J-frame match for S&W 65???

[Natty Bumpo]

OK guys, take it easy on me as this is my first post on here........

I'm not a handgun guy and find the S&W model changes, new additions, dropped models, etc etc somewhat confusing for my simple mind. I have had two S&Ws for a long time- a 4" Mdl 66 bot an all round 38/357 and a Mdl 65 3" HB used is a house/ bedroom gun which the CFO can shoot effectively too. I luv the balance and pointability (sic) of the HB 65.

I am thinking about getting a J-frame to match the 65 as closely as possible as a CCW candidate should I ever get that permit. So, I want a stainless steel, 3" HB, concealed hammer, non-lock J frame. What S&W models, either current or past, should I be looking at?? Thanks.

Natty B.

 

[jglcolosprgs]

Look at the S&W Model 60...



Older used model can be had without the lock. I have over 3200 round through this one and the lock hasn't been a problem.

EDIT..... Sorry I missed the concealed hammer part.

 

[Crowbar Muldoon]

Natty, the M60 will do all that except the concealed hammer. And if you don't want the Hilary hole, go with an older one.

 

[Guillermo]

Welcome to the High Road

So, I want a stainless steel, 3" HB, concealed hammer, non-lock J frame

you might consider one of the "bodyguard" models that has a hammer shroud (thus allowing your the option of single action) The only problem is that they can pinch

 

[MachIVshooter]

Not a heavy barrel, but the 640 is what you're after, more or less.

 

[jhvaughan2]

m60 is a great choice - However if you insist on 3" it will make your purchase at least $50 more and your search 3 times longer. (Those with them do not give them up easily)

Other options in stainless that are harder to find than M60's"
640 - inclosed hammer
649 - shrouded hammer (I don't think these came in 3")

Other options that are alloy/stainless but much easier to find
637 - hammer like the m60
642 - enclosed hammer
638 - shrouded hammer (I don't think these came in 3")

 

[Natty Bumpo]

Many thanks for the helpful replys, Guys. Many choices but that just makes the hunt that much more fun.

Natty B.

 

[Nasty]

Yup...the 640 or 642. *DO NOT* sell off the M65...I've one in the same role you use it in and will never let it go.

 

[Natty Bumpo]

Yup, that Mdl 65 3" HB is a real sweet heart. The CFO has taken a particular affection to it and I know better than to try any gun trading action in that direction.

Natty B.

 

[Racinbob]

You might want to look for a 60-4. Mine is just about the sweetest shooter I've had in my many years. The full lug 3" makes it close to a K...or at least feeling like it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I am thinking about getting a J-frame to match the 65 as closely as possible as a CCW candidate should I ever get that permit. So, I want a stainless steel, 3" HB, concealed hammer, non-lock J frame. What S&W models, either current or past, should I be looking at?? Thanks.

Natty B.

The exact gun you are describing is the S&W M640-1... I own one and it's a great J frame.

 

[collector rob]

Smith is making a 2.5" 642 and 638 now.

 

[BullfrogKen]

So, I want a stainless steel, 3" HB, concealed hammer, non-lock J frame. What S&W models, either current or past, should I be looking at?? Thanks.

That describes a 640.


I've never seen a 3 inch 640. S&W may have produced them, but I've never seen one. I have seen several 3" 940's, which is the same gun chambered in 9mm. But I've never seen one in .38 Special/.357 Magnum. If you do manage to find one, it will have a collector's premium attached.


Another option for you is to buy a Model 60 and install a Waller Hammer Shroud. It won't make it an enclosed hammer. It will mimic the "humpbacked" Bodyguard models.

 

[Nasty]

The 638 looks great...does it have the lock nonsense or have they deleted it?

 

[Kernel]

The 638 [w/ 2 1/2" barrel] looks great...does it have the lock nonsense or have they deleted it?

Good question. Current production has the lock. I know Smith made a pre-lock 638 with the shorter 1 7/8" barrel. But, that short barrel has the silver front sight (hard to see) and short ejector (weak ejection). Never seen a pre-lock 638 with the long 2 1/2" barrel with the blue front sight post (easy to see) and full length ejector (positive ejection).

Would love a pre-lock 638 with the 2 1/2" barrel. Did Smith ever make such a beast? If so, what's the dash number? (It's gotta be a "no dash", -1, or -2, because I know the -3 has the lock).

Mabe I'll just have to buy a pre-lock 638, and have a 2 1/2" barrel and full length ejector, put on it. Bummer, since that would probably cost at least $300 to have it done right.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The M638-2 is the only M638 on the Magnum frame without a lock. If you're looking for a non-lock M638 which is rated for +P ammo it's the M638-2. The older M38-3 is the blue version with all the same ratings and no lock. Unfortunately the M438 just released has the ILS.

 

[Triggernosis]

Look at the S&W Model 60...



Older used model can be had without the lock. I have over 3200 round through this one and the lock hasn't been a problem.

jgl, did you polish that one up yourself? It looks really good!

 

[Nasty]

Shame...I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

 

[sidheshooter]

If you can live without stainless, a model 36-1 with an action hone and hammer bob might fit the bill. I used mine as a primary for a number of years...

 

[Nasty]

A nice older adaptation of the same idea sidheshooter!