The 640-2 a 38 Special J Magnum. Do you really need more than 38 Special in a J frame

Allen-frame · #1 09-19-2015, 05:16 AM

Do you see something missing here too ?

A 640-2 New York overrun gun with its siblings.

And this configuration begs the question :
Do you need more than 38 Special , especially in a +P configuration,
in a J frame Centennial revolver. ? .. ?

Yep, you guessed it. No address on the right side of the frame.

Take Care,
Allen Frame

629shooter · #2 09-19-2015, 05:26 AM

Cool find. The 640-2 isn't one you see everyday.

75Vette · #3 09-19-2015, 08:11 AM

Allen, what's unusual is they don't take a 45 cartridge.

Allen-frame · #4 10-13-2015, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75Vette

Allen, what's unusual is they don't take a 45 cartridge.

Really funny smart guy.

Still doesn't explain why there isn't a address on
the frame.

Has anyone ever seen one like this ??

A Frame

Kernel Crittenden · #5 10-13-2015, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

Still doesn't explain why there isn't a address on the frame.

Why do the side plate screw heads look so proud?

Allen-frame · #6 10-13-2015, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

Why do the side plate screw heads look so proud?

Kernel,
Trust me, I would know.
IF the side plate had been modified it would be obvious.
The configuration of this gun is factory.
Maybe just an over sight.

Thanks,

Allen Frame

diyj98 · #7 10-13-2015, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

Why do the side plate screw heads look so proud?

That does look odd. I noticed the same thing.

Kernel Crittenden · #8 10-13-2015, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

Kernel,
Trust me, I would know.
IF the side plate had been modified it would be obvious.
The configuration of this gun is factory.
Maybe just an over sight.

Thanks,

Allen Frame

Does that mean the screw heads aren't proud?

16thVACav · #9 10-13-2015, 03:47 PM

With regard to your question, no. I carry Speer Gold Dot .38Spl +P 135 gr. short barrel JHP in my J-frames. IMO, .357 Magnums would provide marginal improvement at the expense more flash, recoil, and time to follow-up shots.

BAM-BAM · #10 10-13-2015, 04:02 PM

Gun underwent final Quality Control inspection at 4:50 on a Friday afternoon....... 15min. before the first Sam Adams was poured........

side plate not stamped or screw holes counter sunk????

The only J-frame I've ever put .357s in is my Kit-gun a 60-10...... figure the flash and blast will give the bear a bad taste in his mouth........maybe discourage him/her from swallowing any more of me......

colt_saa · #11 10-13-2015, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

And this configuration begs the question :
Do you need more than 38 Special , especially in a +P configuration,
in a J frame Centennial revolver. ? .. ?

Kind of depends on what you are doing

If we are on Miami Beach and our only concern is folk in cargo shorts and T-shirts, then no, 38s are fine

If you are trying to shoot through the windshield of a car, then YES we need more power

Anyway I love all snubbies

and that is a nice addition.

Congratulations

Jhawk412 · #12 10-13-2015, 07:00 PM

I've been shooting 9mms a lot and decided to have a revolver day at the range last week. Took out a bunch, 586, 686 3", SP101 3 inch, mint 65 4 inch. Shot a bunch of .38 special Georgia Arms reloads. Had a blast. Put in some Gold Dot .357 125 gr magnums. WHOA!!!!! I guess in my old age I'm getting to be a recoil weenie but the blast was nearly overwhelming even in the full sized guns and follow up shots were not at all quick. I've decided lower recoil bullets with fast, aimed, followup shots are the way to go. No more magnums for me and certainly not in a five-shot gun. I just don't see the need.

old bear · #13 10-13-2015, 07:15 PM

I put 15 rounds of fairly stout .357 Magnum rounds through my M 640-1 once and that was more than enough. My hand was sore for a day. The only reason I can see for a .357 Magnum J frame, is the ability, to safely shoot any 38 special ammo, and .357 Magnum if there is no 38 special ammo handy.

shouldazagged · #14 10-13-2015, 08:32 PM

In old age, retirement and a very quiet life I can't see much chance I'll need to shoot through a car windshield (or anything else, for that matter, but that's another question).

My carry gun, an early 640 no-dash, is an up-close, get-off-me-you-***************** piece of emergency equipment. It's not a 25-yard gun--I can barely see 25 yards. Even if I could still shoot magnum stuff with crippled-up hands I wouldn't do it in a 21-ounce, 1.78-inch-barreled gun. Minimal gain, maximum recoil (and godawful flash and blast) and markedly slower follow-up shots.

The thought of shooting and carrying full-house .357 Magnum fodder in an Airweight J just strikes me personally as nuts, but I'm sure there are many here who do it and enjoy it, and consider guys like me a tad wussy.

You know what they say about opinions.

kthom · #15 10-13-2015, 10:00 PM

IMO, a good quality .38 Special in +P will get the job done well if you do your job well. That holds true with any caliber, of course, but this round is enough to depend your life on. Anything more is just excess, accompanied by lots of sound, smoke, and flash, as well as more recoil and extended shot to shot times (especially if you hope to keep those follow up shots close to the first one). I own several J frames, including a 640-1, but I carry .38 Special +P exclusively and I am very comfortable doing so. I say with conviction that it is enough (and then some), so I don't need more. You have a nice revolver there. Congratulations!!