S&W 640-1 QUESTIONS

[cpt-t]

Several years ago I bought a S/S S&W 640-1 357 mag with a 2 inch barrel, for my CC Gun and I even put Crimson Trace Laser Grips on it. I really thought I had bought something really special. And to be real honest, I still like this gun very much. And I have surprised myself on how well, for me I can shoot it and it carries very well for me. But I shoot it quite a bit at the range. However my choice does not seem to be very popular with other shooters, for I never see anyone else shooting one of these guns. Is there a problem with this particular revolver, or something I don't know about. I haven`t bought a S&W social outcast have I. ((( Just what is wrong with my gun ))). Also the serial number is CBM279#. Could someone tell me when was it made, what it is worth, and does S&W even make them any more. Thanks Again for letting me hang around and ask new guy questions.
ken

 

[Jimmyjones]

I had to read it twice, I thought initially it was in jest.

I have a 640 no dash and a -1, I love them, they're great carry pieces and though not a 'range gun' are remarkable accurate to shoot.

What's not to like ?

Your serial number is from 97 best I can tell from the new catalog.

 

[TAC]

My S&W 640 is my EDC, and for many reasons, it is the best choice, for me! That's all that matters. It's great!!!

 

[colt_saa]

The Smith and Wesson Centennial, in any of it's incarnations, is probably my most recommended firearm when teaching Concealed Carry classes. In many Smith and Wesson enthusiast's opinion, there is no better pocket/purse firearm out there

Your revolver was made sometime in mid 1997.

Smith and Wesson still makes and sells the Centennial models.

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

Thanks for your interesting question, Cpt-t, it prompted me to check my gun inventory.
I have a grand total of only eleven guns of different types, makes, models and calibers. Three of the eleven are 640-1s, one is a 642-1, one is a 60-10, and the rest are a couple each of WWI Colt 1911s, Glock .45 ACPs and Benelli 12Ga semiautos.
My numbers say that the 640-1 is my overall, all-time favorite, bar none, and S&W J-frames are in the majority.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

... I have surprised myself on how well... I can shoot it and it carries very well ....

You've said it all right there. Don't second guess that.

I, too, carry a 640-1, and I heartily agree with your assessment.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[pittpa]

I don't have one, so I'm assuming you must be a bit peculiar.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Amp]

I carried the 640 no dash for many years and just replaced it with a M&P340 no lock because of weight.
They shoot great, hide well and are safe.
I have had popular guns that "I" could not shoot well. Don't worry what others think is best.

 

[quinn]

Lessee. I got a pre 40 Centennail, a 442, a 340PD, and two 640-1s. I guess I shouldn't have wasted my money? Never one very far from my reach: pocket, glove box or night stand.

 

[haywood]

The Smith and Wesson Centennial, in any of it's incarnations, is probably my most recommended firearm when teaching Concealed Carry classes. In many Smith and Wesson enthusiast's opinion, there is no better pocket/purse firearm out there

Your revolver was made sometime in mid 1997.

Smith and Wesson still makes and sells the Centennial models.

If I had that many sweet looking J-Frames I could never leave the house. Why you say? I couldn't decide which to carry. It would drive me crazier than I already am.

 

[GTBL]

I bought a 640-1 Pro Series last month along with a Shield .45. Love the Shield but IWB carrying the 640 is just awesome. Nothing prettier IMO.

 

[153]

There is nothing wrong with a 640-1 ...

 

[old bear]

Cpt-t, anyone who does not appreciate your 640-1 as one of the best CCW/BUG revolvers made, is a bedwetter. Just pretend they don't exist.

 

[kthom]

I've got two 640-1's. The reason is that I was not able to find and own the first one until I had carried a revolver for a great many years. I had a 442 no dash from shortly after they were released for sale. I stumbled on to a 640-1 and immediately bought it after it checked out for condition and function. I LOVED it! So when I stumbled across only the second one I'd ever seen in person about six months later, I also bought it. Money well spent for both of them. These two revolvers are my all time favorite J Frames. I have carried one or the other of them for ECD anytime I carry a revolver.

