I just bought a Smith and Wesson with. 3 inch barrel....I have a few questions

[dolphin62]

I just a 640 like I said. The baby hasn't arrived yet but I am getting ready for her. The question I have is this. The gun is a 38 sp. I have 10 boxes of Winchester p loads that shoot at 945fps. Can I shoot these loads out of this gun or are these to hot.

When I get the gun I will post pics and more questions.

[Stephanie B]

Not for the gun. But I find that +P ammo in an Airweight is too hit for me.

YMMV.

[dolphin62]

Not for the gun. But I find that +P ammo in an Airweight is too hit for me.

YMMV.@i might just have to load up some wad cutters to shoot.....I can't wait.

[03RN]

I thought the 640 was a steel frame .357.

[Lester Polfus]

I thought the 640 was a steel frame .357.

The 640 is indeed an all steel gun. Your subjective experience will depend on the grips, your hand size, and your tolerance for recoil, but it is entirely possible you'll find +p loads out of that gun comfortable enough to make them a habit. If not, there ain't nothing wrong with wadcutters.

[Half Moon]

I thought the 640 was a steel frame .357.

It is. Around 22 to 23 ounces unloaded. The original 640 was a .38. As I recall they were +P rated from day one. The 640-2 is also a .38 though actually +P+ rated. We have a 640-1 which, along with the 640-3, is the slightly bigger J Magnum version. That extra half-ish pound makes a lot of difference in recoil compared to an Airweight. And comparitively also make it feel positively brick-like in pocket carry.

[dolphin62]

I will get my funs worth out of the gun. With coved I was able to save money by not being able to do much. So I treated myself. Like I said when I get it I will have to post pics. Got I feel like a 13 year old who just got a new bike.

[Stephanie B]

Sorry, I was thinking of the 642. A 3” 60 is a joy to shoot.

[Half Moon]

Sorry, I was thinking of the 642. A 3” 60 is a joy to shoot.

Yeah, it's weird the difference that extra inch makes. Shot a rental Model 60 J Magnum with 158 grain .357 a few years back. It was actually tolerable though I wouldn't want to make a whole range session out of it. Our 2 1/8" 640 by contrast is downright nasty with Magnums. The weights aren't that different so gotta figure the little bit of extra barrel changes the leverage and balance just enough...

[camsdaddy]

I carry a 60 with a bobbed hammer pretty often. I would love a fixed sighted 3” j frame. I think it would be the perfect j frame. Of course it would then be a belt gun instead of pocket gun.

[Rock185]

FWIW, I purchased my 640 new along about '93-'94. It served as a second weapon with issued .38+P ammo for years. I would have no hesitation in shooting more +P in my 640. I thought recoil with +P ammo was a bit snappy, that is until I acquired a 9mm 940 model;)

[Whirlwind06]

Just looking at those skinny grips makes my hand hurt. :)

[Lost River]

Yeah, it's weird the difference that extra inch makes. Shot a rental Model 60 J Magnum with 158 grain .357 a few years back. It was actually tolerable though I wouldn't want to make a whole range session out of it. Our 2 1/8" 640 by contrast is downright nasty with Magnums. The weights aren't that different so gotta figure the little bit of extra barrel changes the leverage and balance just enough...

https://i.imgur.com/3c0v6F2.jpg

[revolvergeek]

https://i.imgur.com/3c0v6F2.jpg
I am glad I am not the only one who's mind went there....


congrats dolphin62! You will enjoy it. I should have one myself in about 6 weeks. I just dropped off an old 2" .38 spl 640, a 3" model 60 barrel and a few other bits at Clark's guns last week to have one build since I couldn't find one for sale.

Next trip with be building a 3" Model 49..... :cool: