RHINOWSO
Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2009
- Messages
- 245
- Reaction score
- 29
About a month ago I decided to get some work done on my S&W M640-1 and M65. After thinking about all of the places I could get it done, I went with a local gunsmith, Matt Almeda, the owner of the " Revolver Armorer ". I had seen some positive reviews of his handiwork here on the forum and he had helped me previously when I had some light strikes with my S&W M65-3. At that time he struck me as a very helpful person who had no problem spending time talking to his customers - either to explain specifics about their weapons, the problems they might be having and the possible remedies, or revolver operation in general.
So after that experience, I brought my S&W M640-1 and M65-3 to him. I found the M640-1 on consignment for $350 a couple of months ago, LNIB w/ all the trimmings. Unfortunately after shooting it several times, the heavy, gritty trigger pull and black front sight made it difficult to get decent with, much less good. But since I paid very little for it, I had no issue putting some more money into it to smooth the action and get a better front sight. So after talking with Matt, I decided on getting the action work & spring package, plus chamfered cylinders, a polished trigger, and a front Meprolight Night sight.
The M65-3 3" already had a really smooth trigger, possibly from previous action work before I purchased it. As mention previously, I experience light strikes initially but this was corrected in short order. However, after practicing with it for awhile it was apparent that the integral sights were a limiting factor for me. It was difficult for me to pick up the front sight rapidly, as both the front and rear sight are the same color. To correct this, Matt said he could machine a cut into the front sight in order to install an orange insert (much like the ones on M66s). I also had the cylinders chamfered while it was there.
So yesterday I took them both to the range, along with a mix of ammunition - Speer GD 125 & 158 grain Magnum, Speer 135gr 38SPL +P Short Barrel, and Aguilla 158gr 38 SPL SJSP. I also had two sets of grips for each - S&W Magna wood grips w/Tyler T-grip and rubber grips - Uncle Mike Boot Grips for the M640 and Pachmeyr Compac Professionals for the M65.
Magnas and T-grips...
Next, dressed for business...
I started with the M640-1. After the first sent of 5 shots, it was apparent the wood grips lacked the recoil absorbing characteristics of the Uncle Mike grips. Additionally, they prevented the used of both Safariland and HKS speedloaders. So I quickly changed them for the Uncle Mikes and continued. The trigger pull was much smoother throughout and a significant improvement, as was the front sight. The revolver shows a tendency to shoot 3-4 inches high at 10 yards with 158gr bullets, both 357 Magnum and 38 SPL. But the 125gr Magnums and 135gr 38SPL+P were right on. After shooting the 357 Mangums (which are stout but full controllable), the 38SPL+Ps were very easy to handle. No target photos, but I was able to keep things center of mass at 7 & 10 yards after figuring out how it handles with the different weight bullets.
Next was the M65-3 3". It is without a doubt the handiest revolver I've ever shot. It feels smaller than it actually is, but the size tames the recoil well, allowing rapid follow up shots even with 357 Magnum rounds. Due to the K-frame problems with 125gr Magnum ammunition, I didn't fire any of it, sticking with the other Magnum and 38SPL rounds. The weapon has been a dream to shoot in the past and the addition of the orange insert to the front sight made it even better. Initial sight picture was quick and follow up shots faster and more accurate. And reloads & ejection of spent rounds was super slick - just a tap on the extractor rod and all the shells were out. I did have the same issue with the S&W Magna grips as with the M640 - I couldn't get the speedloaders to work so I put the Pachmeyrs on after the first (attempted) reload. Again, no target photos but I was happy with my 7 & 10 yard shots - even doing rapid fire the stayed center of mass.
All said, I am extremely happy with the work done by Matt Almeda, the "Revolver Armorer". I highly recommend his revolver services to anyone in the Hampton Road area (or anywhere for that matter - but it's really nice to not have to deal with shipping...).
I'll say that I'm a born and bred semi-auto guy. Owned a 686 4" for years, shot it a handful of times and sold it with no regrets... I love my SIGs, my XDs, the HKs I've shot... But honestly, if you said I could only have two pistols for SD purposes, I'd have a hard time as a non-LEO not choosing these two S&Ws. Durability, reliability, common ammo - but at the same time the diverse types of ammo you can put through them... Besides, its hard to find someone who can stand up to one, much less multiple hits from a 357... As I have learned in the past 6-months, revolvers have a lot to offer for someone who is willing to listen... I'm glad I finally listened up!
