A local used S&W 640-1.... is it a good deal for $299?

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xrageofangelsx

New member
So I am still in the process of the ultimate summer carry. I stumbled across a S&W .357 magnum 640-1 w/box that is used. The asking price? 299.99 + tax and they'll throw in a box of free personal protection ammo. I passed it up because I wanted to see the going rate for a used, but in seemingly good conditioned gun. I know several people have these guns, are they straight shooters and is this worth the asking price? It comes with the box and paperwork.

For those of you who don't know, the 640-1 looks about like this, but I'm guessing if you don't know what it looks like, you probably don't have much clout to your opinion on the gun itself. :D

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I have a 640-1, and the only difference between mine and the picture is that mine has a new style thumb piece. If IL had concealed carry, that is what I would carry. I love mine. With full house .357 ammo, it's a little tough to hang on to. The recoil isn't painful, but there is a LOT of muzzle rise. At that price, I'd say JUMP ALL OVER IT!!!
 
Of course, I've checked the other auction gun sites... they list prices for used ones, but none of them have active bids. What would you all pay for something like this?
 
I don't own a handgun, but from windowshopping I would say go for it. $300 for a good S&W .357 would be a steal here in ND where I live. That's just my $.02
 
Yes, if the gun is in condition go grab it up. It's at least a $300.00 gun. probably closer to 350-400 around here with the box and in good condition.
 
Do Jim March's Revolver Checkout on it to make sure it's in good condition. If the dealer is willing to throw in a box of premium .357 JHP with the gun, jump on it with both feet, especially if it does not have the lock. That essenitially makes the gun $280 or so. Try to see if he will let you out the door with the entire package, gun and ammo, for $300 total. Show cash. Chances are, he will.

FWIW, Supica lists it at $385 in excellent condition.
 
I agree - jump on this one if the gun checks out.

I have a similar j-frame - the 649 "Bodyguard" and it's very accurate with 125gr JHP .38 +P (Federal or Winchester). It's more accurate with .357 125gr JHP's! Firing 158gr ammo makes it a little tough to hang on to though.

Besides checking the gun for a good barrel and cylinders, make sure all the parts work like they should. Point the gun up and look at the flash gap between cylinder & barrel. Pull cylinder to rear of gun and then forward. You shouldn't have much movement, if any, at all. Squeeze the trigger slowly with a finger on the cylinder to retard it's rotation. When the hammer reaches it's full arc, just before it drops (and since you can't control the hammer on this one you'll have to feel your way along) listen if the cylinder "clicks" into position just before the hammer drops. After the hammer drops, with the trigger still held back, lightly try to rotate the cylinder back & forth. Should be zero to a tiny bit (.001 to .003) of play. Both of these tests will tell you if the gun has any timing or action problems.

Check the topstrap above the barrel's forcing cone, just above the cylinder/barrel flash gap for signs of erosion (gas cutting). This will give a good indication of the "mileage" -- whether lots of magnums have been fired.
Some discoloration or slight grooving is normal on a used gun.

Most of these guns are carried much, fired very little. Take your time, do your inspection and if it passes, buy it! That's a good price.
 
I love my 640-1 and it is far more accurate than it has any right to be. I carried it for about a year or so until I decided to switch to a S&W 296 in .44 Special. I've surprised a lot of people at the range with my 640-1 by hitting things that were 50-100 yards away.

Gregg
 
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