Earlier 640 J-frame. .38+P?

[Hoosier45]

I picked up a nice used 640 no dash. It is chambered in .38spl with the 1-7/8" barrel. I plan on using .38s at the range, but want to know if I can carry 38+Ps and not shoot them unless life depended on it. I know some early 640s had "rated for +P" on the frame and the catalog of S&W, pg 263., says they were rated for +P. But mine does not have any indication of 38+P on it. Serial range BFZ47...., 1991? Does this sound ok to do?

 

[Beachcomber]

I feel pretty safe in saying that you can shoot +P out of your S&W 640... as I own one and it is marked as being tested for "+P+".

 

[J.Solo]

My 640 - No Dash is not marked +P but I agree with your plan on rang shooting & Carry.
J.Solo

 

[allglock]

All 640s are rated for +p.

 

[photoman]

Don't tell anyone, but I shot Federal +P+ loads in mine.

 

[allglock]

Don't tell anyone, but I shot Federal +P+ loads in mine.

Not a problem.

 

[photoman]

Not a problem.

...and some of the most accurate factory ammo I've ever shot.

 

[Hoosier45]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking but wanted to get a few more opinions. I've got some Speer Gold Dot .38+p, I believe 135gr.

 

[ldp4570]

huelsterb, Go right away an shoot her with +P loads, your not going to hurt that girl. Like others here I also have a 640ND, and she is shot with 158grSWCHP+P, and its also what she stays loaded with!!

 

[Last of the Mohicans]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I just acquired a used 640, up here, north of the 49th (although it may be a few weeks before I'm able to take it home thanks to our gun laws up here). I was looking around to see what I could/could not feed it. Looks like I'll be able to use my +P reloads on a regular basis after all.

 

[snubbiefan]

Like everybody said. There is really not a great deal of difference between the standard and +p anyway. I always thought it was just another way to sell another gun and another round. The 640ND frame is plenty strong enough.

 

[roaddog28]

I would say its ok to use 38+P ammo in your 640. I have a model 36 no dash and use LSWCHP 38+P sometimes. The J frame is not a weak revolver. And as one member said, 38+P ammo is what standard 38 special ammo was back before 1972.
Howard

 

[roaddog28]

I would say its ok to use 38+P ammo in your 640. I have a model 36 no dash and use LSWCHP 38+P sometimes. The J frame is not a weak revolver. And as one member said, 38+P ammo is what standard 38 special ammo was back before 1972.
Howard

 

[BananaDoc]

So... let me ask you this. What would you pay for a VERY clean example of a .38 spl 640 no dash, early 90's? $400? $500? 6???

 

[photoman]

One just sold yesterday in my area for $390 and it practically flew out the door (sold in less than a day). In today's market, $450 for a very nice one would not be unreasonable. The last one I bought, about three years ago, was $350 and was in excellent condition. Like an idiot, I sold it. I consider the no-dash 640 to be one of the best Centennials S&W ever made.

 

[shouldazagged]

About ten years ago I bought a 640 no-dash built in 1990 that was etched inside the frame "Tested For +P+". It was in very fine condition and I gladly paid $300 for it. I've never shot +P+ in it, but it handles +P beautifully.

 

[BananaDoc]

Thank you both!

I appreciate you taking the time to reply!

I seem to have acquired a 90's era 640 itch that i need to scratch!

 

[shouldazagged]

My 640, manufactured in 1990, has the words "Tested For +P+" etched inside the frame. It handles +P 158-grain LSWCHP beautifully, no worries. These little guns are built, and a good smith can give one a really nice trigger-and-action job.

 

[pharmer]

After buying 2 642-1's and liking them just fine, I got this 640 last Thanksgiving. Absolutely love this one. 20 years old, looks like new. Was the previous owner's EDC. It's loaded with 125gr +P REM SJHP's. Bright white flash but little real recoil (unlike the 642). Can't say enough good. Joe

 

[mbaza3]

The older 640's will handle +p without a problem.