Lastly, some more photos....
The M65-3 3"...
The M640-1...
So after that experience, I brought my S&W M640-1 and M65-3 to him. I found the M640-1 on consignment for $350 a couple of months ago, LNIB w/ all the trimmings. Unfortunately after shooting it several times, the heavy, gritty trigger pull and black front sight made it difficult to get decent with, much less good. But since I paid very little for it, I had no issue putting some more money into it to smooth the action and get a better front sight. So after talking with Matt, I decided on getting the action work & spring package, plus chamfered cylinders, a polished trigger, and a front Meprolight Night sight.
The M65-3 3" already had a really smooth trigger, possibly from previous action work before I purchased it. As mention previously, I experience light strikes initially but this was corrected in short order. However, after practicing with it for awhile it was apparent that the integral sights were a limiting factor for me. It was difficult for me to pick up the front sight rapidly, as both the front and rear sight are the same color. To correct this, Matt said he could machine a cut into the front sight in order to install an orange insert (much like the ones on M66s). I also had the cylinders chamfered while it was there.
So yesterday I took them both to the range, along with a mix of ammunition - Speer GD 125 & 158 grain Magnum, Speer 135gr 38SPL +P Short Barrel, and Aguilla 158gr 38 SPL SJSP. I also had two sets of grips for each - S&W Magna wood grips w/Tyler T-grip and rubber grips - Uncle Mike Boot Grips for the M640 and Pachmeyr Compac Professionals for the M65.
Magnas and T-grips...
Next, dressed for business...
I started with the M640-1. After the first sent of 5 shots, it was apparent the wood grips lacked the recoil absorbing characteristics of the Uncle Mike grips. Additionally, they prevented the used of both Safariland and HKS speedloaders. So I quickly changed them for the Uncle Mikes and continued. The trigger pull was much smoother throughout and a significant improvement, as was the front sight. The revolver shows a tendency to shoot 3-4 inches high at 10 yards with 158gr bullets, both 357 Magnum and 38 SPL. But the 125gr Magnums and 135gr 38SPL+P were right on. After shooting the 357 Mangums (which are stout but full controllable), the 38SPL+Ps were very easy to handle. No target photos, but I was able to keep things center of mass at 7 & 10 yards after figuring out how it handles with the different weight bullets.
Next was the M65-3 3". It is without a doubt the handiest revolver I've ever shot. It feels smaller than it actually is, but the size tames the recoil well, allowing rapid follow up shots even with 357 Magnum rounds. Due to the K-frame problems with 125gr Magnum ammunition, I didn't fire any of it, sticking with the other Magnum and 38SPL rounds. The weapon has been a dream to shoot in the past and the addition of the orange insert to the front sight made it even better. Initial sight picture was quick and follow up shots faster and more accurate. And reloads & ejection of spent rounds was super slick - just a tap on the extractor rod and all the shells were out. I did have the same issue with the S&W Magna grips as with the M640 - I couldn't get the speedloaders to work so I put the Pachmeyrs on after the first (attempted) reload. Again, no target photos but I was happy with my 7 & 10 yard shots - even doing rapid fire the stayed center of mass.
All said, I am extremely happy with the work done by Matt Almeda, the "Revolver Armorer". I highly recommend his revolver services to anyone in the Hampton Road area (or anywhere for that matter - but it's really nice to not have to deal with shipping...).
I'll say that I'm a born and bred semi-auto guy. Owned a 686 4" for years, shot it a handful of times and sold it with no regrets... I love my SIGs, my XDs, the HKs I've shot... But honestly, if you said I could only have two pistols for SD purposes, I'd have a hard time as a non-LEO not choosing these two S&Ws. Durability, reliability, common ammo - but at the same time the diverse types of ammo you can put through them... Besides, its hard to find someone who can stand up to one, much less multiple hits from a 357... As I have learned in the past 6-months, revolvers have a lot to offer for someone who is willing to listen... I'm glad I finally listened up!
Lastly, some more photos....
The M65-3 3"...
The M640-1...
Last edited:
