640

[Stinger4me]

I would like to get some owner reports from those who own and shoot the 640. My friend inquired what I knew about them, I have no experience shooting a 640. I do have a 2.5" Python and that gives a large report and more than a fair share of recoil. Thanks for the input on this matter.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Not a lot to report really, my no dash 640 is a good shooter with no issue's. Recoil is not all that bad, I have smooth Eagle Secret Service grips on mine.

 

[valkyriekl]

Same here -- 640 no-dash -- shoots well, recoil is fine. I use S&W magnas + Tyler T-grip.

 

[ENGINE18]

640-1 .357 here; aquired around late '96 or so. I like it!. At 20+ ounces, recoil is not too bad with the Uncle Mikes Combat Grips. Mostly shoot .38+P rounds

 

[Cashdog]

My 640-1 is probably my favorite carry gun. Course it's a 357. Don't know if your looking at 357 or 38 only. Recoil is no problem with 38's and quite manageable with 357's as long as you're selective of which loads. I don't generally shoot the hotter stuff in this one. Most of the time I keep Compac's on it.

 

[Ace-3]

Good shooter and carries well. It is a 357 J frame so expect some recoil....and they are loud.

 

[ronnie gore]

i had one in 357 and traded it and always regretted it, so i got another and love it. i also have a 3inch 640 in 38 special, i have no problem with recoil. and i also carry a 342 that is very light weight and it is harder to shoot than the 357 is.

 

[linde]

The S&W model 640 in .38 special offers considerably less recoil than your 357 magnum Python.

I have two S&W model 640s in 38 Special and love them both . . . a 3" heavy barrel and a 2" standard barrel.

The hammerless feature of the model 640 offers a number of advantages for personal defense and concealed carry. The 3" heavy barrel is the more natural aiming and accurate of the two and offers a full-length ejector rod for ease of reloading.

My preference for carry is an OWB pancake-style holster.

The 640 in 2" standard barrel is more concealable and lends itself to pocket or purse carry.

Whether the 2" or the 3" heavy barrel, your friend can't go wrong with a model 640.

Russ

 

[FirebirdV8]

On my Mod 640-1, the .38 is really nice, 357 magnums are manageable. The 640 is a great carry gun.

 

[1066]

A great gun; shoots well and handles nicely.

I did have a problem with end shake on the cylinder. I used to shoot a box of 357 magnums about every other month since this was my carry gun before I switched to an automatic. I used 125g JHP.

Smith & Wesson repaired the gun and the gunsmith there told me not to shoot it so much with the 357 magnums or it would have the same problem again. I switched to 38 +P and have never had another problem with it.

My only thought is that I don't like to practice with 38 special and carry 357 magnum. So now, when I carry a revolver, which is rarely, I carry a 642 with 38 +P.

I don't know if anyone else has had this problem, but the S&W gunsmith made it sound like it wasn't unusual and that the gun will not hold up to a steady diet of 357 magnums. He told me that you should only carry the 357, and do all your practice with the 38 special.

 

[Ed333]

good trigger

my 640 has one of the smoothest trigger pulls in a J frame I have ever encountered, and that was true of my 640-1 and my 940 as well...something about those Centennials. Magnas plus Tyler tee is my preference for grips.

 

[okc-zee]

I own one and love it...Great shooter...I carry it daily...

 

[Doc TH]

The 640 is an excellent revolver. The lack of a single action option (as with the Bodyguard) is not a significant disadvantage. Its weight makes it much more comfortable when shooting 38+P or 357 mag.

 

[Beachcomber]

I own both a 640 (.38) and a 640-1 (.357). Both have nice trigger pulls right out of the factory.

When I carry the 640 I do so in a pocket holster.

I had my 640-1 dehorned at the factory and had them install an XS Big Dot sight on it. I carry this revolver in a belt holster.

Your friend can't go wrong in choosing an S&W 640 / 640-1 snub nose.