Finally My Grail Gun * S&W 646 *
- Thread starter Kingspoke
- Start date
Here are a few pictures of my PC 646
I bought this new in its aluminum case many years ago. SN is RDA01XX. Don't really know what they are going for these days but I'm guessing one of my sons will enjoy it some day
. I am a revolver guy to the end. Pistols are nice and hold a third of a box of ammo, when I started with the Indiana State Police we were issued Model 19's and carried a total of 18 rounds on us, 6 in the gun and 2 drop pouches of 6 rounds each. We traded for Model 66's in the late 70's. Still have both of them.
I bought this new in its aluminum case many years ago. SN is RDA01XX. Don't really know what they are going for these days but I'm guessing one of my sons will enjoy it some day
. I am a revolver guy to the end. Pistols are nice and hold a third of a box of ammo, when I started with the Indiana State Police we were issued Model 19's and carried a total of 18 rounds on us, 6 in the gun and 2 drop pouches of 6 rounds each. We traded for Model 66's in the late 70's. Still have both of them.Attachments
Ohsheepdog
Member
Hahahahahahahahhaha! Always a bonus!
I just bought a 44 mag, cause it was so pretty. 44 mag, definitely is not in my comfort zone. Smith ain't gonna be making any more nickel 29-2's, so I figured what the heck, you never owned one, why not?OK, not logical!!!!
Had several S&W revolvers, none now, but if 44 S&W, 629 Classic DX, and definitely 624-3 or -4.
Still kicking myself for passing one 624-3, 6.5". Just perfectly balanced in any way; enough power when properly loaded, not too heavy and beautiful, graceful appearance.
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OP
Neither 646 traded, came with the aluminum case. I know the product code to be 170165 (36oz) on the PC version. I bought the aluminum case for the non PC version from S&W for $61 plus shipping, but the quality was bad, I sent back!
I noticed how they list the PC version as model 464 on the picture of the SWSC (page 457).
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OP
Though, I've picked up some really nice revolvers since this trade, none will ever take the place of the 646 PC. It is everything I want as a shooter/collector.
I love the looks, the titanium cylinder, the slab barrel, the accuracy, the 'L' frame, etc., and to top it off, I'm a Forty Fanatic! To steal a quote, "They'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands".
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OP
I still don't get this free ammo thing. I've called several online ammo vendors, pleading that I was homeless and had 3 forties to feed, and still, no complimentary ammo!
Actually though, my department did provide ammo on occassion, but generally, since the range was in the department basement, you simply arranged times with the Range Master, for extra shooting beyond the regular qualifying.
OP
I'm a revolver guy also, and I started my career carrying the dept. issue 66, then the 686, and when we transitioned over to the autos (Glocks of varying calibers), I elected to carry my Beretta 8040 instead.
I wish I had known about the 646 when they were giving them away, but then hindsight is always 20/20. My serial is RDA0056, so one of the early ones. It seems to have a good lock up, and little play, but I'll shoot it Tuesday when I go to look at my 1959 model 28 (it's classically beautiful
, at the FFL.
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
It can be hard to tell by just looking at photos, but does it have a 5-inch barrel?Neither 646 traded, came with the aluminum case. I know the product code to be 170165 (36oz) on the PC version. I bought the aluminum case for the non PC version from S&W for $61 plus shipping, but the quality was bad, I sent back!
S&WIowegan
US Veteran
S&W 646s
I bought a PC 646 in a package deal many years ago because I wanted the other gun. Some people sold those PC 646s when they shot factory 180 gr hardball which was uncomfortable. A friend bought two non-PC 646s later on. We jointly realized we could shoot minor loads in IDPA in the 646 to our great advantage. Then, the Wilson crew ruled we had to make major if the gun used moonclips. My friend was so angry he has NEVER shot IDPA since!
I sold my PC version to a forum member who had a goal to own one of each S&W PC revolvers. I got $1000. for it.
I bought a PC 646 in a package deal many years ago because I wanted the other gun. Some people sold those PC 646s when they shot factory 180 gr hardball which was uncomfortable. A friend bought two non-PC 646s later on. We jointly realized we could shoot minor loads in IDPA in the 646 to our great advantage. Then, the Wilson crew ruled we had to make major if the gun used moonclips. My friend was so angry he has NEVER shot IDPA since!
I sold my PC version to a forum member who had a goal to own one of each S&W PC revolvers. I got $1000. for it.
OP
OP
Interesting and sad that the 646 never took off. I would have loved to kept the non PC 646 also, but the owner did not want to give up the 646 all together. He told me he also has a 610 (can't go wrong there), but his passion is for the .32 mag.
I shoot the factory 180 & 165 grain, but it's all together different firing in rapid succession (IDPA), concentrating to stay on target vs my leisurely target shooting. I shoot a 40 Shield (my EDC), so I can't imagine recoil on a 36 oz PC version negatively affecting me.
I'm feel very fortunate to finally acquire this gun (yes!!!), almost on the level of some one finally acquiring the RM!
I just acquired a pre 27, so I'm creeping forward!
