640-1 or 64-2 two inch

[SVT28]

For $400 which would you choose? Notes: I don't have a magnum J and I don't have a snub K. I also have tons of J Frame holsters but love the idea of the 64 snub.

SVT28

[colt_saa]

For personal defense, the 640 with no hesitation

For collecting, the 2" 64

However, at $400 each, I would simply buy both

If you can not afford both in a single purchase, put a deposit on the pair with an agreement as to when final payment is due. In the olden days we called it Lay-A-Way

You do not have the instant gratification, but you would have two fine additions to your life long collection

[jframejoey]

64-2! you can buy current used J (non magnums) for appx $300 used all the time. If the 64 is in good shape when was the last one you saw for $400 bucks that lasted on a shelf for any amount of time?

[SVT28]

The 64 needs new grips and is a little rough. No gouges or deep scratches, it could use a flitz treatment. The 640-1 is in much better shape, also with rubber stocks that are pretty used. Neither are dept. marked.

I do have money for both so I may just buy both. K Frame first.

SVT28

[rwt1405]

Originally Posted by SVT28

The 64 needs new grips and is a little rough. No gouges or deep scratches, it could use a flitz treatment. The 640-1 is in much better shape, also with rubber stocks that are pretty used. Neither are dept. marked.

I do have money for both so I may just buy both. K Frame first.

SVT28

Correct answer!

Correct order!

Best of luck with them both!

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Good call. A J frame can be handy some times, but if it is at all possible to carry a K frame, it is much better to have a real gun. I was just shooting my Improved Model 56 (2" Model 15) and my Model 12 today. I was shooting at NRA 50-foot bullseye targets at 50 feet. Both were adequate for defensive purposes, and the 12 was better than a J frame, but the weight, sight picture and Rogers grips of the 15 made accurate shooting quicker and easier. And a little more accurate.

[ContinentalOp]

If you can afford both, get both.

Now, if I had to choose between them, it'd be really tough. I love the 2" 64. I had one that had the factory bobbed/DAO hammer. However, I don't have any K-frame gear anymore, so I'd have to get a holster, maybe speedloaders and pouches (I could use strips for reloading if need be). Since I like my self-defense/carry revolvers to be DAO I'd have to get that done, as well as bobbing the hammer if it wasn't already set up that way.

On the other hand, I already have J-frame gear that would work with the 640-1. It's already DAO. Plus, I've always wanted to get a steel Centennial as a complementary carry gun to my 642s. I also like the fact that the 640-1 is still being produced so parts and service may be easier to come by than a 2" 64.

If I had to choose between the two, I'd lean more towards the 640-1 purely for pragmatic reasons.

[les.b]

I'm with colt saa, at that price, get both. You will not regret it!!

Best Regards, Les

[Zipdog]

If you have to get one only get the 64. Much harder to find at that price.

[JohnRippert]

Both, for sure.

[Bill In Texas]

I have both, and have to say it's a tough choice! I carried my 2" 64 for awhile and it isn't bad. My 64 weighs about 32 or 33 ounces loaded. I've even carried it in a jacket pocket and a pants pocket.

The 640 is a better carry gun of course, and has replaced the 64. Both are DAO.

I agree with my Brethren! Both!!

[SVT28]

So I bought the 64 and put the 640 on layaway. I'll go pick the 640 up next week after my 4x4 sells.

Here are the before pics. Function was good but the appearance needed a facelift. Hogue bantams went into the grip box. Mothers was pulled out of the tool cabinet.




Here are the after photos. I didn't use a buffer, just my fingertips and an old t shirt. The barrel had some fouling which cleaned up with a bore brush and CLP. The innards look good, a quick clean and lube was all that was needed. The only decent set of K round butt grips I had in the box were these Uncle Mikes. They handle nicely, and I'll keep my eyes out for something more fancy. Can't wait to stretch her legs.




SVT28

[les.b]

I think I get as excited when one of the forum members gets a new toy as when I do!! Well, not quite, but I think you did exactly the right thing, and are going to be very happy.

Nice job with the rehab, and that is going to be a great all around shooting gun.

Best Regards, Les

[rwt1405]

She looks great!

Congrats!

[31FordA]

Nice 64. I bought a 64-2 2" a few months ago, glad I did. Mine has performed great, no trouble hitting the bowling pins at 25 yards. You made the right call getting both, especially for such great prices. I paid about $500 each for my 64-2 and 640-1.

[kthom]

Guarantee you won't regret buying both! I'd say you got a bargain on each of them at today's prices. For EDC, if I carry a revolver, my 640-1 is the only one I reach for. It's always loaded with good +P .38 Specials (I'm comfortable with that), and it shoots very well. I love the slightly longer barrel and the steel frame. I carry it on a waist belt IWB.

I too love my K Frame snubs, but for me, the extra round doesn't trump carrying the extra weight all day every day. That 64 will clean up nicely, and if you decide to carry it, it will carry nicely as well, just a bit heavier and slightly wider as well. I also personally like the grips shown in your last two pictures of that 64-2. They fit my hands very well and are very comfortable while shooting. That one is ready for business!!!

My 640 is my all time favorite J Frame revolver. Went most of my life without ever seeing one in person, and when I did, I bought it. After handling it, I gave more for it than I have ever given for a J Frame before in my life. Cost me a hundred more than yours did, and I have not had any pain whatsoever for capturing it when I did!!

You did very well, Sir. Congratulations. I'da done the same thing and I have no need for either. I'da just bought 'em on principle!!!!

[Pants]

Me personally - 64 2" all day! Nothing like a 2" 10 or 64. My favorite snubbies.

[STCM(SW)]

I sold my 64 2" several years ago. it had sticky chambers.
Replacement is a beat up 2" M10-5 but I also CC the M640-1 more with 38+P.
screen shots

[bananaman]

Congratulations on the 64! FOR ME, a K frame snub is a better shooter. I had a 2" RB 36, and a 3" SB 36. Shoot my 10-5 RB much better than the J's. They are gone now. Since, I have added a 66-2, 2.5". Also a keeper. Enjoy your new to you Smiths! Bob

[Gripgrabber]

Nice 64, good choice to get both, I have a 36,60,and terrier but carry a K the most, a 64-3,3"found me awhile back!
Good luck!
SEMPER PARATUS

[SVT28]

And here is the 640-1

[ladder13]

You got em' both. Well done.

[ABPOS]

OH MY LORD. Those are both really nice. I would think either of those make fine carrying guns. Although the 640 will be easier of course.

[les.b]

You did good, Pilgrim!!

Seriously, those are both good looking and useful revolvers at very good prices (or would be where I live, anyway). I don't think you will be sorry you got both!!!

As Ladder13 says: "Well done!".

Best Regards, Les

[pesty3782]

Love my 640-1!! I put a night sight on it and carry it all the time. It is nice to have in the 5th wheel next to the bed with the night sight glowing in the dark....

Tony P.