Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-07-2021, 09:24 AM
tflt's Avatar
tflt tflt is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Central NY
Posts: 88
Likes: 146
Liked 234 Times in 50 Posts
Default 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations

I see a fair amount of interest in the 640 Pro lately and wanted to add some information for those considering it. In my previous post I noted that I chronographed the Speer 135 grain 38 Spl +P loading as well as the 158 grain 38 Spl NYCLAD SWC-HP. All targets were shot at 10 yards.
Speer Gold Dot @885 FPS

New 640-1 Pro Series + range report-gd1-jpg
Federal NYCLAD @ 800 FPS
New 640-1 Pro Series + range report-nyclad-jpg
Wanting a little more from the 640 I worked up a short barrel load aiming for 1000 FPS from the 125 grain Hornady XTP. After load development I was able to achieve 1000 FPS using 7.9 grains of Ramshot Silhouette under the 125 gr XTP. This loading showed lower than full magnum pressure and was a pleasure to shoot.
New 640-1 Pro Series + range report-img_20210506_160528269_hdr-jpgAs noted by others the point of impact across all ammunition is low by 2-3 inch's, although I would prefer the POI to "dot the I" above my front sight, I'm ok with this in a self defense revolver that I'll be shooting center mass with, at J frame distances. The sights as delivered work better than expected for getting the gun on target quickly and effectively.

I like moon clips, and would advocate that even if you don't like them as a reload, to keep the revolver loaded with moon clipped ammo for the enhanced extraction provided.

I've been carrying the 640 in a Desantis thumb break scabbard, and am waiting for a Texas Heritage IWB from Tucker gun Leather. The 640 is a joy to carry.

After almost 500 rounds it's great shootability is confidence inspiring. I've always carried more combat ready pistols, either a 586, 7 shot, or Glock 19, but unfortunately life in this new backwards world where society hates the Police and no good deed goes unpunished, I've had to re-evaluate my response to situations I've spent my whole professional life training to respond to. That's a heart breaking statement about the situation in our country, but that's where we are. Other than shooting a little low I'll say the 640 Pro is an excellent self defense revolver that can shoot 357 magnum with much less drama than you would expect. If you're considering this revolver, you wont be disappointed.
New 640-1 Pro Series + range report-img_20210506_171333860-jpg
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-07-2021, 09:29 AM
RGNewell's Avatar
RGNewell RGNewell is offline
SWCA Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 958
Likes: 492
Liked 2,171 Times in 520 Posts
Default

I carry one full time on ankle loaded with .357.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 05-07-2021, 10:13 AM
153's Avatar
153 153 is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 1,392
Liked 2,390 Times in 465 Posts
Default

Considering that the .357 originated in the N frame, the 640 is an amazing piece of hardware. Not to heavy nor too light, it is the Goldilocks of the J frames.

Mine with Spegel handles ...


Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 05-07-2021, 11:11 AM
Breaker Breaker is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 128
Likes: 163
Liked 206 Times in 82 Posts
Default Absolutely

I am with you on the merits of the 640 Pro Series. I find that mine is spot on with 158 grain .38 special +P JSP and the sights are light years ahead of the standard J frame sights. I load mine with the .38+P JSP rounds to ensure adequate penetration without the recoil of the .357 magnum. The fact that it will chamber both makes it very versatile and I don’t find that the slight increase in weight or length is objectionable.

I generally carry mine in a Galco horsehide pocket holster or Galco leather cross draw OTWB when I will be doing a lot of driving/sitting. It’s a nice package.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 05-07-2021, 11:43 AM
transit transit is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: The Outer Rim territories
Posts: 477
Likes: 2,295
Liked 1,004 Times in 313 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tflt View Post
... I've always carried more combat ready pistols, either a 586, 7 shot, or Glock 19, but unfortunately life in this new backwards world where society hates the Police and no good deed goes unpunished, I've had to re-evaluate my response to situations I've spent my whole professional life training to respond to. That's a heart breaking statement about the situation in our country, but that's where we are...
I was interested to see the chrono results of the Speer. That's good velocity. Thank you!

The above section also piqued my interest.

Without asking you to stray into politics, we all have eyes to see what goes on these days, I am curious about your change in mindset/strategy/tactics.

Maybe a separate thread?

My situation has changed; and the world...

I now question certain decisions that used to be self-evident in one direction, that now may be different.

Anyway, thanks again for the data.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 05-07-2021, 12:41 PM
bronco45's Avatar
bronco45 bronco45 is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Moscow, Idaho USA
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 9,935
Liked 1,723 Times in 690 Posts
Default

Good work and photography. I carry a Kimber K6 and the load data is good solid info.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 05-07-2021, 02:57 PM
Eagle1*'s Avatar
Eagle1* Eagle1* is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 359
Likes: 136
Liked 319 Times in 127 Posts
Default

Awesome review. Thanks for the detailed info. I am curious if you have a standard J frame what the difference would be in the velocity out of the 1 7/8 inch barrels on those compared to the 2 1/4 barrel of this Pro model.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 05-07-2021, 03:16 PM
waffles waffles is online now
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 1,099
Liked 4,125 Times in 1,174 Posts
Default

I've always liked the 640 pro, seems like they really took the J frame to where it should be, steel and with real, usable sights.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 05-07-2021, 04:07 PM
tflt's Avatar
tflt tflt is offline
Member
640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations 640 Pro Series Interest/Observations  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Central NY
Posts: 88
Likes: 146
Liked 234 Times in 50 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagle1* View Post
Awesome review. Thanks for the detailed info. I am curious if you have a standard J frame what the difference would be in the velocity out of the 1 7/8 inch barrels on those compared to the 2 1/4 barrel of this Pro model.

I'm sorry I have not chronoed the 1 7/8" barrel YET, my buddy just purchased a model 60, (from the for sale page here), and I'll run the same ammo over the machine next week and report back. The 640 PS has a 2 1/8" barrel.
I can report that the 135 grain GD runs 1000 FPS all day long from my 4" model 15-3.
And the Federal NYCLAD 158 runs just under 900 FPS from the same Model 15.
As a side note, I'm lucky to have had lots of time to work with these rounds and firmly believe the NYCLAD round is highly underestimated and looked down upon, but it's performance both in deformation and accuracy are about the best I've found in real life testing.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Observations jack the toad The Lounge 4 07-11-2020 11:30 PM
Observations on old 29s v new 29s jhcii S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 24 10-31-2015 12:29 AM
OBSERVATIONS--- williamlayton The Lounge 0 09-29-2015 02:33 AM
OBSERVATIONS williamlayton The Lounge 2 09-03-2011 04:47 PM
Observations on New M&P 15 OR littledog Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 3 10-05-2010 11:24 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:53 AM.


© 2000-2025 smith-wessonforum.com All rights reserved worldwide.
Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)