S&W 640 Pro Series - The Ultimate Snubnose

[mbliss57]

I know you ask the Op by I find mine very stiff. I plan to have a trigger job done to lighten it up a little or do a spring kit job myself. I have a 649-3 that is older and the trigger on that is much smoother. If I could take that trigger and put it on my 640 pro I would be in High Cotton.

 

[Swengen]

Great pics and nice to know about this one. Thanks!

 

[Rule3]

Glad you got one. Congrats.

What is your opinion on the standard trigger pull weight?

The trigger is standard SW J frame. Really heavy. same as all their other guns. The Pro Series does nothing for trigger action like the PC guns have.
As I mentioned above I changed the rebound to 13lb and polished the rebound slide and other wear areas. Makes a big difference. On a carry gun I leave the mainspring alone. Changing it only reduces it by 1/2lb anyway.

 

[BobR1]

I totally agree, S&W got it right on this one. The look, the sights, and the right platform to perfect. The 640 is a durable platform with stainless steel construction. The 640 has enough weight to be shootable. The barrel really sets it off, and adds a great deal to it's looks. For serious carry the XS front sights are as good as it gets. Whats not to love.

A Blued version for a Barbecue Gun might be a good follow up to the 640 Pro.

I have a 442 Pro Moonclip, and the trigger on it was not bad at all out of the box. One of the wifes horse riding buddies has a regular 442 for her concealed carry gun, and the trigger was a little stiff to say the least. I added a Wolff Spring kit with 13 pound rebound spring to it for her, and the trigger pull is now just like my 442 Pro was from the factory. This led me to believe the factory may be using Wolff springs in the Pro Models. Just my observation, not based on any official information.

Bob

 

[Stainz]

Well, that's nice... but I'll second the suggestion of the 640 Pro's sibling, the 632 Pro, as an alternate 'ultimate snubnose' suggestion. The 60 Pro grips, SKU #41174 0000, are a great hand fit to my medium+ sized hands, sufficient for the recoil, handsome, and a bargain at $43 + s/t + s/h from S&W Accessories.

Sadly, as has been said, the 632 Pro, the last of the three 632's to be released, is now gone. Besides the .327 Federal Magnums, it will chamber and fire .32 H&RM, .32 S&WL, .32 S&W, and even .32 ACP, due to it's vestige of a rim. I've shot all five in mine - poof loads to HELLO! The grips are great additions for most J-frames.

Stainz

 

[Invictus357]

The trigger is standard SW J frame. Really heavy. same as all their other guns. The Pro Series does nothing for trigger action like the PC guns have.
As I mentioned above I changed the rebound to 13lb and polished the rebound slide and other wear areas. Makes a big difference. On a carry gun I leave the mainspring alone. Changing it only reduces it by 1/2lb anyway.

Thanks for that. I suspected it would be the same as other J's.

My 2012 686+ has a heavy DA pull but it's very smooth so I don't mind.

When my 640 Pro eventually arrives, I think I'll get S&W to work their magic on the trigger.

 

[Rule3]

Thanks for that. I suspected it would be the same as other J's.

My 2012 686+ has a heavy DA pull but it's very smooth so I don't mind.

When my 640 Pro eventually arrives, I think I'll get S&W to work their magic on the trigger.

It's very easy to do yourself. Yes you can pay them or a good Smith and it will be a little better than just a spring change but not worth the money in my opinion.

If you want to do it, let me know I can guide you and provide video links, no special tools needed. I had a post on here a while back but the pictures are deleted when I cleaned out Photo Bucket. I think I still have them.
It is very easy a Caveman can do it.

 

[Roy Odhner]

Glad you got one. Congrats.

What is your opinion on the standard trigger pull weight?

I like it. I don't think it's heavy at all, and I'd have to say it is one of the better pull weights out there. I've heard some criticisms on it in the past, but I don't share them. Personally, I think that only the Ruger LCR has it beat when it comes to off-the-shelf revolver trigger pulls. But the 640 Pro has the LCR beat when it comes to sights, so over all I'd say S&W got this revolver right - and I'd say it just might be the best snubby on the market right now.

Some of you guys might have more S&W experience than me, but I think that my 640 Pro's trigger pull is pretty nice. It's way better than my Taurus Model 85. It's also better than the Charter I used to own, and the SP101 that my buddy has.

 

[mm6mm6]

I'll say this about the trigger pull: The weight doesn't matter, it's the smoothness that matters. By smoothness, I mean that it doesn't stack like Colt double actions used to. As you pull the trigger, it does not get heavier or lighter during the pull. It is just perfectly consistent. The cylinder locks up like all S&W revolvers, which is to say it locks up way before the trigger lets the hammer release. If one would care to stage the trigger, pull it until the cylinder locks up and then pause, line up the sights more carefully, then pull the trigger that little bit more to let the hammer fall, it can be done with very little practice. That's for making a more precise shot a greater distance.

I can say that 9 of these revolvers functioned 100% during three days of shooting. All of them hit extremely well in the light, in lowlight, and in the dark.

Shots were being made at 25 yards on steel silhouettes smaller than a human target. The gun was easy to control for all kinds of shooting such as seated or on moving targets or on steel.

The 640 Pro Series rocked!

 

[JamesArthur60]

I agree, it is a fine magnum snub nose. But, I had to change the front sight (Trijicon) on mine to see it better.

 

[Roy Odhner]

I'll say this about the trigger pull: The weight doesn't matter, it's the smoothness that matters. By smoothness, I mean that it doesn't stack like Colt double actions used to. As you pull the trigger, it does not get heavier or lighter during the pull. It is just perfectly consistent.

I'd agree. The pull weight is nice on my 640 Pro, but what impresses me is how smooth the trigger pull is. I don't care for light trigger pulls on a self-defense gun. There is just too much going on in a self-defense shooting, so the last thing I want to worry about is a hair trigger. I want a trigger pull that is gonna be smooth and consistent.

Combine that with an excellent set of sights (what I think has been the traditional weakness on a snubby), and heavy frame so it can actually digest .357mag rounds or make the good old .38spcl FBI load feel almost like a non +P load, and I think that Smith has come up with the perfect civilian self-defense handgun. Well, at least it's perfect for this civilian. And if the probation department I work for ever lets us probation officers carry on duty, it's gonna be my duty gun as well.

 

[wojomar]

640-1 since 96

I've had my 640 since 96 and never consider getting rid of it. It's an awesome gun. I traded a 443 air weight and $25.00 for it at a gun show in Indiana. I paid $318.00 for the 442. Not knowing it at the time, but now I realize it was a great trade.

 

[tailslide]

A gun store here in Roseville CA has a new 640 on the shelf. I looked at it the other day.

It has the cuts for the moon clips, but has regular groove and front ramp sights.

It also has the internal lock.

Seems like a great snubby.

I think it was $609 if I remember right.

It must be another model of the same gun.

That one apparently is no longer in production but still listed on the idiotic CA DOJ approved guns roster.

 

[Sawfish]

I pirated the Model 65 (Ladysmith) that my wife won in an SCI banquet raffle. A set of Pachmayers and Magnaport treatment makes even 180 gr .357 loadings comfortable. This has become my favorite trail gun. I may have to get a 640 to eliminate all of the razzing about the Ladysmith logo on the 65.

 

[Dogmann]

Has anyone sent their Pro to the performance center for work?
I'd like to here how they did on the 640...

Also anyone have some standard old school slab panel grips to put on this gun for a pic!?

 

[orangehole]

The thing that makes me want to buy one of those 640 pros are those sweet Novak Night Sights. I wish I could put them on an airlite PD 38.

 

[Mike-4]

As mentioned in post #3, I saw one at my local LGS a couple of weeks ago. After reading up on them, I had to have one. I went to buy it a week later it was gone. Fast foward to today; I stop by my LGS and there is another 640 Pro sitting in the case. Lets just say this one was not going to get away. Its in DROS / waiting period right now and I am one happy dude!

Questions: Why do you think S&W decided to go with moon clips on this revolver? Are the moon clips easy to load and unload? I'm not complaining, just curious as their other j frames don't have recessed cylinders.

Now I have to get a couple of holsters. I think I'll go with the same set up as MM6MM6.


regards.

 

[Dogmann]

Will these shoot without clips?

 

[Two Guns]

Will these shoot without clips?

Yes they will.

 

[Feez357]

New Altamont grips - in post # 5 I complained about the sharp grips. Not sure if this solved the problem but they sure look good. I plan on shooting this more with full power loads and I'll check back with my results.


Stock grips for comparason


The new grips look so much smaller but the web of your hand area is a lot wider with the new grips. My theroy is a wide hard area is better than a pointed rubber area. We'll find out....

 

[jcl777]

Also Have One

I saw a 640 Pro for the first time myself 8 months ago at a local shop. Could not resist and brought it home.

 

[warriorsociologist]

Very nice! I'd prefer a non-fluted barrel, but so many other things are "just right" on this one I won't quibble. Now, I just have to find one.

 

[chasmatic]

The trigger is standard SW J frame. Really heavy. same as all their other guns. The Pro Series does nothing for trigger action like the PC guns have.
As I mentioned above I changed the rebound to 13lb and polished the rebound slide and other wear areas. Makes a big difference. On a carry gun I leave the mainspring alone. Changing it only reduces it by 1/2lb anyway.

