Looking at an older S&W 640 (NOT 640-1)and thinking about buying it. My understanding is they are not for +P ammo. I have a lot of Speer GBSB 135 gr. +P ammo for my 442. So, if I did not shoot +P ammo for practice, could I practice with standard .38 ammo and carry +P for self defense. If not, I guess I'll hold out for a 640-1. Thanks!

That's a modern, all-steel S&W; you're fine shooting +P in it.

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Pickpocket

The earliest 640s were even rated for +P+

Thanks guys, really appreciate it! Was thinking about the 640-1 but I know I wouldn't shoot 357s in it, plus I'm trying to stay with .38 special and 9mm.

To summarize this thread should I refer to it in the future,

- 640 (no dash) was a .38 Special "Centennial" stainless steel revolver, later succeeded by the 640-1. I've not had the pleasure to ever examine one. I read one person's statement, his was marked "+P+" somewhere (perhaps internally) on the frame. I've never heard of anyone shooting one of these out or until unusable. I suspect shooting +P .38 Special ammo would be fine. For reference +P ammo is at least ~$400/1000 rounds, delivered.

-640-1 is a .357 Mag version and certainly should handle .38 Special +P ammo. I usually carry .38 Special+P and shoot .38 Special for practice with occasional +P and .357 Mag during practice through my 640-1.

As I also have a 642-1 rated at +P, if I came across a 640 no-dash, I'd probably buy it. I haven't been shopping around gun stores lately but may do so later in the year.

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66/642/640/627/586/60/638/686

I have my 640 since 1990. It was my authorized off duty/plain clothes weapon. The only ammo we used for practice and qualification twice a year was +P. If it wasn't safe with +P my dept wouldn't have authorized it as a carry gun. Quite a few years back they switched to Speer Gold Dots. If your debating what would be a good round for carry you can do a lot worse.

Buy it, or you may come to regret it. They're really great guns, and getting harder to locate nice ones with every passing year - especially at a fair price. You're not likely to harm it with +P ammo if you just keep it clean and check it now and then for endshake.

I bought my 640 (no dash) new in '93. It would be my last J-frame to part with. For that matter, it may be my last handgun to trade away. Smith got it right with the early 640s.

If it's clean, buy it OP. The +P ammo is fine.

+P is all this 25 y/o gets. I don't notice any "looseness." I don't know the actual mileage, it was used when I got it. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster