Pro 640 vs Pro 60

[amheck]

I think I've narrowed it down to these two. I had originally wanted to pick up a 442/642 and while there are some really great prices online this weekend on those models (including even the Bodyguard 38), I think I'm going to pass and pick up something a little heavier.

From what I understand, the Pro 60 is a current model and still seems to be somewhat available. The Pro 640, on the other hand, I think is discontinued and I'll either have to find something new-old-stock or used. Which is fine by me, I just wanted to confirm.

Anyone with experience with both of these? I don't currently carry and would just like a small-ish revolver that both the wife and I can practice with and then throw in the car, purse or pocket if we feel the need. I think the internal hammer on the 640 is a plus, but I do find the Pro 60 very good looking.

At this point, I guess its a coin flip for me, but wanted to see what you guys thought, too.

Thanks!

 

[SAFireman]

The Centennial is the bees knees for pocket carry, and it lends itself quite well to most needs of a CCW holder.

 

[amheck]

By the Centennial, do you mean this one? The engraved 640?

https://grabagun.com/smith-wesson-640-cent-2-1-8-5rd-sts-wd-engrvd.html

 

[Hapworth]

640 Pro isn't discontinued. It's a little more compact, if you value that; the sights are better set-up for day or night defensive use; is factory cut for moon clips, which are great; and has no internal lock, which many prefer.

 

[gnystrom]

Are you talking about the 640 Pro Series and the Mod.60 Pro Series? If so both are available.

Mod. 60 pro Series

Mod 640 Pro Series

 

[Mister X]

Based on what you wrote, I would say perhaps reconsider the 642. You sound like a prospective casual gun owner looking to have a gun around "just in case".

The 60 pro series is not a very good choice for a pocket or purse gun since it has an exposed hammer, a 3 inch barrel and is relatively heavy. Plus it will be double the price of the 642. The 640 will work although a bit heavy for pocket carry and will still be substantially more expensive than the 642. If it's between the 60 Pro and 640 pro, I would definitely recommend getting the 640 hands down.

 

[amheck]

gnystrom, yeah, those are the two I was considering. I guess I missed the 640 pro on the S&W site (but I see it now) so I thought maybe it was discontinued.

I have quite a few guns, but just no small revolvers. Like I said, I've asked multiple times about the airweights, just the overwhelming concensus seems to be to stay away from them, especially if its something I want my wife to feel comfortable shooting.

Maybe I need to feel the 640's and 642 and see what the difference feels like.

 

[SAFireman]

By the Centennial, do you mean this one? The engraved 640?

https://grabagun.com/smith-wesson-640-cent-2-1-8-5rd-sts-wd-engrvd.html

There is a whole line of enclosed hammer J frames. The ones that I know of offhand are: Chief's Special Hammerless (pre-model 40), Models: 40, 42, 442, 642, 640 (and the many variants).

 

[Mister X]

I've asked multiple times about the airweights, just the overwhelming concensus seems to be to stay away from them, especially if its something I want my wife to feel comfortable shooting.

Much depends on context. Some guys are "shooters" who like to spend a great deal of their time putting holes in paper at the range. Some people are only interested in personal defense. The two are not synonymous. Do you want a range or target gun or an always handy, always with you personal defense weapon.

The 642 is not the most pleasant gun to shoot all day at the range, but it's a great self-defense weapon. Civilian self-defense takes place at extremely close distances(generally contact distances out to a few yards). It doesn't take hours of non-stop practice and to be able to hit with a airweight snub from 3 yards away for anyone. My wife and elderly mother have absolutely no issues shooting their putting rounds on target from realistic defense distances with the 642/442, so I don't see why your wife would either.

Here's a spot on article from Massad Ayoob that expands on these ideas... WILSON DEFENSE JOURNAL: The real ladies gun by Massad Ayoob

...

 

[gnystrom]

OK. If you want a gun you and your wife can take to the range or walk in the woods, and both of you shoot a reasonable group, I would go with the 3" Mod.60 Pro Series. The extra inch of barrel makes a lot of difference accuracy wise, especially for less experienced shooters because they have the option of firing single action. The front sight on the 3" Mod. 60, in my opinion, needs a touch of red paint. I did mine without interfering with the tiny tritium night sight dot buried half way down the factory front sight.

The 640 hammerless is a good solid gun and very accurate especially with a set of CT lasergrips. I feel it is much better suited to more experienced shooters due to the short barrel length.

