What's a Good Deal on USED 640 and 649??

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Nalapombu

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Hey all,

I might want to pick up one of these as my carry piece. I'd like to know what a good deal on each one would be though.

If they were in decent, USED condition what would each likely sell for on here or other knowledgeable forums?

Thanks

Nalajr
 
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Keep in mind a 649 current manufacture only runs like 430 not on sale at a lot of places.
I bought one like a month ago at academy sports for 389 before tax on sale. Now a no lock would run more but still
 
Which generation 640 and 649 are we discussing? .38 or .357? Forged or MIM parts? Lock or no lock?
 
Get a no-lock 38-spcl. now even off the internet sites for $400-$425. You can purchase a new 642/442 (even a NL) right at that number NIB. BUT...another scare and you may not be able to find one at all. They sold-out about everywhere during the last panic. I'd say snag one of the SS models (640/649) while you can. These are very robust, were built to closer tolerances and one that has been well-fired still has a lot left in the tank.
 
Are you referring to the 638 instead of a 649 at that price? If you can find a 640 or a 649 for $450 or less, you better grab it.

I type slow.
 
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If you want a no-lock .357 M649, in good shape and original box & grips, be prepared to pay something around $600. If you can buy them for a lot less, more power to ya. Send me a PM, I'd be interested. I'd buy as many as I could at $450.
 
GrayGhost99 said:
Keep in mind a 649 current manufacture only runs like 430 not on sale at a lot of places.
I bought one like a month ago at academy sports for 389 before tax on sale. Now a no lock would run more but still
Click to expand...
649 Current MSRP is $729, $520 for "qualified professionals" but out of stock for everyone else(?) at a well known online source.

Where are you finding $430 not on sale at a lot of places.

I have a short track on the model and the average used price is just under $500. Too short a track for a trend.

Smith & Wesson 649 1-7/8 inch barrel. Revolver in .38 Spl. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $300 in 95% condition and $585 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 13 recorded prices for this model gun from $425 to $599 over a period of 1 Yrs 11 Mos ending August 29, 2015. The average price as of that date was $496. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $729.
 
Note the OP asked for USED (:)) prices. Didn't even consider a new or recent production one, which would be closer to $600.

I see online right now a very nice early .38 Special 640 for $450 from a reputable seller. 649s don't seem to be as common but can be found at or slightly higher than this with careful shopping.
 
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I am talking about the 649 and 640 that are 357mag and the 2 1/8 inch barrel, or whatever it actually is. I would shoot 38 +P in it and think the little extra weight and slightly longer barrel would be a big help in being able to shoot more accurately and controlled. Do you agree with that or no?
I did want a 638, but I think it's just too light for me to shoot well. I like it and have no doubts on my ability to shoot well enough with it or the other lightweight J frames, but the heavier 357mag versions would be a better choice for me, I think.

My local shop had a new 640 for $595 last week when I checked it out. First time I had handled one in a long time and it really felt great in the hand and in a test run of carrying it in my front pocket.

I've never seen a 649 at Academy. I wish I would see one in the case for the price you listed, I'd run for my checkbook as fast as my hind end would take me. That's an awesome price.

I wonder what gun show prices here in Houston and Conroe are like? There is a HUGE show that comes to the George Brown convention center about every 4 months or so and it has something like 1500 tables or more. It's really a big show as I've been told. Anyone have an idea as to what the prices would be like in that setting?

Thank you all for your help.

Nalajr
 
I have a 649-3 in .357 that I paid $411 for new in 1998. It came with excellent Uncle Mikes finger groove stocks. I love this gun. It may not be worth it, but I wouldn't even consider selling it for $600 if it was offered to me.
 
1enigma said:
Early this year I paid $400 out the door for a 38 spl 649 ND with a few moderate scratches. For an early 649 357 mag I paid $475 OTD. Both were from the same shop but they were the marked price not a special deal because I am a regular customer.
Click to expand...

You can expect to pay $50 to $100 less for no box. $30 to $50 less for no original Uncle Mike combat stocks. That's what it would cost to replace the grips at market prices (no longer made). The box is a collector thing, and "yes", there is significant value to the collector to have it.
 
Some say that the early 640 (no dash) Centennials are worth more if they have "TESTED for +P+" etched inside the frame under the cylinder. Personally, I wouldn't pay more for the etching because the 640 (no dash) revolvers without it are otherwise the exact same revolver.
This one has it, and I paid $450 a year ago...i would not have given more back then, but today i sure would.


0bd6d20cfda984a848c0461cd2165641.jpg
 
Bought a new 649 this fall after realizing used ones in 357 in good condition cost nearly the same as new. I'm sure you could find a deal if willing to wait and spend the time hunting. Good luck.
 
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I would advise.....

If the price is reasonable, go for it. I just got what I hope to be the last carry gun I need to buy. I may get another at any point in time, but I can afford to wait and be picky now that I have what I need. I think things are going downhill like a mine car on greased rails.

If it's a nice example from, let's say, the 1980s I'd bet it could cost closer toe $500. High, yes, but unless you can watch and wait, it'll probably be more on the high side.

I just got a nice model 57 from the 70's and I paid $420 for it.

PS: You know what I like about those old guns? The chambers are like MIRRORS.
 
I just paid $500 plus shipping for a 640 (38 Special) in like new but no box. It will arrive (hopefully) Monday. I've been looking for one in 38 for several years.
 
A truly good deal on a gun, or anything is when the seller thinks he is selling for a fair price, the buyer thinks he is buying for a fair price and both agree on the price. Is it fair, only two people can really answer that. It is like two people buying the exact same car, probably won't pay the same price, yet both think they got a fair price.
 
I just walked into my LGS and bought a brand new 649-3 .357 2 1/8" for 600 out the door. Hope that helps.
 
I have a good friend who's got a really clean 640-3 2 1/8" barrel, 5-shot, internal lock, maybe 200 rounds total fired through it, Hogue-style "rubber" grips, has the box for it. Asking $500.00. If the buyer is outside of pick-up range will need to have it shipped to an FFL.
 
fchretireddet said:
I have a good friend who's got a really clean 640-3 2 1/8" barrel, 5-shot, internal lock, maybe 200 rounds total fired through it, Hogue-style "rubber" grips, has the box for it. Asking $500.00. If the buyer is outside of pick-up range will need to have it shipped to an FFL.
Click to expand...
Needs to post it in the for sale section. ;)
 
Where did he run afoul of the rules? I don't see anything wrong with what he posted. No one could buy what he was describing even if we wanted to. He just talked about what his buddy has and is going ask for his pistol that I asked about originally.

Please tell what number rule he is breaking.

Thanks

Nalajr
 
jimbo728 said:
NalaJr
It just sounded like advise, not a charge anyone was breaking the rules.
Jim
Click to expand...
Not even advice, just a suggestion to a relatively new poster looking to help a friend sell something on a forum that has a specific classified sales area and rules to comply with in the process of using it. That's all. Better to glide through....:)
 
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I was just curious. I didn't mean to accuse anyone. I took it as he was just offering up what he knows about or had seen.

I'd like to find a 640 or 649 from a seller that is in need of money or is in a bind. Of course I am not wishing or hoping for someone to fall on hard times or anything like that. Just kinda fantasizing about a great deal on one of these J's in 357.

Nalajr
 
S&W 649 pricing

GrayGhost99 said:
Keep in mind a 649 current manufacture only runs like 430 not on sale at a lot of places.
Click to expand...

Where are you shopping?!? They go for ~ $650 new around here! If I could find a new one for $430, I wouldn't have bought a used one for $325!

Beuford
 
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