...but if I do, it'd definitely be this S&W Model 640-1 Pro Series .38/.357! I saw this in my LGS the other day and couldn't resist adding it to the collection. Comes with dovetailed white outline tritium sights I can actually SEE, a 2.125" full lugged and grooved barrel, recessed cylinder (for moon clips), and NO "HILLARY HOLE"!!! BTW: It's got a very well honed trigger right from the factory. What's not to like?

The rubber OEM grips were replaced with a nice set of "Boot Grips" from Craig Spegel that I had on my standard Model 640-1. I went ahead and ordered a "Summer Special" holster from Milt Sparks Leather and got a couple of pocket moon clip holders from Matt Del Fatti. If I decide to go with a five shot J-frame, IMOH this is the way to go.

.357 in that little thing. My wrist hurts just looking at it.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
.357 in that little thing. My wrist hurts just looking at it.

I agree, but...with the weight it has and modern .38 Special loads? That's a well shooting/controllable combination and it'd certainly allow faster follow-up shots. I'd be just as pleased if this model was offered in .38 Special only.

Cool. You sure about the full length extraction?

quote:

Originally posted by 1KPerDay:
Cool. You sure about the full length extraction?

You're correct! It's not "full length extraction", just enhanced extraction when using the full moon clips.

I agree if I went back to revolvers that would be the first I bought. Recoil isn’t bad on a steel frame J-frame. It’s no fun with the scandium frame.

quote:

Originally posted by JG:
I agree if I went back to revolvers that would be the first I bought. Recoil isn’t bad on a steel frame J-frame. It’s no fun with the scandium frame.

No fun shooting one of their titanium framed five shots either. For years, I carried a Model 342 .38 Special as a BUG, because it was so light. Qualifying with it (using standard pressure loads) was excessively painful!!!

Beautiful gun!! I looked all over for a “pro” and finally settled for a 640-3. If I can find a pro, I will be adding it to the collection. My primary pocket carry now is a 360pd, some day I will have a Pro

I have one of those, and it's amazing. It's my backup gun for duty carry...slides right out of the pocket and the tritium sights are perfect for a night-shifter. I did have to round the rear edges of the sights a bit to keep them from snagging on my pocket holster. It gets tossed in the pocket off-duty from time to time as well.

Recoil on the steel J-Frames isn't bad, even with full-house .357 loads. It's nothing like the 360PD. I just picked up another one, a Model 60-15 3", this past week. I was waiting on my boot grips to come in for it before posting about it, but I've already been out to the range with it a couple of times and it's a sweetheart. Sold my 3" SP101 to my brother to finance it...I loved that gun, but the Smith is a few ounces lighter and much trimmer, which will be nicer for carrying on the trail, and it's hard to justify keeping both.

OP, those grips are gorgeous! I love the grain in that wood, and the light coloring goes great with the stainless. What kind of wood are those? Like anything Spegel made, they appear to be perfectly countoured for function, too. Someday I will own a set...

quote:

Originally posted by JG:
I agree if I went back to revolvers that would be the first I bought. Recoil isn’t bad on a steel frame J-frame. It’s no fun with the scandium frame.

I have a scandium/titanium J-frame. It is worse than unpleasant with full power .357. But it is manageable with .38 +P loads. But it is super light, and hides nicely in a pocket.

I’ve always like 640 pro model. If I didn’t already own an SP101, I probably would’ve found my way into one of them. Living in the golden age of firearms has spoiled us though. Polymer reliability & capacity has overshadowed wheel gun wonders. I remind myself of that everyday I slide my J-frame into its holster and go out the door

I have carried a 357 Magnum J-frame since their introduction in 1996. I carry a stainless Model 640 when weight is not an issue. This is usually in an ankle rig as a BUG

However the Scandium framed Model 340 has been part of my inventory for when I need a lightweight revolver. There are occasions when I am in shorts and a 24 ounce 640 is not going to cut it for me.



This firearm is not meant to be a FUN gun, this is meant to be the gun that gives you the edge when you make that wrong turn into an unexpected situation. When that happens I want the most powerful package I can carry.

There are times when I even carry a 5 shot Total Titanium revolver chambered in 45 Long Colt, but that is dependent on clothing and yes it is a handful





Those BIG Barnes hollow points are awesome rounds

I have qualified with everything I carry

quote:

Originally posted by pulicords:
No fun shooting one of their titanium framed five shots either. For years, I carried a Model 342 .38 Special as a BUG, because it was so light. Qualifying with it (using standard pressure loads) was excessively painful!!!

The Model 342 is actually an aluminum alloy frame with a Titanium cylinder

Pulicords,
Your 640 and those grips are beautiful.
There is something a stainless Centennial J frame…
I do wish would bring back a non-holed, PC upgraded, 940.

quote:

Originally posted by JG:
I Recoil isn’t bad on a steel frame J-frame. It’s no fun with the scandium frame.

Yeah, it is.

5 shot S&W is a great summer carry. The photo shows a very nice handgun.

I second this. I have a 649 and I shoot full house .357 loads out of it. Not a big deal. I did the same with a scandium J. I put it down after 5 shots.

quote:

Originally posted by JG:
I agree if I went back to revolvers that would be the first I bought. Recoil isn’t bad on a steel frame J-frame. It’s no fun with the scandium frame.

I have a 640-1 steel frame and love it. .357 isn't an issue.

I have a 649. I honestly can say I didn’t finish the cylinder the one time I tried 158 gr magnums. Ouch. I think I did 2 before unloading it. It’s great with 38 +P’s though. I have a 640 Pro as well. Great gun.

Great looking gun, especially those grips. I’m a total sucker for nice wood grain. What are those?

If you want to detonate .357 in a snub, the only way to go is with the SP-101. Its somewhat tolerable.