About to purchase 640 Pro, QC issues worry me

[stainspoop321]

Hey y’all.

I’ve been in the market for a 640 Pro for a while now. I’ve finally decided to purchase one.

My only hesitation comes with S&W’s QC. I’ll be dropping almost $1k after tax, shipping, etc. on the revolver and with S&W’s WC horror stories, I’m worried. I’ll be purchasing from Sportsman’s Warehouse so if there is an issue, I can refuse transfer and get a refund but if I miss something while there and only see it at home, I’m screwed.

What is everyone’s thoughts? The worry about QC has been the ONLY thing stopping me from purchasing it. Any input appreciated

 

[Greyman50]

FWIW look around for an older one. Bought mine years ago at local show and its been perfect.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Worst thing that can happen is that you might have to ship back to the Mothership. Smith will pay postage both ways. Best warranty in the business.

 

[trulyapostolic]

I have yet to own a Smith revolver that didn't require some mechanical correction. Whenever I buy one it's with the knowledge that extra money will have to be spent...

 

[413Maxwedge]

I bought a new 640 last year and it had an issue (mis-stamped barrel). Sent it to S&W and they replaced the barrel under warranty, but it came back with the new barrel over-clocked a degree or two to the left (you could see it) and all shots grouped 3 inches right at 20'. I sold it at a discount to the local gun store.

BUT, the other new Smiths I've bought recently are perfect: 617-6 K frame, 686-6 L frame, M&P340 J frame are all good looking and operate perfectly.

 

[ImDrRich]

A friend just purchased the 640 Pro and I was intrigued by it because I think something hammerless is maybe next on my list.

He was convinced that the sights were off but "centered" them and was satisfied. I shot it after and I liked it.

I'm looking for a good old-fashioned stainless steel 640 pre-lock in .38spl +P and so far I've had no luck.

 

[Narragansett]

Welcome to the forum. Interesting name/handle you got.

Just me, but I vintage stuff. If you miss something on inspection, you can send it back. Go for it

 

[.38SuperMan]

I’d suggest a vintage one. I think all the 640’s have been produced under the lifetime warranty so Smith will honor the warranty even if you’re not the original owner. I’ve had some issues with used Smiths from that period and Smith honored the warranty.

I have one of the original no dash 640’s (38 only) that I bought new and it’s flawless. I guess I’ve had it 30+ years and never a complaint. Looking at the new version, I wouldn’t trade it for a bag full of new 640’s. The fit, finish and general quality of workmanship in the new ones just doesn’t compare.

In recent years I took the plunge into Colts and will say I’m very impressed. I gave a 2” Cobra 38, 3” King Cobra, 1953 Cobra and a 74 Detective Special as well as several other new ones. I really like the new Colts over new Smiths and think the new Colts are improved in several ways over the older Colts. So if I couldn’t find what I wanted in a vintage Smith I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a new Colt.

If you’re looking for one with a bobbed hammer I think there’s a bobbed version of the 2” Cobra or King Cobra.

The Smith J frame is slightly smaller but you have 6 shots in the Colt vs 5 in the Smith. The Cobra is a D frame like the Detective Special with the D frame revolvers being slightly larger than the Smith J frame and smaller than the Smith K frame.

 

[Imissedagain]

Memory can fail, So.....
Make a detailed list of everything you need to check and take your time when checking that Smith.
Hopefully you'll remember to take the list with you.
If you have any close-up vision issues, take what you need as well.
May you be blessed with a great trigger.

Our 460 Carry was perfect when it arrived at Lous Police Supply.
Two rounds of Hornady 200gr FXT and it went back to Smith for a new trigger and cylinder stop.
Turnaround was quick.

The PPKs is a Smith.
Post recall.
Great shooter.