The reaction from those folks at the range just indicates their ignorance about your very fine revolver. I think that not a lot of folks have ever had the opportunity to handle or fire one. My carry round is a good +P .38 special, but I like having the option for .357 if for some reason I thought I needed it. The steel frame weight and the slightly longer barrel combine to make this the best shooting small revolver around. All you need to do is smile and know that you know something they don't know! There is not one single thing wrong with your 640-1. As far as I am concerned you have the absolute cream of the crop among J Frame revolvers. Congratulations!!!

 

[cpt-t]

Oh thanks goodness, You Guys have straightened me out on this. Here I have been thinking, I had for sure bought the one and only S&W gun that had been cursed by the Voodoo Gods of the Caribbean. And I have been expecting to come down with Wet Leprosy at any time. I can cancel my remaining 35 treatments of dancing around a large bonfire, naked covered with chicken blood, chanting and beating on a large drum and blowing a bugle on the weekends in my backyard. My Neighbors and my Local Homeowners Association will be overjoyed. Maybe the for sale signs will come down at the houses close to me. But I will have to be honest, I am going to miss my High Voodoo Princess dancing partner.
ken

 

[mojave30cal]

I bought a brand new 640-1 back in 1997 as my first CCW
revolver. I paid $300.00 for it. I still have it, and it's in ex-
cellent condition. The current SCSW says it's worth $450.00
in that condition.

Due to medication I take, the trigger finger on my right hand
is a little stiff. I had a hard time shooting the 640-1 as it DAO
only.

I picked up a nice used Colt Cobra Light Weight with the alloy
frame made in 1968. I like it because it is light and easy to
carry all day, is accurate, and has 6 shots instead of 5 for the
S&W J frame revolver. Also, I can shoot it double action or
single action. I can't shoot +P's in it, so I use 158 gr. LSWC's
in it. I'm looking for some lead 158 gr. hollow points for it.
Hope this helps.

 

[cpt-t]

Back to serious business now, just what is the difference between a S&W 640-1 like I have and a S&W 640. The knowledge You Guys have on S&W firearms on this forum is truly unbelievable. I hope you will not get tired of all my New Guy questions. For I have a bunch more of them. Thanks again for letting me join your forum.
ken

 

[kthom]

ken
The M-640 no dash was the first issue of this model. It is a stainless frame with the 1 7/8 inch barrel and chambered for .38 Special. Early on, in this issue, there were a few guns issued that were stamped "+P+" in the bottom of the frame window on the frame. These guns have a serial number that begins with "CEN" which I assume relates to the name given to Centennial models. The no dash models were the same size as standard J Frames such as the Model 60, etc. Mine was built in 1990.

Beginning with the dash 1, the "new" magnum frame was used to allow this issue to chamber and shoot .357 magnum rounds. Barrel length was 2 1/8". I prefer this magnum sized frame even though I use it with .38 Specials most all the time. With grips that fit your hand, the mags are not bad, although you probably would not fire up a couple boxes of those at a time! I personally don't think the mag loads give a great deal more effectiveness in these short barrels, but they do generate a lot more blast and flash and recoil. A good stout +P round in .38 Special will do the job nicely, IMO, with less fanfare! My two copies of the dash 1 were made in 1995 and 1997.

I seem to remember that some later dashes were issued in .38 special chambering but would have to look in the book to say that for sure. It wasn't long after this time that the infernal lock became a fixture on these and other S&W revolvers. I have seen some of these for sale in gun stores, but thankfully, I've got all I need and they are earlier issues. My latest issue has a serial number beginning with "CBL".

Rest easy! IMO, you've got the best of the best. Use it in good health, and never doubt that it will do it's job if you do yours!!

 

[armorer951]

Just recently purchased one of the "dash 1" guns. It was a police trade in, but after some cleaning, it looks ok. Appears to have been carried, but not fired much. It has a "BUB" serial prefix. I have several other J-frame models, but this is the first with the "magnum" frame.

Looking forward to shooting it soon.

 

[Spikedog]

I've got a "BUB" police gun too. Very good shape. Any idea when it was made?