Model 40 - Never Seen One Before

[flundertaker]

Looked at a pristine no dash model 40 with a L serial number. No box, just gun $600. Sweet gun for CCW but I don't know about a grip safety. To me is on par with an IL. The reason I like revolvers is because the only safety I should have to worry about is the one between my ears. Still a neat gun that I never knew existed. I'm guessing it never took off as the production run was relatively small. If I could get it without the grip safety I would be more interested. I'm sure I can and someone far smarter than I will be along in a minute to tell me what model I need to look for. Thanks in advance.

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[Kernel Crittenden]

The M640 was basically an all steel Centennial without the grip safety. It was introduced in 1990. The early ones, before the -1, were .38 Spl +P guns. I don't know if they ever made a blued steel version. Would seem odd that they didn't.

I wouldn't worry about Smith's grip safety. It's a good design and, if you consider the top-breaks, they'd been making it for a loooooong time. It's proven. Take the grips off to see how it works. It's amazingly simple.

 

[colt_saa]

The grip safety dos require a good and proper grip on the revolver to reliably fire. This was problem in the early days. So much of a problem that many owners of the original model 40s would pin the grip safety so it was non-functional.

Depending on the age, if you pull the grips, you will probably notice that there is a little factory pre-drilled hole through the frame that allows the owner to do this quite easily. The pin to do this should also be stored under the grips, but it often got lost.

The most recent model 40 production, the -1 engineering revision, does not have the factory pre-drilled hole to disable the grip safety (lawyers )

The other drawback to a model 40 is if you intend to change grips. Most J-frame grips will not fit this gun due to the grip safety.

 

[beagleye]

My model 40 grip safety works perfectly. It disengages naturally when I pull the trigger with no extra thought or effort, but it gives me an extra margin of safety while pulling the gun out of a pocket holster.

 

[H Richard]

I have no problem with mine, but I have heard a few with large hands have difficulty with the safety. In that case just pin it down.

 

[DAinTX]

Beautiful guns, colt and beagle! That engraved one is awesome!

 

[shouldazagged]

I would buy the gun and pin the safety. I love the 1990 M640 I've carried for years, but the 40 is a really cool classic.

 

[F224]

Sounds like it is priced a bit high. I just picked up a NIB M40 for under $390 with sales tax out the door. I'll have to check the dash number, but it is relatively new production, I think within the last three or four years.

 

[paintinlace]

Model 40, picking up soon

I found a model 40, nickel plated with the box and cleaning equipment that looks to be all original. I put it on layaway at Antique and Modern Firearms in Lex. KY. They have a ton of old Smith revolvers. I bought if for my mother in law as a Christmas gift, If she doesn't like it I will be glad to trade my 340ct Gave 595. for it and I will say it looks like it has maybe a box of rounds through it. I was just amazed. Truth is the 40 is tighter than my 340ct in every aspect especially in the cylinder department. Beautiful guns guys, great post.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The original M40 was discontinued in 1974. It was the original J-frame Centennial, being introduced in 1952 - the 100 year anniversary of S&W's founding (hence Centennial). S&W reintroduced it as a -1 in 2009 IINM. It had the new style J-Magnum frame, but no key-lock. It lasted a few years and was discontinued again.