I have a 640 which I inherited from my father. Wondering when this model was rolled out by S&W? When it came to me it had badly worn rubber boot style grips on it and I replaced those with some carved hardwood grips for a little bit of visual appeal. I use it frequently as an EDC. Thanks in advance!
Model 640 no dash, when was it introduced?
- Thread starter tx_oil
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It was first made in 1989, and early ones were given the (out of alphabetical order) CEN serial number prefix.
,,,,, visual reference. The 640 family,,
The "CEN" prefix is on bottom left.
The "CEN" prefix is on bottom left.
Erich
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Man, and I was managing a gun store in '89 - those things fair to flew out the door. 
.38SuperMan
Member
My 640 no dash has no +P+ marking and has the prefix BPW. It’s just marked 38 Special. I bought it new in the early 90’s and probably have the receipt with the date but can’t remember off the top of my head what year. I’m guessing 91-92??? I have the box, original grips, barrier paper and all the paperwork plus the hang tag. It’s one I carry traveling from time to time. Excellent gun!
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The original “no-dash” 640 was chambered in .38 Special. The .357 Magnum chambering occurred with the -1 engineering change.
Based on the CBC prefix your revolver probably shipped around 1996.
transit
Member
Man, and I was managing a gun store in '89 - those things fair to flew out the door.
When I bought mine new in '94, the Firearms Unit guy laughed at me for how much I'd paid.
Old timers were retiring and selling old 2" guns for $25-$50. That stainless Centennial with boot grips was modern to me, but it was EXPENSIVE. Kind of like the M&P 340 I bought almost thirty years later.
okiegtrider
Member
The Standard Catalog lists the CBC prefix as August 1996.
.38SuperMan
Member
If you don’t mind sharing what is your prefix and is it marked +P+? It’s possible I bought it around 1990, just can’t remember. BPW is the prefix on mine with no +P markings.
transit
Member
The one I bought new in '94 was a CAD. The one I have now is a BSF. Don't recall if I ever looked into when it was made. Probably did and just have forgotten.
BKE is the prefix. Its not stamped even +P but its safe for and more than capable of handling them all day long. It was my authorized backup, plain clothes, off duty weapon. First authorized rounds were 158 grain +P semi wc(not hollow point). Last one was Gold Dot ‘s +P 135 grain. Thousands of these 640’s were authorized for use before they transitioned to semi auto. If there would have been a problem with +P this dept would have had it. I carried it for 20 years active duty and its still in my daily rotation. Low capacity aside you are well armed to protect yourself if anyone acquires one.
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