I never like buying things this way but with guns flying out the front door as fast as they come in the back door I just purchased online and wihtout much knowledge a SW 640. A stainless, hammerless, DOA 357 snubbie revolver for CC. what can you tell me about this gun? Hows the trigger pull? As one of SWs less expensive guns (less than 600) am I getting a good gun? I have just plinked around with a few berrettas and rugers and this is my first pistol to own for myself. Please excuse my ignorance here I usually study things of this importance before buying but with the gun market the way it is I did make a quick decision. Ive had 2 other guns I ordered sold out from under me, actually they were sold before I ordered them but the seller didnt take the ads offline after they were actually sold. Thanks much.
SW 640
- Thread starter beechwood
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I never like buying things this way but with guns flying out the front door as fast as they come in the back door I just purchased online and wihtout much knowledge a SW 640. A stainless, hammerless, DOA 357 snubbie revolver for CC. what can you tell me about this gun? Hows the trigger pull? As one of SWs less expensive guns (less than 600) am I getting a good gun? I have just plinked around with a few berrettas and rugers and this is my first pistol to own for myself. Please excuse my ignorance here I usually study things of this importance before buying but with the gun market the way it is I did make a quick decision. Ive had 2 other guns I ordered sold out from under me, actually they were sold before I ordered them but the seller didnt take the ads offline after they were actually sold. Thanks much.
dlstewart01
US Veteran
I have a 640-1 I bought early in 1996. There was an old man who worked on Smiths that done a trigger job for me. Only charged 15 dollars. This 640 has the best trigger of any I own. I sent it back to S&W and had it lasor engraved. This is one of my favorate pistols. It will never be for sale. Hope yours works out as well.
robotoid
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New or used? If it is new, you should have no problems. A very versatile gun. I have 2 640's (38 & 357) and a 340 (38SPL). The 357 640 gives you the option of using anything from full power 357 mags to light 38 special target loads. You can change out the grips to your liking, big or small. It might be a bit heavy pocket carry, but doable in a pinch. If I had to give up all my guns but one, I'd be hard pressed to give up my 640-1 357 for all around versatility.
surveyor47
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The 640 is an excellent weapon. Its closest competitor is the Ruger SP101, whic is tank tough and accurate, but a bit heavy for CCW. Both the 640 and SP101 are a bit much with full power 357 ammo, but are very accurate and managable with +P38 Specials, the preferred ammunition. The 640 has better durability than a 642 (38 Special) by virture of being built as a 357, particularly if shot extensively with 38 Special and every now and then with 357. It also has a longer sight radius than a 642, which makes shooting easier. I think that the 640 is an excellent first choice.
Shorty4T
Member
Hi Beechwood, Welcome to the forum first off. The 640 is one of the favorite guns of many Smith enthusiast. You very seldom see them come up for sale here. A while back one member tried and tried to find a 640 but no one was biting. I will venture to say that you can't go wrong with any of the S&W revolvers. They are built that well.
Cheers,
Sam
Cheers,
Sam
Welcome to the Forum
I'll agree with the other posters, the 640 is a great little - big gun. It does tend to thump pretty hard when using .357mags in it. There are many after market grips available that can make shooting it more comfortable. I've got a set of Hogue mono grips on mine and they really tame the recoil of the .357 loads. It is a bit heavy for pocket carry so mine usually rides with me as a car gun.
Good luck with your 640!
I'll agree with the other posters, the 640 is a great little - big gun. It does tend to thump pretty hard when using .357mags in it. There are many after market grips available that can make shooting it more comfortable. I've got a set of Hogue mono grips on mine and they really tame the recoil of the .357 loads. It is a bit heavy for pocket carry so mine usually rides with me as a car gun.
Good luck with your 640!
dlstewart01
US Veteran
Originally posted by 1blindref:
Welcome to the Forum
I'll agree with the other posters, the 640 is a great little - big gun. It does tend to thump pretty hard when using .357mags in it. There are many after market grips available that can make shooting it more comfortable. I've got a set of Hogue mono grips on mine and they really tame the recoil of the .357 loads. It is a bit heavy for pocket carry so mine usually rides with me as a car gun.
Good luck with your 640!
I will say as much as I like my 640. You better make sure your man card is up to date if you shoot full load 357s.
robotoid
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Originally posted by dlstewart01:
Originally posted by 1blindref:
Welcome to the Forum
I'll agree with the other posters, the 640 is a great little - big gun. It does tend to thump pretty hard when using .357mags in it. There are many after market grips available that can make shooting it more comfortable. I've got a set of Hogue mono grips on mine and they really tame the recoil of the .357 loads. It is a bit heavy for pocket carry so mine usually rides with me as a car gun.
Good luck with your 640!
I will say as much as I like my 640. You better make sure your man card is up to date if you shoot full load 357s.
I'd rather shoot my 640-1 with full magnums than my 340SC with 38's.
