older 640

[griz1]

I have a older all stainless S&W 640 in 38 spc only. It weight about 19 oz and is a pleasure to shoot. I'm away from my guns now but I know it isn;t stamped +P. Would you shoot +P in this gun or check with S&W? Thanks and if anyone has pictures of these older 640's I would love to see them.

 

[rcmodel]

I would shoot standard ammo for extended practice shooting, and carry +P.

A limited amount of +P will not hurt it.

It is not +P rated because there was no +P rating back then.
There were hotter factory loads then todays +P though.

rc

 

[wcwhitey]

I think RC is thinking of the older Centennials models, Model 40. Not to disagree with him but with your 640 Centennial was made with +P in mind. It was manufactured after +P was around (1990ish I believe) and in common use. I have been carrying my 640 no dash for 18 years daily. It gets shot with +P and only +P. Round count well into the thousands. It will hold up and hold up well. Bill

 

[GRIZ22]

I know it isn;t stamped +P.

Well Griz, once upon a time no guns were stamped +P.

AFAIK the stainless 640 was introduced in the 90s. A friend had one in 38. All he shot was +P.

To be sure call or email S&W Customer Service with the serial number handy and they will tell you. If they say no I'd go with rcmodel's advice.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The M640 was released long after +P came on the market. I'm sure S&W well tell you it's safe to use +P's on a limited basis. Call them and confirm it.

 

[aHFo3]

My uncle has an older 640 that is stamped under the cylinder on the frame "tested for +p+" The early 640's had that designation, although not on the barrel. The gun remained the same even though the rating changed. Check out this link on the S&W forum: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/131436-640-p-rated.html