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which J-Frame is more desirable 640 vs 640-1 38 Spcl

canesfan33068

canesfan33068

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I had a 442 with lock and liked everything except fot the lock and the finish. I really have been wanting a 640 or 640-1 in .38 Spcl. Which of the two models is overall more desirable given both are without lock and both are SS. Although I believe the 640 has a 1 7/8 inch bbl vs the 640-1 has a 2 plus inch bbl. Any other differences I am missing? Also were either of these J'Frames made in the 1980's?
 
The differences were the early 640 was a 38 Special, the -1 extended the frame and cylinder to accommodate .357 magnum. I happen to be from the era that liked the 38 Special size, and felt the larger model "ruined" the lines of a really classic revolver. There are many who feel just the opposite, that the stretching the frame and making it .357 gave it a better ballistic advantage. Once you shoot one with full house .357's I'll let you make up your own mind. I'll shoot .38's and carry 38+P's. I just looked at my 2014 Blue Book and they make no difference in valuation. However, I find the original 640 is usually priced somewhat higher.
 
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Once you shoot one with full house .357's I'll let you make up your own mind. I'll shoot .38's and carry 38+P's.
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AMEN!!

I can assure you that 158Gr. lSWC's ahead of 15Gr. of 2400 is NO FUN. I was unable to control, much less hold my M 640-1 in quick fire with the above. I really don't enjoy shooting HOT 38 special + P ammo in my 640.
 
canesfan33068 said:
. . . I really have been wanting a 640 or 640-1 in .38 Spcl. Which of the two models is overall more desirable given both are without lock and both are SS. Although I believe the 640 has a 1 7/8 inch bbl vs the 640-1 has a 2 plus inch bbl . . .
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I agree with H Richard that the .38 Special 640 - no dash with the shorter cylinder and frame window is preferable. If barrel length is an important consideration for you, there is a 3" version of the 640 that works for me.




Both the 2" and 3" carry very well.




Russ
 
It is no easy task finding a 640 or 640-1 in good condition for less than $600. As far as I can find reading through various posts these revolvers were made late 90's until present.
 
canesfan33068 said:
. . . As far as I can find reading through various posts these revolvers were made late 90's until present.
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All of the 640s I have (or have had) were from the 1992 to 1994 era.

My experience on the price of a 2" 640 . . . $600 is average, $550 is a good buy . . . and, if you really want one, be prepared to pay $650. Expect to pay a $50 premium for a 3".

Good luck in your search,

Russ


edit to add: 1990 (first-year) Model 640 Centennials with a CEN s/n prefix will also bring a premium . . . perhaps $50 to $100 to collectors.
 
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I was on the hunt for a 640, and would have been happy with either model since shooting .38 was my only intention. Lucked into a no dash "CEN" prefix 640 and could not be happier. It carries very well with the DeSantis IWB holster. If I happen to find a real good deal on a -1 i'll buy it too.

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I have owned both the 640 and 640-1, and prefer the 640. A friend prefers the 640-1 (he bought mine). Both are excellent revolvers, you can't go wrong with either one. I prefer the 640 for it's slightly smaller size and weight. The 640 is fine with .38 +P, I carry 135gr GDHP in mine.

The 640 was introduced at the beginning of 1990. The first of them had a CEN serial number prefix. Many of the CEN guns (including mine) are also marked "Tested for +P+". Around '95/'96 Smith brought out the Magnum J frames, including the 640-1. There was also a 640-2 which was .38 Spl only on the magnum frame. I believe that was made for the NYPD. The 640-3 marked the arrival of the internal lock.

Both the 640 and 640-1 are hard to find. In the last 3 years I've seen two 640's, and I bought both. One I got in trade for a 36-7, the other for $475. The 640-1 I had also cost me $475. I'd say that if you run across either version grab it, they aren't making them anymore.
 
Just an fyi, the current 640Pro is a 640-1 frame, msrp not cheap. $839, with Gunbroker prices in the $700-$800 range.
 
FYI- Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore has the 640-1 in stock, for $549.99 shipped. It's part of their "archive series" of old new stock S&W revolvers. Get it while you can.
 
Diablo982 said:
FYI- Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore has the 640-1 in stock, for $549.99 shipped. It's part of their "archive series" of old new stock S&W revolvers. Get it while you can.
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Could be new manufacture. There's no reason why S&W couldn't make the 640-1 again. They currently make a number of internal-hammer Centennials without the lock. Such as the M640-1 Pro Series.

I was wondering when (and if) S&W would get around to putting the plain jane -1 back into standard production. Then again, maybe these guns were just sitting around for 16 years forgotten and unsold gathering dust. Makes you wonder about the warehouse practices at the Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore. :confused: ;)
 
I have a similar dilemma with my 60-14 and 36 (no dash). The 60-14 has a 2.13" barrel and is chambered in .357 while the Model 36 is a .38 Special with the 1.875" barrel (and shorter ejector rod). While I shoot the Model 60 better, I carry the 36. The 36 just feels better on the his and the difference in shooting results is only marginal (I doubt I will have to shoot a bad guy at 25 yards).
 
I just won this 640 no dash off of Gunbroker for $365. I wonder why no interest. Up until the last 15 minutes. Makes me wonder if sellers don't have employees with accounts bid last minute to bump up the price. I could see nothing wrong in the pics. It was posted as a 640-1 and then edited with apology to say it was a no dash. No box or papers and I wonder if it will handle .38 Spcl +P. I think a set of Hogue wood grips and some polish to remove the light scratches.

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canesfan33068... You got your 640 no dash for what I consider to be a great price. My 640 (no dash) is one of the first ones issued and has the CEN prefix in the serial number. It is also laser etched on the frame under the cylinder "Tested for +P+". I don't think you will have any problem(s) shooting your 640 with +P's on a daily basis.
 
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My first personal handgun ever was a S&W 645 bought new in 1986. Wish I still had it. I worked as an armed guard for a few years when I was just a 19 yr old kid back in Ft. Lauderdale and my company issued me a S&W Model 10 4" SS pencil bbl. I had two speed loaders and by law we could only load with 158gr LRN. Anyway, eventually I bought a 686 4" Bbl and loved it. As a kid working security I had the pleasure of working with some old guys who were retired NYPD. It always made the shift go by fast listening to their stories. I guess that is why .38 Spcl revolvers have a special place in my heart, Nostalgia. Always Liked the TV shows NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, Law & Order, Barney Miller, Miami Vice etc. Never went into Police work ended up a Computer Geek.
 
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