Looking to pick up a like-new 640-1 no lock. Purpose of the firearm would be for IWB carry at 4 o’clock should I not be able to carry my preferred G26 in the same location (injury, new laws, whatever). It would likely be loaded with Gold Dot 135gr +Ps. I have no intention of loading it with magnums. I don’t have a lot of faith in a 2” barrel allowing for consistent HP expansion, but at least the 640-1 has the weight to dampen the recoil, making the potential for expansion worth the effort.
I could use my 640 no dash in this role, but it’s not rated for +P. Limited use of +P is likely ok, but S&W said no, so I am reluctant to load it up with the GDs. I could also use my 642-1 worked over by the late Denny Reichard. It’s rated for +P but loaded with wad cutters.
The +P GDs don’t recoil much in my 642, but enough to slow down my follow up shots and open my groups more than I want. I seldom carry the 642, and if I do it’s usually as a 2nd gun (to be given to my wife or daughters in an emergency - another reason it’s loaded with wad cutters). The 640 no dash is also loaded with wad cutters and its become my wife’s gun (but almost never carried by her).
The 640-1 would fill a niche, but I don’t know what the asking price is yet. I suspect it will be rather high - I am expecting at least $700 and likely higher.
I’m not independently wealthy and there are other items I am looking to purchase. Would you all invest in the 640-1 or would you use either my 640 no dash or my 642 in this roll? I may never carry a wheel gun as primary, but I want the option in place and vetted to work (tested, practiced with, holster, speed loaders, etc) before I “need” it.
Thanks for any advise.