Deciding between auction listings for model 640

[T2star]

I'm in the market for a model 640 (no dash 38 special) to incorporate into my EDC rotation as I currently carry primarily a 649. There are several options currently available online, but I'm having a hard time deciding between a few of them based on the information provided and my close scrutiny of the photos. I'm hoping any individuals might be gracious enough to private message me and help with my decision.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I bought a new 640 no dash (38 special only) in 1994 and still carry it. I like the size of the 38 only vs the 357 model and probably wouldn't carry one loaded with 357's anyway due to heavy recoil. The accuracy is excellent and the trigger is probably the best I've seen in a J frame. I don't have any experience with later 357 models but expect them to be comparable.

 

[T2star]

I'm interested in one for all the reasons you listed, and I should have specified these are 38 special no dash versions, and not the 357.

 

[L-2]

This thread is little better than me posting a reply of, "What am I thinking about this subject? PM me for my ideas."

It's difficult online to know how a particular 640 or any firearm will actually be in terms of reliability or quality. Some folks have been lucky and are quite satisfied. Others are disappointed and the firearm turn out to be less than hoped-for or expected.

Realize, any 640-used, could need going back to S&W for some reason, which may entail ~$200 (my estimate) in shipping, then parts & labor costs for just about anything. You'll also have any costs associated with an online purchase to be paid to your local FFL for transfer.

Hopefully, you'll have good luck and find a specimen which as been shot and carried very little. I was tempted to buy them out from under you, just looking at them

I do own and occasionally carry a later model 640-1 Pro with .38 Special +P and seldom shoot or carry .357 Magnum. Let us know how your purchase goes.

 

[T2star]

This thread is little better than me posting a reply of, "What am I thinking about this subject? PM me for my ideas."

It's difficult online to know how a particular 640 or any firearm will actually be in terms of reliability or quality. Some folks have been lucky and are quite satisfied. Others are disappointed and the firearm turn out to be less than hoped-for or expected.

Realize, any 640-used, could need going back to S&W for some reason, which may entail ~$200 (my estimate) in shipping, then parts & labor costs for just about anything.

Hopefully, you'll have good luck and find a specimen which as been shot and carried very little. I was tempted to buy them out from under you, just looking at them

I do own and occasionally carry a later model 640-1 Pro with .38 Special +P and seldom shoot or carry .357 Magnum. Let us know how your purchase goes.

Well, let me try to make it a little clearer. Keep in mind I only made this post as I wanted a little advice from the experienced people here.

There is also one listed for $950 that appears pristine, and only a few years older than one of the two clearly more used models both with a $650 buy now price. Unfortunately, it seems to me on the $950 one there is marring on the ejector rod, and one of the ejector star ratchets. Had I not noticed these defects (or them not being present), I would have bought it outright and never made a post. If I had the opportunity to handle the piece, it may very well turn out these are purely cosmetic defects. However, they do give me some pause on an item that otherwise appears perfect and shot very little, especially at that price tag. I do my best to scrutinize the listing and photos to minimize my not having to replace or repair an item, having twice now replaced ejector rods that were slightly bent with the only clue being marring on the provided photos.

On the other hand, the items at $650 do not have apparent defects, however have clearly been shot much more. While I'm happy to, and quite enjoy, giving used purchases a full disassembly and thorough cleaning, and knowing this is going to be an EDC tool, I'm a little more inclined toward one of the $650 listings.

Just trying to spitball instead of rake leaves..

 

[nedlate]

I know prices have gone up but I would not pay that much for a 640. More in line pricewise to me-$500 +-. I have one but my brother borrowed it a few years ago!

Ed

 

[L-2]

I totally agree on the $650 listings, compared to the $950 listing. The $300 difference makes up for the big "IF" it should ever need to go back to S&W for any repair short of something catastrophic.

Good eye on noticing the potential problem(s) on the $950 listing.

Although shot some, at $650, this isn't going to be a collector-item anyway, but an EDC firearm.

Model 640 | Smith & Wesson

Realize the pricing of these used, discontinued 640 no dashes will result in a price of a new 640-3 (msrp $799), and almost to a 640-1 Pro (msrp $899) if you can find a brand new one. A new one might require a different holster, however, due to small dimensional differences.

Money-wise and thinking of what I'd do, I'd just buy one of those $650 ones and in ~week, you'll know if it can be immediately carried or if it'll need to be sent back to S&W for refurbishment (hope not).

My recent experience of spending gun-money was, last week, I was on an email notification list for a gun product. The product became available, at least a few, but I waiting ~5 hours thinking about it and they were all sold out by the time I decided to buy. A week later, it became available again and I bought it right away. A few minutes later it or they were sold out again (unknown how many came in or only one; it was an AR15 upper-only).

In my case, the product I was buying was still a currently offered item. In this thread's situation, we're dealing with a finite amount of discontinued 640 no-dashes left. I suppose, if I came across one of these 640 no-dashes in person for sale, I'd buy it immediately if it checked out as best as I could do in-person at $650 or less. I also appreciate those older .38 Special J-frames, but ended up with a 640 Pro as I couldn't find one.

 

[mikerjf]

Pay attention to the # sales and feedback, you may get a dealer who will stand behind any issues. I would not pay up for perfection in a gun to be carried.

I understand you thinking 38Sp, my thinking along that line is: If I only want to shoot 38Sp I might consider an airweight instead; If I'm going to lug steel around it might as well be able to shoot 357 in case I want to, or if that's all I can find. And the 357 will be a few ounces heavier than the 38Sp, to help with recoil.

Good luck!

 

[Marshal Tom]

I thought I wanted one some time back. I went to a gun show to look for one and lo and behold, a guy came walking through the show with one for sale.I even followed him to his house and got the box for it. It had been shot and carried. I cleaned it up with a scotch Brite and maybe a little Flits. It looked like new, almost. I ended up selling it a short time later for a hundred more than I paid for it. It was the .38, not the .357.
If I were to do it again, I would opt for the 640 PRO for the better sights alone.

 

[bluelund79]

Pretty interesting situation given the enormous price differences between your choices. Do all of them fit your criteria, besides the exact model? If it does, buy it. If you have your reservations, wait until you find one that checks all of the boxes for you.

 

[357larry]

Have you checked the For Sale section of this Forum? I See Forum member Doot has one listed for sale for $550 + $25 shipping. Says it comes with the box.
The 640 no dash guns are great. I have one and my wife has one. Never had a problem with either one of them and we both find them comfortable to shoot.

 

[T2star]

I requested and received some additional photos on one of the $650 buy it now options, it fit the bill, and I purchased it. Thank you all for the posts and insights.