was the smith and wesson model 640 ever exclusively produced in 38 special

[MUSICALGUNNUT45]

I like the gun but if I get one I will only run 38s through it so the 357 option is more of a disadvantage than an advantage to me. did smith and wesson ever offer the gun only in 38.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Yes, they did.

 

[Radagast]

The .38 Special 640 was produced on the J frame from 1989 to 1996. In 1996 the 640-1 was introduced in .357 magnum on the slightly larger J magnum frame. The 640-2 was introduced in 1997 in .38 special on the J magnum frame for the NYPD then discontinued in 1999. This was in turn replaced by the 640-4 in 2003 with the introduction of the internal lock.

 

[chriske]

Sure, I own one of them.
Chambered in .38 Spl., rated for +P+.
One of my favorites, actually.

 

[Gary A]

Yes, with a slightly shorter, traditional lighter profile 1 7/8 inch barrel. My brother-in-law has one. They are, IMO, nicer than the magnum version.

 

[Dogguy]

I have one of the original .38 Special 640s. Bought it new right after they were introduced in '89 or '90. Weighs about the same as the Ruger SP101 and just about as strong (laser etched "Tested for +P+"). It had the short S&W cylinder but I remember some gunsmiths used to ream it out so it could use .357 Magnums with shorter OAL.

 

[commygun]

Yep, I have one.

 

[Kurt]

I concur with many here. It's a true treasure.

Overall, the 640 / .38SPL-only version is the best steel snubby I've ever handled. It's a pre-lock S&W, classic in it's dimensions, and in stainless.

They are solidly in the top tier of my searches when I'm able to add something to the collection.

I already have, well . . . more than one.

 

[sidheshooter]

Again, yes, and I really wanted one back when they first came out. I'd buy a clean local one in a crackhead hummingbird's heartbeat. In the early 90's, that was possibly *the* trendy BUG to have. One of my favorite quotes from that era goes something like "with my 640, a Barami hip grip, and my non-confrontational demeanor, I feel well armed"
-"Jim Grover" (Kelly McCann).

 

[Jim Watson]

I bought the last 640 Special in town when I heard they were going to be magnumized.
I had it nicely engraved and it is a handy little BBQ Backup.