Opinion / Value of 640-1

[mgriffin]

I just wanted to get a few opinions of the current value of a very nice/ clean 640-1. No box or paperwork.
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[mgriffin]

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[Breakaway500]

Many of these were dumped on the surplus market in the last few years so they are common. Great model (I have a few) and in the condition you describe I would say its a $550-600 revolver....retail. Less if you want to move it fast.

[ken158]

My thoughts are closer to $400 - $450 if in great condition

[kbm6893]

I carried one as an off duty gun but sold it at some point. I got another about 3 years ago. I believe I paid $425 or so. I don’t carry it right now but my carry habits switch around and I figure I’ll swing back into it. I’ve tried the 642 and it’s just too light to make shooting comfortable. I don’t notice the 640 at all in an IWB holster. I wouldn’t take less than $475 shipped if I did sell it and I might not even take that. I think my bottom dollar would be $500.

[colt_saa]

First the Opinion

A Smith & Wesson J-frame has been with me almost every day of my life since 1980. Originally as a back up, but these days more as a primary personal defensive arm

I switched to the Model 640 J-Magnum as soon as they were introduced in 1996. This replaced the Model 60 Chiefs Special Target that had been my BUG for the last decade.

To this day I still carry a J-Magnum daily, with the few exceptions that I am required to have something else with me. I admit, these days it is usually not the steel J-frame on my ankle, but the Scandium J-frame in my pocket.

Now I also use many Smith & Wesson Centennials in my training inventory. I believe it is the best pocket/purse revolver that is out there

Now on to the Price

Here in Florida, the 357 Magnum Model 640s are almost impossible to find for $400. You might get lucky with the friend of a widow, or at a yard sale or a real beater, but not in the stores or on the websites

Most J-Magnum 640s of any engineering revision end up selling for $500 or above if they are in good condition or better. A little more if they are complete with box and all papers

I can tell you that I would never part with any of mine for as little as $500

[SAFireman]

Originally Posted by colt_saa

First the Opinion

A Smith & Wesson J-frame has been with me almost every day of my life since 1980. Originally as a back up, but these days more as a primary personal defensive arm

I switched to the Model 640 J-Magnum as soon as they were introduced in 1996. This replaced the Model 60 Chiefs Special Target that had been my BUG for the last decade.

To this day I still carry a J-Magnum daily, with the few exceptions that I am required to have something else with me. I admit, these days it is usually not the steel J-frame on my ankle, but the Scandium J-frame in my pocket.

Now I also use many Smith & Wesson Centennials in my training inventory. I believe it is the best pocket/purse revolver that is out there

Now on to the Price

Here in Florida, the 357 Magnum Model 640s are almost impossible to find for $400. You might get lucky with the friend of a widow, or at a yard sale or a real beater, but not in the stores or on the websites

Most J-Magnum 640s of any engineering revision end up selling for $500 or above if they are in good condition or better. A little more if they are complete with box and all papers

I can tell you that I would never part with any of mine for as little as $500

I agree with Colt saa.....$500 and up around here. I have had one since 1997. I would still be carrying it today if S&W had not brought out the 340sc.

The 640-1 is more fun at the range than the Scandium gun, but the Scandium gun is most frequently found in my pocket

[Old Corp]

Think it was about 2015 when a bunch here on the SWF put out the word on a batch of surplused M640 .357's that were available.
Yep, I rose to the bait, and got one. IIRC, mine was $315, which seemed like a deal to me. Think they went up shortly after. Most had those same Uncle Mike's grips like the OP shows.

I've really enjoyed mine, and had never owned any J frame .357 before.
IIRC, these had been issued BUG's from Michigan State PD.

[THE PILGRIM]

It’s a $500 gun most places most of the time.

[Injunbro]

Value varies w/ location but around here $550-600. I sold my last 1 for $600 but wouldn't sell my current one for $700.

[rubiranch]

Originally Posted by ken158

My thoughts are closer to $400 - $450 if in great condition

I bought my 1995 M640-1 NIB in 2008 for $400.

I wouldn't sell it today for $400. Probably not for even a few hundred more.

[rubiranch]

Originally Posted by Old Corp

Yep, I rose to the bait, and got one. IIRC, mine was $315, which seemed like a deal to me. Think they went up shortly after. Most had those same Uncle Mike's grips like the OP shows.

I've really enjoyed mine, and had never owned any J frame .357 before.
IIRC, these had been issued BUG's from Michigan State PD.

Mine is the first handgun I ever bought. I wanted a hammerless .357 Magnum.
It was my EDC for 6 years until my brother gave me his backup 642-1 after he retired from LE.




I've replace the Uncle Mike's with a nice set of S&W Combat grips
and when I take it with me its in a nice Galco shoulder holster.

[Dieseltech56]

$500 gun around these parts too. At one time I owned three of them, let the most beat up one go and I’m hanging on to the other 2. They’ll never make any more that’s for sure

[B_Still]

(Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread....)
For those of you who own and tout the scandium J-frames, I'm curious to know what exactly sets them apart enough to warrant such higher price. I certainly understand the weight difference relative to the S&W steel guns, and I also appreciate the improvement in sights relative to the S&W Centennial guns, but where is the tangible performance premium value over the Ruger LCR, besides an intangible aesthetic preference (I agree that polymer seems out of place on a revolver) or simple (but understandable) brand loyalty/preference for S&W.

