640-1 Question
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SAFireman
Member
It looks like the 38 special version. I would own it at $400 either way. The centennial design is really hard to beat, and they last nearly forever.
Plus One on .38 Special. The 640-1 .357 has a shrouded ejector rod with a Black Front Sight. $400 for either one is a very good price. If it has the Plus "P" Plus stamp in the bottom of the frame window it's from the early run and an even nicer find. That run came with smooth grips like the one in your photo.
Best Regards,
ADP3
Best Regards,
ADP3
AZretired
Member
That's definitely a picture of a .38 special model, not a .357
As others have correctly identified differences:
here's shroud/sight pic for reference that identifies the
640-1 357 mag model
Excellent point. The mint, matte-finish 640 .38 I found on a dealer's junk table is a tough, little chickenplucker. Despite no +P+ stamp, I have no reservations using any .38 Spl load in it.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
imakmst
Member
$400? Around here that's a screamin' deal
riverrat38
US Veteran
My M640 Pro has a dash 1 stamped on the frame. It is 357 MGN and new this year.
Of course, it has a different barrel.
Its possible, I think, to re-barrel a M640-1 with a 38 SPL barrel.
Someone might do that to reduce the weight. The 38 SPL barrels are a couple ounces lighter.
It will be interesting to see what is stamped on the frame.
Best,
Rick
Of course, it has a different barrel.
Its possible, I think, to re-barrel a M640-1 with a 38 SPL barrel.
Someone might do that to reduce the weight. The 38 SPL barrels are a couple ounces lighter.
It will be interesting to see what is stamped on the frame.
Best,
Rick
GCF
Member
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.
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.
It's almost assuredly a 640 no dash; if stamped -1, a mis-stamp or era overlap.
It's .38 Special, not .357, and if it's in good shape all around, $400 is a good price compared to several sales of the no-dash 640s I tracked in the last year.
It's .38 Special, not .357, and if it's in good shape all around, $400 is a good price compared to several sales of the no-dash 640s I tracked in the last year.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
I don't know of one, but it's possible it's a -1 in .38 Spl. It was a fairly common practice for S&W to offer guns, normally made as .357 Mags, in .38 Spl to police agencies who insisted on that chambering for political reasons.
But it's more likely the seller is mistaken.
But it's more likely the seller is mistaken.
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It is a 640 not 640-1
Just bought it. Seller was mistaken. It is in fact a 640 not a 640-1. Not one of the 640s stamped +P, has a BKY serial prefix if that means anything. I went ahead and bought it...he wouldn't come down off the $400 price.
Just bought it. Seller was mistaken. It is in fact a 640 not a 640-1. Not one of the 640s stamped +P, has a BKY serial prefix if that means anything. I went ahead and bought it...he wouldn't come down off the $400 price.
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Shorty 45 MK2
Member
Welcome to the Forum! 
That is most definitely a no dash do to the barrel and pin in the frame just behind the cylinder. For $400 that is a great deal! I had one and greatly miss it, they are great carry guns.
EDIT: Just saw your post. Congrats on buying it!
That is most definitely a no dash do to the barrel and pin in the frame just behind the cylinder. For $400 that is a great deal! I had one and greatly miss it, they are great carry guns.
EDIT: Just saw your post. Congrats on buying it!
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
January of 1992, give or take.
The CEN prefix guns that were marked "TESTED FOR +P+" were made in February of 1990.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
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?
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
Hank
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.
629shooter
Member
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
Member
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
Member
Kinda' what I suspected. Thanks for the info!
GCF
Member
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
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
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
Member
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
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
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.
stc1
Member
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
Member
Thanks for the updated info!
