New to me 640-2 - date?

[yep380]

Hey all,

I picked this 640-2 up from a sale in this forum a couple/few weeks ago. I didn't post when I got it 'cause I wanted to shoot it first. Finally had some decent weather today, so I went out and put 50 handloaded wadcutters through it.

Wow, what a trigger on this gun! I have a 442-1 which is my only "hammerless" (yes, I know, please let's not go over this here!) jframe. I have to say, the trigger on this 640 is just so much smoother than the 442. Perhaps it's the weight of the gun? Speaking of the weight, having those extra ounces really does make for a softer shooting jframe. This gun was downright pleasant to shoot with my handloads.

The seller told me he bought it new and hadn't fired the gun much. It is in really great shape and I'm very happy with it. I'm wondering if someone could get me close to the date it was made or originally shipped? Serial # is CCE22XX.

Thanks for any info.

 

[adwjc]

4th ed SCSW pg 491 lists CCE as 1997.

Notes on pg 315 state that 640-2 was reintroduced in 1997 for the NYPD, with serial # JD7135.

Keep in mind, the J magnum frame was in production in 1996 (640-1)

 

[Bill In Texas]

Nice! I really like the 640's. My 640-1 is pretty much my EDC. I hope that you like yours as much. Great little guns! Enjoy!

 

[yep380]

4th ed SCSW pg 491 lists CCE as 1997.

Notes on pg 315 state that 640-2 was reintroduced in 1997 for the NYPD, with serial # JD7135.

Keep in mind, the J magnum frame was in production in 1996 (640-1)

Thank you for that info. My understanding is the original owner was on the nypd at the time he originally purchased the gun. The box did not say nypd on it, which I’ve seen on others online.

Anyway, I’ve been carrying it since shooting it. It’s a bit heavier in the pocket than the 442 (I use a desantis nemasis holster, btw) but it’s really not bad at all. I really like feel of it in hand and am looking forward to putting more rounds down range when the weather turns nice again.

 

[STCM(SW)]

My 640-1 has the best DA trigger of any of my J frames...
https://i.postimg.cc/J0StPVvL/M-640.jpg

 

[NCBeagle]

That looks different than my 640-2, built on the J Magnum frame but chambered in 38+P only. Light bead blast finish.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[murphydog]

I think they are both the same gun with a slight finish variation; the NYPD authorized issue versions I have seen had the bead blast finish, but perhaps the OP has one intended for the commercial market, or a factory overrun? Forum member Big Boku knows a lot about these and may be along to comment.

 

[NCBeagle]

I think they are both the same gun with a slight finish variation; the NYPD authorized issue versions I have seen had the bead blast finish, but perhaps the OP has one intended for the commercial market, or a factory overrun? Forum member Big Boku knows a lot about these and may be along to comment.

Barrel on mine looks heavier / longer, to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BigBoku]

I think they are both the same gun with a slight finish variation; the NYPD authorized issue versions I have seen had the bead blast finish, but perhaps the OP has one intended for the commercial market, or a factory overrun? Forum member Big Boku knows a lot about these and may be along to comment.

When the 640-2 was reauthorized for the NYPD they built on the magnum frame with full lug 2 1/8” barrel and chambered for .38 special only.

The plastic S&W box did indicate NYPD on the end label.
Here is a link from an older post with a picture of the end label from DC7 who is a great guy!
Model 640-2 NYPD over run question

The reason for this variant was that S&W discontinued the standard .38 Special frame with 1 7/8” unshrouded barrel in favor of the .357 Magnum frame and wanted to remain an authorized option for the NYPD which mandated the revolver was .38 Special only.

It was short lived as in 1997 9mm off duty weapons became authorized and the off duty revolvers were no longer an option for new hires.

Hard to believe it’s 22 years since off duty revolvers were authorized! Well not that hard when I see the look on the young guys faces when they notice I have a blued revolver with a hammer spur (Colt DS��).

Stay safe,
BB

 

[yep380]

FWIW, here is the post in which the gun I now own was advertised. There is a pic of the box there if anyone is interested: **SOLD** WTS 640-2 .38spl.

There are a couple things I find interesting about the 640:

1. There was a .357 version of it.
2. There are apparently 640-2 models with different barrel configurations. I just learned this today!

 

[BigBoku]

The .357 magnum version is why S&W moved away from the standard and transitioned to the magnum frame. We were told by S&W that they would continue to produce the 640 with the magnum frame in .38 Special only for the Department as a special order. The reason S&W did this is they were told the 640 In .357 could not be approved as is and downloaded with .38 Special and could only be approved if it was .38 Special only.

You have a early variant at the point of transition which is very nice and Demko is a great guy.

 

[yep380]

The .357 magnum version is why S&W moved away from the standard and transitioned to the magnum frame. We were told by S&W that they would continue to produce the 640 with the magnum frame in .38 Special only for the Department as a special order. The reason S&W did this is they were told the 640 In .357 could not be approved as is and downloaded with .38 Special and could only be approved if it was .38 Special only.

You have a early variant at the point of transition which is very nice and Demko is a great guy.

I really do like this gun. I’ve never been into stainless or nickel guns, preferring black, but now I’m on the prowl for a 649 as I like humpbacks a lot.

Quick question: does that extra ridge by the cylinder release make it a magnum frame? Does the full underlug on the bbl have anything to do with magnum vs non-magnum as well?

Edit: fwiw, I do know that the cylinder and frame is longer in a j magnum frame - I’m wondering if there are any metallurgical or structural differences as well.

Thank you.

 

[BigBoku]

I am with you, I have a 640 no dash sitting in my safe and wont part with it.

There are quite a few forum members that can provide you a list of every production change year by year.

IMHO it did not take much to make the 640 .357 magnum ready as the gun was already overbuilt for .38 Special including +P. When the 640 made its debut it was designed to be built like a tank that will continue to shoot with little to no problems for generations.

The heavier cylinder stop and fully shrouded 2 1/8" barrel just added to what is a super robust frame that again was overbuilt even for a .357 Magnum. These changes not only made the little beefy J more robust but also enhanced performance characteristics.

I can admit the fully shrouded barrel eliminated the occasional bent E Rod I have seen from inadvertent contact.

 

[yep380]

IMHO it did not take much to make the 640 .357 magnum ready as the gun was already overbuilt for .38 Special including +P. When the 640 made its debut it was designed to be built like a tank that will continue to shoot with little to no problems for generations.

It is a stout little gun, that's for sure.

My original plan was to use the 640 to test my .38 reloads and as a range gun, while continuing to carry the 442. After shooting and carrying the 640 though, I'm rethinking that.

And, as I said, I'm now keeping an eye out for a 649. I feel like I'm passing the threshold of "accumulating" jframes into "collecting" them.

 

[murphydog]

Quick question: does that extra ridge by the cylinder release make it a magnum frame? Does the full underlug on the bbl have anything to do with magnum vs non-magnum as well?

Yes, the J Magnum frame has the integral frame lug as you describe it.

As far as I know, the only .38 Special made with the 2.125” full underlug barrel was the 640-2.