If I can find a Ruger LCR, even in 357, with a high viz front sight of some kind, for close to the price of a S&W Centennial or even a 640/60, what is the tangible performance advantage (apart from the aesthetics) that would warrant splurging for the scandium S&W in same caliber?

I don't begrudge anyone's decision to buy their weapon of choice, and if had the disposable income I would probably splurge for the S&W scandium also (for the "2nd cool," as I've heard it described). But practicality reigns supreme in my checkbook for the foreseeable future. LCR just seems like the smarter practical purchase.

I guess I'm hoping someone can change my mind?

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

[mgriffin]

This one is definitely in great condition. Anything in the pictures that don't look right is the lighting. It's a fine example of a 640-1. Thanks for everybody's input!

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by B_Still

(Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread....)
For those of you who own and tout the scandium J-frames, I'm curious to know what exactly sets them apart enough to warrant such higher price. I certainly understand the weight difference relative to the S&W steel guns, and I also appreciate the improvement in sights relative to the S&W Centennial guns, but where is the tangible performance premium value over the Ruger LCR, besides an intangible aesthetic preference (I agree that polymer seems out of place on a revolver) or simple (but understandable) brand loyalty/preference for S&W.

If I can find a Ruger LCR, even in 357, with a high viz front sight of some kind, for close to the price of a S&W Centennial or even a 640/60, what is the tangible performance advantage (apart from the aesthetics) that would warrant splurging for the scandium S&W in same caliber?

I don't begrudge anyone's decision to buy their weapon of choice, and if had the disposable income I would probably splurge for the S&W scandium also (for the "2nd cool," as I've heard it described). But practicality reigns supreme in my checkbook for the foreseeable future. LCR just seems like the smarter practical purchase.

I guess I'm hoping someone can change my mind?

Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

In my mind there is no comparison to a Ruger anything because I would not carry the Ruger if it were free.

You like the Ruger, that's great, I have no intention of trying to change such a strong opinion

Just as I presume you will not try and change my opinion.

This is why we have Chevy truck and Ford trucks

[GerSan69]

Originally Posted by B_Still

I guess I'm hoping someone can change my mind?

On the contrary! If you are putting price over quality, by all means, get the Ruger. These cheap poly revolvers are solely to meet the same low price point of poly semis. They offer no real advantages mechanically. They are inferior simply because plastic is not as strong as steel. (I don't own a Scandium, but I do have a 638.... and it's still better than a poly frame IMHO.)
It's up to you to decide what's more important. Either will serve you well, at least for a time with the poly or long-term with the steel/metal.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by GerSan69

On the contrary! If you are putting price over quality, by all means, get the Ruger. These cheap poly revolvers are solely to meet the same low price point of poly semis. They offer no real advantages mechanically. They are inferior simply because plastic is not as strong as steel. (I don't own a Scandium, but I do have a 638.... and it's still better than a poly frame IMHO.)
It's up to you to decide what's more important. Either will serve you well, at least for a time with the poly or long-term with the steel/metal.

Also to the contrary . Polymer guns are not just "plastic" S&W makes a lot of polymer guns,
Not going into a brand war but polymers like Zytel are in many ways superior to metals. Strength, chemical and heat resistance, all kinds of things.It is used in EVERYTHING, Automotive, Marine, Industrial etc etc
The OP asked about price, the Scandium alloy is just plain expensive alloy.
Now of course opinions will vary on new tech vs old school but there are advantages of both materials. The stainless and alloy guns certainly have the looks over polymer but the Ruger as an example as a much nicer trigger out of the box.


Back now to our regular station.


Here are pages of Data sheets on the product.



Zytel(R) Technical Data Sheets

[slabside2]

In my opinion the 640-1 manufactured from 95-96 pre MIM parts are the best 357 J Frames ever produced. There I said it

[Breakaway500]

I think of my guns as tools. As soon as they start making plastic wrenches other than as kids toys..metal is my choice.

[357larry]

I don't hold the .357 640's in very high regard. $375 to $400 would be my max value on one, and at that price it better be in excellent condition with original box and docs. I think more of the .38 Special 640 no dash and would value them upwards of $500 in good condition, even without the box. Just my opinion.

[tlawler]

I bought a 640-1 Pro with box and docs a few months ago for $600, so I’d say a standard 640-1 should go for about $475-$525. I’ve owned Ruger LCR’s, SP101’s as well as other 640’s...I’d say go for the 640.

[MetalMan]

Originally Posted by THE PILGRIM

It’s a $500 gun most places most of the time.

Agreed ...a $500+/- gun here in central Ohio

[Bill In Texas]

I bought mine a few years ago and more often than not you can find it in my pocket. It's my favorite j frame and I wouldn't part with it. Based on the opinions given in this thread as to pricing, mine has increased in value. I highly recommend buying one.

[Bill In Texas]

Sorry for the double post I forgot the picture.

[mikerjf]

Just for an uninformed viewpoint, when I look at most 640's I see either a 38 I like the looks of but it won't shoot 357's, or I see a 357 with the fluted barrel I hate, and/or I see the dang lock.

When I look at yours, I see a 640 that shoots 357, has classic styling (the enclosed ejector doesn't bother me on a snub), and doesn't have a lock. I'd go $500 easy.

[Torakan]

I bought a 640-1, no lock, LNIB, for $500 in early March. Mine is from the first year of production. I’d say values on these in like new condition would go $400 on the low side and it could be anyone’s guess on the high side. I haven’t seen one for sale in the PNW for under $500 for years. Before the one I bought, the only one in a year I found for sale was a safety lock Model with some porting work for $800.