S&W 640 serial prefix CEN date

[JFrames4ever]

S&W model 640-3 marked 38 special serial prefix CEN X734 date of manufacture?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I've never seen a CEN gun that wasn't a no dash. Sure you're reading that s/n right? Does it have the lock and is it a .357?

 

[shouldazagged]

I was told the CEN series guns were made for a fairly short time. My understanding is that only about 5,000 were made, possibly as a special order. It should be a no-dash. Mine was manufactured in 1990, according to S&W.

If yours is like mine it should be etched inside the frame (bottom strap) "TESTED FOR +P+".

 

[jughed440]

As the Kernel says, something doesn't add up between the prefix and the 640-3 model #.

Got pics??

I was told the CEN series guns were made for a fairly short time. My understanding is that only about 5,000 were made, possibly as a special order....

i have one in the 77XX range, i remember seeing one in the 78XX range.

 

[Ed45]

I have CEN5287 also marked for +P+.

 

[linde]

While we're awaiting answers from the OP to the Kernel's questions . . .

I've heard it said the factory didn't waste anything. The original CEN-prefix CENtennials in 1990 were used out of alphabetic order. Is it possible . . . when the factory actually arrived at CEN in normal s/n sequence . . . they picked up the un-used numbers?

Russ

 

[JFrames4ever]

You guys are right as usual

Sure enough. Is is a 640 no dash, barrel says 38 special, and inside the frame it says tested for + P +. Like new with original 1 piece box. Maybe a little scarce from what I read. A perfect twin for my 940:

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

S&W model 640-3 marked 38 special serial prefix CEN X734 date of manufacture?

January - February of 1990.

The one digit you X'd out would of been the one most helpful, but still, no big deal.

When you get it, post some pics of the gun and the box end label.

 

[JFrames4ever]

Will do. Now in gun jail wait period in Cali

 

[mj2008]

I have a 640 from 1990. There's nothing in the frame about being tested for +p+ or +p. On the barrel it says .38 s&w. Pretty much nothing but +p has been fired from it. It was my authorized off duty weapon. Guns super tight and the trigger is better than when it was new.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I have a 640 from 1990. There's nothing in the frame about being tested for +p+ or +p.

Only the guns with the CEN s/n prfix are marked "TESTED FOR +P+", and it's on the underside of the top strap. If anyone has a non-CEN gun so marked, I'd like to learn more about it.

 

[linde]

Only the guns with the CEN s/n prfix are marked "TESTED FOR +P+", and it's on the underside of the top strap . . .

"TESTED FOR +P+" is marked on the frame in the bottom of the cylinder window on CEN prefix Centennials I've seen.

Russ

 

[shouldazagged]

Will do. Now in gun jail wait period in Cali

They're fine little revolvers. You'll like it.

 

[edw794]