640-1

[jimmyjoe]

I went to the local gun show and found this 640-1, 357 magnum, for $425 OTD. I think I did OK on the price. This 640-1 has the forged trigger and the old style cylinder release. I have had several of these in the past and all have had the Mim trigger and new style cylinder release. Did the early models come with the forged trigger and old style cylinder release?

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[bassoneer]

Mine did come with a forged trigger, but also came with Uncle Mike's grips instead of the wood that you have shown. $425 is unheard of around Knoxville! You did great...B

 

[snubbiefan]

My 1992 640 ND has the old style latch and the forged trigger as well. It had Pachmayr grips on it when I purchased it used. I am unsure if it came with the stock j-frame grips new, or had the boot-grips on. I have junked the Pachmayr grips and installed the Uncle Mike's boot-grips. Makes it a bit easier for pocket carry. I would imagine you would want to change those on the Magnum....unless you're built like Hercules and can take the 357-bump like a "real man".

I have seen Uncle Mike's on some older 438's and they are standard on the 317's as well. I have around $320 in mine OTD. I was told that was a very good price for a 640 and I think you did well also with the Magnum version.

 

[IvanW]

I got a 640-1 NIB for that price last year and thought I got a tremendous deal. New ones with the IL seem to be pushing $675-700 around here. Mine came with beautiful Badger grips as well as Uncle Mike's boot grips. Great gun. Enjoy.

 

[18DAI]

You did very well! Congrats!

You got a superior revolver for a very good price. I paid $450 OTD for my 640-1 earlier this year. Worth every penny. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

 

[JamesArthur60]

With the low price you paid, it made me curious on what I paid for my used 640-1. Mine cost me $530.00 last year, and it was manufactured in 1995. You found a good deal.

 

[mpi]

does anybody else wish they made a K frame version of the 640 357? i think that would be a great carry piece!

 

[RHINOWSO]

I have y'all beat with my LNIB 640-1, 100 rds of 38SPL, and two holsters (LH, pity... But I did sell them for $25 a piece) for $350, plus tax... So about $375 OTD...

But I'd recommend any 640-1 in great shape, no lock for under $500

 

[LOBO]

Mine goes with me everywhere. The only mod that I have made to mine is the addition of an XS big dot tritium front sight.

*BTW my 640-1 has the old style thumb latch & forged trigger.

 

[jimmyjoe]

LOBO, I like that front sight.

 

[LOBO]

LOBO, I like that front sight.

Yeah, they're really a nice addition to the gun. I've tried to get a pic of the sight when its illuminated, but it hasn't panned out yet.

 

[kermit4161]

I really like mine. It has the old-school Big Dot front site (no tritium). Does anyone recognize these grips? I've since swapped them with a set of ACE grips I have.. just a bit more comfortable for me. But I got these from my dad when he passed and don't know what they are.

 

[Rafsob]

I am thinking that if you pay anything over about $350 for that gun you are spending way too much. At least around here in Virginia. IMHO of course.

I have a 640 and have had it now for quite a few years. I love it.

 

[snubbiefan]

You could not touch that gun for $350 in my neck-of-the-woods. I recently paid $300 for a model 640 ND and it was dealer-to-dealer. I am thinking closer to $400-$425 over-the-counter around here for the Magnum.

 

[DHart]

JimmyJoe... I think you did just fine on that purchase. While one might be able to find some bargains here or there on a pre-lock 640-1, with new ones (which HAVE the lock and are OFF my radar for that reason) going for what they ask... I think a nice condition 640-1 is easily worth $500 if you can't find one for less.

As I mentioned in another thread, this gun is possibly the LAST of my S&W revolvers that I would give up, if forced to let them go.

TACTICAL ADVANTAGE ~ This gun is a pure defensive weapon in design and purpose. To me, this model, due to the internal hammer, all steel substance, and potent caliber offers a HUGE advantage when carried in a coat pocket without holster. Many defensive encounters begin with a seemingly non-threatening individual approaching the victim, and at some point the individual suddenly reveals threatening intent. If you have a 640-1 or similar weapon in your coat pocket, you can be ready to fire in self-defense INSTANTLY, without ever pulling the weapon from your pocket nor having to attempt to draw a weapon from a holster. (Drawing from a holster is arguably too slow/too late to defend yourself once someone has "the drop" on you.) The 640-1 in the coat pocket can be a priceless ace in the hole when you may appear to be relatively defenseless.

Back to the hardware... these are fantastic, very potent weapons and I think you did great with your acquisition. Congratulations!

I've tried the Uncle Mike's grips on this and they weren't bad, but personally, I think the Pachmayr Compacs are the hot ticket in comfort and controllability of this small magnum.

 

[snubbiefan]

I should have simply stated what I call my rule-of-thumb. Which is....if I see a gun I like, doesn't matter what it cost. You won't find me haggling over the amount of money it takes to fill my truck with gas if I really want the gun.

SO...U done good dude....they don't make 'em like this anymore!

 

[DHart]

I should have simply stated what I call my rule-of-thumb. Which is....if I see a gun I like, doesn't matter what it cost. You won't find me haggling over the amount of money it takes to fill my truck with gas if I really want the gun.

SO...U done good dude....they don't make 'em like this anymore!

Yep! Well said.

 

[Sebago Son]

The 640-1 is the pinnacle of fighting J-frames... What's not to like?

Now you need another one and a "New York Reload" holster from Lefty.

 

[DHart]

Sebago.... That NY reload holster is cool!