Model 640-1 .357 Mag question(s)

I found a nice Model 640-1 .357 Mag, 2 1/8" barrel a couple of days ago in a gun shop that I have frequented occasionally since the 1970's. This is a model that I have not seen in person before, and that causes me to believe that there are not many of them out of captivity. Over the years, I've seen a great many of the revolvers built by S&W. This gun had not been in the gun shop for very long, and I don't expect it would have lasted there much longer.

As nearly as I can tell, it would have been made in 1996 or 1997. It has been fired, maybe even carried, but there is very little sign of either. I believe it has a set of aftermarket checkered wood grips in the style of Eagle Boot grips or similar. I believe it was probably issued with a set of Uncle Mike's boot grips. There are no emblems or any markings on the wood grips anywhere. There is no black at all on the front of the cylinder chamber mouths, crown area of the barrel, or in the frame around the forcing cone. Serial number is BUH68XX. Fixed sights, of course, with a blued or black pinned ramped front sight blade.

Can anyone confirm my estimation of the build date of this J Frame? I would also appreciate any comments about anyone's experience with this model. It is listed in the Second Edition of the Standard Smith & Wesson Catalog near the end of the revolvers covered in that edition, but without a great deal of information. I'd like to hear any comments about this revolver, including the number of these models built. Thanks for any information anyone can provide.

kthom said:

640-1 .357 Mag... 2 1/8" barrel...
Serial number is BUH68XX.

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September 1995.

This gun would be one of the last normal production "B" s/n's S&W made. By the second week of October they were issuing "C" s/n's, which are still being used to this very day. (But, they're getting close to running out of "C"'s).

The -1 was introduced in 1995. The product code was 103690. Uncle Mike's were factory. The earliest I've seen was dated from March of that year. The -1 was for the .357 Mag, prior to that all M640's were .38 Spl. The -1 has the new style frame, S&W beefed it up specifically for magnums, and MIM parts.

I wouldn't say there were rare. I've seen quit a few over the years. I think, like all pre-locks, their owners tend to hang on to them, and they sell quick when they do come up for sale.

Can't offer much info but I currently have a 640-1 that I acquired several years ago from the old gentleman that reportedly had bought it new as a house gun for his wife but was later discovered his wife didn't care for it, so it was sold. As mentioned it's been fired (reportedly less than 1 box of shells but you know how that goes) but it is otherwise LNIB. It is pre-MIM and is really a very clean gun. I've shot/owned other 640-1's and all were very nice. The SS frame really helps when shooting the 357 compared to the Sc-Ti models. No idea on production numbers but I wouldn't classify them as rare. All I recall seeing, they came with the UM grips but some may have magnas. Depending on price, I'd try to snag it.

-1s are not really any more rare than most other stainless J-frame of the same vintage. The reason the 640s are not seen all that often is because they make ideal carry guns ... sturdy Centennial frame, .357 potential, and typical reliability. Why get rid of one? I wouldn't sell mine for less than $600, and then I'd probably turn down the offer.

I had a 640-1 some type back. Got it at a great price from an individual.

It felt somewhat loose and was magna-ported.

I shot a cylinder full of 357 through it once after which my arm felt like a tuning fork.

Got rid it shortly thereafter. Now all my J's are 38s and I shoot 357s in an N frame.



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Original owner of one and love it. Put the xs night sight on and carry the gun a lot in a apex position. Smooth trigger pull and will shot all types of ammo.

The 640-1 is one that I won't be selling any time soon. While I tend to carry AirLites now (and mostly a really well traveled pre-model 36) the 640-1 has been the most pleasant to shoot with 'real' 357 magnum loads. My old carry load was a full house Federal 125gr JHP. It was really brutal in the 340sc.

My very first EDC was a 640-1. I used a Clip Draw device that goes on the right hand side over the trigger. I could carry all day, every day with it just clipped to my Levi's underneath a tee shirt and it just disappeared. I still have my first 640-1 and recently acquired a second one. They are handy to drop in a pocket when I am out on the ranch and want a backup with more punch than 38spl+p.

They are built very well, and my original one has not any detectable mechanical wear. The trigger pull is smooth and even (no trigger job, or other related work has been done). It is a J frame that can take the most abuse and come out fighting for years to come. it is without a doubt the heaviest J frame that I own, and the last to leave the pack.

Good luck on your purchase.

Like SAFireman, I am more than happy with my 640-1. It's nice having the ability to shoot both .38 and .357 mag. I went with the Performance Center version, because it not only had a high visibility dovetailed front sight, but was also ported. I understand the porting is not for everyone, but it works for me. I choose to carry mine on and off-duty with Federal "357B". I get about 1250fps with 433 ft lbs out of that little gun. Good luck with your purchase.

The 640-1 serial CAE88xx is my very first, and primary, CC purchased in March 1996. The Julian date on the label is "5282" which I believe to be October 9, 1995. It has a forged trigger (not the hollow-back MIM type), round thumb latch, and Uncle Mikes extended grip, the longer 'banana' grip. The thumb latch was later changed to a Nelson Ford "Speed Button" (a sharp checkered ramp), and a set of Spegel boot grips. It's had some trigger work, too.

