When I bought my 640 Stainless Centennial back in 92 I was told that only the first 1500 guns would have the prefix CEN. I have seen another one that had a number that was around CEN2300. Does anyone know exactly how many were made in that first release with the CEN in the SN? Thanks in advance, Lewis...
.....Question about the Model 640 Centennial....
- Thread starter LewiRose
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kthom
Member
Don't know exactly how many were made. Probably someone here does. My copy has 06XX for a serial number. I pegged it with a 1990 date. I bought it used.
Hi, yes mine is one of new and first of the Centennials S&W brought back in 90 or 92 I can't remember the year exactly. It is rated for +P+ and has CENxxxx as a prefix. I have always wondered just how many guns S&W marked that way, mine is under the 1500 SN that I was told they built at the beginning.....
Mine is CEN 77XX, and it has the "+ P +" mark inside the frame. Going by that, there were quite few made. I have seen another CEN 640 in the 78XX range
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The factory may not have used all 10000 number combinations with the CEN prefix. Someone at the factory may have the exact production number but I doubt anyone would be motivated to access it.
Bought mine late 1990. My serial number doesn't include CEN. I also don't see any markings regarding +P+. Mine was authorized for off duty or plain clothes. Authorized ammo changed over the years but it was always +P. So thats what we were issued for practice, qualification and the street. They can definetly handle +P, markings or not. It's still one of my carry guns.
Are you referring to 3" barrel Model 640s in general . . . or ones with a CEN s/n prefix?
I'm a big fan of 640s and have encountered several with 3" barrel . . . but none with a CEN s/n.
Russ
Information in the Standard Catalog would indicate both the 2" and 3" were introduced in 1989 . . . and the 3" was discontinued in 1993.
As indicated earlier, we don't have good information on how many were produced with the early (first year) CEN serial numbers.
Russ
okiegtrider
Member
I like when these 640 threads pop up now and then, gives me a chance to show this one off again. Found it earlier this year in the local fun shop.
This one is CEN 40xx, and marked "+P+"
This one is CEN 40xx, and marked "+P+"
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Thanks for the info.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
......
That would be sweet with a Tyler grip adapter. Where did you get the white/ivory grips?
okiegtrider
Member
That is how it was shod when it came in to the shop. I think they are Altamonts. That darn gun shop is walking distance from where I work. I wish they would move!
DevilDog72
US Veteran
I have been looking for one of these.... what do y'all think of them?
Walter Rego
Member
I think the Model 640 in .38 Special, (not the newer revision in .357 Mag) is one of the best concealed carry guns that S&W even made. Loaded with FBI loads or Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 gr SWC's it has enough stopping power, is controllable with stocks that fit your hand, is about as low maintenance as you'll ever need and with the concealed hammer is a perfect pocket carry gun.
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okiegtrider
Member
I have to agree with Walter. Nailed it.
Mine is CEN78xx, also bought used. Well-used, looks like it's been dropped into dirt and/or gravel more than once ! Has the "Tested for +P+" in the frame window, barely visible. Looks like someone tried to remove it w/abrasive.
Larry
One 640 I have is CEN23xx and it appears in the SCSW dated somewhere between October 2000 and July 2001.It is also etched, tested for +P+ in the window.
terry
terry
SC_Mike
Member
Speaking of 640s. Took mine and the two that Mrs. SC has about to the range today. Love the heavy yet compact feel of an all steel J frame.
okiegtrider
Member
Speaking of 640s. Took mine and the two that Mrs. SC has about to the range today. Love the heavy yet compact feel of an all steel J frame.
YEA! Nice little collection there SC_Mike!
Wrangler Rich
US Veteran
I have CEN 5880 and it is not marked in the window.
And yes, this one accompanies me quire regularly.
And yes, this one accompanies me quire regularly.
