Question on the 640

[txpitdog]

I keep seeing 640's for sale, most recently at $425. In some respects, I'm tempted to scoop one up just for the good price.

My question though is whether the 640 offers enough power vs weight over the 442,which I currently pocket carry, that would cause you to start carrying the 640 and not the 642/442. I know a steel 357 will handle recoil better than the 340,but it's weight would - for me - require IWB/OWB carry.

What do y'all think? If you already carry a 642 or 442, do you feel like changing to or adding a 640 is necessary? My winter carry is a Glock 30sf, so I would only use the 640 as a range toy and occasional replacement for my 442.

Also, at what price point is it worth jumping on a 640 regardless of whether i have a use for it? I missed a 624 earlier this year being sold by an elderly gentleman who had arthritis and could no longer shoot it. Price $350. I would expect a 640 at that price to be a steal as well, but is $400 a steal? $450?

Thanks!

 

[ronnie gore]

640

i have a 640 with a 3 inch barrel i made a pocket holster for, but i go back to a 342 titanium i have because of the weight, i also have a 640-1 in 357 mag it is even heavier. i think you would find out you would not carry it in your pocket because of the weight and a larger gun would be better for the range.

 

[Dot_mdb]

If your intention is to pocket carry than the 640 is not the right gun for you. I own a 640 no dash that I carry IWB. I like it very much because it is a pleasure to shoot and I think I have extra confidence in the gun because of the extra weight.

S&W seems to get a lot of money for the 640s and that keeps the price high on the used market. $400 for a nice one would not really be out of line in my opinion.

Bill

 

[Broadside]

This is just my $0.02, but if you are going to carry on the belt, as opposed to pocket carry, then there are better alternatives to the Model 640.

Again my opinion here, but to pocket carry the 640, you need to be wearing pants made out of a heavy material like denim (bluejeans) or some heavy canvas material and you need a 1 1/2" gunbelt. Without this you'll find the weight of the 640 will make your pants sag too much and you'll find pocket carry to be impractical.

I think a lot of people find this out after purchasing one and then put it on the market for sale as they find they have no use for it.

Where I think the 640 really shines is as an alternate practice piece to something like a Model 442/642 or 340. The additional mass will help reduce perceived recoil and make training sessions more pleasant.

 

[Sebago Son]

640-1 Centennial Magnum...

I am heavily committed to the 640-1 platform.

In my experiance while carrying and using these guns since they first arrived in the early-to-mide 90's is that the extra weight makes the difference in shootability and not. These guns require frequent practice to remain proficient and the lighter aluminum guns do not, in my view encourage that...

With regard to value, I added the most recent example, seen above sans Tyler-T, within the past 60 days and paid $495. And was glad to do so.

Drew

 

[TNDave]

The 442 is way lighter and somewhat smaller than the 357 version of the 640 so getting the 640 to pocket carry doesn't make a lot of sense. They are really kind of big with the 357 frame and the little bit longer barrel for pocket carry.

As far as so cheap you have to buy it I would say around $250-$300 would be a price you couldn't resist.

 

[Robinett_11B]

I bought a no-dash 640 for $450 from a fellow forum member here some time back. I carry my 442 most of the time, mainly because this 640 is too nice for me to want to mess with....a cryin' shame, I know :/ I don't find the extra 4-5oz. of the 640 to carry any differently than my 442 in jeans, jackets, and even basketball shorts pockets.

 

[Old cop]

I had a 640 but found it too heavy for daily carry and went back to my 442, selling the 640.

 

[Beachcomber]

I own a 640 (no dash) that I pocket carry and a 640-1 that I wear in a belt holster. Once you get used to the additional weight and smoothness of a stainless steel 640 you'll wonder how you ever over looked them... especially when you practice with your aluminum 642.

 

[luangtom]

The Model 640 is my shoot-often gun. The M&P340 is my carry-alot gun. Shooting the 640 is more pleasant, yet affords the same hold as the 340. So, I keep both around. I will always consider my EDC as my shoot-a-little-carry-alot gun.

The Model 640 stays in the drawer of my end-table when it is not at the range....easy access while I sit in my recliner.

 

[luis]

I carry a 640-1 in my pocket without a problem. For some it might be a little heavy. I am a larger size man and have no problems carrying the extra wait without printing.

 

[18DAI]

640-1 is the only J-frame I own and only one I intend to own. Perfect gun for when you can't carry a gun, IMO.

I agree with Sebago Son. These tiny 5-shot revolvers need to be shot often to be proficient with them.

I don't relish regular practice with anything lighter. I won't shoot 357 in anything lighter either.

I personally don't find the 640-1 to be all that heavy. Not a candidate for pocket carry, but easily forgotten IWB. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI.