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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 04-23-2018, 12:12 PM
ron4735 ron4735 is offline
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Default S&W Performance Center revolvers

How specifically do they differ from (i.e. are better than) non-PC revolvers? I am interested in purchasing the S&W 640 PRO (#178044) which seems difficult to order because most retailers say they are "out of stock" on their websites. Any suggestions as to how to order this model? Thanks!
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Old 04-23-2018, 12:16 PM
SpartyME SpartyME is offline
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Pro Series is different than Performance Center. Pro Series are typically just cut for moon clips and may have different grips (but often don’t). Performance Center guns get action enhancements and sometimes cosmetic upgrades.
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Old 04-23-2018, 12:21 PM
1sailor 1sailor is offline
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As SpartyME pointed out, the 640 Pro is not a Performance Center pistol. It is cut for moon clips, has a flat sided barrel, and (this is what really sets it off from standard) it has drift adjustable sights. They are difficult to find. Grab-A-Gun gets them from time to time but you have to act fast. They seem to be a big seller.
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Old 04-23-2018, 01:24 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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Personally, I find moon clips finicky and problem prone for non semi rimless designed cartridges like the 38 spl/357. It's just too easy to knock the cartridges out of alignment. This is easily solvable in a range situation but I wouldn't use them for carry. I think a speed loader is much more for that application.

Given that, I'd hunt up any 640 and have an action job done.
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Old 04-23-2018, 03:48 PM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
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AFAIK, what is special about PC revolvers is the set of features or specs, NOT the quality. At one time there were some DX revolvers that were segregated by accuracy, presumably by actual testing.

That said, I suspect that most (DEFINITELY not all) PC revolvers meet some reasonably high standard of execution. OTOH, I myself purchased a PC 3" double-Magnaported 629 whose trigger was a non-serrated stainless-looking trigger that was actually steel (probably a good thing), but for some reason looked like it had been gnawed on by a steel-eating rat. This wasn't really very important to me, because at that time (and still) I preferred the rounded mirror-polished narrow case-hardened trigger popular in the eighties, and that's what I put in my PC 629.

Certainly nothing (for me) to complain about, but perhaps interesting information for someone asking what to expect from the Performance Center.
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Old 04-23-2018, 05:01 PM
uncleted327 uncleted327 is offline
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PC guns are built by the Performance Center, regular and Pro series guns are built on the regular line, other than some cosmetic changes the Pro is no different than a standard model. Real PC guns usually have had some trigger work performed and more hand fitting.
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Old 04-23-2018, 05:05 PM
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nate-dogg nate-dogg is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1sailor View Post
It is cut for moon clips, has a flat sided barrel, and (this is what really sets it off from standard) it has drift adjustable sights.
The 640 pro does not have a flat sided barrel. It does however have a fluted barrel.
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Old 04-23-2018, 09:19 PM
riverrat38 riverrat38 is offline
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With the 640 line, you have to buy the Pro model to not get the IL. This is not the case with other Centennial models, like the 442, which comes either way. Maybe its a case of marketing genus, to charge extra to leave off something unwanted. Enhancement indeed!! I prefer the barrel on the dash three. I can change the height of the front sight easier than on the Pro. With the night sight, its not possible to file down the front blade. The blade on the -3 can be lowered, or replaced with a taller one. My Pro models have both shot low.
Maybe, I could buy the Pro, without the IL, and graft a -3 barrel on the -1(Pro) frame. I would use the dovetailed rear sight. Probably need a taller front blade. Should be "off the rack"!

Best,
Rick
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