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Old Corp
Member
What size drill bit would it take to make it a 10mm?
j/k - very nice. Congrats.
j/k - very nice. Congrats.
OP
That's a very good question and I have found a couple of older links discussing that subject. Me, I love the 40, titanium cylinder, slab side, and the L frame.
I would buy a 610 N frame, but most likely would still shoot the .40 caliber. I am as fanatical as the .41 mag or 44 special cults!
I love how the 646 was set up by Smith & Wesson, but I also am all for those that want to modify or hop up their Smith's to their liking ala Elmer Keith.
Need info on a Model 646
646 reemed out to 10MM???
OP
Picked up my 646 PC
Because of the Labor Day weekend, I didn't get around to picking up my 646 until today. Oh Happy Day!
Soon as I got home I pulled the grips and noticed how the strain screw had backed out and may have cause some of the light primer strikes the previous owner eluded to, with the thicker Rinz type moonclips he gave me.
I will hold off installing the Cylinder & Slide extended firing pin, until tomorrow, when I will put 100-200 rounds through, using primarily Ranch & the Rinz moon clips.
Because of the Labor Day weekend, I didn't get around to picking up my 646 until today. Oh Happy Day!
Soon as I got home I pulled the grips and noticed how the strain screw had backed out and may have cause some of the light primer strikes the previous owner eluded to, with the thicker Rinz type moonclips he gave me.
I will hold off installing the Cylinder & Slide extended firing pin, until tomorrow, when I will put 100-200 rounds through, using primarily Ranch & the Rinz moon clips.
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OP
Side Plate - overall condition
I took the side plate off and the inside looked pretty clean aside from a little too much oil, which collected dirt. I gave it a cleaning but not all out, since I will be shooting tomorrow.
I am quite impressed with the quality of these S&W smooth combat grips! Beautiful and solid! I'm not sure what they came off but, they are dated 19 Dec 1988. Very solid, and beautiful, so thank you Smith & Wesson. Now, I'll have to buy a gun to wear them!
I took the side plate off and the inside looked pretty clean aside from a little too much oil, which collected dirt. I gave it a cleaning but not all out, since I will be shooting tomorrow.
I am quite impressed with the quality of these S&W smooth combat grips! Beautiful and solid! I'm not sure what they came off but, they are dated 19 Dec 1988. Very solid, and beautiful, so thank you Smith & Wesson. Now, I'll have to buy a gun to wear them!
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OP
Altamont Smooth Combats
So, I tried out the Altamont Smooth Combat grips, and they fit very nice, and felt very comfortable. I believe these are the original grips (at least they look like them), that came with the PC version of the 646.
Can't wait to hit the range tomorrow and see how it goes. I love the look and feel of these Altamont SC grips. I also tried the round to square set, but the right panel did not fit well and will need some filing, to snug up the upper right portion.
This gun will be on my night stand just so I can admire it!
So, I tried out the Altamont Smooth Combat grips, and they fit very nice, and felt very comfortable. I believe these are the original grips (at least they look like them), that came with the PC version of the 646.
Can't wait to hit the range tomorrow and see how it goes. I love the look and feel of these Altamont SC grips. I also tried the round to square set, but the right panel did not fit well and will need some filing, to snug up the upper right portion.
This gun will be on my night stand just so I can admire it!
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OP
Range Day
So I fired 205 rounds today of Blazer Brass 180gr FMJ, at the range today. I discovered I'm actually a little more accurate with this PC version, primarily because the smoother PC trigger action. Having 2oz less barrel than the full lug, non PC version, did make it seem like it may have had a little more recoil, but I was able to get back on target with the smooth trigger action.
I had 3 light primer strikes, of which 2 were on a single Ringz moon.clip and 1 on a Ranch moon clip. When I took the grips off to clean the weapon, I could see the strain screw backed out. I'll try some Locktite or a different screw.
At this point, I don't think a firing pin change is in order. I love the 646, and the Altamont Smooth Combats added to the looks and comfort! Couldn't be happier with the trade I made, to get this special revolver. Cheers!
So I fired 205 rounds today of Blazer Brass 180gr FMJ, at the range today. I discovered I'm actually a little more accurate with this PC version, primarily because the smoother PC trigger action. Having 2oz less barrel than the full lug, non PC version, did make it seem like it may have had a little more recoil, but I was able to get back on target with the smooth trigger action.
I had 3 light primer strikes, of which 2 were on a single Ringz moon.clip and 1 on a Ranch moon clip. When I took the grips off to clean the weapon, I could see the strain screw backed out. I'll try some Locktite or a different screw.
At this point, I don't think a firing pin change is in order. I love the 646, and the Altamont Smooth Combats added to the looks and comfort! Couldn't be happier with the trade I made, to get this special revolver. Cheers!
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S&WsRsweet
Member
Congrats on scoring a great revolver with an obvious following of shooters. Looking at your targets you did pretty good I can't imagine how much better you will shoot with " old man sights"lol .
OP
Well thank you, for that great compliment. The 646, does seem to have a small but dedicated group shooters & collectors.
Cheers!
