Anybody else like the 640 in .38spl? Pic.

[diamonback68]

Decided on my latest carry gun. Had a couple 60s, but didn't like the spur. Had a 640 in .357 Mag, but didn't like the kick and extra weight. Decide my next carry gun would be a 640 in .38spl. Found a 99% 640 at a GS this weekend for a good buy price of $400. Replaced grips with these Altamont boot grips. Loaded her with Speer God Dot SB 135GR +Ps and I feel well armed enough. Whatcha think?

 

[papajohn428]

Very Nice! I think the lightweight Smiths are the Beans, my pocket gun is a 642, but I'm also quite fond of my 36-1. The latter may be the prettiest gun I own, so it doesn't get carried, but it sure gets fondled a lot!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I guess I'm half the opposite. I like the extra weight but I like it with your favorite load. I bought a pair of Altimont grips similar to yours but when back to rubber when it came close to flying out of my hand. I need the extra grip that the checkered rubber gives me. But that is one class act shooter.

 

[Person]

Very nice!

 

[minconrevo]

I've carried my 640 .38 Spl many a year. A fair number of aggressive cottonmouths have met their demise to it and shotshells. It's only a tad heavier than a 642/442. The extra couple ounces make it much more comfortable to shoot/handle. It is heavy enough to make practicing with it, using mid-range or standard velocity ammo, a pleasure. In a good holster, the bit of additional weight is unnoticeable.

I've fired one of the heavier (and clunky IMO) .357 "improved" versions; don't like 'em.

 

[slowburninsteve]

My J frames

Here's mine with Craig Spegal boot grips when he first got into the grip business. It is one of my favorites, but......

This is the J frame that owns my heart!

Steve

 

[diamonback68]

I've fired one of the heavier (and clunky IMO) .357 "improved" versions; don't like 'em.

You said it a little better than I, but that was my same impression.

 

[diamonback68]

I bought a pair of Altimont grips similar to yours but when back to rubber when it came close to flying out of my hand.

I can't imagine any .38spl flying out of my hand. Had grips like this on other J-frame .38s and it never happened to me.

 

[SAFireman]

I have the 357 mag version that gets carried quite a bit....I never have liked the hammer protrusion for pocket carried guns...and I like the ability to shoot 357 if I get a wild hair

I do practice with 38 specials in the 640, but I carry mag loads for SD purposes (and I have the shot shells handy for woods walking when the rattlers may be on the loose). I have kept the Uncle Mike's combat grips that came with it as they provide an all weather grip and they are not prone to slipping around in my hands with the magnum rounds.

 

[RychenCop]

very nice...i want one

 

[357larry]

Good find. I haggled with a guy at a gunshow a while back for one. He would not budge off of his $475 asking price so I passed. For $400, I would have bought it.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

Here's mine, early CEN prefix model marked TESTED FOR +P+. I need to get some better pics too.

 

[suckersrus]

My wife prefers the 38 Special

I like the 357 Magnum

However, a couple years ago I discovered a 357 Magnum J-frame that is much lighter. I also discovered I like the hammer for more precise shooting.
So, here'sssssssss the 360PD!
Ankle carry is a breeze and with belt carry I forget I have it.
Carry a lot, shoot a little.

 

[white cloud]

Here's mine with Craig Spegal boot grips when he first got into the grip business. It is one of my favorites, but......

This is the J frame that owns my heart!

Steve

a big +1 on the non magnum 649! i put executioners on mine.

 

[jeffrey]

I've got one that is a twin brother to the one Sonny Crocket has: CEN prefix and +P+. I had a 640-1, but I found that .38 special worked just fine for me and I didn't like the extra weight of the -1 and really didn't like the extra recoil of the .357 magnum in a J frame.

It is my EDC -- now in a holster from Alan Remora that works as both a pocket holster and a IWB holster and a cross-draw for driving. Great holster from a first class gentleman. Take a look at Home of the Original Remora No Clip Holster. Absolute niftiest holster I have ever seen, used or even heard of -- and reasonably priced!

 

[Allen-frame]

Dick, ya must be gettin old.(kidding)
The first rule in a gunfight is;
bring a gun.
The second rule is; bring enough gun.

That said, I just handled my first 640-1 on Saturday at a show.
After seeing how it's over engineered and oh so- heavy duty,
I fell for it and bought it. $460. total and boy do I like it.
I carry it in my pocket with Mag-safe 357 in it.

Of course I also have a Colt Commander, or a Glok 29 in 10m.m. for
more serious social situations.

I can't imagine needing too much gun in that little burg
in central Florida you live in, but one never knows!

Good luck, and be safe.

Allen Frame

 

[Hovnnes]

I replaced my Detective Special with a 640 after a tragic gang shooting at a shopping mall during Christmas season about 16 years ago. The take home lesson was that there may not be time to draw a defensive arm when wearing heavy winter clothing. Shooting through a pocket might be your only chance and the 640 seemed to be made for just that sort of contingency.

 

[vytoland]

spurless, in .38 special, is the only way to fly.....................

S&W model 649 (no dash)
S&W model 64-4

 

[edw794]

640 38 special with spegel grips

 

[Maximumbob54]

I can't imagine any .38spl flying out of my hand. Had grips like this on other J-frame .38s and it never happened to me.

Mine is the .357 model. I poorly worded what I was trying to say. Smooth Alamonts + .357 + non vice grips fingers = almost face time.

.38 special on the other hand is sweet to the point that I found some wood grips and I want a Tyler in front. I think that would look, shoot, and be as good as it's likely to get.