Tell me about the s&w 640 .38.
- Thread starter jeremiah
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jeremiah,
I bought a used 640 about 6 months ago. It sounds like it was in similar condition to the one you described. Here in NJ I paid $225 which I think was a fair price. But I wouldn't have paid anymore than that.
Yes, they can handle +P. Take a close look at the gun. If the scratches are all from handling and not from abuse by an amateur gunsmith than it can be a good deal. I don't think the little J frame revolvers get shot all that much. Mine developed a little problem with the plunger that locks up the ejector rod getting stuck. I sent it back to S&W and they fixed it and also changed some screws and didn't charge me. . . not sure why.
Bill
I bought a used 640 about 6 months ago. It sounds like it was in similar condition to the one you described. Here in NJ I paid $225 which I think was a fair price. But I wouldn't have paid anymore than that.
Yes, they can handle +P. Take a close look at the gun. If the scratches are all from handling and not from abuse by an amateur gunsmith than it can be a good deal. I don't think the little J frame revolvers get shot all that much. Mine developed a little problem with the plunger that locks up the ejector rod getting stuck. I sent it back to S&W and they fixed it and also changed some screws and didn't charge me. . . not sure why.
Bill
bubbygator
Member
I had a 640 as a shop/carry gun for a few years. It is a real work horse; all SS, a little too heavy in the pocket (I carry a 442 now), but easy for any type of belt-carry; and a great shooter at defensive distances. The little extra weight keeps the recoil very manageable. I never shot +P, but I think the gun should handle it OK.
Oh, yeah.... the price does seem a little high, but isn't that always the case at dealers?
Oh, yeah.... the price does seem a little high, but isn't that always the case at dealers?
popeye
Member
Open the cyl. and see if frame under where cly. sits is marked +P+. Mine is. Minor scratches can be cleaned up with Flitz. Do standard revolver checkout, and if it passes, buy it. Offer $275 first, but buy it, even at $295. You won't regret it.
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Ultraman
Member
In my opinion $295 is a FAIR price, maybe just a touch high in the condition that you described.
I love the S&W 640 Centennial in .38 Special. I have carried one daily for about 3 years now.
You can't get any simpler... Point & Pull!
I pocket carry my in a RJ Hedley Pocket Holster .
At night on the nightstand lies a 3" version.
Bill
I love the S&W 640 Centennial in .38 Special. I have carried one daily for about 3 years now.
You can't get any simpler... Point & Pull!
I pocket carry my in a RJ Hedley Pocket Holster .
At night on the nightstand lies a 3" version.
Bill
Ultraman
Member
To me, all the buzz about weight is a non-issue. The 640 weighs less than a large glass of water, my shoes, my pants...
RJ Hedley's pocket holsters are the best made in my opinion & he sells them with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Bill
RJ Hedley's pocket holsters are the best made in my opinion & he sells them with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Bill
FPrice
Member
I have the 640 .357 Magnum but have been able to handle examples of the others (9mm, .38 Spl) and they all seem to be good little pistols. My opinion based upon my experience is that they are a tad heavy for pocket carry for me, but they will fit in the pocket easily. I use an Uncle Mikes pocket holster and it works well, plus is inexpensive.
Try C R Sam's theory and walk in with cash and see what the dealer will do. AFTER you run the standard revolver check that is. If it checks out oaky and the dealer does not seem to want to budge, put it down, kinda look at it, and say, "It's kinda beat up lookin"." and see if he will negotiate.
Oh, I prefer other grips which fill the area in front of the handle more. Hogue makes a good grip, I forget which name. Eagle (Secret Service?) grips are also good. The standard S&W j-frame small grips just don't give me enough of a firm grip.
Just decide before hand what niche this will fit in your handgun battery and just how much it's worth to you.
Try C R Sam's theory and walk in with cash and see what the dealer will do. AFTER you run the standard revolver check that is. If it checks out oaky and the dealer does not seem to want to budge, put it down, kinda look at it, and say, "It's kinda beat up lookin"." and see if he will negotiate.
Oh, I prefer other grips which fill the area in front of the handle more. Hogue makes a good grip, I forget which name. Eagle (Secret Service?) grips are also good. The standard S&W j-frame small grips just don't give me enough of a firm grip.
Just decide before hand what niche this will fit in your handgun battery and just how much it's worth to you.
hi,
my collegue carry one of these little revolvers daily. He is 100% satisfied with the gun. I've shot it a lot, too, great gun, although with +Ps the recoil is not so pleasant with the smaller grip. (The 640 /.357 Mag's larger grip is much better)
The M640 /38 SP is extremely accurate for its short barrel and sight radius (and it is DAO, too).
"Headshots" from 25 meters is really not a problem. Just some practice required.
my collegue carry one of these little revolvers daily. He is 100% satisfied with the gun. I've shot it a lot, too, great gun, although with +Ps the recoil is not so pleasant with the smaller grip. (The 640 /.357 Mag's larger grip is much better)
The M640 /38 SP is extremely accurate for its short barrel and sight radius (and it is DAO, too).
"Headshots" from 25 meters is really not a problem. Just some practice required.
Ultraman
Member
"do you find the combination to work well with dockers,dress pants etc. what type of grips are those?"