 

[stansdds]

A good number of J-frames get bought, shot a few times, and put away. Before spending $1000 on a new one, I'd look for a gently used one. I have a 640-1, I bought it shortly after S&W introduced the 640-1. I have not had any issues with it, but the quality of S&W seemed to really tumble during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

[MetalMan]

I have a 2021-vintage 640-1 Pro that I obtained used a couple of years ago and which has been mechanically perfect.

Cosmetically, the rollmarks are all a bit light but, as this is my current EDC / range piece, these present no significant issue for me.

My other J’s and K’s are “older”, ranging from 1968 (36 ND) to 1994 (66-4) and the “quality” of my 640-1 Pro is comparable.

As others here have suggested, I’d give your purchase a thorough once-over before pulling the trigger.

…and welcome to our happy family of enablers!

 

[max503]

I would buy it with the awareness that I might have to send it back more than once. Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel in order to get proper results.

 

[Coverdog]

I must be one of the lucky ones. In the last two months I bought a new 5” 627 and a 640 jframe. Both are excellent in every way, finish, fit and accurate.

 

[tlawler]

Welcome to the forum.

Do they still make current production 640 Pros with and without the lock, like the 340PDs? If, not, I’d go the used route also. I picked up a 2016 production 640 Pro back in ‘19 or ‘20 for $600 with the box, paperwork and moonclips. Wish I still had it…my oldest daughter took a shine to it. I’m hoping she’ll bring it home with her over Christmas, because I really like shooting it.

 

[JFrame_Bandido]

Hi everyone. Long time lurker and first time posting! May I ask what benefits the 640 offers over a smaller lighter 442/642 jframe? I know the 640 has better sights and can shoot .357 but realistically it’s heavier and most will only carry and shoot with 38+P.

 

[murphydog]

Hi everyone. Long time lurker and first time posting! May I ask what benefits the 640 offers over a smaller lighter 442/642 jframe? I know the 640 has better sights and can shoot .357 but realistically it’s heavier and most will only carry and shoot with 38+P.

Welcome! You have summarized the differences well. If you will practice and shoot well with the lighter gun it is a good choice, but the weight difference between an alloy and steel J frame is not great. Perhaps trying both out at a rental range would help with a decision.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Hi everyone. Long time lurker and first time posting! May I ask what benefits the 640 offers over a smaller lighter 442/642 jframe? I know the 640 has better sights and can shoot .357 but realistically it’s heavier and most will only carry and shoot with 38+P.

I like many on this forum are sensitive to recoil due to hand and wrist arthritis. The additional weight of the 640 makes the difference as to being able to comfortably shoot our revolvers or not. For a brief period I had a 442 and an M37 and just couldn’t deal with the recoil, pain. As far as magnums or even +P in a J frame, no way. I only shoot light home loaded magnums in my M28 and 6” Python and then just a few per session. No way will I shoot +P or magnums in a light frame gun. I might get the first shot off but there be no follow up shot.

My 2” and 3” Colt are stainless and slightly heavier which make shooting more comfortable. With rubber grips and standard velocity home loads I can shoot 50 rounds and not suffer. So a little extra weight might be an issue for some as far as carrying but for some of us the additional weight make shooting a more pleasurable experience. There was a time when I easily shot 50 or more rounds of hot 44 magnums but those days are gone so the choice is to stop shooting, suffer the pain or adapt. I chose to adapt.

 

[M29since14]

I think you’re overthinking the process. Just order one and look it over carefully before accepting it. If you know your way around revolvers, chances are good that you’ll be fine with a careful inspection. Make up your mind after you SEE the gun.

 

[cometpx4]

640 Pro

I have one from the first year they came out. Have about 800 rounds thru it. All .38 and 38 +P.
The trigger is like butter, the barrel is straight, and the night sights are nice and bright.
I think their j frames are probably the least likely of their new stuff to have issues. Just my observations from handling multiple models at a couple different local shops.
I say get one and shoot the scrap out of it

 

[pasound]

I have a 638. All my j's, and in reality all my shooters have Hogue or Pachmayr grips. After accepting getting older, I need some cushioning for the ones I shoot. It helps.