I recently picked up a Smith & Wesson J frame model 640.

This lil' feller has a few markings and features that I have never seen on a J frame before.

For example, the serial number is kinda unique...it's CEN13xx. It also has "Tested for +P+" printed inside the frame, just above the trigger guard, visable when you open the cylinder. And lastly, it has a bona-fide red ramp front sight insert. Not red fingernail polish or model airplane paint, but rather a real, honest-to-goodnes red ramp front sight like you see on upper-end K, L and N frames.

I wish I had some pics, but as most of you may know, I am photographically challenged.

Anyway...what exactly do I have here?

Your Birthday gift to Jimmy?

So sorry Jimmy...maybe next year.

They're relatively scarce. Only the earliest ones were marked with +P+ and the CEN prefix...IIRC, anyways! I've never heard of the RR being a factory option for the 640, so that may be a later addition. Either way, they're neat pieces and I intend on owning another one someday sooner than later...sold my last one


Congrats on a neat piece of Centennial history...now photos!

G'e d - we've had alot of discussion in the past about the early 640's
The search (google) feature at the top of the page is your friend. Here's some reading for you.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/searchr...=640+CEN&sa=Go

Thanks for the link.