Landpimp
Member
same with me, 640-1 vrs 340PD..beat my hands with a bat...call me good
640's are great
[/quote]
I'd rather shoot my 640-1 with full magnums than my 340SC with 38's.[/QUOTE]
640's are great
[/quote]
I'd rather shoot my 640-1 with full magnums than my 340SC with 38's.[/QUOTE]
dlstewart01
US Veteran
I'd rather shoot my 640-1 with full magnums than my 340SC with 38's.[/QUOTE]
I have never shot a 340SC but I hear they are a hand full!!!
I have never shot a 340SC but I hear they are a hand full!!!
bash
Member
You have found what I am looking for too. I have a 640 .38 factory high polished that is just beautiful, but I have so much .357 ammo and so little .38 I want to move up to the magnums. Congrats on you find! My search continues.
Thanks for all the insight. I would guess this little gun is a bit of a bang with the magnum loads but the flexibility will be an added plus. Besides, I plan to shoot mostly 38s with it in hopes the wife might find it friendly enough for her tastes. While she doesnt despise guns she isnt partial to them either. Maybe in time.
dlstewart01
US Veteran
When I met my wife I ask her what was her religion, she replied Baptist. I ask her what her political persuation was, she said republican, Then I ask her if she liked guns, she said sure.I said you want to get married??? And we lived happily ever after.
knuckles
Member
I just got one too... what's up with the low inventory at all the gun shops lately?.. all I could buy was a smudged-up demo in the glass showcase... they were out of stock on almost all of the guns I wanted to buy.
Here's my new 640... I hope it shoots as good as my SP101 did... (
the cat likes it)
Here's my new 640... I hope it shoots as good as my SP101 did... (
Wheelgunner840
Member
Howdy Beechwood,
Welcome to the forum. I have a 640-1 that gets carried a lot. As a matter of fact, I was just contacted about a set of Laser Grips for it and took the deal.
Being DAO, it may be a bit difficult for a new shooter like your wife to shoot well. If I may make a suggestion, I would start her off with a gun with a bit more weight (like a K-Frame) or larger, and one that is SA/DA. It is much easier to learn how to shoot initially while shooting in single action mode. Also, if you have or can get your hands on a .22 handgun, it will make it all that much more of a pleasant learning experience for her. She will also not immediately hate shooting!
Having said that, I love my 640-1 and yes it definately barks loudly when I shoot full house factory .357 mags out of it. I settled on 135 gr. Speer Gold Dot JHPs made specifically for short barreled revolvers. Less flash, and the lighter bullet means less felt recoil.
Good luck with it,
WG840
Welcome to the forum. I have a 640-1 that gets carried a lot. As a matter of fact, I was just contacted about a set of Laser Grips for it and took the deal.
Being DAO, it may be a bit difficult for a new shooter like your wife to shoot well. If I may make a suggestion, I would start her off with a gun with a bit more weight (like a K-Frame) or larger, and one that is SA/DA. It is much easier to learn how to shoot initially while shooting in single action mode. Also, if you have or can get your hands on a .22 handgun, it will make it all that much more of a pleasant learning experience for her. She will also not immediately hate shooting!
Having said that, I love my 640-1 and yes it definately barks loudly when I shoot full house factory .357 mags out of it. I settled on 135 gr. Speer Gold Dot JHPs made specifically for short barreled revolvers. Less flash, and the lighter bullet means less felt recoil.
Good luck with it,
WG840
Wasn't finished but on a lap-top and hit the send button by mistake.
Hold on to the older Smith's guns!
I have a 340 PD on order.
12 oz's. and in .357 mag.
Like shooting a S&W 8" 500 Mag. Lots of recoil. OK for 5 or 10 shots.
I have a 66-5 and it has the new parts in it.
The factory guys cuss when they must work on them.
I like this gun because it has a 3" barrel and a full size ejector rod.
The S&W's are the best Revolvers!
Auto I go with Glock since they hit the USA!
Hold on to the older Smith's guns!
I have a 340 PD on order.
12 oz's. and in .357 mag.
Like shooting a S&W 8" 500 Mag. Lots of recoil. OK for 5 or 10 shots.
I have a 66-5 and it has the new parts in it.
The factory guys cuss when they must work on them.
I like this gun because it has a 3" barrel and a full size ejector rod.
The S&W's are the best Revolvers!
Auto I go with Glock since they hit the USA!
C.S.63
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Beechwood,
The 640 is an awsome revolver for ccw or home
I had one of the early issue ones .38+P+ and am sorry to this day that I traded it away I currently have a 442 (Airweight) you will find that it will smooth out real nice as you shoot it. There are many types of grips for them and Magnums will be a handful, But it is sure sweet with the .38sp
my 442
Congratulations
carl
The 640 is an awsome revolver for ccw or home
I had one of the early issue ones .38+P+ and am sorry to this day that I traded it away I currently have a 442 (Airweight) you will find that it will smooth out real nice as you shoot it. There are many types of grips for them and Magnums will be a handful, But it is sure sweet with the .38sp
my 442
Congratulations
carl