Yes / Craig Spegel's
Yes / Craig Spegel's
utraman ( and everyone) how disreet do you find this type of carry to be? I know that its obvious something is in your pocket, I just dont want it to be obvious what it is. Does the answer lie in a well designed holster to distribute the weight? (22oz.) Or is a lighter j-frame with uncle mikes type better?
FPrice
Member
jeremiah...
"how disreet do you find this type of carry to be? I know that its obvious something is in your pocket, I just dont want it to be obvious what it is."
It's pretty discrete, more so with roomy pockets, but with a good holster no one can tell what is there. Try this experiment, look at people's pockets for the next few days and see what you can observe.
"Does the answer lie in a well designed holster to distribute the weight? (22oz.) Or is a lighter j-frame with uncle mikes type better?"
No holster can distribute the weight in such a manner that all of the weight does not end up pulling the pocket downward. That is why a lighter firearm (in my case my Charters Arms .38 Spl Undercover) carries easier than my S&W Model 640 .357 Magnum. But with a roomy and sturdy pair of pants it is less noticeable than in a light or tight pair.
"how disreet do you find this type of carry to be? I know that its obvious something is in your pocket, I just dont want it to be obvious what it is."
It's pretty discrete, more so with roomy pockets, but with a good holster no one can tell what is there. Try this experiment, look at people's pockets for the next few days and see what you can observe.
"Does the answer lie in a well designed holster to distribute the weight? (22oz.) Or is a lighter j-frame with uncle mikes type better?"
No holster can distribute the weight in such a manner that all of the weight does not end up pulling the pocket downward. That is why a lighter firearm (in my case my Charters Arms .38 Spl Undercover) carries easier than my S&W Model 640 .357 Magnum. But with a roomy and sturdy pair of pants it is less noticeable than in a light or tight pair.
Model 640 Centennial
Pocket Carry: I use the alloy versions for exactly the reason that the all steel ones are too heavy for me. I have the 940 9mm but it is like a brick compared to a 642/340/342 in a Uncle Mike's pocket holster. YMMV
Pocket Carry: I use the alloy versions for exactly the reason that the all steel ones are too heavy for me. I have the 940 9mm but it is like a brick compared to a 642/340/342 in a Uncle Mike's pocket holster. YMMV
Ultraman
Member
"utraman ( and everyone) how disreet do you find this type of carry to be?"
As far as I know, I've never been "made" and I'm in people's homes everyday cleaning their carpets. I feel it's discreet, and if someone were ever to try to rob me, it would look as if I was reaching for my wallet, not a gun.
As far as I know, I've never been "made" and I'm in people's homes everyday cleaning their carpets. I feel it's discreet, and if someone were ever to try to rob me, it would look as if I was reaching for my wallet, not a gun.
Ultraman
Member
As with most things in life, PRICE is generally a good INDICATOR of VALUE.
i.e. YES
i.e. YES
Well,I got it 275.00 plus taX out the door. Its is in better shape than I remembered, I will clean it with flitz tonight as it has a dull haze to it. It does not have the +p+ stamp but has a very smooth action. Any other suggestions? Thanks to all for your help.
Templehall
Member
discretion
Congratulations on your purchase. I love carrying my Kimber Compact Custom. However, in my job, I can't manage an IWB holster with kakhi's and a tucked shirt. When I bought my 640-1 in .357, it was because the "humpback" appearance started to grow on me, and I saw a lightly used example in a local shop. I first got a Fobus paddle for "arounf the house carry". I finally gave in to the temptation to try pocket carry ... and I got a Milt Sparks' PCH-R from Lightning Arms Sports. I love it. Yes, it's discrete. Wearing a belt is a must. Darker pants help hide the shadow. ("Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just ...?") I love the feeling carrying full strength loads, in an ultra-reliable package. As an aside, I agree with Ultraman, that a quality pocket holster is a must. Enjoy. Let us know how you like it.
Congratulations on your purchase. I love carrying my Kimber Compact Custom. However, in my job, I can't manage an IWB holster with kakhi's and a tucked shirt. When I bought my 640-1 in .357, it was because the "humpback" appearance started to grow on me, and I saw a lightly used example in a local shop. I first got a Fobus paddle for "arounf the house carry". I finally gave in to the temptation to try pocket carry ... and I got a Milt Sparks' PCH-R from Lightning Arms Sports.
I love it. Yes, it's discrete. Wearing a belt is a must. Darker pants help hide the shadow. ("Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just ...?") I love the feeling carrying full strength loads, in an ultra-reliable package. As an aside, I agree with Ultraman, that a quality pocket holster is a must. Enjoy. Let us know how you like it.FPrice
Member
Ultraman...
"As with most things in life, PRICE is generally a good INDICATOR of VALUE."
Thank you for your vote of confidence in my capabilities!
FPrice
"As with most things in life, PRICE is generally a good INDICATOR of VALUE."
Thank you for your vote of confidence in my capabilities!
FPrice
Tamara
Senior Member
Glockorama
Member
AHH!!
Tamara's Performance Center M-13!! Must avert my eyes!
Great, another year of therapy.
That is, without a doubt, the nicest looking 357 I have ever seen.
Gimme. :banghead:
Tamara's Performance Center M-13!! Must avert my eyes!Great, another year of therapy.
That is, without a doubt, the nicest looking 357 I have ever seen.
Gimme. :banghead:
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