need info what is the difference between a S&W 640-1 and a 640-3

[gm991]

Was wondering if the 640-1 is a more desirable gun. If so why?

thanks

 

[FPrice]

I have never heard of a 640-3. Do you have a reference for it?

 

[gm991]

Read it on one of these web sights. Was it maybe bad info??

 

[DR]

I happen to have my Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson at my fingertips:

640 no dash was the original in .38 Special.
640-1 was the J-magnum frame chambered in .357
640-2 was the -1 frame but chambered in .38 +P
640-3 added the lock to the .357
640-4 added the lock to the .38

Personally, I would prefer the -1 or -2 model for a gun intended for carry.

 

[FPrice]

I can't say for certain that it is bad information, just that I have never heard of one. Perhaps it was a typo or some such mistake.

There were two models of this revolver which I am familiar with. The original was the Model 640, a five-shot, hammerless, .38 Spl which was a very good-looking firearm IMHO. It changed to the Model 640-1 which was rated for .357 Magnum. I have one of these and I highly recommend it, but with .38 Spl ammo.

 

[FPrice]

I happen to have my Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson at my fingertips:

Is that the Third Edition? If so, that's why I am not up-to-date, I still have the Second book.

 

[gm991]

thanks guys
I own a 640-1 and was just wondering what the difference was.

 

[DR]

Is that the Third Edition? If so, that's why I am not up-to-date, I still have the Second book.

Yep, it's the third edition. It came out early last year.

 

[gm991]

So can anyone give me a ball park on what the gun is worth?

thanks

 

[FPrice]

Without knowing anything about the gun (condition, history, accessories, etc.) it is almost impossible to give anywhere near an accurate appraisal. It could be anywhere from $150 for a beater to $400-500 for a NIB gun with the box and what came with it.

 

[gm991]

I understand
Just a little info then...
its a 640-1 (no safty key)
Very good shape and I'm the second owner.
Not a lot of rounds through it either.

 

[Displaced]

I have a Smith 640-3.
I believe the -3 denotes hamerless.

 

[FPrice]

I have a Smith 640-3.
I believe the -3 denotes hamerless.

Not quite. All 640 models are hammerless, actually they have an internal hammer, it is not exposed.

See DR's post above for the dashes.