Both of mine are headed to the range tomorrow for a workout. A few minutes ago I installed a set of the new Crimson Trace LG350 lasergrips with a green laser on the 640 Pro. That green dot projects a long way and really is very visible. Gotta get them sighted in.

 

[Bastogne71]

I have both but gnystrom beat me to my answer. I use the M-60 as a light belt gun when a big L or N frame is too much but I want more than a 22lr. A kit gun for walks in the woods or fun at the range. But it's too long for a pocket pistol unless you wear deep pocket cargo pants.
The M-640 is an outstanding concealed carry pistol. Moon clip reloading and the best fixed sights I've ever had on a J frame. But the double action only and short barrel make if harder to shoot well.
If you are looking mainly for a shooter, get the M-60. But if you want a concealed carry, the M-640 is the obvious choice.
Buy one and start saving for the other!

 

[sawlog]

I have the 60 pro, I carry it in a milt sparks vm2. I personally don't like the concealed hammer guns, I don't know how you guys pocket carry. its very uncomfortable for me.
the 60 pro is a great gun and its great at the range too. even with 357's.
thats about the only gun I take shooting anymore. if its your range gun and carry gun you get pretty comfortable with it

 

[Mike-4]

OK. If you want a gun you and your wife can take to the range or walk in the woods, and both of you shoot a reasonable group, I would go with the 3" Mod.60 Pro Series. The extra inch of barrel makes a lot of difference accuracy wise, especially for less experienced shooters because they have the option of firing single action. The front sight on the 3" Mod. 60, in my opinion, needs a touch of red paint. I did mine without interfering with the tiny tritium night sight dot buried half way down the factory front sight.

The 640 hammerless is a good solid gun and very accurate especially with a set of CT lasergrips. I feel it is much better suited to more experienced shooters due to the short barrel length.

Both of mine are headed to the range tomorrow for a workout. A few minutes ago I installed a set of the new Crimson Trace LG350 lasergrips with a green laser on the 640 Pro. That green dot projects a long way and really is very visible. Gotta get them sighted in.

Please post a range report on your CT LG350. I along with others I'm sure would love to see a review. Thinking about getting one myself.

Regards

 

[Wishbone]

I have a 442 and model 60 pro. I can shoot 130 grain out of the 442 at the range with no problem. Step up to anything more stout and it gets uncomfortable. The 60 pro I can shoot all day long with any .38 special and it's much more accurate. I can carry the 60 pro in an inside the waistband very comfortably but love the 442 for pocket carry. Here they are along with my 43C.

 

[amheck]

thanks for the thoughts all. Sounds like anyone would probably do the trick. The right answer, as I probably already knew, is "one of each".

 

[oldguyshoot]

...A few minutes ago I installed a set of the new Crimson Trace LG350 lasergrips with a green laser on the 640 Pro. That green dot projects a long way and really is very visible. Gotta get them sighted in.

Pick your distance to target/flat wall (the manual gives you a recommendation) and line up the dot with the sight picture. Use the back of a chair or some other support to steady the gun. Doing this always made it dead-nuts accurate for me. I prefer to keep mine sighted at about 5 yards.

The longer CT laser grips allow me to make consistent, accurate shots even with .357 rounds in a scandium frame J.

 

[oldguyshoot]

Please post a range report on your CT LG350. I along with others I'm sure would love to see a review. Thinking about getting one myself.

Regards

I'd love to hear it, too. I have the old style red laser version and love it. With a scandium snub J, it's the only way to make it accurate out past 25 feet (for me). It also helps me compensate for the severe .357 recoil, reminding me to take a breath and steady my hold. I can't recommend a laser on a J enough - and there are many ways in which in a self defense situation you may have to shoot accurately from a compromised position.

 

[Mister X]

thanks for the thoughts all. Sounds like anyone would probably do the trick. The right answer, as I probably already knew, is "one of each".

Just to clarify....If I'm understanding your original post correctly, you're wanting a small revolver for personal defense that you can put in a pocket, purse and car as well as train with(for self-defense).

If that's correct, you want to train with what you intend to carry. I can't imagine trying to carry something like a 60 pro series in a pocket. And you do not want to get in the habit of shooting single action at the range since you will not(or should not) be doing so in an actual defense scenario.

 

[oldguyshoot]

For comparison. Unless you need pocket carry, either will conceal fine IWB appendix.