646?

[LoadedDrum]

Yesterday, I went into a gunshop that I do not usually frequent and saw a S&W model did not know existed. It was a 646 .40S&W four inch. Does any one have one? How do you like it? What do they go for used? I was temped to get it but think I will hold out for the 610 instead.

 

[Majic]

They first came out as a limited PC model, but some owners found fault in them. They came back out as a production model and folks were looking for them to be the darlings of the action shooting circuit, but they just never sold that well. They have been discontinued again along with the M610.

 

[GPappy]

Before the most recent rules change the 646 was quickly becoming the revolver to use in IDPA for SSR. Most of the faster revolver shooters in Michigan had changed to them. Now most have switched back to the 610 or 625, are shooting SSR with speedloaders, or have given up on revolvers for competition. The short 40 round was quicker to reload and the L frame had a better trigger (according to some) than the 610 N frame had. Now that all moon clip guns have to make 165K PF there seems to be fewer and fewer shooters using them.

I tried one of a friends and decided to switch over from my 625. I looked for a used one but ended up buying new because of how hard they were to come by. I purchased one just a few weeks before the rule change and never shot it. Fun revolver to shoot but I like to practice with what I compete with.

Greg

 

[Lloyd Smale]

Ive got one and its a fun little gun.

 

[scott45b]

The 646 was definately "the gun" for IDPA for about 6 months. Lightweight and accurate, the gun is a pleasure to shoot. On the downside, users found that the TI cylinder preferred once fired nickel plated brass over plain brass. "Range brass", especially from Glocks were difficult to feed consistently. With the new 165 PF for IDPA many revolver shooters decided not to beat up themselves and their guns shooting IDPA. Many have made the switch to ICORE and IPSC events.

 

[LoadedDrum]

Basically, if I understand this right, even the non-PC versions had problems with the brass? I am not a reloader (I know, I should) but I don't want to be stuck using only Gold Dots and other highend pills.

 

[DragonFire]

I have a 646 and had the problem with the brass. I tracked down my problem to the fact that after a couple of reloads the brass expanded too much and caused problems on extraction. I never had a problem with new brass or factory loads.

My Glock-fired brass was the big culprit. Even though the brass was within spec after going through my Dillon SQB press, it was just a little too big. After mic'ing a few hundred cases, I found just 2 or 3 thousands made all the difference. I bought a used Lee press with full-case resizing dies, and now the problem has all but disappeared. I run my brass through it the first time I reload it, and then every other time. Yeah, it adds a bit of time, but I love shooting the gun, and I don't find it too much of a bother.

Gun shoots great, is more accurate than I am and I haven't had any other problems with it. I use it for IDPA in ESR class and even at the 165PF I don't even notice the recoil.

I wasn't aware there were even speedloaders available for the 610 (which I also have). Where did you guys get them?

 

[scott45b]

I found that once-fired nickel-plated .40 cal CHP (California Hw Patrol) brass has worked extremely well in my 646 (PC version). When competing, I use the nickel brass in both my 646 and 610.