Since then I've acquired and refreshed a few more 640-1's, just cuz I like 'em. Two are early serial numbers - BUE72xx and BUF41xx. Until about three years ago I was a buying good used examples for under $400 and up to $450 depending on condition and packaging. Lately I see asking prices in the $600 range.

The 640-1 is a superb pocket revolver. I like the Airweight .38 Special Models 442/642, but the 640-1 is my go-to.

What a nice "collection", Tom! I'm glad to know a bit more about the 640-1. I didn't mean to indicate I thought it was rare, but seldom seen. I've been carrying (duty and otherwise) and looking and shopping and trading revolvers since the sixties. As I said, I've seen a great many of what's available over those years, and have read about most others. For some reason, this model escaped my attention.

I own other S&W's in J, K, L, and N frame sizes. I tend to carry the J and K models because they are easier and more comfortable to carry for me. I particularly like the Centennial style revolvers for EDC. This 640-1 came without box, papers, or tools, but it is in really fine condition. It's on my belt right now! I agree that this particular model is possibly the best of the J Frame world for an all around EDC gun that's also good as a shooter. The extra weight of the stainless frame, the longer barrel and ejector rod, and the black front sight make it all around good for me! It cost me 5 bills out the door, tax and all, which in today's market seemed like a reasonable price to me, especially for this particular model. It's definitely worth that to me, which is what counts, and I cannot imagine this one leaving my possession willingly. I moved a set of J frame Pro grips to it which I had on a Model 60 no dash of mine. The Pro grips look good and fit my larger hand much better than the boot style grips that were on it, although the extra length make it slightly less concealable. That's a compromise I don't mind making. I'll try to get up a photo of it soon. I haven't had the side plate off yet, but the trigger does not appear to be MIM. It's a solid smooth faced slightly wider trigger which I really like best. The action is not bad at all, and I suspect some dry firing and shooting will improve it since the action still feels "new" to me.

I did notice a large "M" and a large "Q" stamped at the butt of the grip frame on either side of the grip anchor pin as well as what appears to be the number "67" stamped in the same area underneath the left side grip panel. The "6" of the "67" stamp appears to have been double stamped or smudged with a double strike. At the bottom of the right side grip frame are the numbers "21506" stamped with the dot style stamp. The "M" and "Q" and the "67" are stamped with a conventional stamp. Anybody know the significance of these?

Thanks to all for the information provided.

A MIM trigger will have a 'hollow' back. The other marks and numbers are what we call "assembly numbers" and/or "fitter marks". They are made by workers at the factory as the gun and parts move down the assembly line. They indicate that the gun or parts had passed an inspection, manufacturing step, or to keep fitted parts together. What they mean specifically is a mystery now. Maybe one day a S&W factory tech will write a book on what all those marks, numbers, and symbols stand for. I'd buy one!

Thanks, KC. I don't really have a problem with MIM parts, but I'd just as soon not have them. I'm looking forward to seeing inside the frame, but I'm guessing since the trigger is not MIM, it's likely nothing else may be either. Dangerous to assume, I know! I suspected those markings were inspector's marks done at some point in the mfg process. And I'd probably buy that book myself!!!!

I've never opened up a M640 but I'd assume the "new" style guns with MIM parts would have a frame mounted firing pin like every other Smith with a new style frame. When you pop the side plate it shouldn't take long to confirm one way or the other.

If you want to launch 357 Magnums from a J- Frame the M640 is hard to beat, in terms of "shooting".

Congratulations on yours kthom.

I have a 640-1 that is outstanding. I've always had a weakness for J-frames, and have had a bunch of them for off-duty and back-up since I entered law enforcement in 1977. My current gun I got from a partner at work. It had ridden in his wife's purse most of the time and needed a little clean-up. I hit it with aluminum oxide at 25 psi and got this pleasing grey color. I'm still trying to get my hands a 640 Pro, but they are rare around these parts.

KC, I suspect you are correct. I hope to get time tomorrow to inspect the innards of the M640-1. I want to see what condition they are in and expect it to be ready for some lubrication. Unless I am mistaken, the sideplate has never been off this frame. I'll let you know what I find!

629S, I expect to mostly shoot and carry +P .38 Specials in this J Frame, probably the Speer Gold Dots made for shorter barreled guns. But it is definitely nice to have the ability to load up with the Mag rounds if I wish to do so, and to know that shooting it will be a much more pleasant experience than with the lighter framed models more available today. I'm not recoil sensitive, but I can tell the difference between "fun" and "torture:!! Mag rounds are so much louder, with that sharp "crack" common to the .357, and especially so in the short barrels. The lighter ones are nice to carry, but being used to carrying steel framed guns, I much prefer this one. My wife commandeered an older M442 Airweight many years ago, and she shoots it pretty well, even with the +P stuff, but it's not as much fun as an M60 no dash stainless frame that I also own. Thanks for the congrats ... I am very pleased to have the M640-1!

