New to me 1996 640-1

StevethePirate · #1 11-15-2023, 05:38 PM

Due to some communication issues over another revolver I was going to buy, I came across this 640-1 on gunbroker for a great price. Appears to be a 1996 vintage (CBAXXXX serial) with a milled trigger and hammer. I took off the 3-finger Uncle Mikes grips and put on these boot grips I had (looking to maybe get some wood combat style grips) and just got done installing a Hi-Viz front sight.

The gun looks nearly unfired as the rifling is spotless, the cylinder face is clean, and the interior is both clean and dry. If it had been shot, it was cleaned very well.

I've heard good things about these 640-1s, and hope it'll make a really solid range, training, and maybe occasional carry gun (on a proper belt holster, as it's quite heavy for carrying anywhere other than a belt or shoulder holster).

Bill In Texas · #2 11-15-2023, 05:55 PM

I really liked my old 640-1. It was my daily carry for many years. I did mostly carry it in my pocket. I didn't find it it heavy at all.

Unfortunately it broke and couldn't be repaired, so S&W sent me a 640-3 to replace it. The new one came with a great trigger. I still carry it sometimes. I'm a big fan of the platform. I hope that you enjoy your 640-1 as much as I did!

jcelect · #3 11-16-2023, 11:37 AM

Here is another variation on the 640 platform called the "Pro Series"! The grips were made by Curt Harlow and made to fit my hand! The grips appear the same but they aren't. The 640 backstrap is not covered but the 60 backstrap is covered to account for the single action pull length!

jcelect

Dump1567 · #4 11-16-2023, 11:56 AM

Congrats.

I found one similar at a local shop last month for $499. Even had the original box.

yugolovr · #5 11-16-2023, 08:38 PM

My 640-1 is the best brand new revolver I’ve bought. I don’t know if they do something extra to the engraved ones or not, but I know the trigger is extremely nice on mine.

Banjo 10-79 · #6 11-16-2023, 10:53 PM

Very solid pocket rocket, I love mine. Curious how difficult it was too change the front sight? I’d like to put a big dot night sight on mine. BTW mine is a CAF prefix serial #. Not sure when it was made but I really enjoy it.

StevethePirate · #7 11-17-2023, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo 10-79

Very solid pocket rocket, I love mine. Curious how difficult it was too change the front sight? I’d like to put a big dot night sight on mine. BTW mine is a CAF prefix serial #. Not sure when it was made but I really enjoy it.

I've done it a couple times now, so it isn't so bad.

Finding the right size punches and drill bits can be tough. I ended up making a stubby punch out of a small drill bit that works incredibly well. My 640-1 has a solid pin, and having a cup tip punch can really help with driving it back in.

I'm not an armorer, so won't really make any recommendations, but I used this video as a guide, along with getting the right tools:

stansdds · #8 11-17-2023, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevethePirate

Due to some communication issues over another revolver I was going to buy, I came across this 640-1 on gunbroker for a great price. Appears to be a 1996 vintage (CBAXXXX serial) with a milled trigger and hammer. I took off the 3-finger Uncle Mikes grips and put on these boot grips I had (looking to maybe get some wood combat style grips) and just got done installing a Hi-Viz front sight.

The gun looks nearly unfired as the rifling is spotless, the cylinder face is clean, and the interior is both clean and dry. If it had been shot, it was cleaned very well.

I've heard good things about these 640-1s, and hope it'll make a really solid range, training, and maybe occasional carry gun (on a proper belt holster, as it's quite heavy for carrying anywhere other than a belt or shoulder holster).

Yours looks similar to mine. Mine is a little older, mine being from among the first to be available for sale in 1995. Mine has been 100% reliable and has a smooth trigger action. Initially, it was my EDC, but I went to a 6946 for EDC somewhere around 2010. My 640-1 is now relegated to deep concealment, pocket or tuckable IWB carry.

My 640-1

Dump1567 · #9 11-17-2023, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo 10-79

Very solid pocket rocket, I love mine. Curious how difficult it was too change the front sight? I’d like to put a big dot night sight on mine. BTW mine is a CAF prefix serial #. Not sure when it was made but I really enjoy it.

I would also add that you should measure your front sight height and compare it with what is available. When I attempted to do mine, the front sight I order was too tall. And I think the current aftermarket sights are for newer guns. So, if you end-up with a taller front, you POI will change.

I attempted to do mine and it was a disaster. I ended-up with two halves of a pin holding in the front sight, as I couldn't get the pin out. One being 1/2 of the punch that broke off (it was too large for the hole). And am unable to remove them without drilling them out (beyond my skill set).

I just left on the original front sight and painted it orange.

StevethePirate · #10 11-17-2023, 12:12 PM

I should add that I did bend a punch my first time out, thinking I had the right size punch (I didn't, hence the cut down drill bit punch I made). I would highly recommend using a manual hand drill if you don't have a drill press. I've used a hand drill using the right size bit with some oil and light pressure helps to do the hole correctly without damaging the gun.