oldiesradio1560
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640 Hands down. I carry mine every day.
60 vs 640 vs 649
- Thread starter S&WForty
- Start date
I like the option of shooting single action. In an "active shooter" scenario, one might need to shoot at 20+ yards. Also, it takes me no more time to raise and cock a gun than it takes me to raise a gun. Since I don't expect to have time to take careful aim but may need to shoot more than 5 feet - I like to point with my arm.
At close ranges, subsequent shots can be taken DA. Or one can MOVE and then take a second shot. I long ago got used to drawing with my thumb behind the hammer. I practice both SA & DA. I don't see any real downside to having a hammer and having a SA option.
I own a 60 and a 649. I've only pulled a gun in self-defense once in my life, decades ago. I didn't need to shoot - just as well since I was carrying a 22 at the time and was badly outnumbered. However, I didn't start sweating, lose my mind, get tunnel vision, have a pounding pulse, etc. Thought a few swear words, prepared to shoot - and they decided to back off.
At close ranges, subsequent shots can be taken DA. Or one can MOVE and then take a second shot. I long ago got used to drawing with my thumb behind the hammer. I practice both SA & DA. I don't see any real downside to having a hammer and having a SA option.
I own a 60 and a 649. I've only pulled a gun in self-defense once in my life, decades ago. I didn't need to shoot - just as well since I was carrying a 22 at the time and was badly outnumbered. However, I didn't start sweating, lose my mind, get tunnel vision, have a pounding pulse, etc. Thought a few swear words, prepared to shoot - and they decided to back off.
Cool looking or not, I have faith in my old Model 49. Doesn't have the capacity or quick reload of my Shields, but if "it" ever happens, the 49 won't let me down.
Bill In Texas
Member
I would vote for the Model 60, in fact I did a few months back when I was weighing the same choices. Nothing against the other two, I just preferred the 60 Pro Series with the 3" barrel.
I might want to get either the 640 or 649 for my wife if she decides to get her license to carry, but also more and more I being drawn to a short barrel Model 60 for her. All are great choices!
I might want to get either the 640 or 649 for my wife if she decides to get her license to carry, but also more and more I being drawn to a short barrel Model 60 for her. All are great choices!
It could occur, but having to engage an active shooter is extremely improbable. Even more so at long range. And there is a sizable difference between having no other option(reactive self-defense) and choosing to engage(proactive intervention). Taking out a terrorist at 25 yards shouldn't be high on the list of priorities when choosing a gun IMO. If it was or is to you, I wouldn't recommend carrying a snub revolver.
There are actually numerous potential downsides to having an exposed hammer and single action capability. They have been repeated often on this forum. The article I shared in my previous post cover some of the advantages of the centennial design. I would also add the hammerless models offer unmatched benefits in the context of extreme close-quarter engagements. The same qualities that allow it to be fired from inside a purse or jacket pocket transfer over to situations where you might be in close-quarter struggle with an assailant. No exposed hammer to get blocked during a gun grab or entangled in clothing.
Considering the most probable defense scenarios a civilian will most likely encounter and the pros vs cons favor the enclosed hammer design. With an exposed hammer, you give up multiple traits that would be advantageous in the most common scenarios in exchange for a single slight benefit in an extremely rare situation. That just doesn't make sense to me. And even if you do need to make a precision shot for some reason, this excerpt from an email I received from Massad Ayoob many years ago sums it up...
"Exposed hammer was mainly for single action target shooting, back in the days when cops qualified on bullseye courses. Dates originally back to the fact that the first double actions in the late 19th century were used by men accustomed to thumb-cocking single actions.
Today, a smooth DA pull slowed slightly is as accurate as single action fire, and more positive since grip doesn't shift from thumb-cocking movement. Since the hammer doesn't fall quite as far on most designs, DA also has faster ignition time than SA.
The "hair trigger" effect of the cocked revolver has been associated with many accidental discharges (sometimes when trying to safely lower the hammer when the shot was not fired) and also leaves the user open to the common false accusation of having cocked the gun and fired it accidentally when in fact they have fired intentionally double action."
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The 640 has the smoothest DA trigger pull - internally, the lack of the sliding hammer block may have something to do with it. No hangup on the draw, no chance for pocket lint, etc. getting into the action. Great belly gun.
The 649 gives you the option of a single action pull if you want it for longer distance precision. The hammer shroud prevents hangups, but can admit debris into the action. Not likely, but possible.
The 60 gives you all-around versatility, but unless you put your thumb on the hammer as you draw it, there is a chance for hangup on clothing. I equip mine with a set of the old Bianchi "Lightning" hammer shroud grips for that reason. This does add extra weight because they are metal lined. This setup is probably better in a shoulder holster because of the weight - necessitating a jacket.
I believe in freedom of choice!
John
The 649 gives you the option of a single action pull if you want it for longer distance precision. The hammer shroud prevents hangups, but can admit debris into the action. Not likely, but possible.
The 60 gives you all-around versatility, but unless you put your thumb on the hammer as you draw it, there is a chance for hangup on clothing. I equip mine with a set of the old Bianchi "Lightning" hammer shroud grips for that reason. This does add extra weight because they are metal lined. This setup is probably better in a shoulder holster because of the weight - necessitating a jacket.
I believe in freedom of choice!
John
Ashlander
Member
I had both a 60-14 and a 640 of like vintage. I traded away the 640. I carry on the belt, and haver no snag problems. Even though I would not cock the gun in self-defense, I like having a gun that is da/sa.
Jingles
Member
I love my 640 pro. You can't beat the combat-style night sights for a small gun. I don't use the moon clips often but they are really handy for carrying extra ammo in the car.
The verdict is in. My LGS has what I want, and I'll get it after work or first thing in the morning.
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640 Pro!
I appreciate all of the replies. I recall the last time at the range with the 638, was barely less accurate in DA than in SA. I've got my 686+ 2.5" if I feel the need for SA fun at the range, and after a few pulls of the 638 hammer, my thumb has had enough. So, forget the 649. The fact the Centennials have smoother actions is the bonus in my decision.
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640 Pro!
I appreciate all of the replies. I recall the last time at the range with the 638, was barely less accurate in DA than in SA. I've got my 686+ 2.5" if I feel the need for SA fun at the range, and after a few pulls of the 638 hammer, my thumb has had enough. So, forget the 649. The fact the Centennials have smoother actions is the bonus in my decision.
NB4EST
Member
I carry either a 60-9 with a bobbed hammer and sporting a CT laser, a 640 Pro with 5 rounds in a moon clip for more positive extraction, or a Ruger LCR which has the best DA pull I own and is incredibly accurate out to 75 yards. Either will be loaded with "controllable" .357s.
Several commonly-held fallacies here,IMO.
First, if the situation is so quick to develop, then hammer or no, you're just pulling the trigger in DA. Cocking it wouldn't be a consideration, much less a requirement.
And, I've been an Airweight pocket-toter for some time now, and I've never had it get caught coming out. In fact, I just now tried to make it catch, and after several attempts finally caught it on some pocket material, which I'm positive I could rip right through with very little effort.
And, I habitually place my thumb over the trigger, covering it as it's removed.
And finally, any firing response is already a very low probablity event, and one materializing that requires going from zero-to-blasting in .04 seconds is unlikely in the extreme (yet on every gun forum, it seems to be the scenario that gets the most traction.....followed by the ever popular, multiple-15-rd mag firefights).
And, should you get caught in a situation where firing shots within "milliseconds" are absolutely critical, then I'm thinking it ain't the type pistol you have that's the concern........it's your situational awareness.
