I'm wondering if I should buy a used 640-3 (.357). I already have a 640-2 (exact same gun in .38spl and with no lock), as well as a 640. I was wondering if I could hear from the guys that shoot both .357Mag and .38Spl out of their 640s, as to how much of a difference in recoil and controllability there is between a "manageable" .357 out of that gun, as compared to a hot .38spl. Maybe that would be a mild .357 and a hot .38; don't know, but something that would work out of that gun. I'm 6'2" 200lbs and not a snowflake; I can handle recoil.

I've shot plenty of .38s out of various snub noses from Taurus, Ruger, and S&W, and .357 out of a 3"+ revolvers. Obviously, I wouldn't be shooting a lot of .357 out the weighty J-frame, but I would incorporate it in practice sessions and possibly carry in the woods when one of my proper .357 Mags was too big or heavy.

I'm not interested in the Pro model; only the non-fluted barrel 640-3.

Thanks in advance for any and all useful feedback!

Depending on the projectile and load, you will realize 200-400 FPS of additional velocity over the same manufacturer's 38 Special +P offerings. I consider that significant
That being said, 357 Magnum in a J-frame is not for everybody.

There is nothing wrong with that. Shooters need to know their limitations and keep within them

There will be more recoil, muzzle clime and muzzle blast from the 357 versions of the load.

You will hear stories of having your eyebrows singed off from the tremendous muzzle flash or dislocating your arm from the horrific recoil, rest assured these stories are not true. Yes that was over blown for dramatic effect.

If you can find a shooting buddy that owns one or a range that will let you rent one then you could try it before purchasing it. Then you can make up your own mind on the issue

You only have USA listed as your location, If you are in a part of the USA that is near me, I will gladly meet you for a range session with some Magnum J-frames. If you update your location, you might get similar offers from Forum members in your area

Thanks for the reply! I agree that what you've listed in FPS, especially the higher end, is a considerable gain. I'm in the Mid-Atlantic region, in a firearms nanny state, but do appreciate your offer.

Impressive collection!

I have a 640-1 with the magnum cylinder. My opinion is this: I don't mind firing .357 loads in it, but I wouldn't want to have to shoot a box full. There is more and noticeable recoil, but manageable IF you have the right grips on the frame. Different grips represent very different perceived recoil! However, there is also increased blast and noise as well. For me, a good +P premium .38 Special is plenty for my purposes, and they are more fun to shoot! The additional velocity that's provided in a snubby with the magnum ammo cannot be denied, and if I were carrying a longer barrel revolver, that's what I'd carry. I'm practiced at shooting a lot at 50 yards (from the old PPC qualification requirements). I'm also a double action only shooter with my revolvers, with long practice at that. And I know I can make things hot at 50 yards with my 640-1. That said, I don't expect to have to shoot at that distance with it hardly ever, if ever. So I'm perfectly content not shooting magnum ammo in my .357 mag chambered 640-1. What I do really like about it is the slightly longer barrel on the magnum model 640's. It gives a tiny bit more velocity, it provides a slightly longer sight radius, it gives these small revolvers a better balance and feel in my hands, and I just think it flat looks much better! So much better that I have two of them! I also have a no dash 640, and there ain't nuthin wrong with it, but it and all my other J frames mostly dwell in my safe. One of my magnum framed 640's resides in the holster on my belt! Wife has a model 442 and I also have a model 642 that I sometimes pocket carry or carry in my vehicles travelling for an extra. Having the .38 Specials as reloads means that extra ammo fits any of them with no problem. This works for me. You need to do what works for you. But I say if you can get that used magnum J Frame Centennial style revolver for a decent price, you oughta do it! I don't think you will be disappointed. It's worth more than you think!

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So long ... Ken

kthom... I also have two 640's. One is a "no dash" and the other is a "dash one". I like the no dash for daily pocket carry and the dash one (with larger, aftermarket grips) for holster carry. I prefer the balance of the dash one and feel that it points more to my liking. Like you, I stoke my both of my 640's with 38 +P's (Gold Dot 135 gr. jhp) as I feel the load is sufficient for my needs.

That makes two of us, Beachcomber! It's nice to know my choices are shared. I'm definitely in agreement with your choices!!

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So long ... Ken

Thank you both for the additional feedback. It's the second time in recent months that I have decided against purchasing a gun based on educated replies on these type sites. The first was when I was thinking of replacing my G21 with a G21SF or Gen4, because of the grip. On someone's recommendation, I took my G21 to a local gunshop and compared it to the other two, and found that the particular area that somewhat bothers me on the G21 grip, the rearmost inner corner of my thumb, where it wraps around the backstrap, it makes little to no difference in size between G21, G21SF, and G21 Gen4. Where it does make a difference, is at the bottom of the grip, where one's fourth and fifth fingers wrap around, but since I have big hands, that is not a problem area. I'm even happier with my G21 and may soon start looking for a G20, knowing that any of the generations should fit me as good as any large frame Glock will.

Speaking of grips, I generally do well with factory grips, but with the snub nose revolvers, I had to try all types of different grips in order to convince myself that I had selected the best fitting for me, that wasn't too large such as to negate the size of the gun. IIRC, I ended up with the Uncle Mike's black checkered version of the Spegel boot grip on the no dash 640 and a S&W copy of the same on the 640-2 (or maybe it was a longer pair of Hogues, don't remember right now). Both revolvers were bought used, and the no dash came with the factory wooden grips, and the -2 with Spegel wood grips with the longer, or thicker, frontstrap.

Since my state doesn't permit carry; they're all range guns. The nightstand gun, which isn't really kept in a nightstand, is usually a West German SigSauer P220 in .45acp.

ETA. I also enjoy shooting double action; both revolvers and pistols.

Thanks again!

Mid-powered .357 -- like most of the better personal defense loads -- are manageable in a steel J-frame. When folks talk about excessive blast, recoil, etc., they're usually talking about full house loads, which are diminished returns not just in a J-frame, but in any snubby.

That said, I think you're fine with your 640-2 for all practical purposes. Quality .38 Special defense loads can get the job done, and if you want to approach .357 performance, try Buffalo Bore +P lead semi-waddercutter hollow points.

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Pickpocket

While I do own a couple of pairs of original "Spegel" wood grips for my 640's, I actually prefer to use the Uncle Mikes hard rubber grips for the times that I pocket carry or use an ankle holster.

For the 640-1 that I carry in a belt holster, I prefer the Pachmayr Presentation grips as they offer me a full hand purchase on the grip.

I have a 640 and a 642-1. I like shooting both of them but I think the 640 is funner with warm 357 loads because its "crisper".

The young lady in the video is my youngest daughter shooting my 640 with "crisp" .357 loads.

She doesn't enjoy shooting it as much as I do but she did a darn good job.

My 642-1 is my EDC.

The right grips make all the difference when shooting magnums in a 640. I have some old Sile grips on both my 640-1's that allow all fingers on the grip. They are also slightly wider than most grips and fill the hand well.