingles]

I've got the 640-1 Pro. Great gun and much more controllable than my 642. The combat sights are sweet!

[lebomm]

Mine is a no-dash carried in a Sticky in my trouser pocket. It came wearing a pair of J Sq. Butt Targets with all the checkering and half the medallions sanded off. Fit my hand much better than the J Magnas, so I added a pinky groove for that "just right" handful. May have been a training piece, as it's covered uniformly with tiny little dings and scratches for that "pulled on a chain down 5 miles of dirt road" look, but bore, chambers and function are without issue. I'm into it real right because of its appearance, but wouldn't trade it easily. It replaced my 3" M64 for EDC and I've never looked back.

Larry

[dr. K]

I have a standard 640-3 (I think), .357, the one with a lock. I trust it implicitly and have never, ever had any issue with it. It carries beautifully, shoots beautifully, and is just a very well thought out firearm. The Pro Series is also an excellent choice, but for my needs/wants I didn't see the need to upgrade.

[The Gila Bender]

The tried and true 640-1 is my first choice in J-frame. The 640-1 and 3" K frame 13-2 pictured below are my "go everywhere" small revolvers. But you can't have just one so my other J's are the 63 (22LR), 640, and 642. Lately I'm in the hunt for the Model 315 and 386 Night Guard, or a 340 M&P.

[snowman.45]

I carry my 640-1 regularly. In fact, I'm carrying it right now. I keep it loaded with Speer GDHP 135 SB .357 magnum. I also carry 6 spare rounds of the same ammo in a 2x2x2 pouch on my belt and two 5 round speed strips or speed loaders in my pants pocket. If I'm wearing a shoulder rig or a belt holster, this is my go to. If I'm carrying in a pocket, the 340 M&P is my choice due to the weight.

I have a 640 Pro on order. The reason I want this gun is due to the night sights and the moon clips. Once it's here, I'll order a spare cylinder assembly for my 640-1 and send it to Pinnacle to be cut for moon clips and 9mm as an option due to all the 9mm rounds and pistols I have.

[oldiesradio1560]

I carry my M640-3 daily with a ClipDraw. Using Hormany Critical Defense .357 factory rounds. The rounds goes thru 3 layers of heavy demin and creates a 14" wound channel. That much firepower may be needed if you encounter a 6'2" 300 pound guy who is ready for war and hopped up on some type of illegal substance. Recoil doesn't matter if you're dead because you picked a lesser round and the guy killed you.

[smithman]

I don't like shooting mine much. My no-dash's cylinder release chews up my thumb knuckle more than I'd like.

[jughed440]

My only thought on carrying the 640 is where i will be. The 640 will do most of the time.

[Jerryatric3]

Have the 640 Pro and love it...but...the 442 is noticeably more comfortable for pocket carry. Looking for a 340 M&P for pocket and the 640 Pro IWB/OWB carry. As a side note, got an M&P Shield after reviewing all the praise it receives for concealed carry....I'll take a J Frame any day. Shield 9 looking for a new home.