Snowman, I started my duty carry ten years prior to you. It was a few years until I owned a J Frame. I was fortunate to have been awarded a blue Model 36 round butt upon graduation from the State Police Academy in '71. I haven't been without one or more since. I personally have no problem at all trusting a .38 Special to take care of any predators I might encounter if I do my part, and that is especially true with today's fine ammo. I well remember the first box of Super Vel ammo I was able to purchase. Things changed when that happened! I still have some of that ammo (not of the first box, of course!). You did a great job refreshing that 640. Sounds like you have a good one! It's nice to be able to know the history of that gun. I wish I could have managed to purchase the M19 four incher that I was issued in the '70's and carried for as long as I was wearing that uniform. We certainly had some memorable experiences together! I was able find another very similar copy of the same vintage at some point and it's another keeper in my pile. I hope you find that Pro at some point very soon.

kthom said:

KC, I suspect you are correct. I hope to get time tomorrow to inspect the innards of the M640-1. I want to see what condition they are in and expect it to be ready for some lubrication. Unless I am mistaken, the sideplate has never been off this frame. I'll let you know what I find!

629S, I expect to mostly shoot and carry +P .38 Specials in this J Frame, probably the Speer Gold Dots made for shorter barreled guns. But it is definitely nice to have the ability to load up with the Mag rounds if I wish to do so, and to know that shooting it will be a much more pleasant experience than with the lighter framed models more available today. I'm not recoil sensitive, but I can tell the difference between "fun" and "torture:!! Mag rounds are so much louder, with that sharp "crack" common to the .357, and especially so in the short barrels. The lighter ones are nice to carry, but being used to carrying steel framed guns, I much prefer this one. My wife commandeered an older M442 Airweight many years ago, and she shoots it pretty well, even with the +P stuff, but it's not as much fun as an M60 no dash stainless frame that I also own. Thanks for the congrats ... I am very pleased to have the M640-1!

Snowman, I started my duty carry ten years prior to you. It was a few years until I owned a J Frame. I was fortunate to have been awarded a blue Model 36 round butt upon graduation from the State Police Academy in '71. I haven't been without one or more since. I personally have no problem at all trusting a .38 Special to take care of any predators I might encounter if I do my part, and that is especially true with today's fine ammo. I well remember the first box of Super Vel ammo I was able to purchase. Things changed when that happened! I still have some of that ammo (not of the first box, of course!). You did a great job refreshing that 640. Sounds like you have a good one! It's nice to be able to know the history of that gun. I wish I could have managed to purchase the M19 four incher that I was issued in the '70's and carried for as long as I was wearing that uniform. We certainly had some memorable experiences together! I was able find another very similar copy of the same vintage at some point and it's another keeper in my pile. I hope you find that Pro at some point very soon.

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Thanks, kthom. I hope I find one before long. I just retired 5 months ago after 37 years on. Just before I left, I did my retirement qualification and shot both the 640-1 and a 340 SC I carry quite a bit. It never ceases to amaze me when one of the youngsters comes up, and seeing one of my J-frames, asks, "Hey, Lt., what the Hell is that?" I have been able to introduce a few of them to the finer points of snubbie ownership and carry, though. BTW, I still have my issued M66 4". My first duty gun was a 4" 28. The 66 came several years later.

Congratulations on so many years of service, Dave. I am impressed that you survived the changes that have occurred over that span of years. Times have definitely changed, even in the mostly rural area of the country where I live and worked. Folks are much different these days, and I confess that I'm afraid I would not have the patience to deal with them these days!! My first issue revolver was also a M28 4 incher. Great revolver, but that M19 was a noticeably lighter load to carry all day (and night ... as a State Police Officer, I was on call most of the time for 24 hours ... in the beginning, we worked 6 on and 2 off. It was kind of a full time job. Hours of pretty much boredom interspersed with occasional high rpm excitement!) Glad you were able to keep your M66. That's neat! I hope you have many years of enjoyable retirement. I have been fortunate to enjoy several at this point and look forward to more myself!

Kernel Crittendon,

I managed to have a few minutes to go through the innards of my 640-1 late this afternoon. I found very little evidence of use under the sideplate or any where else on the revolver. The interior was dry as a mother-in-law's kiss! Almost no sign of any kind of lube, even residue. I got just a bit of color from a few spots as I cleaned the surfaces of everything under the plate. There was very little evidence of movement of the parts. Absolutely no powder burn on the face of the cylinder or around the forcing cone, barrel area in the cylinder window, or under the top strap near the barrel. After cleaning and proper lubrication, the action feels much better!

The spurless hammer strikes a frame mounted firing pin, but the trigger does not indicate MIM, nor did any of the internal parts, with the possible exception of the internal hammer itself. The barrel as well as the cylinder chambers were pristine. I got basically no black when I pushed clean white patches through them. I'm sure it was fired, even if only at the factory, but whoever cleaned it did a very good job. If I can get it done, I've attached a couple of poor quality pictures. Just didn't have the time to do those correctly. The grips are much later issue Pro Grips for a J Frame. Thanks for your help and comments.

That's a peach! Well bought, kthom.