replacing my 640 no dash

[Amp]

For many years I carried my 640 no dash. Great gun.
Now, maybe because I had a few birthdays, I would like a lighter carry .38 and possibly a better front sight.
Which one? S&W has a pile of 642 etc to choose from. The 340PD looks good too but I don't think I need .357.

 

[629shooter]

Take a look at the M&P340.

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[Amp]

Yes the M&P340 has a better price. Thanx

 

[snowman.45]

I have both a 640-1 and a 340 M&P. Since retirement a couple of years ago, I learned that lighter is better. I find I usually carry the 340 M&P, unless I get a real bug up my butt for something bigger, or more capacity, or a different caliber (.357/.38, .45 and 9mm are my usuals).

 

[629shooter]

Yes the M&P340 has a better price. Thanx

And a better sight picture. It's available without the lock too.

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[petepeterson]

And- you don't have to put .357s in it.

If possible, try one, or a 642. You may find that you like the "old faithful" better.

 

[shutupdata113]

Not too many know about the 360j. 38 special scandium frame for 642/442 price!!

 

[Amp]

Okay then I am shopping this week. The price spread is from $390 for a no lock 642 to $718 for the M&P340 (also no lock). And a PC model in the middle.
Some are hard to find locally too. Thanks for the input.

 

[Amp]

So I looked when I bought the 640. I have it for over twenty years.
Never an issue with it. Killed lots of balloons, paper, steel, and bowling pins. With reloads and factory loads.

 

[TeaDub]

What ever you choose, hold on to that no-dash. IMO, that is one of the best J-frames that Smith ever made.

Even with my older eyes, the standard 638/642 series works well enough once I use fluorescent red acrylic paint on the front.

 

[kthom]

What ever you choose, hold on to that no-dash. IMO, that is one of the best J-frames that Smith ever made.

Even with my older eyes, the standard 638/642 series works well enough once I use fluorescent red acrylic paint on the front.

This!!!!!! I've got no quarrel at all for wanting a lighter J Frame for your needs and purpose. But unless I am very badly mistaken, you would regret getting rid of the M640. For me as well, it's the best of the J Frames, at least for me needs and purpose. I know guns cost money, but you can buy a lighter one for much less than your M640 is worth. Shoot, if for no other reason than a guy really needs a good backup, and that even if it's in the safe rather than carried! Light weight J Frames are hanging on every branch these days, but Model 640's are NOT, especially the older ones, which to my mind are by far the most desirable. Think very long and hard before you decide to get rid of the one you have!

 

[wrangler5]

If lighter (than what you have been using) is your primary need then you have to look at something new. But if more visible sights would bring enough satisfaction, then by all means paint what you have first.

Front sight gets a coat of white on the serrated edge topped by the brightest red or orange you can find (I use nail polish I found at WalMart, many years ago, but others use model paint.) The white undercoat makes a big difference, so don't skip it. The rear notch benefits from a coat of flat black model paint, covering both the notch face, the milled out dish below it, and the sides of the channel in front of the notch to the point where it widens. I clean the areas to be painted with alcohol on a Qtip, and apply/spread paint with the smaller tip of a toothpick.

 

[Hapworth]

Suggest a 442 Moon Clip with an XS standard or big dot installed.

 

[Amp]

Didn't buy yet but I am half way between a 340 no lock and a 642PC.
The biggest difference is 2 oz and $250.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Since you're still undecided I'll toss out a few bits for your consideration.

I appreciate the ejector rod shroud on my 340.

I like the finish on the 340 far better than the matt on the 642PC.

The 340's front sight is a huge upgrade to your current 640, which is one of the criteria. The 642PC's sight appears to be the same as your 640.

My 340's trigger is a pleasure.

I started out with Karl Nill stocks especially for Centennial revolvers, but my 640-1 Pro procured those so I went with Hogue Centennial Tamers. Both offer a nice high hold and great control.

Best of luck with your decision.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Amp]

Did it.... 103072
The M&P 340 no lock.

 

[Spikedog]

Did it.... 103072
The M&P 340 no lock.

Good job! I've got one one the way too.

 

[31FordA]

Congrats on the 340, it's a great gun. I've had mine going on two years now, no complaints. It replaced my 640ND as a back up for work.

 

[Amp]

My 640 no dash has a home with me forever. Lots of memories of killing plastic bottles with my two sons.
I ordered the 340 on gunbroker today for the best price I could find and expect to have it soon.
EDIT; got it on Galleryofguns

 

[629shooter]

Did it.... 103072
The M&P 340 no lock.

Well done. You'll like it.

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