.

Hi foks. First time posting for a long time. I have a couple 642s, a 640, a 60-14 Ladysmith (in 357), an old 60 somewhere around here. An assorted bunch of other S&W pistols, a 686, a Combat Masterpiece before they started numbering 'em, a 625 JM and a 27-2. I use the snubbies, mostly the 640, for defensive carry in warmer weather. Other times a Glock 19 or Colt Combat Commander, but back to topic.

My thoughts on the trigger pull and sights, for that matter, on the 640: Any of the snubbies, all I need is minute of torso for accuracy. Think - seven yards, low light, high adrenaline, faster than the dogs can bark. Yes, I can hit clays or pop cans @ 15 yards, maybe farther if I take my time but the level of accuracy I need in an OMG moment is um, maybe 8" circle. When the adrenaline was jacking I didn't notice the trigger pull.

Smooth trigger, yes, and smooth draw and focus. That'll keep me alive. Just my thoughts.

 

[Henry O]

Good news, the 640 Pro seems to be many people's favorite. It shows up on posts, articles and commentaries. Bad news, I have not found one yet. I cringe every time another series of posts comes up because the competition to find a 640 Pro somewhere increases many times over. Looking forward to the day I can tell you about mine . . . . .

 

[sunny61]

Now that I've been following this post, the 640 Pro is on my "must have" list. I picked up a 640 20 years ago and it's one of my favorites. It's on my list of guns that I'll never sell. I've got a nice El Paso Saddlery holster that this will ride perfectly in. Now t start the search. Thanks for posting.

 

[RBB Texas]

Mine is an older verson, non-pro .... (does that mean amature?) But I like the way it feels/aims/recoils/recovers, not to mention the weight in my carry position. I'm not too concerned about the reload speed. I feel if 5 .357s aren't going to stop the threat, it is unstopable. Am I wrong? I have HKS speed loaders, and some strip holders. But I sacrifice my reloading speed for the heavy hitting and intimidation factor. Most CHL people carry a 9mm, .38, or a .380. I want to hit hard and run away. buck buck buck ..... (chicken sound) as I run away (never mind the creep laying on the ground with 5 .357 wounds to his/her gut). Should I switch to a 15 round 9mm with 1/2 the energy? I decided not.

 

[Invictus357]

The review at TTAG is when I first heard about the 640 pro.

I've been on the waiting list at the LGS for 2 weeks now.

I hope my review of it is soooon.

 

[blackcloud45]

I recently discovered the 640 and was very excited to see this PC model come out. I'm a big fan of moon clips as well thanks to my Model 22-4's. I recently attended the NRA convention in Houston and of course Smith & Wesson had a huge booth w/ all their goodies on display. I handled one and was disappointed to find that it was locked up. I assume there was an internal mechanical issue but it seems like here's a gun on display, presumably it hasn't been fired much aside from initial testing, and it's already broken from being dry-fired? I'm sure you guy's guns are fine, but it shook my confidence in regards to my getting one. On the flip side I did handle a Jerry Miculek model and it has been added to the list I love .45 ACP!

 

[Feez357]

I wouldn't dig this thread up, but as long as it's current I may as well finish. I commented on the grips causing pain and the sights being off.
The new grips are in post # 51. They all but eliminated the pain. The profile in the back where they "meet" your hand is much flatter. I wish I could do a before and after picture but I cut the factory grips with a razor etc. It helped a little but not enough. The new grips, even though solid steel and wood hits your hand, it's spread out over a larger area.
This time out I shot 50 - 60 rounds of a variety but they were all 357 mag, including 10 of my special "hog loads" developed for a larger framed hunting gun. No pain - still no pain the next day. (factory grips - pain increased for two days) My conclusion, hard rubber pointed grips hurt more than a flatter steel / wood grip .. plus the wood looks so much better!
Ok, on to the the sights. I think I'll leave well enough alone. The top of the target was pinched off with a perfect sight picture at 12 yards with a variety of ammo. The bottom was ripped off with the same ammo as fast as I could see the FRONT sight at the same distance. If you look closely the fast shots are the only ones that hit the dot! The rest aren't off enough to condem a personal protection gun.
My sight picture covered the dot with the front sight.

 

[wdr2345]

Read this thread and went right to my LGS to have them try to find me one. One question though, only moon clip revolver I ever owned was a Taurus in .45 auto. Worked fine but I traded it on something or other later. Can you load and shoot the 640 pro without using the moon clips? Understand the value of carrying a speedy reload, but at the range I'd rather not mess with them. Want this piece in either case though.