New (to me) .357 Magnum Model 640-1

[Robinett_11B]

Picked this stout little J-frame up a couple weeks ago through a GB auction. I've owned a few Centennials throughout the last couple years...042, 442, 642, 640 & 940...but this 640-1 might just be a favorite out of all of them. It's got a great size/weight/power/controllability balance for me, almost perfect actually. I made sure to seek one out that still had forged parts and real roll marks. Looks like these were made right as S&W was making "the switch" to MIM and laser etchings. I paid more than I'd liked to have paid, but this little snub is everything I wanted out of a lighter CC piece and they're never going to make these again.

I understand some may see these guns as too heavy for CC and too light for .357 loads, thus making them a niche gun, but it fits my purpose perfectly...which is a stand-in for my 2.5" M66 when I'd rather pack something lighter. It carries much better IWB than the K-frame when wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Anyone else a fan of the 640-1?

The 640-1 with the 66-1...an appreciable difference when carrying in warm weather!

 

[18DAI]

Congrats!

Yes, I'm a fan of the 640-1. Only J-frame I own.....or need.

Heavy and durable enough to practice with regularly, yet small and light weight enough to carry easily.

Last of the everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't J-frames. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

 

[kdailey]

I agree with both of you, 640-1 is a cool revolver.

 

[Sebago Son]

Anyone else a fan of the 640-1?

A fan? Oh Hell YEAH!

The 640-1 Centennial Magnum is the pinnacle of the J Frame design. I own a few of them...

If you get the right holster CCW is not a problem.

This is our own Lefty Lewis' "New York Reload"...

Lefty's company Bell Charter Oak Holsters is a Vendor here.

I load mine with Remington Fed-Spec 110 Grn. Low-Flash .357 Magnums. It's a good compromise between controllability, power, expansion, penetration and has a fairly good street cred in short barrelled guns.

You can find Lefty's goods here.... BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483

Drew

 

[gunny4053]

The 640-1 was one of my favorite CCWs, unfortunately, I was swayed by the "grass is greener on the other side of the street" thing and sold mine. One of my stupider moments. Great little guns, easily carried, accurate enough, and reliable as sunrise. Congrats on a fine acquisition.

 

[mpi]

I've loved this little gun from day one, carried one as a backup when in uniform and it never failed me.

had a second one which i gave to a good old friend who was looking for a good carry piece and a couple weeks after i gave it to her she used it to defend her companies office from a disgruntled employee! also almost shot a local borough officer when he made a wellness check for her twitchy husband one afternoon. she was in the tub and forgot to call him. the officer found the front door open and under the influence of the twitchy hubby, he entered. she met him halfway up the stairs in a small towel and the 640. i imagine it was quite a picture as she's a hefty gal.
lol

 

[Robinett_11B]

Congrats!

Yes, I'm a fan of the 640-1. Only J-frame I own.....or need.

Heavy and durable enough to practice with regularly, yet small and light weight enough to carry easily.

Last of the everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't J-frames. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

I completely agree. I hope I finally found "the" Centennial I think this one's a winner though.

I agree with both of you, 640-1 is a cool revolver.

That's cool. I remember seeing those when they first came out. Looks like S&W was sitting on some NOS and decided to make some special runs out of their old 640-1 frames...same with that newer Pro Series run too.

A fan? Oh Hell YEAH!

The 640-1 Centennial Magnum is the pinnacle of the J Frame design. I own a few of them...

If you get the right holster CCW is not a problem.

I load mine with Remington Fed-Spec 110 Grn. Low-Flash .357 Magnums. It's a good compromise between controllability, power, expansion, penetration and has a fairly good street cred in short barrelled guns.
Drew

That looks like some nice leather...I love that NY reload piece! Looks like something out of a movie I'm carrying the 640-1 in a newer Bianchi #6 right now, but I'm looking for an older one right now. I think this little J-Magnum will make a good coat pocket gun when the weather cools down too.

The 640-1 was one of my favorite CCWs, unfortunately, I was swayed by the "grass is greener on the other side of the street" thing and sold mine. One of my stupider moments. Great little guns, easily carried, accurate enough, and reliable as sunrise. Congrats on a fine acquisition.

Thanks. I'm going to have to try and remember what you've said here and do what I can to not be swayed to let this little .357 go. I'm frequently buying/selling/trading, but I think I'd miss this one sorely if I let this one get away.

I've loved this little gun from day one, carried one as a backup when in uniform and it never failed me.

had a second one which i gave to a good old friend who was looking for a good carry piece and a couple weeks after i gave it to her she used it to defend her companies office from a disgruntled employee! also almost shot a local borough officer when he made a wellness check for her twitchy husband one afternoon. she was in the tub and forgot to call him. the officer found the front door open and under the influence of the twitchy hubby, he entered. she met him halfway up the stairs in a small towel and the 640. i imagine it was quite a picture as she's a hefty gal.
lol

Haha...thanks for the entertaining story! That's great that she was able to use it defensively though. Good on you for giving one to your friend

 

[quinn]

Yea, boy! I have a pair of 640-1's (actually, my wife thinks one of them is hers). We also have the lightweight versions 442 and 340PD as well as an elderly Model 40. They fit in my jeans pocket soooo well.

 

[DeeBee]

I just got the exact same gun, from gunbroker ANIB, with the forged parts and roll marks. I got it for $414, which, I thought was a pretty good deal. I will post some pics when I pick it up.

 

[mpi]

she's a good friend, even if she is a liberal. i wish i had been there t see the uniforms face!

 

[DeeBee]

Just picked up mine today. Looks like it was fired about 5 times. Now to decide on grips?? Hmmmm?

 

[bronco45]

I love my 640-1, it's a great shooter and a joy to carry:

 

[jack the toad]

I just got the exact same gun, from gunbroker ANIB, with the forged parts and roll marks. I got it for $414, which, I thought was a pretty good deal. I will post some pics when I pick it up.

I think you got a deal at that price. I like the 640-1 I acquiried from the original buyer who shot less than 50 rds before deciding to sell it for $450. I got the box and all that came with it but since I'm more of a shooter than collector, that stuff is nice but not a big deal to me.
Also congrats to the OP on his 640-1 purchase.

 

[SOUTHPAW]

S&W 640-1

I love mine!!!!! BSY8xxx
AIWB & GD 135gr.+P

 

[Iggy]

Got one on my belt as I type this.. I carry it in the summer time and a Mdl 19 in the winter.

 

[jsw229]

Been carrying one as a back-up since 1995. Now loaded with 135 gr Gold dots and always carried in a under arm vest holster. As I sit here typing this while working the side job, my little buddy is right there by my side.

Over the years I have let many a young Officer feel the power of the little hand cannon. Unfortunately the vast majority go with the mini versions of tactical tuppeware. But every now and then I turn one to the good side. Was lucky enough a couple of weeks ago to find a 640 in one of the local shops. Knew a young officer from another agency that I does not own a firearm except for his duty weapon. Stayed on him for three days straight untill he stopped by, then walked it out the door for $320. Next day had to take him shopping for the accessories and some good +p ammo.