S&W 640 Pro

[Mr. Mosin]

I have recently discovered the S&W 640 Pro. This seems like the ultimate J-frame for true social work. Tritium sights, concealed hammer, full length ejector rod, .357 Magnum capable, and cut for moon clips; in addition to the staggering array of available grips for a S&W. Stainless Steel through and through, and wait... the best part- it has a blessed absence of the accursed internal lock.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I have both a Model 60 and a Model 38. For carry, day in and day out, I really like the Airweight Model 38.

This is not a fair comparison to the 640 Pro since that one is 357 capable. A few things to consider though:

The all steel 640 Pro that is chambered in 357 is slightly heavier still than my 38 Spl. only all steel model 60. The 640 pro has a 2 1/8” barrel compared to the 1 7/8” of the 38 Spl models. Many folks regard 357 in a short barrel revolver to be not enough more powerful compared to the 38 Spl out of a short barrel to be worth the extra weight of the gun and recoil upon firing. Many folks carry 38 only in their 357 snubs which begs the question, why did they get the 357 at all when it costs and weighs more?

My own opinion on the matter is if I had to have the 357 in a J Frame, I would opt for the M&P 340 at the same price point as the 640 Pro. Or if weight did not matter to me, I would opt for the Model 60 Pro with the 3” barrel to better utilize the 357 Mag cartridge.

The lack of a lock is a compelling point in favor of the 640 Pro however. There are a few other models with the Centennial frame that also lack the lock.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

I have both a Model 60 and a Model 38. For carry, day in and day out, I really like the Airweight Model 38.

This is not a fair comparison to the 640 Pro since that one is 357 capable. A few things to consider though:

The all steel 640 Pro that is chambered in 357 is slightly heavier still than my 38 Spl. only all steel model 60. The 640 pro has a 2 1/8” barrel compared to the 1 7/8” of the 38 Spl models. Many folks regard 357 in a short barrel revolver to be not enough more powerful compared to the 38 Spl out of a short barrel to be worth the extra weight of the gun and recoil upon firing. Many folks carry 38 only in their 357 snubs which begs the question, why did they get the 357 at all when it costs and weighs more?

My own opinion on the matter is if I had to have the 357 in a J Frame, I would opt for the M&P 340 at the same price point as the 640 Pro. Or if weight did not matter to me, I would opt for the Model 60 Pro with the 3” barrel to better utilize the 357 Mag cartridge.

The lack of a lock is a compelling point in favor of the 640 Pro however. There are a few other models with the Centennial frame that also lack the lock.

If it was me (and one day, it might be)

1. A revolver chambered in .357 Magnum will tolerate a lifetime of the hottest .38 Spl's you care to put through it. On a second note, if you had no other choice, you *could* fire a Magnum out of it.

2. I like steel. I personally like the extra wieght. Helps mitigate recoil somewhat.

3. Dovetailed (ie, replaceable, changeable) front *and* rear sights.

 

[tubeshooter]

You forgot about the "improved" trigger you are supposed to get with the Pro series.


I had this same conversation with myself recently about a 442 Pro vs. a no-lock 642. Just depends on if the additional features are worth it to you over a regular new 640, I guess. Especially the no-lock part. The other mods don't mean enough to me personally to justify the cost; YMMV.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

You forgot about the "improved" trigger you are supposed to get with the Pro series.


I had this same conversation with myself recently about a 442 Pro vs. a no-lock 642. Just depends on if the additional features are worth it to you over a regular new 640, I guess. Especially the no-lock part. The other mods don't mean enough to me personally to justify the cost; YMMV.

That too.

 

[Kleanbore]

I have recently discovered the S&W 640 Pro. This seems like the ultimate J-frame for true social work. Tritium sights, concealed hammer, full length ejector rod, .357 Magnum capable, and cut for moon clips; in addition to the staggering array of available grips for a S&W. Stainless Steel through and through, and wait... the best part- it has a blessed absence of the accursed internal lock.

It may be, but it has the inherent problem of the J-Frame geometry as it affects trigger pull, and it is limited to five shots.

I suggest looking a the Kimber K6--steel, much better trigger, six shots.

In my opinion, however, the stock grip is too short for really good shooting. I have ordered a longer grip from Altamont. It has not yet arrived.

Six shots sounds like 20% more than five. It is, in terms of round counts, but the increase in the likelihood of making hits is actually more than that. Statistics are funny things. Colt and the officers who carried the DS and the Cobra knew that decades ago.

 

[357 Terms]

I really like mine (its my avatar) I changed out the grips with Altamonts longer grips.
The dovetail nite sites are great, cut for moon clips is nice (I havent used them)
357 ammo is of course stout, hot 38's (what I carry) are fairly tame.
My daily carry IWB appendix.
I have no problem with the trigger, stages well for target use, but....

I agree with Kleanbore in regards to the Kimber K6, but your looking at a significant price increase for a comparing model (nite sites particularly).

 

[Mr. Mosin]

It may be, but it has the inherent problem of the J-Frame geometry as it affects trigger pull, and it is limited to five shots.

I suggest looking a the Kimber K6--steel, much better trigger, six shots.

In my opinion, however, the stock grip is too short for really good shooting. I have ordered a longer grip from Altamont. It has not yet arrived.

Six shots sounds like 20% more than five. It is, in terms of round counts, but the increase in the likelihood of making hits is actually more than that. Statistics are funny things. Colt and the officers who carried the DS and the Cobra knew that decades ago.

It seems to me that "J-frame geometry" would affect any snub, small framed gun; be they S&W, Colt, Ruger or Kimber. And I've not noticed this "J-frame geometry" affecting my accuracy or handling of any J frames I shot or handled compared to a Ruger LCR or whatever that other snub was I shot... gimme a sec.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

It may be, but it has the inherent problem of the J-Frame geometry as it affects trigger pull, and it is limited to five shots.

I suggest looking a the Kimber K6--steel, much better trigger, six shots.

In my opinion, however, the stock grip is too short for really good shooting. I have ordered a longer grip from Altamont. It has not yet arrived.

Six shots sounds like 20% more than five. It is, in terms of round counts, but the increase in the likelihood of making hits is actually more than that. Statistics are funny things. Colt and the officers who carried the DS and the Cobra knew that decades ago.

And yes. I do have a fundamental grasp of physics. A (random number here) 10 pound trigger pull on a M19 and a 10 pound trigger pull on a M36 are gonna feel different because your dealing with different lever points and a larger/smaller surface to... negate ? Mitigate ? The said 10 lb trigger pull.

 

[Kleanbore]

It seems to me that "J-frame geometry" would affect any snub, small framed gun; be they S&W, Colt,....

Doesn't seem to be the case.

It's about the internals.

 

[Zendude]

The 640 pro is unique - it’s the only 5 shot 357 snub that has a fully enclosed hammer and a rear sight as far as I know.

 

[earlthegoat2]

J frames have worse triggers in DA and SA than their larger framed brethren. On top of that, they cannot be tuned to the degree K,L, and N frames can be. Has to do with leaf springs vs coil springs and the hammer and trigger pin spacing and orientation to each other.

None of this is to say that J frames are a bad choice. Trigger are subjective and can also be gotten used to. J frames are my carry guns of choice despite the real or imagined differences In The triggers between frame sizes.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

The 640 pro is unique - it’s the only 5 shot 357 snub that has a fully enclosed hammer and a rear sight as far as I know.

I'd personally advocate it for a position as "do-all gun". On an off-note; how do you like that R51 !

 

[Mr. Mosin]

J frames have worse triggers in DA and SA than their larger framed brethren. On top of that, they cannot be tuned to the degree K,L, and N frames can be. Has to do with leaf springs vs coil springs and the hammer and trigger pin spacing and orientation to each other.

None of this is to say that J frames are a bad choice. Trigger are subjective and can also be gotten used to. J frames are my carry guns of choice despite the real or imagined differences In The triggers between frame sizes.

I personally think it to be mostly imagined.

 

[Zendude]

I'd personally advocate it for a position as "do-all gun". On an off-note; how do you like that R51 !

Love it. The R51 is a tack driver. The single action hammer action makes for a nice trigger break and the low bore axis keep the sights on target. The fixed barrel is match grade which is a nice touch. Field stripping is more complex than a Glock but if you can field strip a 1911, then you will not have a problem with the R51. The only issues I’ve had were with the early run magazines. The early (2016) mags had weak springs which were prone to nose dives and double feeds when loaded in a full 7 + 1 capacity.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Love it. The R51 is a tack driver. The single action hammer action makes for a nice trigger break and the low bore axis keep the sights on target. The fixed barrel is match grade which is a nice touch. Field stripping is more complex than a Glock but if you can field strip a 1911, then you will not have a problem with the R51. The only issues I’ve had were with the early run magazines. The early (2016) mags had weak springs which were prone to nose dives and double feeds when loaded in a full 7 + 1 capacity.

Sorry for the exclamation instead of a question. Technology... anyways, I've thought about one. I like the looks of em.

 

[Zendude]

Sorry for the exclamation instead of a question. Technology... anyways, I've thought about one. I like the looks of em.

They aren’t being produced any more, so if you’re thinking about one don’t wait too long. Buds has a good price on it.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

They aren’t being produced any more, so if you’re thinking about one don’t wait too long. Buds has a good price on it.

What ? It seems like a good design. Thats awful

 

[SteadyD]

I’ve owned a 640 pro and for the size/weight/cost I would opt for a K6s. Just my own personal opinion. The 640 pro, including mine, has been known to shoot low using 38 special ammo. I sent mine back to S&W three times to get it right. The trigger was messed up and it shot way too low. They had to replace all the internals and swap the barrel. For ~ $100 more, the K6s has one more round, a better trigger, and better sights. And the K6s fit all of the holsters my 640 pro fit in.

 

[SteadyD]

I personally think it to be mostly imagined.

They definitely have worse triggers than L and N frames. It’s not to say they have bad triggers. It just is what it is.

 

[Jonesy814]

They aren’t being produced any more, so if you’re thinking about one don’t wait too long. Buds has a good price on it.

Don't know where you got this info but I have never heard that and they are still catalogued in the S&W web site.
640 is a great looking gun with all you need for self defense. Someday I would love one

 

[george29]

I have both a Model 60 and a Model 38. For carry, day in and day out, I really like the Airweight Model 38.

This is not a fair comparison to the 640 Pro since that one is 357 capable. A few things to consider though:

The all steel 640 Pro that is chambered in 357 is slightly heavier still than my 38 Spl. only all steel model 60. The 640 pro has a 2 1/8” barrel compared to the 1 7/8” of the 38 Spl models. Many folks regard 357 in a short barrel revolver to be not enough more powerful compared to the 38 Spl out of a short barrel to be worth the extra weight of the gun and recoil upon firing. Many folks carry 38 only in their 357 snubs which begs the question, why did they get the 357 at all when it costs and weighs more?

My own opinion on the matter is if I had to have the 357 in a J Frame, I would opt for the M&P 340 at the same price point as the 640 Pro. Or if weight did not matter to me, I would opt for the Model 60 Pro with the 3” barrel to better utilize the 357 Mag cartridge.

The lack of a lock is a compelling point in favor of the 640 Pro however. There are a few other models with the Centennial frame that also lack the lock.

I have both the 640 and 340. The latter costs quite a bit more and it's only saving grace is it's weight. I specifically bought it for Ankle carry.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

I’ve owned a 640 pro and for the size/weight/cost I would opt for a K6s. Just my own personal opinion. The 640 pro, including mine, has been known to shoot low using 38 special ammo. I sent mine back to S&W three times to get it right. The trigger was messed up and it shot way too low. They had to replace all the internals and swap the barrel. For ~ $100 more, the K6s has one more round, a better trigger, and better sights. And the K6s fit all of the holsters my 640 pro fit in.

And if I should need this revolver to be gunsmithed on ? What then ? In five years when Kimber has done a market belly flop, and in ten when no parts are to be found... what then ? The same can easily be said of the new Colt's. I'd be willing to say with confidence that S&W and Ruger are gonna be here for a while. Colt is on life support, and Kimber...... I'm not gonna say "I'll never buy a Kimber", but... I'll never buy a Kimber, not unless one falls into my lap for an absolute, unpassable steal of a deal. I don't know about much about gunsmithing, I know even less about comparing lockwork of different makers revolvers. However, from what I do know, and have seen; is that a S&W capable gunsmith is far more common than a Colt gunsmith, and probably a Kimber 'smith as well. Colt stopped *all* DA revolver production for what... 15 years, while S&W and Ruger kept plugging along ? That speaks volumes to me, just in parts/smithing wise.

 

[earlthegoat2]

So I am also one of those people who will probably never buy a Kimber but I definitely don’t think they are going to do a “market belly flop” any time soon.

Besides, if they quit making the K6s, it will probably become quite valuable. Same for the Colts.

 

[Anchorite]

I’ve got a 640 (38 Special, NOT +P), and a 340PD. I do like the 640 and carry it often, despite its weight. I also have a M49 and 442, along with some Colt Cobras. The 340PD is just plain uncomfortable to shoot, and I find myself carrying 38s in it anyway. For me, the J frame is on the small frame side for my hands, and the 357, and if I really wanted to be serious about carrying and shooting the 357, I’d probably just opt for a K frame and call it a day.