Help, missing markings on my 640-1 (with pictures)

[Sapper01]

I just picked up a Model 640-1 in .357 on Saturday. My first S&W and also my first revolver. I noticed that it seemed to be missing normal/standard markings/stamps. It has all features of the Pro Series which is what I wanted (i.e. fluted barrel, night sights, no internal lock, recess for moon clips) but it is missing the caliber stamp on the barrel and it isn't stamped "Pro Series". A knowledgeable friend said that every great once in a while, one will get skipped in production and that's probably what happened. The serial is CUJ1622. Model number 640-1. I've attached 5 pictures with the fifth one being what, by all accounts, it SHOULD look like. Can anyone help me determine if this is a Pro Series or not? Is this issue normal? Should I send it in to get the markings? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I think there was someone last week that posted similar questions. I kinda like it better without the markings. More than a few must of went out that way. A CUJxxxx s/n would of been September of 2013. Does the box say anything about it being a Pro Series?

 

[Sapper01]

I'm not sure of the box saying anything but I'll check when I get home from work later. I know the price was in line with the Pro Series. My buddy pointed something out about missing the caliber markings. He said he would probably look into getting the markings put on since they make the .327 Federal and someone might mistakenly use the wrong ammo. But I don't intend to get rid of it and I already know the caliber.

 

[Edmo]

It has an additional rare appeal without the standard markings. I say keep it as is.

Edmo

 

[Sapper01]

I was thinking the same thing. It makes it a rare gun. Maybe if my grandkids (when I have some in the distant future) ever decide to get rid of it, it will be worth more. Who knows.

 

[jughed440]

I think there was someone last week that posted similar questions. I kinda like it better without the markings. More than a few must of went out that way. A CUJxxxx s/n would of been September of 2013. Does the box say anything about it being a Pro Series?

you may be referring to this thread...
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/382326-610-2-finally-something-missing.html

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

No, it was for an unmarked Pro Series.

 

[Sapper01]

I checked the case for my 640 when I got home yesterday and it had a SKU of 178044. This is consistent with the Pro Series SKU. I'm puzzled.

 

[buck460XVR]

Why don't you call or e-mail S&W?


Contact Us - Smith & Wesson

 

[Sapper01]

That would be too easy.

 

[Sapper01]

I shot off an email to CS about this. I'll update as I can so that it may help someone in the future.

 

[Sapper01]

I got a response from S&W this morning and while I'm not sure I'm going to send it in, it's nice to know I have that option. The email reads as follows:

Dear Customer,
I looked up your serial number and you do in fact have the Pro Series model. It looks like the firearm left without the proper engraving on it which is really strange. That definitely isn't something that happens everyday. I would suggest letting us get the firearm back in for inspection just to engrave the necessary things that are missing and to make sure everything else is intact (which it probably is.) You have a lifetime warranty on the firearm so we would take care of all of this at no charge to you.

We have received your email regarding your firearm. We would suggest returning the product for our examination.

For a pre-paid and pre-insured return shipping label, please supply us with the following information so we can process your Pre-Authorized Service Notification.

The pre-paid return label and shipping instructions will be sent to you via e-mail or mail within three to five business days.
If your return is deemed to be a non-warranty repair an estimate of charges will be generated and mailed to you.

Sincerely,

Rachel

 

[Camster]

Never send back a gun that you don't have to.You risk having it pick cosmetic issues that it didn't have originally.
Some may prefer it as it is,I would,but I wouldn't give two seconds thinking about added value for you or your unborn grandchildren.

 

[Sapper01]

I've pretty much decided to keep it as is. It gives it a unique look and appeal, in my eyes. I'm just going to print the email and put it with the paperwork for the gun.

 

[RalphMP9FS]

Along with that email, I think it will add value to your revolver.

 

[b_san]

I doubt it will be any more or less valuable than any other 640 Pro but I'd also probably not send it in just for the missing laser engraving.

 

[RevolverDen]

Along with that email, I think it will add value to your revolver.

+1. Print out a copy or two of that e-mail from S&W and keep one in the case and laminate another for the filing cabinet. Years down the road you can show proof of what you have.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The gun obviously missed a QA inspection point. The question is what else was missed? A heat treat. A fitting. Some critical dimension. Probably nothing.

 

[JAREDSHS]

It is your firearm so the choice is yours alone, but if it were mine, I would be all over S&W's offer to spruce up the markings and check out that new baby at no cost to you.

 

[Sapper01]

Well, the email did say it has a lifetime warranty so I doubt I'll send it in unless I start getting problems. As far as added value, all I can do is take the steps to give it a chance. I wasn't thinking it would add value anytime soon or even in my lifetime. Heck, I hope my kids, grandkids, or great grandkids decide to never get rid of it. Keep it in the family like an heirloom.