640 Pro Series Interest/Observations

[tflt]

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

Federal NYCLAD @ 800 FPS

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.

As 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.

 

[RGNewell]

I carry one full time on ankle loaded with .357.

 

[153]

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 ...

 

[Breaker]

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.

 

[transit]

... 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.

 

[bronco45]

Good work and photography. I carry a Kimber K6 and the load data is good solid info.

 

[Eagle1*]

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.

 

[waffles]

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.

 

[tflt]

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.