640-1 Question

[629shooter]

not to hijack this post but ironically I looked at a 640 - 3 today similar price is that less desirable more desirable or how does it compare to standard 640 of course this one is a 357 any input would be appreciated thank you
Hank

From a collectors standpoint, the -3s are less desirable. The -3s have the ILS, and MIM parts. But, $400 isn't too bad for a -3 either. (depending on the condition)

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Shorty,

What did that pin do (?), and you say only the no-dash had them. What purpose did it served, and how did they get away from using it?

ADP3 beat me to it. Not real sure why they quit making them that way, just assumed that it was cheaper to make them that way. It might have been on some early -1's but I've only seen them on the no dashes.

BTW: Thanks for making me feel smart on knowing a bit of S&W trivia that you didn't.

 

[GCF]

I think the cylinders are all the same length these days. That's certainly the case with my 442 and 638 (38 Specials) and 640-1 (357.) Only the chambers are different.

The cylinder on my 49 no-dash is shorter, but that gun is at least 25 years old. I'm not sure when S&W lengthened the cylinders on their J frame 38s.

BTW, whatever the weight of the 1/4" longer barrel on the 357 models, in my view it's worth it for the equally longer ejector rod that comes with it. On those occasions when I do 10 or 15 round practice drills I think the extraction of 38 Special cases is more reliable with the longer ejector rod.

Kinda' what I suspected. Thanks for the info!

 

[GCF]

I went ahead and bought it...he wouldn't come down off the $400 price.

And I was just getting ready to ask you for the seller's contact info...

Just kidding.

Congrats on the very nice acquisition! Be sure & let me know - if you decide to turn loose of it.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

ADP3 beat me to it. ....

If you're quick, maybe you can answer my follow-up question.

Did the Centennial design always have a frame mounted firing pin? Going back to the originals in the '50's. Or was this feature something new that came with the "revival" of the Centennial in the '90's.

I know the original Chief Specials and Bodyguards had a traditional hammer mounted firing pin, because you can see it when the gun is at full cock.

All these J-frames went to the frame mounted firing pin in the mid-'90's with the introduction of the J-Magnum frame. All the other frame sizes soon followed. Not even S&W's Heritage Series guns, made in the early 2000's and which were made to looked as old-school as possible, all had the frame mounted firing pins.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Kernel Crittenden, I'm not sure as I've never seen one apart, but going to guess hammer mounted do to lack of the pin...

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

So, the FMFP came with the Centennial revival in 1990 (no dash). That's interesting, since it pre-dates the J-Magnum frame by five years. The "fix was in" earlier than I suspected.

 

[luis]

Grab it for the price. I sold mine six months ago for $650.

 

[stc1]

Wondering if the .38spl version 640, has a shorter cylinder length then the .357, or if both have the same length cylinder - w/ different length throats?

I'm starting to think I'd like to get my hands on a j frame M640 (thinly veiled hint), but would honestly prefer the .38SPL version.

In my case the 640 no dash cylinder is shorter than my 640-1. Someone stated that the newer vesions are the same which I believe is correct. This one of the reasons I like the no dash for cc It is stainless so its easier on the wrist due to the weight and slightly shorter which makes it easier "in the pocket".

 

[GCF]

In my case the 640 no dash cylinder is shorter than my 640-1. Someone stated that the newer vesions are the same which I believe is correct. This one of the reasons I like the no dash for cc It is stainless so its easier on the wrist due to the weight and slightly shorter which makes it easier "in the pocket".

Thanks for the updated info!